DETROIT – From constellations to shooting stars, celestial events always make for an absolute spectacle and April 8th’s Solar Eclipse is certainly no exception. This solar event is one that hardly happens within the same area within any given lifetime which makes this once-in-a-lifetime event cause for celebration and festivities whenever it occurs.
Related: Most of Michigan will see 99% of total solar eclipse. Is that enough?
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Though total coverage from the eclipse isn’t something we’ll really get to experience in Michigan this time, we’ve provided a list of a few of the many total eclipse events in Ohio and Indiana that the whole family can enjoy.
Read: Why you probably shouldn’t go to this Michigan city to watch April 8 solar eclipse
Ohio
Ohio has several events throughout the state for those going there to enjoy the breathtaking sights of the total solar eclipse.
Imagination Station
There are quite a few eclipse-related festivities taking place at the Imagination Station of Toledo. The event will be hosted in Festival Park with several games and activities for those attending like Corona chalk art or Paper rocket construction and launches. There will also be a variety of food and beverages available including an interactive “solar smoothie blender bike.” Telescopes will also be set up to capture images of the eclipse as well as having the opportunity to create your own pinhole projector. There will also be opportunities for some hands-on science with eclipse experts before and after the eclipse. More information on Imagination Station’s eclipse event can be found here.
Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo will also be having its own event, featuring several animal demonstrations, musical entertainment, a bounce house, and of course, the eclipse itself. More information as well as a detailed schedule for the Toledo Zoo’s event can be found here.
Monroe Community Park
Monroe, Ohio’s “Party in the Dark” will be going in full swing during the eclipse with carnival rides for the kids, live music for all attendees to enjoy, a 24-hole disc golf course, and several open picnic shelters for attendees to be able to enjoy the eclipse from their blankets and chairs. More information on the event can be found at this link.
Indiana
With Indiana also being in the path of totality, many places have plans to put on eclipse-themed events.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will be hosting its own “Eclipse Extravaganza!” At the event, there will be several stations with a variety of activities available for attendees like glasses decoration, hands-on STEM labs, telescope viewing, giveaways, access to NASA’s live broadcast from their atrium in addition to being able to view the eclipse from the museum, and a Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience for attendees. Further information as well as a schedule for their event can be found on the Children’s Museum website.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For those that prefer more contact with experts on the matter, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will have NASA experts present to answer any questions onlookers have about the rare celestial event as they broadcast the eclipse from the Speedway. There will also be limited edition Solar Eclipse glasses available for attendants as well as passes for the day or to camp out before the eclipse. More information about this event can also be found on the Visit Indy website.
Indiana State Museum
At the Indiana State Museum, their event in Indianapolis will offer a streamed version of the eclipse in their state-of-the-art IMAX theater as well as in their auditorium in addition to being able to view the eclipse outside. There will also be live science-themed demonstrations, participatory science experiments for those attending, and the option to participate or spectate the museum’s Pinewood Car Racing Derby! The deadline to register for those interested in attending is April 5th, so be sure to register soon if you’re interested in attending! More info, registration information and additional scheduling can be found at this link.
Though these are only a few of the places you can enjoy April 8th’s eclipse, all of the destinations mentioned above offer fantastic ways to enjoy this unique experience and provide the necessary eyewear for those attending! Regardless of where you go to enjoy the eclipse, it’s important to make sure to get a pair of eclipse glasses if you plan to look directly at the eclipse. Along with these events listed, there are several libraries in Ohio, Indiana, and even here in Michigan providing approved glasses for the eclipse as well as Warby Parker Stores that’ll be providing eyewear for free during the eclipse.
Thanks to events like these, there’s no shortage of places for the whole family to enjoy 2024′s total solar eclipse.