Is the US Space and Rocket Center Worth Visiting?
The facility has a lot to see and do. It is also in desperate need of an update in some areas and is located in a relatively inconvenient location for most people. Is the US Space and Rocket Center worth visiting?
Is the US Space and Rocket Center Worth Visiting?: Things to Consider
1. What is the US Space and Rocket Center?
2. Where is the US Space and Rocket Center Located?
3. The Museum is Open Most Days
4. How Long Does it Take to Go Through the US Space and Rocket Center?
5. Parking is Free
6. Inclement Weather Could Affect Your Experience
7. The Exhibits Are Unique
8. The US Space and Rocket Center Planetarium is Awesome
9. There is a US Space and Rocket Center Theater
10. It Has a Makerspace
11. There Are Free (Old) Rides
12. New US Space and Rocket Center Rides Are Available at an Extra Charge
13. It’s Good for Kids
14. Little Kids Will Like the Outdoor Playground
15. There is US Space and Rocket Center SCUBA Diving On Property
16. There is a Monkey Graveyard
17. The US Space and Rocket Center Restaurant Leaves Something to Be Desired
18. There Are Special Events
19. You Can Take a Bus Tour
20. The US Space and Rocket Center Gift Shop is Not Exciting
21. A Lot of the Property Could Use a Coat of Paint
22. You Can Meet a Rocket Scientist
23. You Can Save a Little Money
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Is the US Space and Rocket Center Worth Visiting?
1. What is the US Space and Rocket Center?
The facility acts as a visitor center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. It houses historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, play areas, a handful of rides, a movie theater, and a planetarium, among other things.
This facility is also home to Space Camp.
2. Where is US Space and Rocket Center?
The facility is located at One Tranquility Base in Huntsville, Alabama. I wouldn’t say the town is brimming with tourist attractions.
Huntsville International is the closest airport, located about 15 minutes away. This is a small airport, so nonstop, affordable options will be limited. You can also reach the area within a couple of hours from Birmingham and Nashville.
There are several hotels near the US Space and Rocket Center. You will not be able to function without a rental car. Book the hotel that appeals to you within a reasonable distance and plan to drive.
3. The Museum is Open Most Days
As of the time of this writing, the museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. It only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Pro tip: Arrive right when the facility opens. You will enjoy yourself much more if you don’t have to fight crowds of people who like to sleep in.
4. How Long Does it Take to Tour the US Space and Rocket Center?
If you want to see everything, ride the rides, and visit the Planetarium, you will want to plan for about half of a day. With that said, if your kids want to spend a lot of time with the interactive exhibits, you can probably fill the whole day here.
5. Parking is Free
Parking is free on the property.
6. Inclement Weather Could Affect Your Experience
The facility consists of multiple buildings, outdoor exhibits, and rides. The rides don’t run if it is raining, and you will not get a discount or refund. Further, you will have to walk outside to move between the buildings. Check the weather on the day of your visit.
7. What Are the US Space and Rocket Center Exhibits?
Pro tip: Check out the US Space and Rocket Center map before your visit to familiarize yourself with the area.
Davidson Center for Space Exploration: Saturn V Hall
The Davidson Center for Space Exploration is the best part of the property. Here, you will find authentic rockets and hands on exhibits.
This section takes you through the history of the program. Did you know astronauts used to have to quarantine when they returned to Earth? So ahead of their time.
Spoiler alert: A lot of people and animals died. I doubt your kids will notice this information unless they are really looking for it, but there is some unpleasantness to absorb in this area.
Pro US Space and Rocket Center tip: KidSpace, a small play area, is located in this building. Kids must be 46″ or under to use it.
International Space Station: Science on Orbit
The International Space Station section allows you to walk through (fake) shuttles to get a sense of what life is like for an astronaut.
Main Entrance Interactive Section
The exhibits near the main entrance rotate. However, there is a hands on section with a lot with which kids can play and touch. This will likely be your young child’s favorite area.
Military Hardware
Military Hardware is an outdoor section with military vehicles, including a helicopter.
Saturn V Replica
There is a giant replica of the Saturn V that you can see from miles away. Turns out, it isn’t real, but it is a model built to scale.
Space Craze
Space Craze features a bunch of pop culture memorabilia about space. It will make you feel nostalgic and old at the same time.
Space Shuttle Park
Space Shuttle Park is an outdoor section that includes a shuttle stack and shuttle training aircraft.
Team Redstone
Team Redstone is a small indoor exhibit starring the military.
8. The Planetarium is a Must Do
The US Space and Rocket Center INTUITIVE Planetarium is worth a stop. The presentations are interactive and guided by an actual person as opposed to a movie that just plays. If you’re going to spend extra money on only one thing during your visit, I would spend it here.
