New this year we have the “Fun Fly Stick”, which lets you magically (actually magnetically) levitate the included foil shapes. Very cool! This is a Dr. Toy best toy winner and sells for$19.95. We now carry the “Bag of Science” line which includes the “Big Bag of Science”. The Big Bag of Science includes test tubes and items needed to perform 70 different experiments for $39.95. We also carry the “Da Vinci’ science kit line. You assemble these actual working models of some of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest creations including the self-propelled cart, the aerial screw, and his catapult. Each Da Vinci kit sells for $19.95.

Just for fun we have an entire new line of Spy Gear for the kids. Included are Night Vision Goggles that really work ($22.95), and my favorite the “Capture Cam,”  which takes photos of intruders and helps prepare them for your favorite social media posting ($34.95).

For the remote control (R/C) enthusiast in your family we have several cool new items. The “R/C Gecko” is a remote-controlled car that will actually defy gravity and drive up walls and run across the ceiling! ($34.95). We also have the cutest little R/C mini-racers that are super fast and come in a neat package that is shaped like a soda can with a pop top($22.95)!

We are having our member sale on Thanksgiving weekend this year! Come in to Planet Fun from Friday, Nov. 25 through Sunday Nov. 27 and receive 20% off on your entire purchase! We will have our telescopes, binoculars and accessories on sale 10% off as well. Not a member yet? You can join for as little as $49 for two people. Find out more about our membership program online.

Because the “Harry Potter” saga has ended, our inventory of “Harry” gear must now go too! If you have Harry Potter fans in your family, or if you need some cool Harry Potter items for your kids Halloween costumes, now is the time to check out the Harry Potter Clearance Sale at Planet Fun Store.

All remaining inventory of Harry Potter merchandise is clearance priced 35-50% off. Clark Planetarium members will receive an additional 15% discount on top of the already crazy low prices. Sale is limited to stock on hand and we have more gear from some “houses” than others, so get in soon for better selection. Check out the list of items and prices:

House scarves- 100% wool scarves for each

Reg: $29.95 / Clearance: $14.98 / Members: $10.48

Hogwarts house-Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff Beanies- for each house

Reg: $9.95 / Clearance:$6.50 / Members: $4.98

Black Hogwarts Scarf

Reg: $29.95 / Clearance: $14.98 / Members: $10.48

Hogwarts Knit Hat & Scarf Combo

Reg: $29.95 / Clearance: $14.98 / Members: $10.48

Hufflepuff Necktie

Reg:$19.95 / Clearance: $9.98 / Members: $6.98

Dumbledore Wizard Hat

Reg: $14.95 / Clearance:$7.47 / Members: $5.23

Quidditch Helmet

Reg:$25.95 / Clearance: $12.97 / Members: $9.08

Madame Hooch Hat

Reg:$25.95 / Clearance: $12.97 / Members: $9.08

Hogwarts Student Hat

Reg: $19.95 / Clearance: $9.98 / Members: $6.98

Professor McGonagall Hat(Black)

Reg: $24.95 / Clearance: $12.48 / Members: $8.73

Professor McGonagall Hat (Green-Black)

Reg: $24.95 / Clearance: $12.48 / Members: $8.73

Dumbledore Tassel Hat

Reg: $24.95 / Clearance: $12.48 / Members: $8.73

Hogwarts Student Hat (small)

Reg: $14.95 / Clearance: $7.47 / Members: $5.23

DVD’s – First 6 Harry Potter movies(each)

Reg: $19.95 / Clearance: $12.96 / Members: $9.98

DVD- Deathly Hallows Part 1

Reg: $29.95 / Clearance: $19.46 / Members: $14.96

HP House Banners (sorry, no Gryffindor)

Reg: $17.95 / Clearance: $8.97 / Members: $6.28

Crookshanks, Buckbeak, Scabbers Plush

Reg: $24.95 / Clearance: $12.48 / Members: $8.73

Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Slytherin Magnets

Reg: $4.95 / Clearance: $2.48 / Members: $1.73

Harry Potter 12” dolls

Reg: $24.95 / Clearance: $12.48 / Members: $8.73

After going through our stock, we have selected telescopes that will be 35-50% off regular prices, while supplies last. The telescopes included in the sale are mostly floor models that are already assembled. All scopes have original parts or better. We offer a 30-day warranty and refund on all sales. All scopes come with their original manufacturers warranties. This is your chance to save hundreds of dollars on a great scope!

In addition to our telescope sale, we have discounted all astronomy books to 25% off regular price. It’s a great time to stop by Planet Fun for your stargazing needs; stop by soon for the best selection.

