Space Foundation Discovery Center - white and orange car showing license plate
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Space Foundation Discovery Center

4.6
·294 reviews·Colorado Springs, United States

Explore the cosmos with hands-on exhibits, a full-scale JWST model, and engaging space simulations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Space Foundation Discovery Center - white and orange car showing license plate

Space Foundation Discovery Center

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the cosmos with hands-on exhibits, a full-scale JWST model, and engaging space simulations.

4.6
(294 reviews)

"Absolutely wonderful, so interactive, caring staff, and really fun place!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance online.

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

You'll need at least 2 hours to explore, but more is better for hands-on fun!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

James Webb Space Telescope Model

James Webb Space Telescope Model

Main Exhibit Hall

Marvel at the world's only full-scale model of the iconic James Webb Space Telescope.

Mars Rover Experience

Mars Rover Experience

Interactive Exhibits

Pilot a Mars rover and experience the challenges of exploring the Red Planet.

Drone Flight Zone

Drone Flight Zone

Interactive Exhibits

Test your piloting skills in a dedicated zone for flying drones.

Science on a Sphere

Science on a Sphere

Main Exhibit Hall

Witness stunning visualizations of Earth and other celestial bodies on a unique spherical display.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Space Adventure

Book tickets online to save time and ensure entry, especially for special events. Check the calendar for workshops and unique activities that cater to all ages. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more immersive experience.

Engage with the Cosmos

The Space Foundation Discovery Center is highly interactive. Allow ample time for hands-on exhibits like drone flying and Mars rover simulations. Staff are known for their helpfulness, so don't hesitate to ask questions to enhance your learning journey.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Events
Why
Unique workshops & activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#blastoff🚀 at KSC! #iykyk #kennedyspacecenter #shuttleatlantis #kennedyspacecenterflorida #kennedyspacecentervisitorcomplex #kennedyspacestation #traveltiktok #traveltips #vacationtipsandtricks #floridavacation #stardate #captainslog #finaldestination #traveltok #blastoff #artemis #nasa #space #columbiaspaceshuttle #challengerspaceshuttle #voiceover #myjourney #rickyblueeyes #rikitikitoki
@ricky_db_voice
15.5K likes • 212.8K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance online. Reddit

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

You'll need at least 2 hours to explore, but more is better for hands-on fun! Reddit

Space Foundation Discovery Center is a BIG VIBE... no cap. 🤩 #MuseumGoals #ColoradoSprings #VisitColorado #ColoradoLife #GardenoftheGods #PikesPeak #STEM #Astronaut #Mars #Drones #SpaceLab
sfdiscoverycenter
47 likes • 1.7K views
You can explore the universe without ever leaving the ground at the Space Foundation Discovery Center 🪐 #space #spaceexploration #spacemuseum #coloradosprings #travel #imagination #visitpikespeak
visitpikespeak
81 likes • 3.5K views

👨‍🏫 Engage with Staff

The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, eager to enhance your learning experience. Reddit

🗓️ Check Event Calendar

Discover special events and workshops for a richer, more engaging visit. Reddit

Looking for a fun and educational place to visit in Colorado Springs? Check out @spacefoundation Discovery Center! We had such a great time and learned so much! The information guides awesome and friendly as well! Check them out! . . . . . #coloradosprings #colorado #spacefoundation #homeschool #space #spacefoundationdiscoverycenter #familyfriendly #educational #education #family #thingstodoincol...
mich_ele
26 likes • 417 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance online. Reddit

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

You'll need at least 2 hours to explore, but more is better for hands-on fun! Reddit

👨‍🏫 Engage with Staff

The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, eager to enhance your learning experience. Reddit

🗓️ Check Event Calendar

Discover special events and workshops for a richer, more engaging visit. Reddit

🎓 Student Discounts

College students with valid IDs can get discounted admission. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(294 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Space Foundation Discovery Center for its highly interactive and engaging exhibits, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are a significant highlight, enhancing the overall visit. While primarily geared towards children, adults also find plenty to enjoy, especially the impressive JWST model and unique simulations.

"What a great place! We only had two hours to explore but could have spent much more time. Our kids especially enjoyed flying drones, walking on the moon, driving Mars rovers, and making their own 3D pen creation. The staff are helpful and engaging with the kids. When our daughter was upset that her 3D pen creation didn't look like anything and she couldn't figure it out, the staff member was so kind and helped her to feel better about what she had made. Such a lovely, kid friendly place."

Mandie Langman

"The place was absolutely wonderful. So interactive, caring staff, and really fun place. I cannot recommend it enough. We made buttons, alien headbands, there were drone races and practicing using a rover. So much fun for kids of all ages."

Kendra Napoleon

"Such a fun place! Not only my kids love it, we - the adults, enjoy coming here as well. Check out the calendar for special events, workshops... it's really cool!"

