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.

Pricing

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. Chaperones and teachers in individual vehicles must pay $5 per vehicle for parking. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the toll plaza.

Registration

To register for a Space Center Houston field trip,

Availability

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

Title 1 discounted field trips are available year round; however, April 17 through May 31 Title 1 discounted field trips are offered only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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.

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. Click here to learn more about Title 1 admission.

What is included in my field-trip ticket?

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 $6 and $10 per ride per person).

Is prepayment required?

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

What forms of payment are accepted?

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.

Do chaperones, teachers and bus drivers need tickets?

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.

Can we purchase additional tickets on the day of our visit?

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.

Can my tickets be sent to me before the trip?

Yes, Space Center Houston offers the convenience of shipping. Shipping fees will apply. Contact reservations at +1 281-283-4755 for more information.

Are tickets refundable?

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

Will I have to pay for parking?

The parking fee is waived for school buses and charter buses. Individual vehicles for teachers or chaperones are charged $5 per vehicle.

How much time should we plan for our visit to Space Center Houston?

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.

Can I get scheduled into a film time?

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

Can I make reservations for a specific NASA Tram Tour time?

We cannot reserve a time slot for any group for the NASA Tram Tour. Trams usually depart every 20-60 minutes and last approximately 90 minutes. Please check the daily schedule at the Guest Services Desk on the day of your visit.

Will my group have a tour guide?

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 or the Neutral Buoyancy Lab there will be an additional charge. Click here to learn more about our field trip enhancements.

Can we bring our own lunches to eat inside Space Center Houston?

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.

Do you have a meal plan we can purchase?

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 mluna@spacecenter.org or call 281-283-7701.

Does my bus driver get a complimentary meal ticket?

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.

Is there a chaperone-to-student ratio required?

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.

Can we bring backpacks and purses into Space Center Houston?

Large backpacks and large bags, or any other item that does not fit in the lockers available for rental, will not be allowed inside the center. All bags are subject to search upon entering the center.

Are maps of Space Center Houston available?

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.

What if I paid for tickets but need to cancel my visit?

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

Do you have accommodations for special education classes?

Please see a wealth of accommodations available to all guests at spacecenter.org/accessibility. For specific questions about accessibility options for your class, please email us at accessibility@spacecenter.org.