SCOUTS, SCHOOLS, AND YOUTH GROUPS
To complete your ticket registration, please fill out a questionnaire for each participant. All required information must be provided at the time of purchase.
If you are registering a large group and prefer to process all tickets together rather than individually, you are welcome to contact us to arrange a group reservation.
Please note: If your party includes youth attendees with specific IEP assistance needs requiring additional chaperones, please inform us in advance by scheduling a call with our team or emailing Overnights@chabotspace.org. The cost of those specialized chaperone tickets will be reduced to $40, covering the at-cost price of meals.
Group leaders: You may contact us to receive a roster of your registered guests at any time.
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Meal preferences: If you do not complete this information at the time of ordering, please submit the information by separate roster no less than 14 days prior to visiting. Changes are not permitted after the deadline. Meals are served buffet style and include meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free if specific during your ticket purchase.
CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS, AND RESCHEDULES
A Camp-In requires a minimum of 100 guests. Chabot will make reasonable efforts meet this requirement. Chabot reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a Cosmic Camp-In due to low attendance, and the ticket holder will be notified no later than 30 days in advance if this occurs.
There are no refunds or price reductions for unplanned absences. Tickets may be transferred to another ticket holder or rescheduled for another date pending availability.
If you would like to transfer your ticket(s) or reschedule to another date, please contact Overnights@chabotspace.org as soon as possible.
AGE REQUIREMENTS & CHAPERONES
The minimum age requirement to participate in the Cosmic Camp-In program is 6 years old at the time of the event. Co-ed siblings ages 4 and up and accompanying adults may attend with an accompanying ticket.
For all Overnights, a minimum chaperone-to-youth ratio of 1:7 is required. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for supervising youths at all times during their visit. Chaperones must ensure that children under their care maintain respectful behavior and adhere to program guidelines throughout the event.
ARRIVAL & PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Arrival & Parking Information
Parking at Chabot is free, but we strongly advise against leaving valuables in your vehicle, as Chabot is not responsible for unattended belongings. Guests may briefly stop by an entry point to unload gear before parking.
Bus Parking
Buses may park along Skyline Boulevard or Joaquin Miller Road, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Travel Time & Delays
Please allow extra travel time to account for traffic, particularly in rainy conditions. If you anticipate arriving later than expected call (510) 336-7338 and leave a message.
Check-In & Program Timing
Group leaders should check in with Chabot staff on behalf of their group. Chaperones are responsible for monitoring their group during this process.
Guests must arrive promptly by 5:15 PM for check-in. Early check-in is not available before 5:15 PM while the museum remains open to the public.
If your group needs to arrive before 5:15 PM, please refer to the attached Addendum: Add-On Options for ways to extend your experience at Chabot. If arrival after 5:45 PM is unavoidable, please contact the Reservations Coordinator as soon as possible. Programming begins promptly at 5:50 PM, and late arrivals may miss portions of the experience.
Guests should be prepared to transport their luggage from the parking garage to the check-in location, which may require walking up to approximately 780 feet around the facility. Groups should plan accordingly to ensure a smooth arrival. ADA support for luggage transport is available for guests who require assistance.
Youth visitors must always be accompanied by a chaperone at a ratio of 1:5 while inside the gift shop. To ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience, no more than 20 youths are permitted in the gift shop at one time.
Prior to the visit date, the following documentation must be submitted:
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CONSENT FORM: One form per participant. A link to the form will be provided via email and is also available on the website for parents/guardians to complete. The consent form must be submitted at least 14 days before the visit.
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MEAL ROSTER: This roster is used to communicate dietary restrictions and food allergies to the caterer. It must be submitted to Overnights@chabotspace.org at least 14 days before the Camp-In.
Chabot Space & Science Center will provide a family-friendly catered camp dinner, which will include a meat option, a vegan option, and a gluten-free option, as well as a continental breakfast. The Center will make reasonable efforts to accommodate additional dietary restrictions and food allergies, as communicated through the meal roster.
It is the responsibility of the group leader or chaperone to submit an accurate meal roster, including any dietary restrictions and food allergies, at least 14 days prior to the event. Chabot Space & Science Center cannot guarantee accommodation for dietary restrictions or food allergies if the meal roster is submitted after this deadline. Group leaders and chaperones must ensure they inquire with staff and caterers about any special meals ordered in advance for campers with dietary requirements.
Chabot Space & Science Center does not provide refunds for meals that are not consumed, and leftover food is not available for take-home.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at overnight events.
The Center will adhere to all food safety regulations, including proper storage, handling, and preparation of meals. Groups are responsible for ensuring that their guests consume meals within the designated mealtimes in the schedule and for disposing of food waste properly to maintain clean areas.
The café will be closed during your visit. While dinner and breakfast will be provided, we recommend bringing additional snacks to ensure you have everything you need throughout your stay. To maintain a safe environment for all guests, please ensure that any snacks brought from home are nut-free and be mindful of fellow campers.
Groups will be pre-assigned sleeping areas based on group size. Assignments will be provided by email in advance and during the orientation immediately following check-in. Sleeping is not permitted in doorways, walking paths, or inside the Planetarium. Private sleeping areas cannot be guaranteed. While the museum will make reasonable efforts to place group requests together, all guests should expect a communal sleeping environment.
