Stargazing

Cherry Springs State Park Stargazing

Let's adventure!

Cosmos' Lounge is headed to Cherry Springs State Park to see the stars! This day trip is open to teens grades 6–12 and includes everything you need for an evening of stargazing.

What we'll be doing

Cherry Springs is one of the darkest places on the East Coast it's considered one of the best spots in the eastern U.S. for stargazing. Because it sits high on the Allegheny Plateau with little around it to block the view, there's next to no light pollution so instead of a handful of stars, teens will be able to make out constellations, planets, and the Milky Way itself with the naked eye. On a clear night, the naked eye can pick out roughly 2,000 to 3,000 stars something most people never get to see. We'll settle in at the park's viewing area and give our eyes time to adjust to the dark for the best possible view.

Cherry Springs sits on top of a mountain, so it can get cool and damp even in early fall teens should dress warmly and bring a jacket.

Why we're going

There's something humbling about standing under a truly dark sky and seeing the Milky Way stretch overhead for the first time. It's a rare experience most people never get, and it's the kind of quiet, awe-filled moment that sticks with a teen long after the trip is over. Getting outside, slowing down, and looking up together builds a different kind of connection to each other, and to something bigger. It fits right into Cosmos' mission of giving our teens experiences and perspective they wouldn't get otherwise.

What's included

• Round-trip transportation

• Supervision from Cosmos' Lounge adult chaperones

  
  

Trip Details

Trip Date: October 17, 2026

Departure/Return: Leaves from Cosmos' Lounge at 6:00 PM, returns in the evening around 11:30 PM

Safety first

All Cosmos' Lounge staff and chaperones hold current PA child care clearances and CPR certification. Because we can't guarantee that every parent or guardian on a trip would have the same clearances, parents are not able to join this trip — this keeps things safe and consistent for every teen in the group.

Spots are limited, and once they're gone, they're gone!