This is a trip for little and big kids alike that have an interest in space. We're going to head to Houston - home to Space Center Houston and the gateway to NASA’s legendary missions.
Whether you’re eager to see real spacecraft up close, enjoy interactive exhibits, or discover humanity’s greatest achievements in space, we hope this guide will help your family plan a memorable journey.
When's the best time to visit Houston? THE FALL or low season. My dad was stationed in Houston at one time and it is godawful hot during the summer and tourist season. The low season (September, October, November) temperatures are far more comfortable, the crowds fewer and overall prices more reasonable.
Consider getting a Houston CityPass. It includes admittance to the House Space Center and one of the other options is the Museum of Natural Science, which we'll also be visiting.
Money $aving Tips: CityPass coupons & promo codes
Houston Experience Marketplace: Save 12% on adult admission and 3% on child admission to attractions like the Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, and more.
There's quite a bit to visiting the Space Center so it helps if you're familiar with what it offers before you purchase admission tickets.
Space Center Houston is at 1601 E NASA Parkway. This is found around 26 miles southeast of the city center, or approximately a 30-minute drive in light traffic.
If your accommodations include shuttle transportation by all means take advantage of that. If not, the easiest way to get to the Center is to drive. Follow I-45 out of the city, take exit 24 and follow the signs for NASA. It's about a 30 minute drive out of the city center. There's a large parking lot on site with a per day fee of $5 per vehicle.
On weekdays you can also take bus service 249, about an hour ride for $3. Schedules and timetables on the
Houston Metro site. Public transportation is unavailable on the weekends.
Finally, it’s also possible to take a guided tour from the city center out to Space Center Houston. This tour includes a tour of Houston, transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry to the Space Center.
General admission to Space Center Houston for an adult (12+) is $29.95 – $34.95 depending on the day and time you visit. It’s $24.95 - $34.95 for children (aged 4-11) and $27.95 - $34.95 for seniors (65+).
In addition, different packages are offered which you can see here.
Tickets bought on the official site are non-refundable.
You can also buy your ticket online in advance here for the same price, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit.
if you print your ticket at home or download it to your mobile device, then you can skip the ticket line and go straight to the entry turnstile.
The CityPASS includes the standard tram tours but not the Mission Control tram tour, which is an additional charge of around $15. The tram tour for the Astronaut Training Facility is offered at no charge to general admission guests and is subject to availability.
There are 4 different tram tours. Read how to get your boarding pass(es) here.
NASA Tram Tour offerings vary and have limited availability. The last tour departs two hours before closure. Check our hours to confirm. The Historic Mission Control tram tour often sells out days in advance during weekends, holidays and academic breaks for Houston area schools such as summer and winter.
These are open-air tram tours that could be interrupted due to inclement weather. Please monitor weather conditions and plan accordingly. All Space Center Houston tours visit working government facilities at NASA which are subject to availability and can temporarily close to visitors without notice.
Mission Control tour tickets cannot be purchased as an experience separate from general admission. All tour attendees must purchase a general admission ticket first.
Booking Your Tickets For the Space Center
For a smooth start, book your tickets online through the Space Center Houston website. The center uses a timed-entry system, so make sure you arrive within your designated 30-minute window to kick off your adventure without a hitch. (Unless you've purchased the CityPass on which admission is included.)
Booking ahead saves you time, saves your spot, and lets you dive straight into the fun quicker.
Make the most of your experience by downloading the Space Center Houston app. It offers interactive maps, schedules, and details about special events.
There are several hotels near the Space Center.
We stayed at a new RV park that opened recently near the Space Center - the JetStream RV Resort.
Luxury park with 202 full hookup RV sites along with several upscale amenities across their 23 acres, right next to the Space Center. It does run a free shuttle to the Space Center.
Rates vary from about $65 nightly to $300-325 weekly, and $675-945 monthly, depending on the type of site.
Get settled in your accommodations.
Houston offers several free walking tours that allow you to explore the city at no cost:
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Overview: These tours are guided by knowledgeable locals and follow a pay-what-you-want model based on your enjoyment.
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Duration: Tours typically last between 1 to 3 hours.
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Highlights: Explore landmarks like the Space Center Houston, the Museum District, and Buffalo Bayou Park.
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Booking: Reservations are free and can be canceled without charge.
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Overview: This tour focuses on Hermann Park, the Museum District, and Boulevard Oaks Mansions.
