Nestled in the Northern part of Alabama is one of our state’s most prized locales. As a kid I remember going to Huntsville’s US Space and Rocket Center on school field trips and on family trips during the summer. Living only 3 hours away meant we made the trip enough to make memories there, but not enough to ever feel like we had seen it all.
Check out this post on ASTC Museum Memberships to get free or reduced admission!
Did you know: Right here in Alabama the rockets that sent man to the moon were developed right here in Huntsville?
The US Space and Rocket Center has been calling Huntsville, Alabama home since 1970. Huntsville is now home to the second largest research park in the United States!
And I think every kid that ever stepped foot on the grounds had visions of themselves at Space Camp.
My kids recently got to see the Space Center for the first time. We all had a great time.
Upon entering the building where you purchase tickets we were met with amazing creations from K’nex sets. Through the glass walls we could see all the amazing things that the robotics camp has to offer… and I longed to go back to childhood with a pocket full of money so that I could attend. Of course my robot loving son was drooling as well. Robots are life in our house. I am certain that any day my son will design and build a robot that does dishes and cooks dinner. And I do hope that he remembers that I am the one that taught him to read.
After paying and heading around the corner we were met by… a robot.
The robot rolled right up to us and asked how our day was going and if she could help us find anything. She told us the directions to the rest room and we sadly parted ways. I am pretty sure my kids would have stood there talking with her the rest of the day.
There are parts of the Space center that will likely always be the same, but there are some exhibits inside that have changed since I last visited 8+ years ago.
Changing Exhibit
The exhibit on our last visit was“Weather to Climate: Our Changing World”. We were able to learn a little more about the weather patterns, how they effect our daily lives, and our favorite; pretending to be a weather man. The kids were able to get in front of the camera with a green screen behind them and read the weather report. (You even have the option to choose to read it slowly or faster for more advanced readers, which I LOVED.) They were thrilled to see themselves on the screen with the weather showing behind them.
Did you know: The US Space and Rocket center is the largest spaceflight museum in the world!
Simulators
The Outdoor simulators are only operational weather permitting.
For Space Shot you must be 54 inches tall to experience what a lift off is like. Experience 4Gs of force on launch and a couple of seconds of weightlessness.
The G-force accelerator is a ride that I remember as a kid. Spinning round and round in this big ride will have you experiencing 3Gs of force when the centrifugal force takes over. You must be 48 inches tall for this ride.
The Kids Cosmos Energy Depletion Zone was not open when we visited but looks like a good time. Kids can climb in and the the Lunar Lander simulator to the moon. This is for children 8 and under.
The Mars Climbing Wall is a climbing wall like we have enjoyed before, so we took a pass on this one to experience other things we really wanted to see. This wall is located inside and is for those between 50-300 pounds. You must have on closed toed, closed heeled rubber soled shoes.
The Hyper Ship Motion Based Simulator is a 5 minute motion based simulator. We didn’t get to do this one as it had a long line and we really wanted to see more of the exhibits. Hindsight: I would have waited as I think it would have been a hit with my kids.
A play area near Mar’s Diner. A great way for the parents to let the kids run and sit and enjoy lunch and have uninterrupted conversation. It was a great spot as you can easily sit and keep an eye on the entire area while they played.
Kidspace play area was also a great spot to play. The things that sometimes look so simple and mundane can be such a hit with kids. And they loved this area. Located in the Saturn V hall is was a great spot for the kids to play and the adults to take a breather.
Did you know: It was here in Huntsville that the modules for the ISS were built!!
Our Favorite Part
A “treadmill” on the wall!
Space on Orbit was a mock of the ISS (International Space Station). It was fun to see how they sleep and how much velcro is used in space. The kids laughed and laughed at how they have to go to the restroom. We were all a little taken aback by the treadmill being on the wall… but there is no real wall or floor or ceiling when you are weightless.
Inside this exhibit my son was able to really hone in his calling in life. He is certain he wants to own a robotics company and thinks it would be cool to sell some of his products to NASA. He got to drive a real robotic arm and watch it on the screen. I think if we would have brought his lunch to him he might have stayed there all day.
Did you know: The science on the ISS is monitored 24/7 right here in Huntsville at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
Things we missed but want to go back and see SOON:
Pathfinder Shuttle Stack: the only full shuttle stack in the world. It served as a non-flight test vehicle and was the first orbiter ever built. (I have seen it before but am ashamed to say my kids didn’t get to see it yet.)
IMAX theatre… It’s an IMAX movie… missing out on the opportunity to watch one is really shameful I know. On our next visit I hope we have more time and get to check it out.
There was so much to see and do. So many things to look at and learn about and so many opportunities for the kids to get hands on experiences. Getting to look at a robotic arm is quite different from getting to play with it. This museum has hands-on, play areas for kids, static displays, and so much more.
If you haven’t been to the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville yet, you need to make plans to! This place is out of this world!
You get free parking at the Space center is open 7 days a week 9am-5pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. With admission being $30 for adults (13 & up) Children $20! (As of June 2, 2024)
The US Space and Rocket Center is located at 1 Tranquility Base Hunt
Huntsville, AL.
If you become an ASTC member you will be able to use your membership for your family’s admission. We were stoked that our admission was covered through our membership.
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