Celestron CPC 1100 XLT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Orion AstroView 6 EQ Reflector Telescope:

Regular: $419.95                                       Sale: $209.95

Orion Skyview Pro 8EQ Reflector Telescope

Regular: $649. 95                                      Sale:$324.95

Celestron CPC 800 XLT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Regular: $1999.00                                    Sale: $1299.00

Celestron CPC 925 XLT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Regular: $2499.00                                     Sale: $1624.35

Celestron CPC 1100XLT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Regular: $2999.00                                     Sale: $1949.35

Orion SV PRO 150 Go-To Mak-Cassegrain Telescope

Regular: $1399.95                                       Sale: $699.95

Orion SkyView PRO 120 Go-To Refractor Telescope

Regular: $1069.95                                       Sale: $529.95

Orion SkyView PRO 120 Go-To Refractor Telescope

Orion StarMax 127 Mak-Cassegrain Telescope

Regular: $629.95                                         Sale: $399.95

Orion SkyQuest XT6 Intelliscope Dobson-Reflector

Regular: $399.95                                         Sale: $259.95

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Intelliscope Dobson-Reflector

Regular: $529.95                                          Sale: $344.46

Orion SkyQuest XT10 Intelliscope Dobson-Reflector

Regular: $699.95                                           Sale: $454.96

Orion SkyQuest XT12 Intelliscope Dobson-Reflector

Regular: $1079.95                                        Sale: $701.96

Orion SkyQuest XT12 Intelliscope Truss-Dobson

Regular: $1299.95                                         Sale: $844.68

Orion Observer 60 Refractor Telescope (in box)

Regular: $99.95                                               Sale: $49.95

Go to OrionTelescopes.com and Celestron.com for more information on these scopes.

A good Science Fair project involves a journey of discovery, driven by curiosity.  My First Weather Kit does just that.  Learn all about extreme weather with this complete weather station. Explore why we have hurricanes and typhoons, why global warming makes ocean levels rise and more as you become a weather expert! ($19.95)

 Another fun activity for young science enthusiasts is our Volcano Making Kit. Make a volcano with the plaster and mould provided, paint in the lava flow and landscape, then create your eruption by mixing baking soda and vinegar. ($9.95)

For older students, curiosity shines through our Solar Energy Laboratory. Build a solar energy laboratory and conduct more than 25 energy conservation experiments.  Use a solar collector, solar heater and other tools to collect and measure energy. ($9.95)

If your child is a fan of MythBusters, the kits below should definitely peak their interest…

Have a blast working with the Power of Air Pressure Kit and answer questions like, ‘Will your stomach really explode if you don’t belch?’ and ‘Can air alone support a train?’ while witnessing the power of air pressure in action by building a marshmallow launcher. ($19.95)

Take the lead through an exploration of aeronautics with the Forces of Flight Kit. We are surrounded by flying object every day, but can you explain the science behind it.  Learn and experiment to find the answers to questions like, ‘Can a plane really steer itself?’ ‘What would happen if an astronaut didn’t wear a space suit?’ Experiments include flying a model helicopter and launching a rocket. ($19.95)

With the Weird World of Water Kit, you will experiment to learn just how strong a whirlpool is, discover whether it’s possible to walk on water and test the limits of water’s power by building and launching a water-powered rocket! ($19.95)

Come down and visit Planet Fun for an array of these and other activities. We look forward to seeing you and good luck with those science fair projects!

1.  Telescopes. Planet Fun is the perfect place to purchase your first telescope or upgrade to a new model.  Our staff members are trained to answer any questions you have and outfit you with the telescope that best suits your needs.  This holiday season is a great time for your family to look up and enjoy the skies above. Price $279.95 and up

2.  Star Rocket. The Star Rocket uses baking soda and vinegar to create a rocket at home.   This assembly kit can shoot up to 200 ft and is a great introduction to chemistry and physics. Price: $24.95

3.  Newton’s Cradle. This stylish desktop activity demonstrates the fundamentals of Newton’s theory and is a cool gift idea for executive-types, educators and the hard to shop for. Price: $7,95, $16.95

4.  My First Science Kit. Enjoy several fun science activities like a color mixing lab, 10 science experiments, a lab to grow crystals in 24 different hues and a tube that lets you capture a rainbow. Price: $19.95

5.  Puzzleball Earth. Take your geography lesson for a spin with the amazing three-dimensional puzzle globe. Featuring 540 curved pieces that form a solid, smooth globe when assembled.  This puzzle will not just be fun to put together but useful for years to come. Price: $49.95

