With only a two-hour drive south of Nashville, you can explore a rocket park and see if you have what it takes to be an astronaut in a g-force accelerator. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, founded in 1950, in Huntsville, Alabama is one of my favorite day trip destinations. The scientists at the center have created some of the world’s first rockets and satellites to orbit Earth, including the rocket that sent the American Apollo astronauts to the moon. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this iconic landmark.
The Rocket Park is my favorite part of the space center. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
💵 The Basics
- Cost: Adult tickets are $30, children ages 5-12 $20, and kids four and under get in free. Tip: Check and see if you qualify for any discounts.
- Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Parking: Free and plentiful.
- The Drive: The center is an easy 2-hour drive south of Nashville. I usually stop at the first Alabama rest stop, but sadly the Saturn IB rocket that lived there for more than 40 years was demolished in 2023 due to ill repair.
- Time: Expect to spend 2-4 hours at the center.
- Shopping: The gift shop is in the front, and includes souvenirs for all price ranges, from NASA suits to rocket candy. Last time we came home with a cat astronaut toy and space ice cream.
Which spacesuit would you wear? (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
🧑🚀 Dive Into Space History
The space center is also a museum and home to numerous historical exhibits and space artifacts and memorabilia, from a moon rock and test vessels to space toys and even spacesuits worn by real astronauts.
In addition to the exhibits, scientists lecture about space history and the science behind space exploration. We met several NASA scientists on our last trip who answered my daughter’s many questions, like “Why isn’t space ice cream cold?”
Someone, please explain to my daughter that we cannot ride this over and over because it costs additional money (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
🚀 Activities
There are two main buildings and several outdoor areas where visitors can explore exhibits, watch shows and live discussions, go on space-themed rides, and so much more. There are plenty of activities for all ages.
- I’ve taken my daughter twice, and her favorite thing to do is ride the MaxFlight indoor simulator. It’s a little shuttle roller coaster with a video that makes it seem like you’re on a mission. Tickets cost extra.
- Other children’s activities include an indoor rocket play area in the Saturn V hall, several hands-on science activity rooms, and an outdoor playground with a free children’s roller coaster. I think my daughter rode it at least five times.
- My favorite part is the Rocket Park! It’s so cool to walk around outside and look at all the rockets, planes, and spacecraft.
- If you have a strong stomach, ride the G-Force Accelerator (I’ll never forget the look on my spouse’s face the one and only time he tried this 🤢 😂) and the Moon Shot.
- At an additional cost, tour space and its many wonders in the interactive INTUITIVE® Planetarium, which has several shows.
- Tip: Check their event listings when planning a trip.
🍕 Where To Eat
Galaxy Grill is the only restaurant on site. It’s … not great, but about what you would expect: Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and pizza. While they have indoor seating, I recommend grabbing a picnic table outside to eat among the rockets!
🏞️ Other Things To Do in Huntsville, AL
- If you love Cheekwood, visit the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
- Take a stroll around Big Spring International Park, which is free.
- Go all-in on museums and visit the Huntsville Museum of Art.
- Children will enjoy the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum.
- If you want to skip the space center’s mediocre restaurant, head to Ale's Kitchen, The Poppy and Parliament, or G's Country Kitchen.
