I don’t know if it’s because my kids grew up watching shows like Miles from Tomorrowland and little einstein (“We’re going on a trip on our favorite rocket ship!”) But they were fascinated by space from an early age. For a long time, my son could say the astronaut’s name as quickly as the Pokemon character. In fact, this fascination with the final frontier seems to be a relatively universal (heh) thing that children experience. And while most of us won’t actually visit space with our kids, luckily there are some great destinations to keep them occupied.
From authentic rocket launch sites to ancient ruins designed for sky-gazing, here are some of the best destinations to take your space-loving kids to.
John Glenn Astronomy Park in Hocking Hills, Ohio
The dark-sky region of Hocking Hills, Ohio is home to John Glenn Astronomical Park. As you might have guessed, it’s named after one of America’s most famous and beloved astronauts. Before his death, Glenn often said that his dream of becoming an astronaut began by looking at and studying the night sky. So it’s only fitting that the park would provide access to giant telescopes that will inspire the next generation of space explorers. The amazing weekend program is run by Park Director Brad Horn, “the world’s biggest space and sky nerd,” and keeps kids engaged and entertained. Additionally, families can explore the Solar Plaza, designed to highlight celestial events such as the vernal equinox. Did I mention it’s free?
U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama
For little space enthusiasts, there’s no greater surprise than standing beneath a towering rocket at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It’s no wonder this museum is so beloved. Travel expert and Perennial Style editor Ellen Flowers considers a visit here one of her favorite childhood memories.
“As a kid, standing under a giant rocket and learning about space exploration felt like stepping into another world…The interactive exhibits and astronaut simulator brought it all to life and made me feel like I was part of something huge. It’s the perfect destination for kids who are obsessed with space. It sparks their imagination and gives them a hands-on connection to the history and science of space. Plus, they get the chance to meet real astronauts and learn about their journeys. It’s truly out of this world! ”
Astro Trail in Tucson, Arizona
Thanks to decades of strict light pollution regulations, Tucson is known for its unusually dark skies. As such, we’re home to some truly world-class observatories, research centers, and public astronomy programs for families to explore along Tucson’s Astro Trail. What is Astrotrail? This is basically a map of all the astronomical spots in the area, including observatories, planetariums, the Air and Space Museum, and parks like Saguaro National Park (the world’s 9th Urban Night Sky Place).
You can explore them all with our free, downloadable digital guide. Kids can collect stamps, earn discounts, and win prizes while admiring the incredible night sky.
Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Florida’s Space Coast
If you want to make a lot of money, you might want to book a trip to Cape Canaveral, Florida. This gem of Florida’s Space Coast is home to the world’s busiest rocket launch site, where kids can watch launches in real time. Launched monthly, it’s easy to time your trip. You can also visit other space-centric attractions nearby, including Space View Park (America’s first and only park honoring astronauts and the women and men who helped our nation lead the world in space exploration) and the American Space Museum.
But if witnessing a rocket launch is high on your child’s bucket list, be sure to add Kennedy Space Center to your itinerary. Keri Bo, a New England-based travel writer who runs the family travel blog Bon Voyage With Kids, knows a thing or two about space. Her husband works in the space industry as an analyst. That’s why she speaks from experience that Kennedy Space Center is an “absolute must-see experience” for families. (It even blew away her husband!)
“From meeting real astronauts to seeing and touring real spacecraft, even touching real spaceships, and interactive activities, this is an awe-inspiring destination. My kids loved seeing the Atlantis Space Shuttle up close, meeting and getting autographs from the astronauts, seeing the rocket launch pads, touching buttons, and experiencing space experiences up close.”
Why not pull double duty by visiting both the theme parks and the Space Coast during your Florida vacation? Grande Lakes Orlando, a sprawling 500-acre resort, also offers accommodations with add-on packages that allow you to take a special trip with the state-of-the-art Kennedy Space Center Helicopter Tour experience. Full-day tours can be customized to guests’ preferences, and they embark on a private tour with panoramic views.
Houston Space Center in Houston, Texas
They call her “Space City”. Houston is home to the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, home to over 400 super cool space-inspired artifacts. Tour the world-famous Apollo 17 command module, explore a comprehensive collection of spacesuits, step aboard a replica NASA 905 shuttle transport plane, and take a tram tour of the space center.
Oh, and the Lunar Sample Experiment Facility, where you can view the world’s largest public display of moon rocks. And be prepared for this. Kids can touch 3.8 billion-year-old moon rocks in the Starship Gallery. I mean, if that doesn’t give your child bragging rights for the rest of the school year, you never know what will.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
If your child loves the outdoors or is good at performing in open spaces, plan a visit to the U.S.-accredited International Dark Sky Park. More than a dozen national parks have this feature, but Bryce Canyon stands out as a family-friendly park. In fact, the park hosts more than 100 astronomy programs a year, all led by rangers and volunteers.
