Moonlight Missions FAQ

We ask that Moonlight Missions groups plan to arrive at 5:00 PM to allow time for check in and avoid missing out on scheduled activities. If you are unable to arrive at 5:00 pm please notify us on the request form.

Yes, as long as you notify us when requesting a visit date. Our scheduled programming is based on a 5:00 pm arrival and departure at 10:00 pm. If you anticipate arriving late or need to leave early, please let us know on your reservation form so we can adjust your itinerary. We will let you know which parts of your reservation will be impacted.

Please be sure to allow enough time to account for traffic, especially in the rain. However, if something unexpected happens and you anticipate arriving later than planned, please call 510-336-7352 and leave a message. They will let us know once they receive it.

If you arrive by car, please park in the parking garage and assemble your group on the sidewalk within the colored columns at the front of the building. Please ask chaperones to help monitor their group outside while the group organizer checks in at our front desk.

If you arrive by bus, your group should stay seated while the group organizer checks in.

Parking in the parking structure is FREE! Please park in the garage rather than unload in the circle out front so that we can keep it clear for other traffic.

Yes, in our back parking lot and along Skyline Boulevard or Joaquin Miller Road. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Volunteers and staff will help direct buses to the correct area.

Bus drivers are allowed free entrance into the Center.

We accept card, cash or check payment to be paid at least 2 weeks in advance. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express or checks made out to Chabot Space & Science Center. To pay with a credit card, fill out the Payment Authorization Form through DocuSign or call (510) 336-7352. We do accept Purchase Orders as promise of payment from schools as long as we receive the PO at least 2 weeks prior to the visit date.

Send checks to:

School Visits ℅ Chabot Space & Science Center 10000 Skyline Blvd Oakland, CA 94619

Please remember that payments must be received by us at least two weeks in advance, so if you are mailing a check, please take that timing into account.

We do allow purchase orders, but final payment is due on the last day of the month of whichever month you visit. Not paying your full balance by your due date may affect your ability to book a visit with us in the future.

Your group must meet a 1:8 chaperone ratio to participate in a Moonlight Mission. Please make sure all teachers and chaperones know to closely monitor and supervise your students throughout the entire visit to ensure a safe experience for all.

Please contact schoolvisit@chabotspace.org for full reschedule/refund policy. Please check your school calendar for any potential conflicts and confirm transportation in order to reduce the need for changes.

We are unable to process refunds with less than 21 days notice. Final headcounts for students and chaperones are due at the time of payment. No refunds will be granted for unplanned absences.

Please contact schoolvisit@chabotspace.org for our policy on changes to your reservation.

Chabot’s three telescopes are run by teams of dedicated volunteers and are only open for viewing when these volunteers are present. Additionally, telescope viewing is contingent upon weather conditions, as humid or rainy weather will damage the telescopes. As such, there is no guaranteed schedule for our telescopes, and they may not be open at the time of your visit.

There is no late seating or re-entry (the doors automatically lock behind you). Please plan to arrive at the planetarium at least 10 minutes before your scheduled show time ready for your group to be seated.

If youth visitors want to leave the planetarium, they must take a chaperone with them.

Food and beverages are not allowed in the planetarium at any time.

Shows are selected based on the needs of the Center each day, taking all our visitors into account, so we are unable to accept requests for specific shows. However, we can take requests for Spanish-language shows. Please email requests to schoolvisit@chabotspace.org at least two weeks in advance of your visit, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

If it is raining outside, we will greet you inside for check in.

No, our gift shop is not available during Moonlight Missions.

Yes. Check with the front desk if you lose any items during your visit.