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.
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