Does your little one have a keen interest in space? Many U.S. cities offer engaging experiences for astronomy and space exploration fanatics, from space museums to planetariums to dark skies. Looking for your next family trip with your little astronaut? These five cities are worth a look:
© Visit Sugar Land
Home to Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, this museum features a wide range of hands-on exhibits spanning space, physics and the natural sciences, including Hubble Telescope imagery, a scaled solar system mural, and the chance to touch fragments of the Allende meteorite (which predates Earth) and Zagami meteorite (one of just a few to originate from Mars). Even the Space Cowboys embraced the out-of-this-world theme at Constellation Field, where a game is a must-watch for families.
© Courtesy of COSI
The city is home to the nation’s top science museum: COSI. Here, interactive exhibitions dive into the history of space missions, the technology powering today’s research and many other exciting displays on space exploration. At National Veterans Memorial and Museum, learn about the veterans who shaped the U.S. space program across all branches of service, including Senator John Glenn. And don’t forget to head to Orton Geological Museum, which features ancient space rocks.
© Visit Baton Rouge
Explore the wonders of the universe at the city’s Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. This 60-foot, domed theater lies inside a historic railroad depot along the Mississippi River and features one of the most sophisticated multimedia venues of its kind. The planetarium hosts immersive digital sky shows, weekly family-friendly stargazing experiences and more. Elsewhere in the museum, visitors can venture to four permanent space-themed exhibits, including a dedicated solar system gallery.
© Explore Boone
Science comes to life in Boone after dark and on the trail. At Appalachian State University’s Dark Sky Observatory and nearby Bare Dark Sky Observatory, young explorers can join expert-led telescope sessions to view planets, nebulae and distant galaxies. Over at Grandfather Mountain, families can engage in nighttime programs like Creatures of the Night and Grandfather by Night.
© Visit Jackson MS
The city’s own planetarium, McNair-Davis Planetarium, reopens this summer with new state-of-the-art technology, interactive exhibits and engaging storytelling. In addition to exploring science and the future of space travel, visitors will also learn about the important contributions Mississippians have made to the field.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Sep 1, 2026TikTok Revolutionizes Travel Planning and Inspiration
With an estimated 1.9 billion users worldwide, TikTok influences nearly every part of our lives, from food to fashion. The app so profoundly changed the way we travel, it now describes itself as a “modern-day travel agency, itinerary planner, and travel blog rolled into one.” Using TikTok to plan travel is so popular, the app recently launched TikTok Go to make booking even easier.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to Welcome Return of Elf on the Shelf This Holiday Season
The magic of Christmas quickly approaches as summer comes to a close, and families can experience the holiday season in a unique way this year.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026This London Hotel Launches Little Londoners Family Package
Balance a city break in London with kid-friendly experiences at Sea Containers London, an upscale, riverside hotel. The property recently debuted the Little Londoners package, a thoughtfully designed offering that makes exploring London easier (and more fun) for both kids and parents.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Europe
Aug 27, 20266 Geneva, Switzerland, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Geneva, Switzerland, with us.
ShareThis