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Sensory Friendly Events

A place for quiet wonder, for all ages and sensory needs

Space Center Houston invites guests of all ages who may benefit from a reduced sensory environment, including those with sensory sensitivities, autism, or similar needs, to explore science and space exploration in a calmer setting.

Whether you come for a family outing, a holiday light show, or a themed event, this is where you’ll find details about all of our experiences specially designed with sensory comfort in mind.

Visitors can participate in special educational activities operated by instructors who are trained to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities. There also will be a designated quiet room for guests.

We aim to make space exploration accessible and welcoming. Our sensory-friendly offerings include:

  • Modified environments | We adjust lighting, reduce volume and sound effects, and limit crowds to help prevent overstimulation.
  • Calm spaces and supports | A designated quiet room is always available. For visitors who benefit from sensory tools, we offer sensory-support items at Guest Services (sound-reducing headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, and more).
  • Tailored programs | All of our sensory-friendly events and experiences are led by instructors trained to support guests with sensory sensitivities.

Sign up for updates on Sensory Friendly Events and Experiences

Upcoming Sensory Friendly Events

Note: Schedule subject to change. Registration opens one month prior to the event.

Use this page to find any of our sensory-aware experiences! This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Regular Sensory-Friendly Events with limited attendance and adjusted sensory controls.
  • Special events and seasonal programs offering reduced stimulus — for example, low-sensory nights at Galaxy Lights.
  • Ongoing accessibility resources, including sensory backpacks, quiet rooms, and more.

Sensory Friendly Event | Galaxy Lights

Monday, January 5, 2026
6:30 pm

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

To accommodate more families, admission is set at the special lower price of $15.95 and children three years and younger get in free. Members receive free admission to Sensory Friendly Events and experiences.

Not yet a Space Center Houston member? Become a member now and receive discounts on tickets to special events, free general admission and more.

Guests at Sensory Friendly Events will enjoy:

  • Astronaut Gallery
  • Independence Plaza (shuttle carrier aircraft and shuttle replica), presented by Boeing
  • Mission Mars (except for Orion simulator)
  • Experiential educational activities
  • Starship Gallery

These areas will be closed during Sensory Friendly Events:

  • Exhibits with extreme volume or other sensory-challenging components
  • Morphis, T-38 and Orion flight simulators
  • Live presentations and films in Destiny Theater and the Mission Briefing Center
  • Souvenir photo experiences

Activities subject to change:

  • NASA Tram Tour
  • Seasonal traveling exhibit
  • SpaceTrader gift shop
  • The Food Lab
  • Space Center Theater

Please see the photo guide and/or spacecenter.org/exhibits for more details.

Yes. While we have done everything possible to make this event comfortable and exciting for your child, visitors younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at Space Center Houston.

You may bring food to this event to be eaten in The Food Lab if you have a dietary restriction.

Yes. We encourage families to enjoy Space Center Houston together. Please consider that the activities are designed for school-aged students.

Absolutely! This includes, but is not limited to, sound-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, Irlen glasses, pressure suits, favorite toys and blankets. Please note that bags are subject to security search.

The experiential educational activities are designed for school-aged children and might not be suitable for other ages. Younger children or adults who love space and might benefit from a low-sensory environment are welcome to attend with a caregiver.

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