If you’re in the Houston, Texas, area and love all things related to science and space exploration, consider visiting the Houston Space Center!
This exciting learning center is over 250,000 square feet and welcomes over one million visitors annually, and gives an experience like no other.
This exciting site encourages learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) concepts through hands-on experiences for children and adults alike.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center Houston. This Space Center Houston was the first Houston Smithsonian affiliate museum and is home to NASA’s mission control, where U.S. astronauts have been trained for space exploration for over 40 years. The space center is also located near many of our Houston rentals, making it the perfect excursion while in town.
About the Houston Space Center
The Houston Space Center opened in 1992 and has welcomed over 22 million into its doors since. The center has provided years of educational programs, as well as year-round access to exhibits that are hands-on and interactive for visitors. This center is one of the top attractions for visitors of all types. It has become the leading tourist site for international visitors specifically.
The Houston NASA Space Center features over 400 artifacts that span past, present, and future space exploration, as well as both traveling and permanent exhibits that engage children and adults alike. There is always an array of interactive and historical learning options to choose from when you visit this exciting Space Center.
The Space Center is located at 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058, and is open every day apart from Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. You can find a detailed schedule for the museum here.
Meet an Astronaut
There are two ways you can interact with an astronaut when you visit the NASA Space Center Houston, including Breakfast with an Astronaut and Astronaut Mission Stories. As you visit with an astronaut, you will hear first-hand accounts of space exploration from a retired NASA astronaut.
The option of Breakfast with an Astronaut will provide you with the ultimate astronaut meeting experience. You will enjoy learning about the space program from an astronaut’s perspective as you eat a delicious breakfast with your family. Afterward, you will have the opportunity for a Q&A session and receive a personalized photograph from the speaking guest astronaut. Breakfast with an Astronaut takes place on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month from 8:30 am-9:30 am.
Another way to learn first-hand from a NASA astronaut is by visiting the Space Center Theater every Friday and Saturday for Astronaut Mission Stories. Here, audience members can listen to veteran space explorers share some of their most exciting mission memories while they speak on stage.
NASA VIP Tour
If you’re looking for an immersive behind-the-scenes approach to exploring astronaut training facilities at the Houston Space Center, consider a NASA VIP tour! Here, you will see exciting futuristic space exploration feats up close.
Expert tour guides will share their space knowledge and try their best to answer any space exploration questions you might have as you take a look at real-life astronaut training centers. You will have the advantage of riding an air-conditioned bus to visit significant sites across the Lyndon B. Space Center. These tours are offered on weekdays to guests 14 years and older, and a paying adult must accompany guests under 18.
Tour groups are limited to ten people and divided into two three-hour trips, one departing in the morning and one in the afternoon. Seats are limited, so it is crucial to reserve your spot at least one day before visiting the center.
Your VIP ticket will include general admission to the Houston Space Center, so remember to take the time before or after your guided tour to explore some of the spaceflight artifacts on your own!
Education Programs
Space Center Houston is among the leading science-education resources in the nation, welcoming over 250,000 students and teachers annually. These programs follow national science standards focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as a way to encourage critical thinking skills in adults and children. Visitors better understand the world as they learn about the dramatic past, exciting present, and compelling future of human space exploration. There are numerous educational programs offered at the NASA Houston Space Center.
Space Exploration Educators Conference
The Space Exploration Educators Conference empowers educators with ready-to-implement classroom activities with the latest teaching tools and human space exploration knowledge.
Through SEEK, Space Center Houston offers formal and informal educators of all backgrounds the chance to participate in a three-day learning experience focusing on experiences based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear speeches from inspiring speakers and be able to collaborate with other teachers to learn as a team. Here, you will find like-minded individuals that share similar passions and make important connections.
Stars & STEM
The Stars and STEM program offers exciting hands-on activities that are grade-level appropriate for students grades kindergarten through 12th grade. Students will be challenged, eager, and ready to learn science, technology, engineering, and mathematical concepts when they return to school.
Various workshops are offered for elementary, middle, and high school students. Each workshop will help children to understand valuable STEM concepts through hands-on activities.
Overnight Experiences
Spend a night away from your Houston rental and you will discover a one-of-a-kind space experience when you stay a night at Space Center Houston and explore STEM concepts through challenging activities and hands-on learning opportunities. You will find both indoor and outdoor camping accommodations, as well as dinner, snacks, and breakfast, served to you.
Houston Space Center’s overnight experiences follow local, state, and CDC guidelines to ensure campers have a safe and comfortable learning experience.
Plan Your Visit to Houston
Contact Buzz Vacation Rentals today to learn more about our Houston rental opportunities for your visit to the Houston Space Center.
Space Center U
Space Center University offers the ultimate educational experience for those looking to get an authentic glimpse of space exploration. This multiple-day program is offered year-round to challenge groups and individuals of all ages.
Skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and engineering are applied to space-related situations. There are many benefits individuals can take from this program. Participants will see an improvement in critical thinking skills, creativity, and an increased drive to be successful. Students will surely feel inspired as they think of solutions to space-related problems.
The week-long immersive program concludes with a graduation ceremony and virtual astronaut Q&A session to celebrate the students’ success. Those that want to apply should submit an essay and letter of recommendation from an educator during the application period.
Stay With Buzz Vacation Rentals
If you are interested in visiting the NASA Space Center Houston and are searching for a Houston rental for your family, look no further than Buzz Vacation Rentals. Our high-quality Houston vacation rental properties will make you feel at home with luxurious amenities, beautiful furnishings, and everything you may ever need during your stay.
Whether you are looking for a small weekend home or something to make you feel more comfortable for an extended stay, Buzz Vacation Rentals has you covered. We pride ourselves in delivering you a quality stay in Texas with access to an accommodating staff.