Space Center Houston
Visit Space Center Houston and explore real spacecraft, moon rocks, and astronaut exhibits. Take a tram tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Fun for all ages—get your tickets today and experience the excitement of space exploration!
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About Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston combines a museum visit with curated access to NASA's Johnson Space Center through the NASA Tram Tour, a feature most science museums cannot offer. That mix gives you historic hardware in the galleries and context from NASA facilities outside them. Visitors can move from Apollo-era exhibits to Rocket Park and on to displays about the International Space Station and future Mars plans.
Did you know?
Space Center Houston opened in 1992 and is operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, not directly by NASA.
Why visit Space Center Houston?
Plan your visit
Main Public Entrance
Located at the front façade of Space Center Houston at 1601 E NASA Parkway, this is the main entrance facing the primary parking lot. All general visitors, tour groups, and online ticket holders use this entrance. Tickets are scanned at or just inside the doors, while some voucher holders may need to stop at the ticket desk before entering. Expect bag checks and security screening here, and note that security cannot be skipped even with pre-booked tickets. This entrance is the primary accessible entry, with ramp or step-free access and wide doors. It is busiest mid-morning on weekends and holidays, and the building is clearly signed from the parking area.
- Space Center Houston is typically open daily, but opening and closing times can vary slightly by season.
- Major holidays and special events may cause closures or adjusted operating hours.
- Publicly available sources do not clearly specify a last-entry time.
- NASA Tram Tour routes, stops, and availability can change on the day due to NASA operations.
Souvenir shop
Space Center Houston has a gift shop selling space-themed merchandise and souvenirs for visitors during their visit.
Kids play area
Dedicated children’s and family zones inside the center include hands-on STEM activities, simulators, and play-focused spaces designed for younger visitors.
Dining outlets
Onsite cafeteria and food outlets serve meals and snacks inside Space Center Houston. Dining is available during your visit, though queues can build around the main lunch period.
Toilets
Restrooms are available throughout the facility for visitor use during opening hours.
Paid parking
Space Center Houston has a large onsite parking lot near the main entrance. Parking is charged per vehicle as a daily fee, and rates are subject to change.
Wheelchair accessible
The main entrance and core exhibit areas are step-free or served by ramps, and the facility describes itself as accessible. Some tram stops, including Rocket Park, may involve outdoor walking, uneven ground, sun exposure, and standing time.
Elevator access
Multi-level areas use elevators for access. Public sources confirm elevator availability, though exact elevator locations are not centrally documented.
Photography
Personal photography is generally allowed in most exhibit areas. Some shows or theater presentations may restrict photography, so check posted signs and follow staff instructions in those spaces.
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