U.S. Space & Rocket Center
As soon as I knew we were moving to Alabama, I knew I wanted to take the kids to the US Space and Rocket Museum in Huntsville. Although we used to live only an hour and a half from Cape Canaveral, we never took the kids to the Kennedy Space Center. I did not want to make the same mistake here. I jumped at the opportunity to go with friends during their spring break.
Huntsville is about an hour and a half away from our house. We drove up in the morning, spent several hours at the museum, then ate at Rosie’s Cantina for a late lunch. It was simply perfect.
Remy was all about his new friend “Girl-Riley”. He was only interested in being with her. Luckily, she was game.
We spent the first half of our museum time outside. We had been expecting rain, but the sky held off. And we happily meandered through the vehicles set up outside. The big kids rode on the G-Force Accelerator a few times. Remy was disappointed to find out that he was too small for it.
While the stuff outside is undeniably cool, I think the most interesting things are inside the buildings. On one building, the one with the cafeteria, there is a replica of the International Space Station. Remy, both Rileys and I walked through it. We met a man who worked as an engineer for NASA. This made my Riley happy. They chatted for a few minutes about engineering – Riley is taking engineering and coding classes this year.
The main building has a full-size rocket in it (Saturn V). It is hard to grasp the sheer size of these things in pictures or on tv. But when you are standing under one, it is amazing!
COVID Considerations
- You are encouraged to pre-purchase timed tickets. Click here to purchase your timed tickets.
- Masks are required for guests in all areas of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Masks will be available for purchase on-site at ticketing for $1.
- They are frequently sanitizing and disinfecting all museum spaces.
- Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the museum.
- Some exhibits are temporarily closed exhibits. Click here for a list of open areas.
All in all, I felt good about it. It was not crowded, we were all pretty well spaced out. Even with some things being closed, plenty exhibits were open. I don’t even think the kids noticed any closures.
I can’t wait to go back… next time, we are bringing Grandpa!
Thanks for reading!
