Solar Eclipse 2024 Activities for Families

Industry News
Last updated on November 7th, 2023. Originally published on September 24th, 2023

On April 8th, 2024, the United States will witness a total solar eclipse. While a total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on Earth every 18 months or so, these amazing events tend to recur in any one place only about once every 375 years or so. This makes the upcoming eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and it’s an opportunity you’re definitely going to want to take advantage of!

For this eclipse, the path of totality includes 13 states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. That said, the phenomenon will not be visible in all parts of each of these states. Therefore, even if you live in one of the states mentioned, you may have to travel in order to be in the path of totality. 

Even if you do have to travel, do it. You see, not only is a total solar eclipse something you don’t see every day, it’s also an excellent educational opportunity, as well as the perfect excuse to unplug and make some memories as a family. 

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Before we go further, let’s take a moment to discuss what exactly eclipses are. In simple terms, an eclipse happens when one heavenly body (a moon or planet, for instance) moves into the shadow of another heavenly body. 

On Earth, this can occur in the form of a lunar eclipse (when the Earth moves between the moon and the sun, blocking the sunlight that normally illuminates the moon) or in the form of a solar eclipse, which is what we will all be watching for this coming April. Solar eclipses happen when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, which blocks sunlight from reaching Earth and causes the moon to cast a shadow on the Earth. 

There are three main types of solar eclipses:

  • Total solar eclipse
  • Partial solar eclipse
  • Annular solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse is what we will witness on April 8th. It’s only visible from a small area on Earth, and those who can see it are in the very center of the moon’s shadow when it hits the Earth. When a total eclipse happens, the sky becomes very dark for a period of time. This only happens when the sun, moon, and Earth are perfectly aligned, which is why it’s such a rare occurrence. 

Meanwhile, a partial solar eclipse happens when the sun, moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. During a partial solar eclipse, the sun seems to have a dark shadow on a part of its surface.

Finally, an annular solar eclipse can be seen when the moon is farthest from Earth. During an annular eclipse, the moon moves in front of the sun, but because it is farther from the Earth, it does not cover the sun completely. This looks from Earth like a halo around the moon. 

Solar eclipse through viewing glasses

Preparing for the Solar Eclipse

Clearly, 2024’s total solar eclipse is not something you want to miss. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you properly prepare for the event so you’re in the right place at the right time, and with the right safety equipment.

Where and When to See the Eclipse

We mentioned the states that will witness totality above. However, we also mentioned that you won’t be able to view the total eclipse from just anywhere in each of these states. Check out this map to figure out where exactly you should be for the best view of this amazing event.

Keep in mind, the total eclipse will occur at different times in different places as it moves across the country. For instance, Dallas will witness totality for 3 minutes and 51 seconds beginning at 1:40 PM local time (Central). Meanwhile, Buffalo, NY will see the total eclipse for about 4 minutes and 45 seconds beginning at about 3:15 PM local time (Eastern).

Make sure you use the map linked above to find out what time the total eclipse will occur where you are. 

Safety Equipment for Viewing the Eclipse

Whether you have to travel or are lucky enough to see the eclipse from your own backyard, you will need to take safety precautions. Fortunately, this is easy enough to do.

All you need to view the eclipse safely is a set of eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. While you can view the total eclipse for the 2–4 minutes that the sun is completely covered without eclipse glasses, the glasses allow you to safely view the solar eclipse at all stages. (They can also be used for annular and partial solar eclipses.)

Never look directly at the sun without eclipse glasses. Even very dark sunglasses won’t do the job properly. 

True eclipse glasses or viewers will have:

  • An ISO 12312-2:2015 certification
  • The manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product

By purchasing from a reputable retailer, you can help ensure you get a quality product. If your glasses do not include these things, ditch them and find new ones before the eclipse date arrives. 

Renting an RV for the 2024 Solar Eclipse

If you have to travel to get to the path of totality, you aren’t alone. There are going to be thousands upon thousands of people traveling for this event. The best way to do it? By RV of course!

Taking an RV to see the total solar eclipse will allow you to park anywhere in comfort, removing the need to rent an expensive hotel room and opening up your options when the pickings may be slim due to the high volume of travelers. On top of that, you’ll be able to experience other amazing aspects of nature while witnessing this beautiful show that the heavens will be putting on for us. 

Don’t own an RV? You can always rent one. No RVs available where you’re going? No worries! While all the RVs in the path of totality will likely be snatched up quickly, you can always rent near your home and drive the RV to your destination. 

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Texas

We’ll start with the first state that sees the eclipse: Texas. An enormous chunk of Texas is in the path of totality, including several major cities, a large number of state parks, and plenty of smaller towns. Use the info below to pick the perfect Texas viewing destination!