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Duration: The tour lasts about two hours.
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Starting Point: Begins at the "Sara H. and John H. Lindsey Plaza" in Hermann Park.
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Overview: Offers a comprehensive itinerary that includes Houston’s must-see attractions and hidden gems.
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Starting Point: Begins at Pioneer Park, a historical landmark.
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Experience: Gain insights into the city’s heritage and art scene while exploring iconic sites.
Take a walking tour of Houston or...
Get Your Guide offers a Hop On Hop Off Guided City Tour on a double decker bus if you'd rather ride.
Money $aving Tip: If you're staying at Hilton Americas-Houston you can get 15% off any Get Your Guide excursion for a limited time.
Spend the morning touring Houston.
Afternoon: Little Matt’s has plenty to keep kiddos entertained, including an iPad station, a candy counter, an arcade, and a photo booth, while adults enjoy complimentary drinks.
6203 Edloe St. Houston
Little Matt's is known for its burgers and his signature chicken enchiladas.
Open every day from: 10:30am - 8pm
Lone Star Flight Museum
Spend the afternoon at the Lonestar Flight Museum. 11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston
This place is a blast your kids will love too! They even have a Boeing Toddler Terminal for ages 1-4 with soft play structures and interactive stations! Price of the Toddler Terminal is included in your admission.
There are a number of exhibits that are fantastic:
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Airplane hangars full of all different kinds of aircraft
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Flight Academy
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Texas Aviation Hall of Fame
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Space Gallery
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Bombers of WWII
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Drawn to Aviation
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Flight to the Finish
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Flight Academy
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Space Gallery
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Texas Aviation Heritage
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and best of all...the Flight Simulator, MaxFlight
As long as you're not prone to motion sickness, MaxFlight is a buzz to ride! The MaxFlight FS-VC is a fully interactive simulator that can perform 360º motion, and you’re in the pilot seat! This amazing experience offers realistic, virtual adventures including flying warbirds, jets and vintage aircraft, riding in a rollercoaster, taking an underwater adventure and more! Separate ticket in addition to general admission is required to ride.
A ride in MaxFlight was worth the visit to the museum alone!
RULES & RESTRICTIONS:
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Double occupancy required.
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No reservations required
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Flights are on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Must be at least 48″ (1.22 m) tall to ride.
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Maximum height to ride is 77″ (6′-5″).
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Maximum weight is 225 lbs. per person.
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Other restrictions and recommendations apply –
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Museum Guest Services can offer complete details.
1 Ride Experience per person – $10.00
Members: $1.00 off
2 Ride Experiences per person – $18.00
Members: $1.00 off
You can even book a ride in a warbird if you like, although it's expensive to do so. (Starting at $300 per person for 20 minutes, depending on which aircraft you choose)
For additional questions, contact flight@lonestarflight.org.
The Lonestar Flight Museum hours are:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Open Mondays – Memorial Day through Labor Day
Admission:
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Adults (18-64) – $18
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Youth (12-17) – $15
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Child (5-11) – $12
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Seniors (65+) – $15
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Children (4 & under) – FREE
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Museum Members – FREE
Active and Retired military discounts are available with proper ID, AAA discounts are also available, see admissions desk for details.
Money $aving Tip: Register for Free Museum Days every Tuesday.
Click on the logo at left to register.
Minuti Coffee Shop is located right on the museum premises so we had lunch there for convenience's sake.
Minuti Coffee is a premium American-Italian coffee shop concept that combines the traditional Italian coffee house with a modern American touch. Museum visitors can choose from a variety of menu items including gourmet coffees, specialty drinks, pastries and breakfast and lunch options. Seasonal and special menu items are added throughout the year.
Minuti Coffee Shop Hours:
Monday: 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Closed on Federal Holidays falling on Monday)
Tuesday – Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Houston offers several free transportation services, including the METRO Community Connector and the Ride Circuit shuttle service, making it easier for residents to access public transit and local destinations.
METRO Community Connector
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Service Overview: The METRO Community Connector is an on-demand rideshare service designed to provide convenient access to public transit. It operates in specific neighborhoods, offering rides to
METRO bus stops, rail stations, and other local destinations. -
Availability: This service is currently offered for free in areas such as downtown, Heights, Near Northside,
Second Ward, and Third Ward. It operates Monday through Friday, with varying hours depending on the
zone. Users must book rides through the Ride Circuit app.
