03/03/2024
For families, traveling to witness the 2024 total solar eclipse, finding family-friendly events is crucial.
We lucked out during the 2017 eclipse, finding a fantastic event in North Charleston South Carolina - gated access that was inexpensive, educational, organized. All the pics on this post are from the 2017 eclipse. Find something like what we took our children to in Charleston; not the free for all you'll find if you don't prepare.
Totality will last anywhere from 3-4 minutes depending on the location you choose. The day will start early. You'll travel to the viewing site, set up your lawn chairs and tripods - then wait, and wait some more.
If you have children, it's imperative to have: activities to keep them occupied, access to food, and bathrooms for obvious reasons.
We'll keep updating this post with family friendly events that check all the requirements to keep your children safe, entertained and occupied.
--- Texas ---
If traveling to Texas for the eclipse your best bet, as of March 4th, is Austin. Prices haven't risen to obscene levels ... yet. What's it like out there? The Fairfield Inn, Fredericksburg TX, rooms are $874 per night! The Fairfield Inn 😲😔
Event: Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco
Description: Festival with telescopes, educational programs, food trucks, and
family fun
Closest City: Waco, TX
URL: https://eclipseovertexas2024.com/
Accomodations:
Event: Arch Ray Solar Eclipse Fest
Description: VIP festival featuring live music, RV boondocking, winery, and more.
Closest City: Fredericksburg, TX
URL: https://archrayresort.com/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/fredtex
Event: Ron Yates Wines Solar Eclipse Party
Description: Eclipse viewing with food, wine, games, and live music.
Closest City: Near Fredericksburg and Johnson City, TX
URL: https://www.ronyateswines.com/Events/Eclipse-Party
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/fredtex
Event: Hill Country Solar Eclipse Festival
Description: Eclipse viewing, planetarium showings, live music, and tastings.
Closest City: Near Austin, TX
URL: https://hillcountryeclipsefest.com
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/hotel-search-austin.xmxHJFD
Event: Viewing Party at the Long Center
Description: Entertainment centered around the eclipse with music and storytelling.
Closest City: Austin, TX
URL: https://waterloogreenway.org
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/hotel-search-austin.xmxHJFD
Event: Kerrville Eclipse Festival
Description: Educational activities, music, kids' activities, and food vendors.
Closest City: Kerrville, TX
URL: https://kerrvilletx.gov
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/hotel-search-kerrville.erE239N
Event: Celebrate at the Centerline in Sulphur Springs
Description: Food trucks, family activities, and weekend events.
Closest City: Sulphur Springs, TX
URL: https://sstotaleclipse.com
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/hotel-search-dallas.4ILsIWv
--- Indiana ---
As of March 4th, average prices have risen about $75 per night to the $250 range. It's still a great value. Indianapolis has highest number of, very well organized, family friendly events we've seen anywhere along the path of totality.
Event: Indiana State Fairgrounds Solar Eclipse Viewing
Description: A collaborative event with 13News offering a prime viewing location,
complimentary eclipse glasses, and camping options.
Closest City: Indianapolis, IN
URL: https://www.indianastatefair.com/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/indy-eclipse
Event: LUNACY! at White River State Park
Description: A weekend full of activities, food trucks, and community activations,
perfect for families waiting for the eclipse.
Closest City: Indianapolis, IN
URL: https://whiteriverstatepark.org/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/indy-eclipse
Event: NASA at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Description: Join NASA for live broadcasts and expert talks, with general
admission and camping packages available.
Closest City: Indianapolis, IN
URL: https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/indy-eclipse
Event: Indiana State Museum Total Solar Eclipse Celebration
Description: Offers sun, Earth, and moon hands-on activities, demonstrations, and
a VIP viewing event, Solarbration.
Closest City: Indianapolis, IN
URL: https://www.visitindy.com/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/indy-eclipse
Event: Conner Prairie Solar Eclipse Event
Description: Features talks by astronaut Mark Brown and a unique dance
performance by the group UZIMA.
Closest City: Fishers, IN
URL: https://www.connerprairie.org/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/connor-prairie
Event: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Eclipse Extravaganza
Description: A day filled with giveaways, activities, and festive fun suitable for the
whole family.
Closest City: Indianapolis, IN
URL: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/indy-eclipse
Event: Indianapolis Zoo Solar Eclipse Viewing
Description: Experience the eclipse with the animals and learn how they respond
to the changing light.
Closest City: Indianapolis, IN
URL: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/indy-eclipse
Event: City of Lawrence Solar Eclipse Events
Description: A series of events including a 5K run, pickleball tournament, and
music festival.
Closest City: Lawrence, IN
URL: https://visitlawrenceindiana.com/
Accomodations: https://expedia.com/affiliates/solar-eclipse-guide/lawrence-indiana
Affiliate Disclaimer: Just a heads up, some links in this post are affiliate ones. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It's a simple way to support our journey towards the eclipse without spending extra. Thanks for your support!