Cost: $12 per non-member adults, $10 per non-member child, $9 per member
9. You Can See a US Space and Rocket Center Movie in a Regular Movie Theater
You can see a movie, although, don’t. They aren’t special, they aren’t free, and the sound is terrible. Like can’t understand what the people in the movie are saying terrible. Save your money for the Planetarium.
If you are interested in a movie, check the schedule at the time of your visit.
Cost: $10 per non-member adult, $8 per non-member child, $5 per member
10. There is a Makerspace
Spark!Lab (not a typo) is basically a makerspace where kids can create things from junk items, draw, and be creative.
There is a section for kids ages six through 12, and a junior version for kids ages five and below. Both are included in your general admission ticket.
Pro tip: This area closes at 4:00 p.m., before the rest of the facility. Don’t wait until the last minute.
11. There Are Free (Old) Rides
There are two outdoor rides that are included with your general admission ticket. You can ride as many times as you want, and you will rarely find long lines.
Note: The rides don’t run in inclement weather. If the weather is bad, you will not be able to use them.
US Space and Rocket Center G-Force Acclerator
The queue for the Gravitron G-Force Accelerator is located outdoors, but you are not exposed to the elements during the ride.
You probably remember this ride from your local carnival in 1994. You stand against the wall, spin so fast that you get stuck to it, and try not to vomit. End of experience.
Height requirement: 48″
Moon Shot
Moon Shot is a ride that shoots you 140 feet into the air then drops you. You will find a similar ride at your local Six Flags.
Height requirement: 54″
12. You Can Pay Extra for Some Shiny New Rides
What can you do at the US Space and Rocket Center? As of the time of this writing, there are several attractions you can ride at an extra cost.
Pro tip: The rides are designed to simulate space travel, which means a lot of spinning and shaking. If this may bother you, don’t forget Dramamine.
Apollo 11 Virtual Reality
Apollo 11 is a motion simulator with VR headsets. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is not for you.
Cost: $12 for non-members, $10 for members
Flight Simulator Experience
The Flight Simulator experience is basically a video game wherein you sit in a fancy seat and fly a plane.
Note: The minimum age is seven.
Cost: $12 for non-members, $10 for members
HyperShip
HyperShip is a motion simulator inside a spaceship that offers different movies throughout the day.
Note: Riders must be at least 36″.
Cost: $10 for non-members, $8 for members
Multi-Axis Trainer
The Vomitron Multi-Axis Trainer is an experience that straps you into a seat, spins you around, and flips you upside down. A lot. I personally watched multiple adults hesitate to exit when the ride was over because they were too dizzy and sick to stand up.
Pro tip: This experience is included in Family US Space and Rocket Center Space Camp.
Note: Riders must be at least 48″, under 260 pounds, and wearing closed-toed shoes.
Cost: $12 for non-members, $10 for members
13. Is it Good for Kids?
Is the US Space and Rocket Center good for kids? Yes, it is. There are play areas, interactive exhibits, and plenty of places to burn energy. A giant inflatable astronaut even walks the property.
A lot of the exhibits and movies may be over young kids’ heads, but there is enough to do to entertain them for the day.
14. There is an Outdoor Play Area
Kid Cosmos Energy Depletion Zone is an outdoor, very hot play area for younger kids. It is under an awning that takes the humidity up another notch.
Note: Guests must be 54″ or under to play.
15. You Can SCUBA Dive (With or Without the Dive)
If you want to get wet, you’re in luck. There are multiple options.
Pro tip: These experiences are not offered every day. Be sure to book ahead.
DIVR+
DIVR+ is snorkeling plus VR headsets. Kids even expect a screen in the water these days.
Note: Guests must be at least seven years of age.
SCUBA
The SCUBA experience requires you to descend to the bottom of the tank and complete challenges.
Note: Guests must be at least 14 years of age. Minors must be accompanied by a parent of guardian.
SeaTREK
SeaTREK allows you to walk underwater wearing a diving helmet and play with some buttons. No swimming required.
Note: Guests must be at least 10 years of age.
16. There is a Monkey Graveyard
After your toddlers play at the playground, head over to the cemetery. Miss Baker, a monkey that the US launched into space, is buried on the property. Obviously.
Miss Baker is special because she made it back from her mission alive in 1959. Her monkey partner, not so lucky.
Visitors have been known to leave bananas on the grave.
17. US Space and Rocket Center Food Leaves Something to Be Desired
Mars Grill is a quick service on property. The menu has things like burgers, pizza, and chicken tenders. Gordon Ramsay did not participate in the opening of this restaurant. Set your expectations accordingly.
