NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Hours: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is an incredible facility and a hidden gem in Greenbelt, Maryland, focused on space science, engineering, physics, and astronomy. The Visitor Center is like a mini museum with lots of interactive displays, a theatre, and an outdoor area with real, albeit old, rockets. It is a visually interesting place inside with lots of cool space photography. The center is small enough to not be overwhelming, making it a more relaxed and easy alternative to larger museums, and everything can be seen in about 1.5 to two hours. It is a great spot, especially with kids. Pros include many buttons to push and interactive displays that keep children engaged, a great outdoor spot for kids to run around, a cute little gift shop with fun stuff, and lots of free parking. Favorite features are a station that simulates the smell of space, inspiring video interviews with NASA scientists, and a chill solarium alcove. There is also a scavenger hunt for kids. However, some label text and videos are full of scientific jargon, making it hard to explain to children, and the outside area is very dated. Some videos also lack captions. The planetary sciences team is great, and the center is staffed by committed, full-time NASA employees and docents who are passionate and make visitors feel special. The visit is described as inspiring, with nice touches like free posters for kids. There is a nice open lot for parking and great views. A noted con is that the gift shop sells alien-shaped cold pops. It is a great and inspiring visit, totally worth a trip, with nearby ice cream and pizza places for after.

• 3.03 miles

  

  Prince George's Chamber of Commerce Community Service/Non-Profit, Business Management Consultant

1. Greenbelt, Maryland