In-Person

Earth & Planets Laboratory Open House

Planetary Science Astronomy & Astrophysics Earth Science Matter at Extreme States
Discovery awaits! We’re opening our campus to the public for our first-ever Open House—and you’re invited! This event is free, family friendly, and open to the public.
October 25, 2025
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1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Location:

Earth & Planets Laboratory
5241 Broad Branch Rd. NW
Washington, DC 20015
United States

Hosted by:
Earth & Planets Laboratory
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Open House Background

Science Snacks

Taste science-themed snacks like sun-roasted marshmallows, cotton candy, and liquid nitrogen ice cream.

Meet the Scientists

We're here to guide your journey from Earth's core to the far reaches of space.

Hands-on Science

Build your own spectrometer, erupt the "trashcano," touch a meteorite, and more.

Welcome aboard!

At the Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), scientists study everything from the rocks beneath our feet to the planets and stars above. It's where researchers unlock the secrets of earthquakes, volcanoes, meteorites, and even the origins of life on Earth. 

Now we invite you to see it all for yourself! Explore interactive activities, meet the scientists, enjoy tasty science snacks, and get a rare behind-the-scenes peek at the historic "Atom Smasher."

Advanced registration is encouraged but not required. 

Register Here open_in_new

Explore Alongside Experts

Take a Sneak Peek

Make a spectrometer with an astronomer and experience light in a whole new way.
Taste liquid nitrogen ice cream and other science-based treats!
Dive in to more than a century of science history (including behind the scenes tours of the historic Atomic Physics Observatory.)
Dive into science with activities and crafts for all ages.
See and touch a meteorite that came from Mars.
Explore the world through hands on stations like the topography sandbox.
Make a spectrometer with an astronomer and experience light in a whole new way.

Make a spectrometer with an astronomer and experience light in a whole new way.

Taste liquid nitrogen ice cream and other science-based treats!

Taste liquid nitrogen ice cream and other science-based treats!

Dive in to more than a century of science history (including behind the scenes tours of the historic Atomic Physics Observatory.)

Dive in to more than a century of science history (including behind the scenes tours of the historic Atomic Physics Observatory.)

Dive into science with activities and crafts for all ages.

Dive into science with activities and crafts for all ages.

See and touch a meteorite that came from Mars.

See and touch a meteorite that came from Mars.

Explore the world through hands on stations like the topography sandbox.

Explore the world through hands on stations like the topography sandbox.

Useful Details

Map of Location - Google
Getting to Our Campus

Earth & Planets Laboratory
5241 Broad Branch Rd. NW
Washington, DC 20015

Public Transportation: The Earth & Planets Laboratory is served by MetroBus lines C81, C85, and C87, offering stops within a five-minute walk to campus. The closest Metro stops are Friendship Heights and Van Ness-UDC, each a 30-minute walk from campus.

 

Driving: Limited parking is available on our campus, as well as on the surrounding streets. 
Scientists in the ignition Facility High P-T Laser Lab
About EPL

Researchers at the Earth & Planets Laboratory (EPL) discover new worlds, create new materials, illuminate the inner workings of our planet, and seek to understand the universe that is our home. With more than a century of experience pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, we are better positioned than ever to answer some of humanity's biggest questions.