Maša Popović

What People Like

Highly interactive exhibits
Engaging and helpful staff
Impressive JWST model

What People Dislike

Can be geared towards younger kids

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Space Foundation Discovery Center is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules if you plan to use them. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the Space Foundation Discovery Center. Instagram

Operating hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Space Foundation Discovery Center website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Instagram

Absolutely! The Discovery Center is a fantastic destination for a day trip in Colorado Springs, offering hours of educational and interactive fun. Instagram

Yes, the Space Foundation Discovery Center is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists visiting Colorado Springs. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but it's always a good idea to check the official Space Foundation Discovery Center website for the most current pricing. They often offer discounts for students, seniors, and children. Reddit

While tickets may be available at the door, it's highly recommended to purchase them online in advance to ensure availability and potentially save time. Reddit

Yes, college students with a valid student ID can get discounted tickets for $7.50. It's worth checking their website for other potential discounts. Reddit

It's advisable to check the booking policy on their website. Some attractions require timed entry, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Instagram

Refund policies can differ. Please refer to the Space Foundation Discovery Center's official website or contact them directly for details on their ticket refund policy. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope, the interactive Mars Rover simulations, the drone flight zone, and the captivating Science on a Sphere. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's incredibly kid-friendly! Children love the hands-on activities like flying drones, driving rovers, and making 3D creations. The staff are also very engaging with kids. Reddit+1

Most visitors spend around 2 hours exploring the exhibits and participating in activities, including scavenger hunts. However, you could easily spend more time if you're deeply engaged. Reddit

Absolutely! While geared towards younger audiences, adults can enjoy the 'harder' scavenger hunt, the Science on a Sphere, and the Mars Rover exhibits. Reddit

They host various events, including workshops and gatherings for young professionals in the space industry, like the New Generation Space Leaders event. Check their calendar for upcoming activities. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain exhibit areas. Instagram

The James Webb Space Telescope model is a spectacular photo opportunity. Many of the interactive exhibits also make for fun and engaging photos. Instagram

The James Webb Space Telescope model, the Science on a Sphere, and the Mars Rover exhibits offer visually striking backdrops for photos. InstagramReddit

With good lighting and a bit of creativity, you can capture some fantastic shots. The exhibits are designed to be visually appealing. Instagram

It's always best to check for any specific rules regarding flash photography, as it can sometimes interfere with exhibits or other visitors' experiences. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Space Foundation Discovery Center is a fantastic destination for families. The exhibits are highly interactive and designed to capture children's imaginations, with activities like flying drones, driving Mars rovers, and creating 3D pen art. Reddit+1 The staff are particularly praised for their kindness and engagement with younger visitors, ensuring a positive experience even if a child is struggling with an activity. Reddit

Consider checking the event calendar for family-friendly workshops or special programming that can add an extra layer of fun and learning to your visit. The scavenger hunts are also a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged as they explore the center. Reddit+1

🎓 Budget-Conscious Students

For college students, the Space Foundation Discovery Center offers a significant perk: discounted tickets for $7.50 with a valid student ID. Reddit This makes it an affordable and enriching way to spend a few hours exploring space. Reddit

While some exhibits are geared towards younger children, there are still plenty of engaging displays for adults, including the impressive James Webb Space Telescope model and the Science on a Sphere. The 'harder' scavenger hunt can also provide a fun challenge. Reddit

🚀 Space Enthusiasts & Lifelong Learners

Even if you're not bringing children, the Space Foundation Discovery Center offers a wealth of knowledge and engaging exhibits for adult space enthusiasts. The full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope is a must-see, providing a tangible connection to cutting-edge space science. InstagramReddit

Engage with the interactive exhibits like the Mars Rover simulations and the Science on a Sphere for a deeper understanding of space exploration. The knowledgeable staff are also a great resource for answering your most pressing space-related questions. Reddit Don't forget to check the event calendar for lectures or special programs that might appeal to your interests. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Interactive Exhibits: Hands-On Space Exploration

The Space Foundation Discovery Center truly shines with its array of interactive exhibits designed to immerse visitors in space exploration. From piloting a Mars rover to testing your skills in a drone flight zone, these hands-on experiences make learning about space engaging for all ages. Visitors rave about the ability to 'fly drones' and 'drive Mars rovers,' highlighting the fun and educational value. Reddit+2

Beyond the thrill of piloting, the center offers creative outlets like making 3D pen creations and alien headbands, ensuring there's something for every interest. The Science on a Sphere exhibit provides a breathtaking visual journey through our solar system and beyond, offering a unique perspective on Earth and other celestial bodies. These exhibits are not just for kids; adults find them equally captivating and informative. Reddit+2

The staff's role in enhancing the interactive experience cannot be overstated. They are consistently described as helpful, knowledgeable, and engaging, particularly with children. Their ability to assist and encourage visitors, even when a creation doesn't turn out as planned, creates a positive and memorable atmosphere. Reddit

The James Webb Space Telescope: A Stellar Display

A major draw at the Space Foundation Discovery Center is the permanent display of a full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This impressive replica is the world's only full-scale model and offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the sheer scale and complexity of this groundbreaking scientific instrument. Instagram

This exhibit provides a tangible connection to humanity's quest for understanding the universe. Standing before the JWST model allows visitors to grasp the engineering marvel that it is and the profound discoveries it enables. It's a testament to human ingenuity and our drive to explore the cosmos. Instagram

The JWST model serves as a powerful educational tool, inspiring awe and curiosity about space exploration and the ongoing scientific endeavors that push the boundaries of our knowledge. It's a highlight that many visitors are eager to see and photograph. Instagram

Community and Learning: Events and Education

The Space Foundation Discovery Center is more than just an exhibit hall; it's a hub for space education and community engagement. They regularly host special events, workshops, and gatherings designed to foster learning and connection within the space industry. InstagramReddit

These events cater to a diverse audience, from families seeking educational activities to young professionals looking to network. For instance, the New Generation Space Leaders events provide a platform for forward-thinking individuals to connect and share insights. Instagram This focus on community makes the Discovery Center a dynamic place to visit, offering fresh experiences beyond the permanent exhibits. Reddit

Checking the center's calendar for upcoming events is highly recommended to make the most of your visit. Whether it's a hands-on workshop or a networking event, these programs enrich the visitor experience and underscore the Space Foundation's commitment to advancing space exploration and education. InstagramReddit

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