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Field Trips

Inspire your students through the wonders of space exploration with a field trip they will never forget! Your class will discover more than 400 things to see and do at Space Center Houston while experiencing real science, math, technology and engineering.

Explore our interactive Mission Mars exhibit, the international landmark Independence Plaza, multiple flown spacecraft, a real Moon rock your students can touch, one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of space suits and more.

Enhance Your Field Trip

Looking for a more in-depth experience for your students? Space Center Houston’s Field Trips program is an exciting and dynamic experience that teaches children about science and space exploration. Alongside an expert guide, tour our Starship Gallery to get an up-close look at flown spacecraft and the history of space exploration.

Pricing

Register and pay at least one week in advance$10.95
Register in advance and pay on arrival$12.95
Purchase online without advanced registration$24.95 children
$29.95 adults
Title 1 school special pricing$5.95

A minimum of 20 tickets must be purchased to receive the discounted field trip rate. Our field trip discount saves up to 60 percent off full-price admission and, as a bonus, groups receive one free ticket for every 20 tickets purchased. Field trip reservations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the visit to receive a discount.

Parking for school and charter buses is free. There is a $10 parking fee per vehicle (not including the Metropolis service fee) for chaperones and teachers, and they can pay by phone upon arrival by scanning the QR codes posted around the parking lot and at the entrance to the center.

Registration

To register for a Space Center Houston field trip, complete the field trip order form below and email it to [email protected], fax it to +1 281-940-8564, or mail it to Space Center Houston, Attention: Reservations, 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058.

Availability

Field trips are available any day of the week during normal operating hours. Space Center Houston hours fluctuate seasonally. View our operating hours for the year to plan your field trip.

Title 1 discounted field trips are available year round.

Group Size and Student/Chaperone Ratio

Space Center Houston requires at least one adult chaperone directly supervising every 10 students at all times. Students without chaperones are not allowed in Space Center Houston’s gift shops. This rule pertains to all field trips, regardless of student grade level or age. Please follow our code of conduct during your field trip.

Home Schools

Home school groups who can provide a federal tax ID qualify for the Field Trip rate. A minimum of 20 tickets must be purchased to receive the discounted rate. Learn more about our Home School Days.

Title 1 Schools

Title 1 schools may request funding that supplements the price of a field trip while funds are available. The program provides a rate of $5.95 per person, a savings of up to 78 percent from full-price admission.

Virtual Field Trips

Space Center Houston offers innovative distance learning for science and space enthusiasts of all ages! Our educators take virtual learning to a new level with interactive, STEM-based sessions from a variety of locations around the museum. Each session takes place next to the exhibits and incorporates artifacts from the space program.

SpaceCenterHouston_Moon 2 Mars Festival_3.18.2023_Photographer Melissa Taylor-9

Plan Your Field Trip

Get tips and advice about our exhibits and experiences to help you plan the perfect field trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

A field-trip ticket includes more than 400 things to see and do at Space Center Houston, including many exhibits, three films, four live shows, several artifact galleries, Independence Plaza, the NASA Tram Tour and more. There are two virtual-reality motion simulator rides that are not included (these rides cost an additional $8 and $10 per ride per person).

Prepayment is required at least one week prior to your trip to receive the discounted price.

Space Center Houston accepts school checks (payable to “Space Center Houston”), money orders, credit cards or cash. No personal checks or purchase orders are accepted.

Yes, everyone needs a ticket to enter the building. You will receive one free ticket for each 20 tickets you purchase. You can use these tickets for your teachers or chaperones. Bus drivers may obtain a complimentary ticket at the Guest Services Desk upon arrival.

Additional tickets may be purchased on the day of your visit if there is not adequate time to make a prepayment. Additional tickets must be purchased in single transaction to receive the discount.

Yes, groups can receive tickets via email. If you have chosen to have your tickets emailed, please print them out before your visit, on ticket per page, and distribute them to your group before entry. Groups can also receive tickets by mail. A $20 shipping fee will apply. Contact reservations for more information.

All tickets are non-refundable. In case of a group cancellation, tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

The parking fee is waived for school buses and charter buses. Individual vehicles for teachers or chaperones are charged $10 per vehicle.

You are welcome to explore Space Center Houston from opening to closing on the day of your field trip. We recommend arriving as soon as the center opens and spending around five hours exploring the center to have the best experience.

No, seating for all films and shows is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historic Mission Control tours are an additional cost and must be booked in advance of your visit. Public tram experiences are on a first-come, first-served basis. Trams usually depart every 20 to 40 minutes and last 60 minutes. Please check the show schedule on the day of your visit.

The NASA Tram Tour is the only part of your day that will be guided as part of your admission ticket. Touring inside the center is self-guided. Please use the Map and Guide to plan your day. The Space Center Houston app is available for download free of charge. If you wish to schedule a guided tour of Starship Gallery there will be an additional charge. Learn more about our field trip enhancements.

Outside food is not allowed inside the center. We do have a covered picnic and park area adjacent to the guest parking lot, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The covered portion seats approximately 75 people and the perimeter seats an additional 50. Coolers and lunches should be stored inside of your buses until it’s time to eat. If your bus will be leaving, please arrange a time for it to return to obtain your lunches.

Meal plans may be purchased and options are available on the field trip order form. Meals are invoiced separately and must be requested at least 10 days in advance of arrival. Meal plans are provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. For specific questions about meal plans email us at [email protected] or call 281-283-7701.

No, but you may add a meal-only ticket to your order for your driver to be used with the complimentary admission ticket he or she will receive at the Guest Services Desk.

Space Center Houston requires every 10 students to be under the direct supervision of at least one adult chaperone at all times. Students without chaperones cannot enter Space Center Houston’s attractions and gift shops. This rule pertains to all students, regardless of grade level or age.

Backpacks and purses are allowed in Space Center Houston. There are no lockers available for rental for Field Trips to store coolers or lunches on site. All bags are subject to search upon entering the center.

Click here for a free Space Center Houston Map to plan your day. You can also download the free Space Center Houston app with an interactive mobile tour.

Prepaid tickets are good for one year for a future visit.

Please see a wealth of accommodations available to all guests at spacecenter.org/accessibility-options/. For specific questions about accessibility options for your class, please email us at [email protected].
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APPLY TO RISE BY JAN. 17

Know a talented student age 15-17?

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Rise Initiative is a partner of the Conrad Challenge at Space Center Houston.

Moon 2 Mars Festival is back!

Tickets on sale now | March 13 - 16

The All-American Rejects are throwing Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival into hyperdrive. Amp up your Space City Spring Break with us!

Access to this all-ages festival is included in general admission.