There are plenty of restaurants near the US Space and Rocket Center. If you can hold out, eating off property will result in better food and more reasonable prices. The Bridge Street Town Centre, located less than 10 minutes away, has a bunch of good quick service options.
Pro tip: There are gluten free buns on property.
Bonus pro tip: There are often food trucks outdoors near the rides.
Extra bonus pro tip: Outside sack lunches are allowed on property, but food from other restaurants is not.
18. There Are Special US Space and Rocket Center Events
Special events are offered periodically. Some even include alcohol, like a Biergarten and a program that allows you to drink alcohol in the Planetarium. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
19. You Can Take a Bus Tour
During normal times, you can take a bus tour of the nearby Marshall Space Flight Center where real engineers work on real space business.
Note: As of the time of this writing, bus tours are suspended due to COVID-19.
20. The Gift Shop is Not Exciting
One would expect an amazing gift shop with unique items at a rocket center. Not so much. In our experience, it was picked over and didn’t have anything about which to write home.
21. Some of the Property Needs an Update
The Rocket Center opened in 1970. Space Camp has been running since 1982. One of those decades is seemingly the last time they painted some areas of the property. While the new, shinier exhibits are in good shape, a lot of the property has not been maintained.
22. You Can Meet a Rocket Scientist
There are scientists (largely of an elderly age) seated throughout the property next to signs inviting you to meet a rocket scientist. Not much else to say on this point.
23. There Are Ways to Save
How much is the Space and Rocket Center? As of the time of this writing, rack rates are $30 per guest ages 13 and up and $20 per child ages five through 12. Guests under age five are free. There aren’t a ton of great ways to save, but you can probably shave a little off.
Pro US Space and Rocket Center visitor tip: You need to purchase a timed ticket.
Members of Organizations with Reciprocal Benefits Get in Free
Members of the Association of Science and Technology CentersPassport Program and Smithsonian Affiliates get in free.
Note: You must purchase your tickets in person.
Discounted Admission Through the Museums for All Program
The Museums for All program allows guests receiving SNAP benefits to purchase US Space and Rocket Center discount tickets for $3 each.
Group Discounts
If you’re traveling with a group of 15 or more, you may qualify for a discount package. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Seniors Get Discounts on Movies
As of the time of this writing, guests ages 65 and older get $3 off some movies and shows.
Note: You must purchase the tickets in person.
There Are Discounts on Movies for Military Personnel
As of the time of this writing, active duty members, veterans, and retirees get $3 off some movies and shows.
Note: You must purchase the tickets in person.
AAA Discounts on Movies
As of the time of this writing, AAA members get $3 off some movies and shows.
Note: You must purchase the tickets in person.
US Space and Rocket Center Memberships
Visiting more than once? A US Space and Rocket Center annual pass might make sense for you. Members get some small perks and discounts. Check the options and do some math.
Get a Huntsville Attractions Pass
The free Huntsville Attractions Pass gets you discounts on several tourist attractions. As of the time of this writing, you get $3 off the Planetarium and a movie.
Check Groupon
You can sometimes find US Space and Rocket Center Groupon deals.
Third Party Providers
You may be able to find discounted tickets on sites like Tiqets or Viator.
Final Thoughts – Is the US Space and Rocket Center Worth Visiting?
Is the US Space and Rocket Center worth visiting? Yes, if you are already in the area. While the ticket prices are a little steep, when you consider that the rides and parking are free, you get a decent value. The exhibits, play areas, and Planetarium are enjoyable. I would not, however, take a special flight to get there.
I was there about 35 years ago. Sounds like a lot more interactive activities are available now. Will think about taking my grandkids soon.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed guide! This looks relly nice and definitely can think of a friend who would love to go here. Glad its kid-friendly as well.
This definitely looks like a place every family should visit with their kids. I would love to take a tour of the US Space and Rocket Center. Thanks for this detailed write up.
I live in the area and it’s a fun place to visit! It was a tradition at my school that 4th grade took a trip here and I loved it. It’s a great mix of fun and education.
And Huntsville is one of the fastest growing city in Alabama! It’s a nice town.
Thanks for sharing!
Really fun post to read! I had no idea this place was in Alabama. It reminds me of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia which I’ve visited a dozen times. Sounds like a really cool place to visit! Thanks for sharing!
This is a cool place and it definitely worth the visit. I love checking things like this. So, I will keep this place in mind to visit in the future.
Wow! This comprehensive post provides so much useful information! I love the pro tips and details related to kids are very helpful as well!