80+ Pictures from U.S. Space & Rocket Center

 

 

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center

We had a fantastic day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. My kiddos loved all of the interactive, hands-on exhibits. The Center actually has one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world so it is a great place to take kiddos and teenagers of all ages.

In addition to the awesome, interactive museum, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers Space Camp and many other programs for children and families (Read more HERE ). My kiddos are actually in a 5-week program at Space Camp where they are learning to be astronauts and learning about Missions to Mars.

 

 

 

 

Above Photo via

 

 

About the Center

According to the Alabama Tourism Department, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Alabama’s Number One Tourism Attraction. My kids were fascinated with all of the exhibits and attractions.  We were told that we could see everything in about 2.5 hours, but we were there for 5 hours and the kiddos didn’t want to leave. I recommend comfy shoes!

There are guided tours that run throughout the day, but my kids were so excited to see everything, we saw the museum on our own (at our own spastic, ADD pace). I would like to do a few guided tours on our next visit.

 

 

Main Entrance

As we were entering the Center, we could see the Pathfinder with its main engine nozzles, external tank, and its two rocket boosters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below: The entrance and exit is through a gift shop with a few K’Nex Creations (Space Ship & a T-Rex)

 

 

 

Photo Below: This temporary exhibit was The Science of Archimedes.  It is a historical and scientific exhibit focused on Archimedes, “The Father of Modern Science”.  The kiddos were able to learn about his inventions and scientific discoveries.

 

 

 

 

Below: One of the kiddos favorite things at the museum was the Mars Climbing Wall. This climbing wall has easier climbs on the left and the climbs get progressively harder as you move to the right of the wall.

The kiddos have to wear close-toed shoes for the climbing wall. I recommend wearing tennis shoes (not cowboy boots like my daughter).

 

 

 

 

Turn a few corners after climbing the Mars climbing wall, and you’ll end up at the Imax Space Dome Theatre (just keep to the right!)

 

Below: The kiddos were fascinated with this simulator that let them see what it is like to land a spaceship.

 

 

 

 

ISS: Science on Orbit Exhibit Gallery

Photo Below: The kids loved the ISS: Science on Orbit Exhibit Gallery.

 

Below: On the day of our visit, we were able to see video of Hurricane Matthew in real time from outer space

 

 

 

 

Some of this area is not open to the public because the simulators are reserved for the Space Camp groups. We were able to see the simulators from a platform or ramp area, we just couldn’t enter and use this area.

 

 

 

Photos Below: We got to see and walk inside a model of NASA’s Payload Operations Integration Center, and we were able to learn and see what it is like to live and work in space.

 

Below:  The glass case showed various space foods for astronauts.

 

Photo Below: Astronaut sleeping bag.

 

 

 

Below: Testing out the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU).

 

 

 

Photo Below: The M Flyer Simulator was very popular with my kiddos. They were able to see what it is like to “fly” around Mars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below:  Learning about the Monkeynauts

 

 

 

 

Mars Grill

This area is also where you can find some snack machines and the Mars Grill for a drink or meal.

 

 

 

 

Saturn V Hall

I think my favorite part was our visit to the Saturn V Hall in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. This is where the National Geographic Theatre is located.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first, I didn’t know what to expect here, but after climbing the stairs and turning the corner, I see this…

 

An actual Saturn V Rocket! There are only 3 of these in the world!  It was really amazing and impressive to walk underneath this huge, disassembled rocket.

 

 

Below: Our view when looking up at the boosters

 

 

WOW!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below: There is a small play area in the Saturn V Hall for little kiddos.

 

 

 

 

Photo Below:  A lunar landing module and rover

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below:  We were able to see where the rocket’s computer is located.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below: Pretending to be Astronauts in a training module.

 

 

 

 

 

Rocket Park

After touring the indoor exhibits, we wanted to see the attractions outside in Rocket Park. The kiddos loved seeing the 27 huge rockets and missiles on display.

 

Below: The G-Force – experience three times the force of gravity.

 

 

 

 

The Space Shot

The Space Shot allows you to experience a lift-off and feel 4 G’s of force. And once you reach the top, you can feel a few seconds of weightlessness. This attraction is included in the price of admission.

 

 

 

 

Kid’s Cosmos Energy Depletion Zone

There is a covered play area outside called Kid’s Cosmos Energy Depletion Zone. Once we stepped inside, we could see that this area includes a small space station play area and a mini Space Shot.

 

 

 

 

The Rocket Pod

The Rocket Pod simulator was a huge hit with the kids. We were the only ones in the simulator when we watched the video, but it can hold up to 20 people.  This simulator moves gently as we watch a video, and the video we watched took us into space for an adventure and back down to earth. (FYI – It didn’t make us sick and the operator told me that he hasn’t had anyone get sick from the motion of this ride.)

 

 

 

Below: Heading to see the Pathfinder Orbiter.

 

 

 

In Review

I took a lot of pictures, but I honestly feel like they barely scratch the surface of all the things there are to do and see here.

Our entire family loves this museum, and I highly recommend visiting the U.S. Space and Rocket Center as a family.  It was a wonderful, educational experience for all of us.  My kiddos used to dream of being astronauts and now they love to learn about space exploration.  This was the perfect day trip for them, and we completely impressed with our experience here. It is well worth the trip and the cost of admission!

 

U.S. Space and Rocket Center // One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 

1.800.637.7223

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