These programs include constellation tours, full moon hikes, night sky telescope programs during the summer, and the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival held each June. And, needless to say, a trip here means all the stargazing your space-obsessed heart could desire. It’s one of the few places left in the United States free of light pollution, so it’s top-notch stargazing in that regard.
Moonshot Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Let’s be honest, people are sleeping in Pittsburgh. Such a great family vacation place! The city’s Moonshot Museum provides further motivation to visit. Newly opened in 2022, the museum is Pennsylvania’s first space museum and the first of its kind in the world, focused on preparing careers and communities for the 21st century space industry. Fittingly, visitors will have the unique opportunity to watch an actual spaceship being built in real time through giant floor-to-ceiling windows. It also acts as a mission control center (how cool is this?!) to guide spacecraft to the moon.
Pair your trip to the nearby North Shore with a visit to the Daniel G. and Carol L. Cummin Science Center. It features four floors of interactive exhibits, including the newly opened Mars: The Next Giant Leap. Trust me, your kids will love it (just kidding, sorry).
Mayan ruins of Caracol in Belize, Central America
For an adventure that combines history with stars, head to Belize’s Caracol Mayan ruins. Stargazing is an important part of the Mayan civilization, so the ancient Mayans designed temple complexes to aid in the interpretation of the stars. This is proof that humans have been obsessed with space for thousands of years! Start your visit with a guided tour and learn how the Maya used astronomy to interpret the will of the gods and guide their daily actions.
Between guided tours of Mayan astronomy and Belize’s low light pollution (perfect for stargazing), this trip might be the kind of tour that will deepen your child’s love of space while sparking their interest in history. Bonus: Belize is a relatively close and affordable destination from the United States, and its official language is English, making it a great introduction to international travel.
Starfest and Dark Sky Reserve in Ontario, Canada
While any dark sky preserve offers a great stargazing vacation, Ontario holds a special place in the hearts of many space enthusiasts. First, the province has a number of designated dark sky reserves that you can visit, including Killarney Provincial Park, Quetico Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Manitoulin Eco Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, and Fathom Five National Marine Park.
But Ontario is also home to Starfest, the annual “star party” hosted by the New York Astronomical Society. “There are plenty of telescopes to peer through, engaging lectures, and a large campground with everything a family needs, including facilities, showers, and a pool. The sky is pitch black, perfect for stargazing,” said Echo Wang, founder of Cool Travel Vibes, who visited with her family for the first time last year and was blown away by the experience.
Tour of the Stars at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Maui, Hawaii
How about a vacation that doesn’t just involve soaking up the sun and surfing, but also allows budding astronomers to explore space? The Hyatt Regency on Maui is your gateway to the stars, located on 40 oceanfront acres along Maui’s famous Ka’anapali Beach. Guests can explore the cosmos with a 16-inch reflector, affectionately (and hilariously) referred to as the “Great White,” Hawaii’s only recreational telescope. The hotel’s unique rooftop astronomy program, led by a NASA ambassador, allows guests to observe stars, planets, and galaxies from a nine-story vantage point. Is it any wonder that this astronomical sightseeing experience has earned Hyatt Regency Maui the title of world’s top hotel for stargazing?
Oh, and if you want to bring the grandparents to spend the night with the kids, you might want to try Romance Tours. Elevate your space tourism experience with sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries.
Loynes Observatory, Nantucket, Massachusetts, etc.
Indeed, when you think of Nantucket, you probably think of a summer beach vibe. What you probably don’t know is that it’s also a stargazer’s paradise. Nowhere is this more evident than at Graydon House. Guests have exclusive access to the Maria Mitchell Society’s Loynes Observatory.
Named after America’s first female astronomer, the observatory features a refurbished antique 8-inch Alban Clark telescope and a 24-inch research telescope. And because Nantucket Island lies 30 miles off the coast of mainland Massachusetts, there’s little light pollution in the night sky there.
Area 51 and UFO lore in Nevada and New Mexico
They say the truth is out there, but for space freaks like us, there are also some great family-friendly adventures. While you can’t exactly tour the real Area 51 (though we’re sure you’ve tried), your kids will be thrilled to dive into the UFO legends of the surrounding area.
“The chance to learn about the legend of UFOs, the history of military aviation, and even the possibility of encountering aliens is truly magical,” says Perennial Style’s Flowers. “Visiting nearby museums like the International UFO Museum in Roswell or exploring the Nevada desert on a guided tour will develop a sense of wonder at the unknown. It’s a great combination of adventure, history, and sci-fi curiosity that will have kids and adults alike wondering what’s really out there.”
Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Listen, haters are going to hate, but I truly believe Disney deserves to be on this list…and I’m not alone in that. Kelsey Lachenkamp and MickeyTravels say, “Space enthusiasts shouldn’t trust the space-themed activities at Walt Disney World at Epcot. While there are several fiction-based attractions that allow riders to step up and save the galaxy, the park also offers a more realistic space experience. Mission: Space gives riders the authentic experience of embarking on their own mission to space! Riders can choose a more intense experience that uses spinning and tilting centrifuges to simulate the velocity and gravitational acceleration of a spacecraft’s launch and reentry, but a gentler experience is also available for those who desire an experience that does not require a gravitational acceleration experience. ”
Both she and Bo, the Bon Voyage With Kids expert, agree that Epcot’s ultra-immersive Space 220 restaurant is also a must-see. “The whole experience at this themed restaurant is an incredibly immersive one, from checking in to riding the elevator to the ‘space station’ to eating while surrounded by space while sipping on intergalactic drinks for the kids,” Bo said. “The children are also given collectible cards. They and my husband were in awe of the dining experience, and my husband, given his space expertise (as a space analyst), noted the realistic touches.”
While you’re at Disney, you might want to stop by the Magic Kingdom to ride some of the galaxy-themed rides like Astro Orbiter, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Tron would also be a great fit here).
Cosmos Stargazing Resort and Spa in Mosca, Colorado
Located near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, this unique resort features 20 luxury villas equipped with telescopes and stargazing from private decks. Thanks to an on-site planetarium and observatory, guests can enjoy an immersive, expert-led stargazing experience, and the resort’s location on a Bortle Class 2 Dark Sky site makes it ideal for astrophotography and other night sky explorations.
But let’s be honest: With 12 international dark-sky parks and numerous certified dark-sky communities, you can’t go wrong with Colorado as your stargazing destination. Locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to experience the true magic of Colorado’s starry skies by taking families on a full moon hike, taking a self-guided tour like Colorado Stargazing: A Nighttime Experience, or booking a guided tour through a company like AstroTours.org.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
The coastal city of Victoria may be buzzing with culture, but its proximity to dark sky locations also makes it a mecca for stargazing. Examples of peaks? Cattle Point Urban Star Park is a night sky viewing haven spanning over 70 acres.
For the full experience, book a stay at Parkside Hotel & Spa. The spa is collaborating with the Center of the Universe, a renowned astronomy educational facility, to encourage visitors to explore the skies through two stargazing packages. The first, Spectacular Stargazing, offers guests a private overnight patio set for stargazing. Featuring cozy lounge chairs around a crackling fire pit, blankets, pillows, a snack cart with star-themed sugar cookies and warming hot chocolate, books, sky maps, a star finder, and a high-quality telescope. The second, more budget-friendly option, the Celestial Exploration package, simplifies your DIY stargazing adventure with a comfy blanket, trail map, virtual guide, and binoculars.
Joshua Tree National Park and Borrego Springs (Greater Palm Springs, California)
Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its exotic scenery, but its night sky is just as remarkable. In fact, Joshua Tree is one of two international dark sky parks in Greater Palm Springs, the other being Borrego Springs. Visitors to the area can book guided stargazing tours, complete with telescopes, blankets, and constellation readings.
When you stay at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, you also have access to the daily Solar Scope program, which allows you to observe the sun during the day, and night stargazing sessions. From there, visitors have easy access to the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory for public observation nights, where they have drop-in access to the PlaneWave Instruments CDK 700 telescope, and on-site astronomers and doctors can teach you fun facts about the universe.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Finnish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, a truly spectacular celestial event. To make this experience even more memorable, families can watch the amazing movement of the green and purple night sky from a glass igloo or on a reindeer safari ride under the stars.
However, this area is also the official home of Santa Claus. That means you can see the Northern Lights, visit the North Pole, and meet classic Kris Kringle, all in one trip. Your child will feel like they’ve landed in a space snow globe.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Are you more interested in glamping than camping? Take a peek at Sweet Stars Camp at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. This special package transforms the terrace of your two- or three-bedroom family residence suite into an enchanting starry campsite with setups such as a cozy teepee with fairy lights, galaxy-themed cookies, and a high-quality telescope to explore the night sky. It’s like the most extravagant space-themed sleepover ever.
The experience also includes a one-hour session with a professional astronomer, three-hour nanny service to assist with the care of young children, a bottle of champagne with a gourmet cheese board for parents, a complimentary 50-minute massage in the spa for one adult, 50% off round-trip private airport transportation, a separate in-suite cocktail hour with a private bartender, and daily in-suite amenities such as fresh fruit, crudités, and petit fours. Once the stargazing fun is over, families can head to the kids club and enjoy a private movie night while enjoying popcorn, ice cream, and other classic movie treats.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
You should have known this was coming, right? No space kid’s bucket list would be complete without a stop at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. From artifacts like the Apollo 11 command module to moon rocks and more, this free museum sets the standard. And while you’re in the area, you can double-up by visiting the Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport, home of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Talk about twofers!
