2026 Coastal Carolina/Planetarium

Ingram Planetarium and
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Monday, March 23, 2026, 10 a.m.
Sunset Beach/Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Two field trips in one!  We will start our morning in the Ingram Planetarium where everyone will get to see the planetarium show “The Sky Tonight.” (Make sure to look at the sky on the evening of March 23 to spot what we will be learning about!) Following the show, we will have time to explore the Science Hall where planetarium staff will teach on the Phases of the Moon.

After lunch on our own (picnic style at a neighboring park or at nearby restaurants), we will move on to The Museum of Coastal Carolina, less than five miles from the Planetarium. The Museum has themed galleries with outstanding dioramas and exhibits about the natural history, environment, and culture of the Coastal Carolinas. Some of the galleries include artifacts from the Civil War site Fort Caswell; the Changing Tides Gallery, the Waterways Gallery, Coastal Planes and more. The Brunswick Islands of North Carolina are famous for helping with sea turtle rescue. We will enjoy a special class to learn more about these amazing animals and how to help them survive.

Check in at the Planetarium will open at 10 a.m.; the 45 minute planetarium show starts at 10:30; Science Hall exploration follows.  Following your lunch, plan to arrive at the Museum of Coastal Carolina between 1 and 1:30.  A museum guide will help you get the most out of your visit. The class time tor the Sea Turtle program is to be determined.  Average visitor time in each building is 1.5-2 hours.  Cost of the trip:
Students (ages 3-18)  $10.75
Adults (19 and older): $14.00
Babies (0-2): free

Registration will be open until 11:59 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026 or while ticket supply lasts.  Questions?  Please contact NCHE Activities Director Evelyn Bickley at evelyn.bickley@nche.com.
NOTE: Tickets are transferable to others for the same day but are non-refundable. No unaccompanied children; no unaccompanied adults.  This is a rain or shine field trip.