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

As mentioned above, the eclipse can be seen from a huge number of towns in Texas. Three of the biggest cities that will get a view of the event are listed below:

  • San Antonio at 1:34 PM local time
  • Austin at 1:36 PM local time
  • Dallas at 1:40 PM local time

We found dozens of awesome eclipse-related events happening in Texas. Choose from this list or do a bit of digging to see what other options you can come up with:

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Want a cool viewing location but don’t necessarily want to attend an event? Try one of these spots on for size:

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Oklahoma

Only a very small sliver of Oklahoma sees the total eclipse. That said, because the part of the state that will witness the event is so rural, it might just be a good pick for avoiding the heaviest crowds.

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

There aren’t a whole lot of Oklahoma towns that get to see the eclipse. The main town in the path of totality is listed below:

  • Broken Bow at 1:45 PM local time

We also didn’t find many organized eclipse events going on in Oklahoma. What we did find is a pretty cool camping event that we think you’ll love:

Awesome Viewing Locations

Other cool viewing locations are plentiful in this rural part of Oklahoma. We especially love the idea of heading to the beautiful state park below:

Photo of a solar eclipse

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Arkansas

Arkansas is next on the path, and it’s another excellent place to watch the eclipse happen. This state features plenty of great towns in the path of totality, as well as some super fun events. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

Some of the key towns along the route of the eclipse are listed below. Pick one of these or choose any of the smaller towns in between:

  • Texarkana at 1:47 PM local time
  • Hot Springs at 1:49 PM local time
  • Little Rock at 1:51 PM local time
  • Jonesboro at 1:55 PM local time
  • Paragould at 1:56 PM local time

Below are just a handful of the amazing events Arkansas has planned to celebrate the solar eclipse. We especially love the idea of the Dig the Solar Eclipse Experience, but all of these will be awesome!

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Arkansas is home to one of only two national parks in the path of the eclipse. This could be a great viewing location, as could the many state parks that will see totality. 

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Missouri

Missouri will get a good taste of the total eclipse as well. If you’re heading to this state to view the event, we recommend picking one of the fun festivals listed below or heading to the beautiful Ozark National Scenic Riverway. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

Some of the key cities that will experience the total eclipse are listed below. These are all good destinations for viewing the phenomenon:

  • Doniphon at 1:55 PM local time
  • Poplar Bluff at 1:58 PM local time
  • Perryville at 1:58 PM local time
  • Cape Girardeau 2:00 PM local time

Check out all the amazing festivals and events that will be held in Missouri surrounding the eclipse. If you can’t find something here that suits your fancy, we’re not sure you’ll ever find the right event:

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Here are some more peaceful, scenic viewing locations that might be a better pick if you prefer a laid-back experience or don’t like enormous crowds (though some crowds are inevitable no matter where you go):

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Illinois

Wondering about Illinois? Well, only a small portion of this state gets to see the total eclipse, but it could still be a good place to go, especially if you live in Illinois and want to stay close to home. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

The two cities listed below will both get a good view of the eclipse. Pick one of these or any small town very nearby and you should be good to go:

  • Chester at 1:58 PM local time
  • Mt. Vernon at 2:00 PM local time

The only officially scheduled eclipse event we can find in Illinois is the Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival, which runs from April 5th–8th at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. This event will include live music, science presentations, telescope viewing opportunities, and of course, a group viewing of the eclipse. 

In addition to this enormous event, there are likely a number of smaller, unannounced events in the works, so if you head to southern Illinois for the eclipse, be ready to party hard!

More Awesome Viewing Locations

There are a couple of other great viewing locations in Illinois. These will both see some crowds, but because they offer such good views, fighting those crowds may be worthwhile:

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Kentucky

Another state that just barely gets to see the eclipse, Kentucky offers a few good viewing spots but doesn’t have events planned as of yet. Still, it could be a good place to go if it’s near where you live. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

These two towns are in the path of totality and will likely be the best pick if you want to visit someplace with amenities:

  • Kentucky Bend at 1:59 PM local time
  • Paducah at 2:00 PM local time

We couldn’t find any scheduled eclipse festivals or events in Kentucky. That said, the town of Paducah has posted that they are gearing up and have a lot of exciting plans in the works. Therefore, you can count on festivities if you visit this town to view the eclipse. 

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Other wonderful Kentucky viewing locations include some state parks as well as a beautiful wildlife management area, all of which give you some pretty views to go along with the show in the sky:

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Indiana

Indiana is an excellent pick when it comes to places to check out the total solar eclipse. This is because there are several places in the state that see the eclipse, including a few bigger cities. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

Some of the larger cities that see totality are listed below. If you want to stay somewhere with shopping, dining, and attractions, we recommend choosing a destination from this list. 

  • Evansville at 2:02 PM local time
  • Terre Haute at 3:04 PM local time
  • Bloomington at 3:04 PM local time
  • Indianapolis at 3:06 PM local time

Lots of cool events mean that viewing the eclipse in Indiana is sure to be anything but boring. We highly recommend the Conner Prairie Eclipse event to history buffs. Meanwhile, those who like music festivals might like Shadowfest. 

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Check out the national forest or one of Indiana’s state parks for a scenic viewing experience:

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Ohio

Like Indiana, Arkansas, and Texas, Ohio features several big cities that see totality. It is also home to the second national park in the path of totality. Because of these things, we might even go so far as to say Ohio is the best place to view the eclipse!

