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Experience the best of Space Center Houston

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Space Shuttle Independence mounted on NASA 905 at Space Center Houston.
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Tickets

Space Center Houston Ticket

Explore NASA's visitor center at your own pace with exhibits, tram tours, and events included.

  • Everything you get: Get general admission with access to all permanent exhibits, NASA Tram Tours, and special events like Astronaut Days and AR galactic soccer games. Also enjoy educational and immersive programs, the Sensory Room, plus entry to The Food Lab and the Gift Shop.
  • Why choose this: One pass unlocks a full range of space experiences in a single visit, so you can plan your time around your day instead of fixed tour times.
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Check availability
Explore at your pace

Explore NASA's visitor center at your own pace with exhibits, tram tours, and events included.

  • Everything you get: Get general admission with access to all permanent exhibits, NASA Tram Tours, and special events like Astronaut Days and AR galactic soccer games. Also enjoy educational and immersive programs, the Sensory Room, plus entry to The Food Lab and the Gift Shop.
  • Why choose this: One pass unlocks a full range of space experiences in a single visit, so you can plan your time around your day instead of fixed tour times.

Inclusions #

  • General admission to Space Center Houston

  • Access to all permanent exhibits

  • Access to special events (Astronaut Days, galactic soccer match/AR games)

  • Access to NASA Tram Tours

  • Access to the Sensory Room

Exclusions #

  • Food and beverages

  • Purchases at the Gift Shop

  • Special programs or camps requiring separate registration (e.g., Space Center U, Explorer Camps, Overnight Experiences)

  • Parking

What to bring

  • Mobile or printed ticket confirmation.
  • Comfortable walking shoes, as most of the experience is explored on foot.
  • Sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle for outdoor tram tour areas.

What's not allowed

  • Weapons or hazardous items.
  • Outside food and beverages, except for approved medical or dietary needs.
  • Smoking or vaping except in designated smoking areas.
  • Pets, except trained service animals.

Accessibility

  • Space Center Houston is wheelchair accessible.
  • Accessible restrooms, pathways, and guest facilities are available throughout the center.
  • A dedicated Sensory Room is available for guests who may benefit from a quieter environment.
  • Service animals are welcome.

Additional information

  • NASA Tram Tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may be suspended due to weather or operational requirements.
  • Operating hours and exhibit availability may vary; check the daily schedule before your visit.
  • Some special programs, camps, and premium experiences require separate registration or an additional fee.
  • Parking is available on-site for an additional charge.
  • Explorer Camps are designed for children ages 4–11, while Space Center U programs are available for guests ages 11–18.
  • Seasonal events included with admission vary by date.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Downtown Aquarium Houston entrance with palm trees and visitors.
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Tickets

Downtown Aquarium Houston Ticket

Enjoy all-day access to marine exhibits, rides, and train in one easy, flexible family outing.

  • Everything you get: All-day general admission gives you entry plus unlimited time in the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef. Ride the Shark Voyage train and enjoy unlimited amusement rides throughout the day, with food and beverages included during your visit.
  • Why choose this: Multiple attractions in one spot mean less time moving between venues and more freedom to shape the day at your own pace.
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Check availability
Explore at your pace

Enjoy all-day access to marine exhibits, rides, and train in one easy, flexible family outing.

  • Everything you get: All-day general admission gives you entry plus unlimited time in the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef. Ride the Shark Voyage train and enjoy unlimited amusement rides throughout the day, with food and beverages included during your visit.
  • Why choose this: Multiple attractions in one spot mean less time moving between venues and more freedom to shape the day at your own pace.

Inclusions #

  • Entry ticket for Downtown Aquarium

  • All-day admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit

  • Admission to Stingray Reef

  • Access to the Shark Voyage train

  • Unlimited amusement rides

Exclusions #

  • Food and beverages

  • Midway games

  • Parking fee

  • Any activities or attractions not specifically listed as included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to bring

  • Ticket and ID: Bring your valid I.D and ticket voucher to receive your wristband at the ticket booth or Will Call window.
  • E-ticket: Bring your e-ticket if this is the format provided for your booking.
  • Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking between exhibits and rides.

What’s not allowed

  • Outside food and drinks: Do not bring outside food or drinks into the Downtown Aquarium.
  • Pets: Do not bring pets with you when visiting Downtown Aquarium.

Accessibility

  • Accessibility: The aquarium is wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

  • Wristband access: You must wear a wristband for entry to the rides and exhibits.
  • Ride rules: You must follow all posted ride rules and regulations during your visit.
  • Children: Children must remain accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times.
  • Ride availability: Rides and attractions may have height restrictions and are subject to availability.
  • Parking: You can park in the cashless lot behind the building and pay via QR code and your phone.
  • Parking account: You can create or log in to a parking account in advance if you prefer.
  • Operating hours: You should check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours.
  • Crowds: You should arrive early to help avoid long lines at popular times.
  • Show times: You can plan your visit around show times for a smoother experience.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Top things to do in Houston

Large aquarium tank with coral and fish at Downtown Aquarium Houston.