6.  Santa vs. The Snowman 3D DVD. This classic holiday tale can come home with you this season.  Cuddle up to the TV with your 3D glasses (included) and watch how the Snowman and his minions go to battle with Santa to stake claim on the North Pole. Price: $19.95

7.  Star Theatre 2, Your Own Planetarium. Transform your room into an amazing 360 degree planetarium and listen as you are taken on an audio tour of the night sky. Price: $39.95

8.  Marshmallow Shooter. The sweetest way to wage battle is with this marshmallow shooter that can shoot up to 30 ft.  Great fun for the whole family and you don’t have to worry about shooting an eye out. Price: $24.95

9.  Planet Earth, The Complete Collection. From the highest mountains to the deepest rivers, this blockbuster series takes you on an unforgettable journey through the daily struggle for survival in Earth’s most extreme habitats. Price: $99.95

10.  Clark Planetarium Gift Cards and Memberships. Can’t decide what to get?  Gift cards and memberships are the perfect gift.  Our memberships cater to any family size and have great benefits.  Gift cards can be purchased in increments of $20, $25, $50 and $100.

Shop Planet Fun from Friday, Dec. 10 thru Sunday, Dec. 12 and we’ll take 20% off all regular priced merchandise and 10% off all telescopes and accessories when you show your member card at checkout.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shop for your budding genius or gadget guru this holiday season. We’ve got a wide assortment of science kits, desktop toys and interactive toys that are both fun and engaging. And, if you’re thinking of getting into astronomy, our telescope experts can help you find the best telescopes, binoculars and accessories to fit your needs.

Not a member yet? Choose from three different pricing options starting at just $49 for two people. Clark Planetarium members receive free admission to Hansen Dome Theatre shows and ATK IMAX documentaries (does not include Hollywood films), discounts at Planet Fun, 15 % off concessions and free popcorn for IMAX films. Your membership investment also helps support our educational programs.

Visit Planet Fun online  or our online gift guide for a snapshot of the great items you’ll be able to choose from during the sale. See you this weekend!

BuckyBalls are a really cool desktop toy that provide endless entertainment.

BuckyBalls: “The Amazing Magnetic Desk Toy You Can’t Put Down.” BuckyBalls are powerful rare earth magnets (216 per package!) that can be shaped, molded, torn apart, and snapped together in UNLIMITED ways. Make sculptures, puzzles, patterns, shapes, stick stuff to the fridge or even invent a new game! The staff here at Planet Fun was dubious about BuckyBalls at first, but now that they have tried them I can’t keep them from playing with them. It’s like they’re zombies! This is the hottest toy on the scene right now! Get your BuckyBalls today for just $29.95.

The new Hexbug Crab.

Hexbug Nano & Hexbug Ant: The two newest items from the Hexbug line are extra fun! The Nano is a cool little dude that skitters around like a cockroach! (only cleaner!) He is the lowest price Hexbug at $11.95. The Ant is this reviewer’s personal favorite. It has wheel type action instead of legs, so it really moves! Hexbug Ant senses if it runs into something and will back up until it’s sensor contacts an object, then it will move forward. Tons of fun for just $13.95.

After much review, we’re featuring our top 10 gift ideas, complete with a link to video taken at Planet Fun by our friends Fisher & Peggy from Today’s 106.5. Be sure to check out the video to see the shocking good fun they had while they were here.

Come by and test the products yourself; but if you can’t come in, be sure to browse our products at Planet Fun online, then call us to place your order.

Without further delay,  here are our top 10 gift ideas for this season:

10. Hoberman Spheres: These expandable spheres make engineering fun! The original Hoberman Sphere expands to 30” and kids and adults can’t put it down! Price: $34.95

9. Solar System in My Room: Cool Science and fun too! Solar System in My Room goes over the light fixture on the ceiling. You can then remotely control the movement of the planets. Price: $49.95

8. AirZooka: Laugh in amusement as you mess up someone’s hair or ruffle their shirt. AirZooka is the “fun gun” that blows a harmless ball of air towards any person or object.  Price: $17.95- $24.95

7. Science Kits: The perfect gift to spark the interest of a young mind. Our wide variety of science kits lets kids investigate everything from building an FM radio to performing weather experiments. Price: $9.95 – $49.95

6. Hexbugs: These cute little robotic critters are great gifts for the Kids! The Original Hexbug runs away from noise or your touch. The Crab Hexbug runs from the light or sound. The Inchworm Hexbug is remote controlled. Prices: $12.95, $16.95, and $22.95

