If your kids are anything like mine, they are obsessed with space. My sons have been loving everything that has to do with the stars, planets and the great beyond for years. So when my son Mario turned 5 years old, I wanted to make a boys trip weekend he and his brother Colin would never forget. Getting a tour of NASA. Seeing the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Getting up close and personal with the people who make space exploration possible, and the items that have been there. Best of all… all for free!
With a little preparation, you’ll be able to head down to see one, or both of these attractions. Preparation is definitely key.
Getting your kids a free tour at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
It is an absolute treat to walk onto the campus of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (or JPL). This is essentially the remote control for all of the devices we’ve sent into space. From Voyager 1 and 2 (which have been out in space gathering data since 1977) to the multiple Mars Rovers. This is where all of the remote controlling, data gathering and much of the design of these crafts take place.
Located on the northern portion of Pasadena against the hills of the Angeles National Forest, the JPL started humbly. College kids from Caltech playing with rockets. But this was way more than “playing”. They were some of the brightest minds when it came to sending things skyward. Their efforts turned into NASA’s only “federally funded research and development center.” Turns out much of the campus is run by Caltech employees and students.
The tour runs about 2.5 hours and brings you from an auditorium to watch a movie about space exploration and the work being done by JPL. Along the edges of the room, you’ll find large models (often at a fraction of true scale) showing off some of the many impressive creations they are responsible for. Next door, a room filled with information and wonder awaits. From getting a grasp at how large the sun is compared to the planets, to seeing models of prior versions of the Mars Rover program, to seeing items that have been on the lunar surface. This room is filled to the brim, and you won’t get enough time inside of it. Take your pictures, and visit the Virtual Tour when you get home to see and read everything. A lot of the interactive exhibits can be played with at home too!
From there, you’ll be able to see the mission control center, where all of their creations report back the data they find. Across the way, you’ll find the Spacecraft Assembly Facility where actual spacecraft are being actively worked on and prepared for their missions. As we took our tour, they were working on the Europa Clipper. The spacecraft will investigate Jupiter’s icy moon to see if it has what it takes to support life before burning the craft up in Jupiter’s atmosphere. The mission is set to take off in 2024 with the Clipper reaching its destination in 2030. Yeah, it’s quite the commute. The cool thing is, my boys will have their names etched on a microchip that goes on the craft. Yours can too!
This tour packs a lot of information and frankly might be slightly overwhelming for the younger kids. My kids were 5 and 6 and while they loved it, they were getting antsy. That said, there is no better time to spark their imagination than right now.
Getting a tour takes some preparation on your part. Typically tour windows open up for two months in advance. For example, October 2nd at 9am the tour slots open for December. To book your tour, visit the JPL Free Public Tours page and set an alarm for the next time you can reserve. Spots will go fast.
Also, pro-tip, there is a gift shop. While the shop may be open when you arrive inside the visitor center, it may not be open by the time you depart the tour. You’ll find some NASA trinkets inside. You’ll also get some sweet stickers at the end of the tour that are on the house (which is your tax dollars).
The staff couldn’t be more helpful and welcoming. Huge thank you to the JPL staff who were incredible.
See the Space Shuttle Endeavour for free (while you can)
You may not know this, but the Space Shuttle Endeavour – the real thing – is in Los Angeles. It’s true. Back in 2012, the California Science Center took ownership of the shuttle after an arduous process of getting it through the city streets. Since then, it has been in a large external building, belly down, and astounding guests for a decade.
Here’s the thing: It’s free. They California Science Center doesn’t charge for entry to see Endeavour, or frankly most of their museum. You can (and should) buy tickets to their 3D space movie in their IMAX theater. There is also an incredible gift shop that dwarfs what you’d find at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. If it is space themed, you’ll probably find it there.
You can touch the tires that were on Endeavour, see items that were brought to space, and even see the shuttle’s toilet. It’s way more involved than you’d think! There is also an entire other wing showing off spacesuits, actual spacecraft and models. It’s really impressive and will capture your kid’s imagination.
Here’s the downer: it is not going to be on display much longer. After December 31st, the Endeavour exhibit will be shutting down for about two years. When it reopens, a new wing of the museum will open with Endeavour pointed towards the stars. It’s boosters and large External Tank connected to its belly. Visitors will be able to experience what it is like standing at the base of the launch pad. You’ll also be able to go up several stories and peer inside of the shuttle. It will be incredible, but it will be a while until it opens. So if you’re thinking of making the trip, get a move on.
Happy exploring, parents! If you can make this trip happen, I can promise you that you’ll have a thankful kid.
