Sudekum Planetarium
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Sudekum Planetarium offers a mix of engaging interactive science exhibits for hands-on learning and a highly acclaimed laser show experience, described as a 'best hidden secret of Nashville.' The laser shows feature advanced visual effects like projection, wash lights, extra lasers, and haze, with popular themed options such as 'Taylor Swift shows'.
Key Highlights
- ✓Interactive exhibits for hands-on 'exploring and learning' for kids.
- ✓Highly praised laser shows, considered a 'best hidden secret of Nashville'.
- ✓Laser shows feature advanced visual enhancements: 'added projection and wash lights and extra lasers and haze'.
- ✓Popular themed laser shows, specifically 'Taylor Swift shows', loved by guests.
- ✓Show designer/orchestrator for laser shows is 'amazing at his job'.
- ✓Narrator during planetarium screenings effectively 'nipped it in the bud' when distractions occurred.
Standout Features
- ⭐Interactive science exhibits for exploration and learning.
- ⭐State-of-the-art laser shows with advanced visual effects (projection, wash lights, extra lasers, haze).
- ⭐Popular themed laser shows (e.g., Taylor Swift).
- ⭐Engaging and effective narrators during planetarium screenings.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →For a potentially quieter experience for older children or to avoid larger crowds, consider arriving 'when it first opens'.
- →Parents of older children or teens should specifically target laser shows (e.g., night shows, Taylor Swift shows) for a more engaging experience.
- →Be aware that seating for planetarium events is assigned by staff, so waiting in line may not guarantee preferred seats.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Facility 'needs a bit of updating'.
- ⚠Many 'pieces are broken' in the interactive exhibit areas.
- ⚠Presence of 'lots of babies' can make the experience less enjoyable for 'older kids'.
- ⚠Babies brought into Planetarium screenings can be 'slightly distracting'.
- ⚠Staff described as having 'the personality of a rock' and being 'very flat' with 'no interest in science'.
- ⚠Employees are considered 'rude' with 'no customer service'.
- ⚠Perceived poor value for money, with the 'price is not worth the trip'.
- ⚠Seating for planetary events is assigned by staff, regardless of waiting in line.
Price & Value
The value proposition is mixed; some reviewers explicitly state 'the price is not worth the trip', citing broken exhibits and poor customer service as detractors. No specific pricing was mentioned.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Can be busy with 'lots of babies' at certain times, prompting advice to arrive 'when it first opens'.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your 'older kids' are easily bothered by 'lots of babies' or potential distractions during screenings.
- • If you expect highly enthusiastic, engaging, or attentive staff, as multiple reviews noted issues with staff personality and customer service.
- • If broken exhibits would significantly detract from your family's experience.
- • If choosing your own seating for shows is a priority.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Way Late Play Date: RETROspective Rewind
October 3
Not specified (requires ticket purchase)
One night. All the eras. From Sinatra to Swift. Join us for our 80th and the ultimate decades costume bash. For ages 21+.
Veteran and Military Family Night
Monday, November 10
Free
Adventure Science Center and Operation Stand Down invite veterans and military families to a special evening of discovery. Hours: 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm (1530 – 1900).
Be Like Blippi Week – Blippified Pop-Up
August 31 & September 1
Requires ticket purchase
A pop-up event with Blippi theme. Hours: August 31 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), September 1 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm).
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Strollers are not permitted in the planetarium theater.
📅Booking Policy
- • Exhibit admission or an active membership is required in conjunction with show tickets.
- • Guests are encouraged to purchase timed entry tickets online.
- • Tickets are also available to purchase upon arrival.
- • Active Adventure Science Center members do not need to reserve timed entry. Check-in with member card or photo ID at the membership desk upon arrival.
🚗Parking Information
- • Plenty of free parking.
Recent Reviews
Terry Scipio
4 months agoIf you’re visiting Nashville with kids, then make sure to visit the Planetarium! My kids spent a few hours exploring and learning from all the interactive exhibits.
Michelle M.
2 years agoWe've been to a few science museums over the years. This one was nice, but like other reviewers stated, it needs a bit of updating. Lots of babies, so my older kids didn't enjoy it as much. A few parents even brought their babies into the Planetarium for a screening of Night Watch which was slightly distracting but the narrator nipped it in the bud. Overall, we'd come back next time we are in town, but would probably try to get there when it first opens.
Gretchen Reed
4 months agoThe laser show at Sudukum Planetarium is a best hidden secret of Nashville! The guy who designs and orchestrates the shows is amazing at his job and should get more props for his work! They have added projection and wash lights and extra lasers and haze to go with the high powered laser in the planetarium. We have been many times for the night shows and my Airbnb guests loved the Taylor Swift shows. So glad Nashville has these shows and supports adding to them!
jon doliana
a year agoDecent place, staff has the personality of a rock This is where the DMV gets its employees. Everyone is very flat. Used to love this place as a kid but now no one has any interest in science. It's like everyone is just stuck here.
Anthony Bazzell
5 months agoemployees are rude, the price is not worth the trip. waiting in line doesn't matter as they will choose where to sit you for the planetary event. like an earlier review stated. alot of the pieces are broken. and there is no customer service.