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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KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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COOL!
Thanks for visiting Carlos!
I think that’s an excellent choice to take the family for an exciting adventure into the space world!
Thank you so much for visiting the blog! Our visit was fun and educational for all of us.
I love space related activities, this is a great idea for the kids too!
It is interesting for adults, teens, and kids. Thanks for your comments Don!
that looks like such a fun museum, i hope we will be able to go someday
It is fun and seeing all of the spaceships is awesome!
Looks like fun. I especially like the The Science of Archimedes ehibit.
Yeah, I was worried the kids would find that exhibit boring, but they loved it. It was very interesting. Thank you so much for your comments Shannon.
That is so cool! I would love to visit there!
It is really impressive Renee, for kids and adults!
I had no idea they had something like this in Alabama! I have friends that lived in Houston, so they told me about the space camps and things, and I went to Cape Canaveral in FL (I got the cutest stuffy – a bear in a orange astronaut suit <3 ), and these types of activities are always AMAZING. Looks like your babehs had a great, great time! 🙂
Yes! My kids want to go to Space Camp when they are older. There is also the option for the entire family to go to Space Camp together. Thanks for your comments Sara!
This looks awesome! I grew up in Houston, so we went to NASA frequently. I never got a chance to go to alabama though. Definitely something I want to knock off my bucket list.
OOOoohh! I would love to take the kids there Shannon!
Such an amazing place to visit with a boy! My son would love it!
My son loves to “land” a spaceship in one of the modules and the rock climbing wall and about 8,000 other things. Your son will have a blast!
Awesome pictures! Looks like a fun place.
It is an awesome place for kids and adults. Thanks for visiting Edye!
This sounds and looks like a great place to go. Very nice pics, very historic pieces here. Looks like fun for the whole fam.
It is a great place to visit Austin! We’ve been back several times and the kids always find and learn new things.
I remember going here as a child, it was unbelievable! I love the study of Outer Space.
It is unbelievable Crystal!
This looks like so much fun to visit!! Adding it to my list of must see places!!
It was a lot of fun Kim! You will have a blast there. We have been back several times and still find something new. I love how interactive it is for the kids. They love being able to pretend to be astronauts.
You will love it Kim!
What a great place to bring kids. I wish I was closer so I could do this as a field trip.
My kiddos love going here. We have been several times and they never get tired of it, and they always learn something new!
What a fun experience. Being from Houston, TX we visited the NASA space center there. It is a great learning adventure.
Oh man, I would love to take the kids there Mary Beth!
This looks like a ton of fun!
It was Amanda! The kids learned so much, but they just thought they were playing and having fun.
Looks amazing! My Son has been asking us all the time to go! I showed him your pics! Thanks for sharing!
It is an amazing museum and everyone is so kid-friendly. I highly recommend it! Your son will love it!
I would love to check this place out!
It is pretty awesome Chanel! Now my kids are begging to go to Space Camp!
Wow, so many pictures! I’d love to visit the place. Thanks for posting!
Thank you Christina! Yeah, I recommend visiting the US Space and Rocket Center. I is awesome.
As a kid I always wanted to go to space camp! I used to see commercials on tv for it (We live in Mississippi so not too far) and I always begged my parents to let me! I will have to take the kids when they are a bit older!
I know Ashley! They have programs for families to attend Space Camp together and my kids want to go so badly!
This looks like an amazing place!!
It was pretty awesome Harolde!