Space Center Houston Group Visit Guide

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, home of Mission Control and astronaut training. It is one of the most popular attractions in Texas and an easy win for a mixed group, from kids who love rockets to grandparents who remember the Apollo missions. Here is how to plan the day.

What to see

• The main hall and galleries, with spacecraft, spacesuits and exhibits on human spaceflight.
• Independence Plaza, where a space shuttle replica sits on top of the original shuttle carrier aircraft. You can walk inside both.
• The NASA tram tour, which takes visitors onto the Johnson Space Center campus. Tours have included historic Mission Control and Rocket Park, home of a Saturn V rocket. Stops vary, so check what is running on your day.
• Hands-on areas for children, which are good for a break during a long visit.

Tickets and timing

Buy tickets online before you go. It saves time at the entrance and lets you see current prices. If your party is large, check the group sales page, since group rates have been offered for bookings made in advance.

Arrive close to opening. Lines for the tram tour build through the day, and the morning is cooler for the outdoor exhibits. Weekdays outside school holidays are the quietest.

How long to stay

Plan five to seven hours. Do the tram tour early if lines are short, then spend the afternoon in the galleries. With young children, plan a shorter day and a pool afternoon back at the house.

Tips for groups

• Pick a meeting point in the main hall in case people split up.
• Bring water and sunscreen for the outdoor exhibits and tram queues.
• Use a stroller for small children; the site is large.
• Plan meals. There are food options on site, but packing snacks from the house saves money.
• Accessibility: check the center's website for wheelchair and mobility information before you go.

Make a day of it

Space Center Houston is in the Clear Lake area, southeast of the city. Kemah Boardwalk is a short drive away for rides, games and a seafood dinner by the water, and Galveston is further down the coast. Our guide to things to do in Houston with a large group has more ideas.

Where to stay

Houston is spread out, so most groups drive to the space center from wherever they are staying. Our five-bedroom Houston House keeps a family or group under one roof, with a kitchen for easy breakfasts before a long day out. See the Houston destination page for the area, and our family reunions page if the visit is part of a reunion.

Frequently asked questions