Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium named ‘Best Place to Take Kids’ and Favorite ‘STEM Educator’

The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium (WFP) at Buffalo State University has been recognized by KidsOutandAbout.Com as the “#1 Best Place to Take Kids” in Buffalo, as well as the favorite local “STEM Educator.

WFP provides year-round programming that guides visitors through immersive views of stars, constellations, nebulae, galaxies, planets, and much more. In the past year alone, more than 18,000 visitors have experienced the state-of-the-art software and projection systems in the 48-seat planetarium. (That figure does not include Buffalo State classes, which brings the total to more than 20,000)

While WFP is open to visitors of all ages, it has a special focus on education and programming for children, including a partnership with Buffalo Public Schools that just completed its third year. Of the more than18,000 guests, 1,888 were fourth grade students from Buffalo Public Schools and 1,946 were BPS high school earth science students. WFP also welcomed 4,845 public show guests over the past year, many of whom were children. 

“We are elated to have the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium recognized,” said Kevin Williams, WFP director and professor of geosciences. “One of the greatest parts of running planetarium programs is experiencing the wonder of kids as they learn about the universe in the immersive planetarium.”

This summer, for the first time, WFP is offering two week-long summer camps for students entering grades six to eight and ten to twelve. In addition to weekly public programs, kids’ programs geared toward various age groups are routinely offered. Upcoming programs include “The Moon” for ages four through eight and “Magic Tree House: Space Mission,” which both take place Saturday, July 25. 

Williams has also coordinated with Wendy Falcone, executive director of the Buffalo State Childcare Center, to arrange experiences for toddlers and preschoolers. 

“The children have not stopped talking about it,” Falcone said. “It was a learning experience for all of them, and the excitement and giggles throughout the shows were priceless. When parents got to see pictures of the smiles on their children’s faces, they thanked us—they saw a special benefit of sending their children to this daycare on a college campus. We are so thankful for Kevin and the Planetarium.” 

WFP also hosts birthday parties, weddings, and other special events. For general information, please visit the WFP website. For show and ticket information, please visit the WFP Eventbrite page. 

Photo by Buffalo State Marketing & Communications; graphic courtesy KidsOutandAbout.Com.