5. Giantmicrobes: Shown at 1 million times actual size, these plush germs give you an up-close look at germs from typhoid fever to mad cow disease. It’s a great gag gift that provides laughs and learning. Price: $7.95

4. R/C Flying Saucer: This remote controlled copter-like flying saucer is a Planet Fun store favorite! The staff love to fly it and share with customers. With flashing LED lights, it looks like a UFO as it hovers! Price: $25.95

3. Lightning Reaction Revenge: Have a shocking good time with this new version of the Lightning Reaction game. Control who gets shocked, but beware of those who seek revenge. Price: $29.95

2. Telescopes: Let the staff at Planet Fun help you find the perfect telescope for your stargazing needs. With a wide variety of telescopes and accessories, you can find everything you need to view the heavens. Price: $249.99 – $1999.99

1. Clark Planetarium Gift Cards: Can’t decide? Give the gift of flexibility with a gift card. Available in the store or online in $20, $25, $50 and $100 amounts.

10. Free exhibits: With over 10,000 sq. ft. of exhibits to explore, this is a great no cost activity that can easily entertain visitors for a couple of hours.

9. Summer Camp: Back by popular demand, the “How to Build and Use a Telescope Camp” is a 3 day intensive 3-day astronomy camp for kids ages 12 – 17 that includes lots of hands-on instruction and a 6-inch Dobsonian telescope.

8. Matinee Theatre Tickets: All shows in the ATK IMAX and Hansen Dome Theater are just $6 before 5 p.m. every day. A complete list of show times is available here.

7. Rockets!: Planet Fun Clark Planetarium Store has  a wide variety of engine, chemical reaction and air powered rockets. Summer is a great time for building rockets and then getting a group together to launch them to see who’s will fly the farthest.

6. Star Parties: Our friends at the Salt Lake Astronomical Society have free public star parties on a regular basis. A complete schedule is available on the club’s website.

5. Connect Pass: If you are looking to experience a multitude of venues over a period of up to three days, the “Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass” allows you to visit Clark Planetarium and 12 other area venues for $40 for adults and $32 for children.

4. Bug Catchers: Explore the wonders of your backyard and beyond while collecting bugs. Planet Fun has a wide array of butterfly pavilions, beetle barns and other bug catching containers.

3. Build your own planisphere: Download materials from the planetarium’s website to help find constellations in the nighttime sky.

2. Cosmic Light Shows: Cheaper than a concert and a great activity for date night, Cosmic Light Shows (complete with lasers and other special effects) play nightly in the Hansen Dome Theatre and feature artists like U2 and Pink Floyd.

1. Memberships: The best value for those who like to visit Clark Planetarium on a regular basis. Members get in to all IMAX and Dome theatre shows free for one year plus great discounts at Planet Fun, concessions and more.

Assembly: The kit retails for $19.95 and includes all the pieces you’ll need to create your rocket car. All you’ll need to contribute is some glue to place the fin on the top of the car and the baking soda and vinegar required for the fuel source.

The car is recommended for children ages 9 and up, but children will strongly benefit from having an adult help them with the creation process. Good news is that the instructions are self explanatory and easy to follow. Note: As you move to placing the wheels on the car, you will want to test the car on the ground to see if your wheels are aligned correctly and moving freely (a step I did not fine tune enough for my first car, resulting in it pulling to the left).

Performance: After your car is built, you will want to make sure to read and accurately follow the directions for the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Mike and I wanted our car to go farther and faster, so we added double the amount of vinegar which resulted in too much pressure building up in the fuel module too quickly and shooting it out the back of the car instead of propelling it forward.

When we correctly followed the instructions for our fuel ingredients and adjusted the dial on the back of the car, we had fun watching the chemical reaction bubble and fizz until enough pressure built up in the chamber and shot our car down the sidewalk and street. As we tested the car on the sidewalk outside the Clark Planetarium, we had many interested passers-by that got a kick out of the reaction. We did get some footage of a launch on the street which you can see here:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Pointers: Overall, this was a fun activity to get us outside with a chemistry/physics demonstration to boot. Things you’ll want to pay attention to when creating your own rocket car are, again, testing the wheels to make sure the car rides straight. Launching the car on a smooth surface also helps it go further. And lastly, don’t stand directly behind the car while you are waiting for it to launch. When it blasts off, it shoots a stream of the baking soda and vinegar mixture out the back of the car. We had one of our store staff get splattered with the stuff and while we all got a kick out of it, the mixture is pretty smelly. We got footage of that too as well as some other misfires we had while we were playing around…

Click here to view the embedded video.