If weather conditions permit, guests may choose to sleep outside in the Courtyard or on the Observatory. Guests sleeping on the Observatory must remain on the wooden deck and may not sleep on any adjacent metal or concrete surfaces. Those opting to sleep outdoors must prepare accordingly and bring appropriate gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and weather-appropriate clothing.
For the safety and accessibility of all guests, some lights in the museum must remain on throughout the night. These include lights for emergency egress routes, restrooms, access points, stairwells, and certain exhibits, as well as fixtures that are not manually controlled by staff. Full darkness cannot be guaranteed, and groups understand staff may not turn off additional lights.
Overnight programs take place in large, shared spaces, and while quiet hours are scheduled to encourage a restful environment, some ambient noise is expected. Movement and occasional sounds from other guests will occur throughout the night. For those sensitive to light and sound, we recommend bringing an eye mask and earplugs for a more comfortable experience.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND CHECK-OUT
Early departure is permitted; however, for the safety and security of all guests, exterior doors may not be unlocked or propped open. Guests departing early must notify staff or security prior to leaving to ensure proper check-out and building security guidelines are followed.
All exterior doors must remain closed and locked overnight from 10:00 PM-7:00 AM. After lights out, guests must remain in designated sleeping areas, except when using the restroom or in the event of an emergency. Chaperones are responsible for ensuring their group adheres to all safety protocols, including quiet hours (10:00 PM-7:00 AM) and check-out procedures. In the event of an emergency, guests must follow staff instructions and proceed to the nearest designated exit or safety area.
Guests are required to pack up belongings, clean their sleeping area, and remove all gear from the museum before the departure time of 9:00 AM. All personal items must be taken home, as Chabot is not responsible for lost or forgotten belongings. If an item is lost during your visit, please check with the front desk to inquire about Lost & Found.
Cellular reception in the Oakland Hills may be poor depending on your carrier. However, Wi-Fi is available and password-free via the network "Chabot-Guest." Guests may not use museum administrative phones or computers. In case of an emergency, alert Chabot staff or security immediately for assistance in contacting help.
PACKING GUIDELINES AND PROHIBITED ITEMS
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable overnight experience, guests should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas, comfortable clothing, toiletries (such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant), a flashlight, and a reusable water bottle. Small sleeping pads, air mattresses, eye masks, and earplugs are also recommended for added comfort. Chabot Space & Science Center provides restroom facilities that include men's, women's, and all-gender restrooms for the convenience of all guests. Each restroom is equipped with sinks, but please note that there are no shower facilities available on the premises.
For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, certain items are not permitted, including alcohol or any intoxicating substances, weapons of any kind, large cots, noisy toys, radios, speakers, cooking devices (such as portable stoves or open flames), shoes with wheels, and valuables or items of sentimental importance. Chabot is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
Limited access to power outlets is available for charging devices, but guests are encouraged to bring portable chargers, as access is not guaranteed.
EXHIBITS, PLANETARIUM, AND TELESCOPE VIEWING
Chabot Space & Science Center offers a variety of interactive exhibits, telescope viewing opportunities, and Planetarium experiences as part of the overnight program. However, due to periodic exhibit rotations and maintenance, the availability of specific exhibits on your visit date cannot be guaranteed. Chabot will make reasonable efforts to provide comparable exhibit and program experiences in the event of any changes.
Similarly, telescope access is dependent on weather conditions. Your group will have the opportunity to look through Chabot's three historic telescopes if the weather permits. Our telescopes are operated by dedicated volunteers and are available for viewing when skies are clear. However, humid or rainy conditions can damage telescopes, so their availability cannot be guaranteed. If inclement weather prevents telescope viewing, Chabot Space & Science Center will make every effort to offer alternative indoor programming.
For Planetarium shows, guests must arrive at least five minutes before the scheduled show time, as there is no late seating or re-entry. The doors automatically lock behind guests to maintain safety and the integrity of the show experience. If a youth visitor needs to leave the Planetarium or Theater, they must be accompanied by a chaperone. Food and beverages are strictly prohibited inside the Planetarium, Theater, and telescopes.
As a public, family-friendly organization, Chabot Space & Science Center is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers, free from discrimination and harassment. Any individual or group that fails to comply with reasonable safety requests, engages in harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior, or uses abusive language that compromises the dignity of others may be required to leave the premises. If such behavior escalates, Chabot reserves the right to cancel the reservation in advance or terminate the visit without refund.
Guests are responsible for treating the equipment, exhibits, and the facilities at Chabot Space & Science Center in a respectful manner. Damaged or lost items may be subject to replacement fees.
Group Leader Responsibility
The group leader is responsible for communicating the policies and expectations outlined in this agreement to all attendees, including participants, chaperones, and any additional guests. It is the group leader’s duty to ensure that all members of their group understand and adhere to Chabot Space & Science Center’s safety guidelines and procedures throughout their visit. Failure to comply with these policies may result in early dismissal from the program.
By participating in the Cosmic Camp-In program, you and your group members grant Chabot Space & Science Center permission to use any photographs or video footage taken during the event for promotional purposes, including but not limited to brochures, websites, and social media.