Located at 1601 NASA Parkway, the NASA Space Center is filled with activities and exhibits that will interest everyone. The Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, but you need to check for seasonal hours. Children under the age of three will enjoy free admission, kids 4-11 will pay $24.95, and adults $29.95. You will love the variety of experiences including touching a rock from the moon, watching astronauts train for missions, and experiencing hands-on activities for the kids.
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Planet Pioneers
Start your tour with an interactive visit through the Planet Pioneers. You will be able to explore, adapt and survive on a mission to colonize a new planet where you will need to figure out your own food, shelter and problem-solving. You will love the 4-D Surface Exploration Vehicle, flying a virtual drone, and experiencing the effects of a spinning capsule and G-force.
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Mission Mars
If you have always wondered what it was like on another planet, the Mission Mars exhibit will answer those questions. You can view a virtual Martian sunset and even feel the texture of rock cliffs. Plan to discover what it takes to travel to Mars and how humans might eventually live on the planet.
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Independence Plaza
Be sure to check out Independence Plaza where you can enter the shuttle Independence which is mounted on top of the historic NASA 905 shuttle aircraft. You can explore problem-solving issues and view innovations from the shuttle era. The shuttle offers authentic controls and you will feel what it was like for the astronauts inside the shuttle.
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Tram Tour
Take the tram over to the NASA Johnson Space Center for a look at human space exploration. The Center is located on over 1,600 acres and is a training base for astronauts. Be sure to take advantage of the option to visit Rocket Park where you will see one of only three remaining Saturn V rockets. You can also walk through a Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility where astronauts are training for current missions.
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Space Center Theater
After walking through the Center for a few hours, plan some time to relax and enjoy a film in the Space Center Theater. The theater is five stories tall and features the most up to date video and audio technology. The 4K projector is ultra-high-resolution and provides an amazing picture. There are usually two films playing and the price is included with your admission.
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Overnight Experience
For an extra special occasion, consider the one-of-a-kind overnight experience. You and your family will explore science and technology and a variety of other activities. Included in the overnight fun is a buffet dinner and breakfast and fun hands-on activities before heading off to sleep. A second-day admission ticket is also provided to continue your space exploration.
Visitors of all ages will love the NASA Space Center in Houston. You can learn about the history of the space exploration program in addition to viewing exhibits that highlight astronauts and the planets. Find out amazing facts about the current space program and challenge your mind to consider life in outer space.
Image via Flickr by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | CC BY 2.0.
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