Downtown Aquarium Houston Tickets

from

$30.29

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Quick overview

  • Ways to explore: General admission includes permanent exhibits, interactive galleries, and access to the NASA Tram Tour with a same-day boarding pass.
  • Additional access: Depending on your visit date, admission may also include select live presentations, Astronaut Days, and seasonal events.
  • Must-do experience: Pick up your NASA Tram Tour boarding pass early after arrival, as spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • When to visit: Weekday mornings and arriving within an hour of opening offer the best chance to avoid crowds and secure tram tour availability.
  • Good to know: Entry is timed, so select your preferred arrival slot when booking. Children under 3 also require a timed admission ticket.

What to expect at Space Center Houston

Saturn V Apollo exhibit outside the Houston Space Center
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Walk under the Saturn V rocket

Mighty and massive, the Saturn V rocket sent Americans to the moon. Of the three on display worldwide, this is the only rocket with fully flight-certified hardware, made of various unused rocket components. Walk under this giant, which stands 363 feet tall and weighs 6.2 million pounds when fully fueled.

Learn about an astronaut’s life

On display is a comprehensive collection of spacesuits and astronaut apparel, used from training flights to spacewalks on the Moon. From Pete Conrad and Michael Collins to Judy Resnik and Sally Ride, the collection includes some of the biggest names from the space industry. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the Crew Portrait Wall, featuring every NASA astronaut who has flown into space—goosebumps, indeed!

Go behind the scenes at NASA

Book a seat on the NASA Tram Tour—one of the most exciting experiences while here, and roll right into the Johnson Space Center. This is the training base for NASA astronauts and the site of Mission Control, from where the Earth team supports our men and women in space.

Catch a glimpse of the space-future

From the Artemis Exhibit, an interactive exhibit highlighting the return of humans to space after 50 years, to Mission Mars, which discusses everything there is to know about humans’ mission to the Red Planet, these exhibits allow you to dive into the future of space.

Fuel your inner science nerd

Kids and parents, grab your camping gear and head to the space center for a multitude of experiences—they are seriously fun. Participate in robotic challenges and space-themed interactive experiences, and camp out under the starry sky for overnight experiences, which include building STEM skills  (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through hands-on learning.

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks

Space Center Houston has a stellar lineup of events during your visit—including an immersive virtual moon mission narrated by Tom Hanks. Dive into Apollo-era stories and hear firsthand from astronauts leading NASA’s ongoing Artemis program.

View the events calendar

Permanent exhibits at the Space Center

Independent Plaza

Experience the world's only shuttle replica, Independence, mounted atop the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. You can enter both the shuttle and the aircraft to explore interactive exhibits about the Space Shuttle Program and its impact on current and future space exploration.

Starship Gallery

Home to flown spacecraft and national treasures, the gallery features the Apollo 17 Command Module, Mercury 9, Gemini 5, and a full-size Skylab trainer. Visitors can also touch a real Moon rock and learn about the history of human spaceflight.

Spacesuit collection

The gallery showcases one of the world's most comprehensive collections of astronaut apparel. It includes spacesuits from various missions, such as those worn by Apollo, Skylab, and ISS astronauts.

Mission Mars

An interactive exhibit that delves into NASA's plans for Mars exploration. You can experience a simulated Orion capsule, touch a Mars meteorite, and learn about the technology that will take humans to the Red Planet.

International Space Station Gallery

This gallery provides insights into life aboard the ISS, the largest structure built in space. It features interactive live shows, a Robonaut, and actual flown space station artifacts. It celebrates over two decades of continuous human habitation in space.

Films & live presentations

Enjoy educational films and live presentations that provide updates on current NASA missions and insights into astronaut life aboard the ISS. These are included with general admission and are held in venues like the Mission Briefing Center and Destiny Theater.

Science Deck

Participate in real space science experiments and learn about the importance of scientific research conducted in space. The Science Deck offers hands (and brains)-on activities that demonstrate the impact of space science on our daily lives.

NASA Tram Tour

A behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center, which includes visits to the historic Mission Control, astronaut training facilities, and Rocket Park, home of the massive Saturn V rocket. You can book this by visiting the Guest Services Desk on the day of your visit.

Attractions you simply cannot miss

Saturn V rocket

Saturn V rocket

Walk beneath the massive, fully restored rocket that launched astronauts to the Moon. It’s one of only three left in the world—and the longest ever built.

Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) dispayed outside the Houston Space center
Astronaut Training areas accessed via NASA tram tour at the Houston Space Center.
Exhibits at the Houston Space Center
Mars rover exhibit at Mission Mars in Houston Space Center

Plan your visit

Houston Space Center exterior facade
  • Opening hours: Varies by month, typically between 9 and 10am.
  • Last admission: Varies by month, typically between 5 and 6pm.
  • Closed on: December 25 and Thanksgiving Day.
  • Best time to visit: Within one hour of opening and on weekdays.
    Weekends, holidays, and summer time (June-August) are crowded.

Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States | Find on Maps

Getting here from Downtown Houston:

  • By bus: Houston Metro Bus 247 and 249 on weekdays. Get off at Bay Area Park & Ride, and then take a 5-minute cab to Space Center Houston. This service is unavailable on weekends.
  • By cab: Uber or Yellow Cab Houston taxi services are available.
  • By car: It is a 30-minute drive on I-45 S highway. Parking is available at $10 + an additional service fee.
Wheelchair accessibility

The space center is equipped for various disabilities, including physical, visual, and hard-of-hearing. General facilities include:

  • Restrooms
  • Nursing rooms
  • Parking spaces
  • Wheelchairs for rent
  • Allowance of service animals (proof of disability required)
People waiting in line looking at the US Rocket outside the Houston Space Center

Quick visit (2 hours)

  • Explore the shuttle carrier aircraft at Independent Plaza.
  • Visit the Starship Gallery to see real flown spacecraft and national treasures.
  • Wrap up with a live presentation or short film at Destiny Theater.

Half-day (4 hours)

  • Take the NASA Tram Tour to Rocket Park.
  • Explore Mission Mars with Mars-focused exhibits. 
  • Visit the Independent Plaza before breaking for lunch at The Food Lab.
  • Swing by the Starship Gallery to check out national space treasures.

Full-day (7+ hours)

  • Start your day with the NASA Tram Tour, visiting all three stops.
  • Explore all the exhibit zones—Starship Gallery, Mission Mars, ISS, and more.
  • Wrap up your visit with multiple live presentations, feature films, and talks with astronauts at Destiny Theater.
Restroom Sign
  • ATM
  • Restrooms
  • Parking facilities
  • Restaurants
  • Gift shop
security check
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry.
  • A security check is a must.
  • Oversized luggage and backpacks are not allowed; carry a small backpack.
  • The facility covers an area of 183,000 square feet—dress comfortably to walk around.
  • Outside food and beverages are not allowed, except baby food and formula.
  • Except for service animals, no pets are allowed.
  • Large camera equipment is not allowed—tripods, monopods, external lighting, etc.
  • Aerial drones are not allowed on-site.
  • Visitors are not allowed to enter wearing costumes or character masks.
Sandwiches

The Food Lab is a multi-concept eatery with a marketplace, coffee bar, and various food stations, such as:

  • The Market: Serves grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, hot entrees, and snacks.
  • Grounds Control: Serves a selection of espresso drinks and all-day pastries.
  • Community Kitchen: Serves dishes inspired by Houston and regional cultures, including street food, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. 
  • Deep Space Deli: Bite into freshly made sandwiches, available pressed or cold.
  • Galaxy Greens: Build-your-own salads featuring fresh ingredients and micro-herbs grown on-site.
  • Outer Crust: Serves freshly baked flatbreads, pizzas, and other baked specialties.
  • Velocity Grill: Serves classic grill dishes and healthier options.
Nasa Cap sold at Space Trader, the official gift store at Space Center Houston

Visit Space Trader, the official gift store at Space Center Houston, for official NASA merchandise, toys, gifts, memorabilia, and more.

Location: 1601 NASA Parkway Houston, TX, 77058 | Find on Maps

Timings:

  • Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm
    Saturday-Sunday: 10am-6pm

The Space Center has an online gift shop with a selection of merchandise, including apparel, toys, and memorabilia.

Astronaut spacesuit displayed at the Houston Space Center
  • Expedition 72 | Crew Debrief & Welcome Home Ceremony: Meet the astronauts of Expedition 72 as they return from the International Space Station.
  • AAPI Month Speaker Series: Join Samantha Sequeira as she discusses her role in advancing space technology and research.
  • Family Overnights: Spend the night under the stars—indulge in themed activities and challenges.
  • Space Center U: A hands-on program for students who want to train like astronauts.
  • Mission Control Space Center U: An advanced program with real-time pressure to build leadership and communication skills.
  • Space News & Brews:  It’s science, socializing, and snacks—all in one stellar evening.
  • Atmospheric Space Center U: Explore topics like atmospheric layers, storm tracking, and planetary weather patterns.
Woman with glasses smiling while checking her phone

Visitor tips

  • Arrive shortly after opening to enjoy the most popular exhibits before crowds build and to secure your NASA Tram Tour boarding pass.
  • Head to Guest Services first to reserve your tram tour, as boarding passes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Plan at least 5–6 hours if you want to experience the tram tour, permanent exhibits, live presentations, and interactive galleries.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll spend much of your visit walking between indoor exhibits and outdoor attractions.
  • Check the daily schedule for astronaut talks, films, and live demonstrations to make the most of your visit.
  • Visit popular exhibits like Independence Plaza, Starship Gallery, and Mission Mars earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle and dress for Houston's weather, especially if you're taking the outdoor NASA Tram Tour.
  • If you're visiting during summer, weekends, or school holidays, book an early entry slot to avoid the busiest periods.

Frequently asked questions about Space Center Houston tickets

It's advisable to book your Space Center Houston tickets at least a week in advance of your visit date. This is especially important during peak times like weekends, holidays, and school breaks, when the center experiences higher attendance.