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

Some of the Ohio cities in the path of totality include the following:

  • Dayton at 3:09 PM local time
  • Sandusky at 3:12 PM local time
  • Toledo at 3:13 PM local time
  • Ashtabula at 3:15 PM local time
  • Cleveland at 3:15 PM local time

There are an enormous number of eclipse events and activities happening in Ohio. We’ve listed some of our favorites below, but you can find even more options on this nifty website.

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Prefer the peace of nature over the excitement of an event? Head to one of Ohio’s state parks or the aforementioned national park and you can enjoy the eclipse while surrounded by nature:

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Pennsylvania

A little piece of Pennsylvania has managed to get in on the eclipse action as well! No, you won’t find a whole list of exciting cities to choose from, but the few that will see totality are nice places to visit. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

The two cities below will see totality. We especially love the town of Erie and highly recommend it for a more laid-back viewing experience:

  • Erie at 3:16 PM local time
  • Warren at 3:18 PM local time

So far, we aren’t finding any eclipse festivities or events listed in Pennsylvania. That said, Erie has named the day The Ultimate Sunblock and we imagine they will announce fun events that are happening before and after the actual eclipse as the date draws nearer. Watch the site linked above for more info. 

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Want to check out the eclipse in a beautiful place? Any one of the parks below will serve this purpose just fine!

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in New York

Some of the most beautiful places in New York are on the path of totality. Whether you choose to view the event over Niagara Falls or beside a beautiful lake, you’re sure to find an amazing viewing location in this state. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

Some of the cities that the eclipse will pass through as it makes its way through New York include the five listed below:

  • Niagara Falls at 3:18 PM local time
  • Buffalo at 3:18 PM local time
  • Rochester at 3:20 PM local time
  • Watertown at 3:22 PM local time
  • Syracuse at 3:23 PM local time

New York will also play host to some pretty awesome viewing events. Check out one of the options below for an extra exciting trip to see this incredible performance in the sky:

More Awesome Viewing Locations

New York’s state parks are incredible. Therefore, we can only imagine that viewing the eclipse in one of these beautiful parks would be stunning:

Group of people watching solar eclipse

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Vermont

A bit of Vermont gets to see the eclipse, and this is a great place to watch the event if you want to combine your viewing trip with a ski trip. Honestly though, even if you don’t want to ski, we can recommend heading to the parts of Vermont that the eclipse passes through. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

The two towns below will both see totality. Both are lovely and well worth visiting, so either would make a great destination:

  • Burlington at 3:26 PM local time
  • Montpelier at 3:27 PM local time

Hoping to attend an event while in Vermont for the eclipse? There are a few to pick from. We recommend the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium Event for an educational option, and The Whiteout for music-lovers:

More Awesome Viewing Locations

More cool viewing locations include the parks and resorts listed below:

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in New Hampshire

Hoping to head to New Hampshire? Good choice! This state is playing host to some great events. Besides, we just think New Hampshire is a lovely place to visit. 

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

Key New Hampshire cities in the path of totality include the following:

  • Dixville Notch at 3:28 PM local time
  • Colebrook at 3:29 PM local time

The two events below both present excellent opportunities to learn something new while viewing this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime event:

More Awesome Viewing Locations

Those looking for a beautiful viewing location in a natural area will appreciate the options we’ve listed below:

Solar Eclipse Family Activities in Maine

Finally, there is Maine. The path of totality runs through the middle of Maine, and honestly, there aren’t a whole lot of cities there. This is good and bad. No, you won’t find the amenities found in cities, but you will find some seriously stunning viewing locations that provide a wonderful backdrop.

Key Cities and Towns in the Path of Totality

There is only one town worth mentioning in the path of totality in Maine:

  • Caribou at 3:32 PM local time

We don’t see any officially scheduled eclipse events in Maine yet. That said, it looks like the University of Maine might have something in the works. Additionally, we’re betting lots of smaller festivals and activities crop up by April, meaning there will be plenty of fun ways to enjoy this incredible event. 

More Awesome Viewing Locations

More awesome viewing locations can be found within the many Maine state parks and at the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. These places will provide beautiful views and fun recreation opportunities:

The 2024 total solar eclipse is without a doubt a must-see event. Not only will it be incredibly exciting and fun to see such an amazing phenomenon, it’s also a great way to learn something new and make unforgettable family memories while doing so.

So what are you waiting for? Order some eclipse viewing glasses (remember not to watch the eclipse without them, because it is dangerous), pick one of the awesome viewing locations listed above, and get ready to hit the road for the trip of a lifetime!

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Chelsea Gonzales
Chelsea is a full-time RVer and roadschool mom who enjoys traveling the country with her two kids and her husband. She has been writing for her entire life and has spent the last 6 years working as a freelance RV blog writer. She has written for such well-known sites and companies as Do It Yourself RV, RVLife, Fulltime Families, and Coach-Net, and loves sharing her experience and knowledge here on the RVshare blog. You can see more of her work on her personal blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

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