Overnight Experiences

Family Campout

You and your family will navigate your own space exploration journey while engaging in science, technology and engineering related activities. Build rockets and explore robotics.

Activities cover an array of difficulty levels to excite guests ages five and older. Build a model rocket and attend a model rocket launch. Explore engineering design and coding as you program and operate robotic rovers.

Build your own rocket and then see how high you can launch it. Train like an astronaut, learn about spacewalks, and perform tasks and tests conducted by astronauts. Tour Starship Gallery, home to multiple flown spacecraft, astronaut training models, one-of-a-kind artifacts and more.

You and your entire family can experience a unique overnight camping experience.

Sleep in the great outdoors under the stars. Pack your tent and set up camp under a twice flown Falcon 9 rocket or in Independence Plaza, right underneath a Boeing 747, the shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905, and our high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence.

Please note that all campers must be at least 5 years old.

Launch your family camping trip into orbit in our Family Campout program at Space Center Houston!

~~Jan. 16~~
~~Feb. 20~~
~~March 13~~
~~April 10~~
~~May 29~~
June 26
July 31
Aug. 21

Note: Must register at least two weeks prior to the event date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Scout Camp-in and a Family Campout?

Scout Camp-ins are for families, troops or packs from any official scouting organization. Family Campouts offer the same experience but are for families not involved in a scouting group and who might not have a lot of camping experience. The programs offer the same activities.

Who can attend a Family Campout?

This co-ed camp is open to any family, their immediate and extended family members and friends. They do not need to be associated with a scouting organization to attend.

Do I need camping experience to attend?

No, it is not required, but it is helpful to have some experience camping and setting up a tent. There will be staff members to help if needed.

How big are the camp sites? Can I pick my site?

Camp sites are 10-by-10 foot grass areas that may or may not be level. You may be underneath the plane or near it. Sites are assigned randomly and dependent on the number of people in a group and the ground condition. (We will not place anyone in a muddy site). If you are unhappy with your assigned site, let a staff member know and we will try our best to accommodate your request.

Is there an option to sleep indoors?

Yes, attendees may register as an “Indoor Camper” or an “Outdoor Camper.” Indoor campers will sleep in our exhibit halls and will not need tents. All outdoor campers will have a spot reserved inside in case of bad weather.

Do I need a tent to sleep outside?

No, but it is recommended.

How dark will it get outside?

The main flood lights will be turned off but the stairwell and elevator shaft to the shuttle and plane will stay lit. Overall it will be fairly dark, but there will still be light in the area.

Will it be quiet?

Space Center Houston is located in an urban area and there are busy streets surrounding the facility. The camp sites are located across the parking lot from the main road. There are typically very few cars passing by overnight but be aware that campers may hear emergency vehicle sirens or some cars passing by in the distance.

What is the rain plan?

There is extra space inside our main building and the events building that can accommodate everyone in case of bad weather. We will not require everyone to sleep inside unless the rain is substantial.

Can I change my sleeping location the night of the camp?

It is possible, but space is limited for the outdoor camp sites. Outdoor camp sites are not guaranteed unless you registered as an “Outdoor Camper.” If campers wish to move either inside or outside, they should let a staff member know as soon as possible.

Can I bring an air mattress or cot?

Outdoor campers may bring them as long as they fit in the campsite. Indoor campers may bring them only for medical conditions that do not allow them to sleep on the floor, and they must notify us prior to arrival so that we can make sure we can accommodate.

Why can’t I bring an air mattress if I am an indoor camper?

We need to reserve an area large enough inside to accommodate all outdoor campers in case of bad weather. There is not enough room indoors to be able to accommodate all campers if everyone brought an air mattress so we reserve that for people with medical conditions only.

Do you provide tents and outdoor camping gear?

No, Space Center Houston does not provide camping equipment. If you discover that your tent is damaged or unusable, we do not have any replacements. Campers can choose to sleep outdoors without a tent or move inside. You can camp outside without a tent, but it is not recommended.

Will there be restrooms and showers nearby?

There are restrooms located inside the building and in the outdoor camping area. There are no showers.

What is included?

Admission includes dinner, after-hours experience, a variety of hands-on educational activities related to different NASA fields including the opportunity to purchase “I Camped In Space” T-shirts and patches, overnight experience, breakfast and a second-day visit.

Dinner

Taco bar (ground beef and chicken fajita)
Lettuce and pico de gallo
Flour tortilla (three per guest)
Sour cream and cheese
Churros
Soda machine, water, coffee, and tea

Breakfast

Scrambled eggs
French toast sticks
Sausage patty
Fresh fruit
Orange juice, apple juice, coffee, and tea

Can I drop off my children and pick them up in the morning?

No, all children under the age of 18 must attend with at least one chaperone/parent. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be allowed to check in without a parent/chaperone who is staying with their group.

Can friends and family join us in the morning if they do not wish to spend the night at Space Center Houston?

Yes, you can purchase their ticket on the night of the camp at a discounted rate. Attendees who did not camp out can join their group the next morning when the center opens.

Are there any age requirements?

All campers must be at least five years old to attend the Campout. Anyone under the age of 18 may not attend the Campout without a parent/chaperone.

Can we bring in food and beverages?

Attendees with dietary restrictions may bring their own food. Absolutely NO cooking will be allowed. Small snacks are acceptable.

Will I have access to my vehicle overnight?

After lights-out, the facility will be completely locked down and monitored by Security. If campers need to access their vehicles during the night, they should let the security team know.

If I am camping outdoors, will I be able to charge my electronic device?

We have charging stations inside the building, but not at the outdoor camp sites. We recommend outdoor campers bring a charging bank.

Will there be any staff staying overnight on site?

Yes, there will be a full staff of security guards monitoring the building and grounds as well as two Campout staff members.

Can we check-in before 4:30 p.m.?

No, check-in will begin no earlier than 4:30 p.m. The Special Event Building will be open 30 minutes prior to check-in time.

Why are the prices the same for adults and kids?

Everyone, including parents, can participate in the activities, and we supply everyone attending with their own materials.

What is the Second Day Option?

The program ends at 8:45 a.m., and you will be given the following options:

Option #1 Private tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center and general admission to Space Center Houston for the remainder of the day.
Option #2 Depart for home after breakfast and receive a general admission ticket to use on another day.

Overnight Experiences

Family Campout

Experience includes

Pricing

2021 dates

Family Campout forms

Galaxy Lights Overnight

Frequently asked questions