Overnight experiences
Spend a night at Space Center Houston and discover one-of-a-kind space artifacts during our overnight experiences. Explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on learning and challenging activities. Create, learn and grow in our overnight experiences.
Navigating through a space exploration journey, you will engage in science, technology and engineering related activities during our evening overnights. Following state, local, and CDC guidelines, the program is developed to ensure campers have a safe and fun experience. Registrants will be provided with a complete list of updated program policies.
Overnight experiences include
- Check in and welcome briefing for evening activities.
- Indoor accommodations as well as outdoor camping under the SpaceX rocket or NASA 905 shuttle aircraft carrier and shuttle replica at Space Center Houston.
- Exciting, hands-on STEM experiences.
- Dinner, snack, and breakfast served at Space Center Houston.
- Second-day general admission ticket to explore Space Center Houston exhibits and experiences, including the NASA Tram Tour of Johnson Space Center. *Tours subject to availability by JSC.
Family Overnight Pricing
- $79.95 per person
Scout Overnight Pricing
- $79.95 per scout
- $69.95 per adult
Click the individual program links to explore the exciting overnight experience options available and to register online. To register via phone or email, to change your order, or to be added to the wait list for a full camp, please contact Reservations at +1 281-283-4755 or reservations@spacecenter.org. For program questions contact the program coordinator at +1 281-244-2131 or overnights@spacecenter.org.
Please review our Overnight Experiences FAQ, which includes program policies and procedures. View FAQ
Policies & procedures
- Event capacity: The program capacity is limited to ensure social distancing can be met and sanitizing practices can be implemented.
- Sleeping accommodations: Overnight Experiences offer a unique opportunity to sleep next to flown space artifacts! We have both indoor and outdoor accommodations. Check the FAQ for more information.
- Face coverings: All guests (ages 2+), regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask anytime they are inside Space Center Houston facilities or on one of our tram tours. The only time guests can remove their masks while onsite is when outside (with the exception of while on a tram tour), or while eating and/drinking. Eating and drinking with masks off must happen when stationary and appropriately distanced from other people not in their party. Space Center Houston employees in public facing areas are required to wear a mask for the safety of everyone.
- Meals: Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Check the FAQ for more information.
- Activities: Our activities have been designed to ensure a safe environment for learning.
- In order to maintain social distancing, activities will be conducted in large open areas of the center.
- Activity areas will allow for all groups to remain at least 6 feet apart.
- Supplies will be prepared and placed at the tables before the activities begin.
- Campers will be assigned a restroom based on their activity location and in preparation for “lights out” at the end of the evening.
- Breaks with snacks and drinks are scheduled during the activity time.
- Second day admission: The program continues to offer a tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in the morning as part of your second day experience. Please be aware that tours may become unavailable at any time due to JSC’s policies and regulations. Check the frequently asked questions for more information.
PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS
T-shirts
Camp T-shirts are $15 each and are available for purchase in youth medium, youth large, adult small, adult medium, adult large. adult XL, adult XXL. T-shirts are available to reserve during the scheduled break in activities. Payment will be made by credit/debit card the following day during operating hours at the Guest Services Desk.
Patches
Patches are $7. Patches are available to reserve during the scheduled break in activities. Payment will be made by credit/debit card the following day during operating hours at the Guest Services Desk.
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Submit the form below to receive information about our Overnight Experiences.
Spend a night at Space Center Houston and discover one-of-a-kind space artifacts during our overnight experiences. Explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on learning and challenging activities. Create, learn and grow in our overnight experiences.
Overnight experiences include
- Buffet dinner served at Space Center Houston
- Welcome briefing in preparation for the night’s activities
- Exciting, program specific, hands-on activities designed to build science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills
- Sleep overnight at Space Center Houston
- Buffet breakfast served at Space Center Houston
- Second day general admission ticket to explore Space Center Houston exhibits and experiences, including a guided tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center
Pricing and registration
Family Campouts
- $69.95 per person
Scout and American Heritage Girl Camp-Ins
- $69.95 per scout
- $59.95 per adult
FIRST LEGO Robotics Camp-Ins
- $59.95 per person
Frequently asked questions
- Option #1 Private tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center and general admission to Space Center Houston for the remainder of the day.
- Option #2 Depart for home after breakfast and receive a general admission ticket to use on another day.
- Option #1 Private tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center and general admission to Space Center Houston for the remainder of the day.
- Option #2 Depart for home after breakfast and receive a general admission ticket to use on another day.
Stars & STEM
Looking for a more challenging experience? Our immersive Stars & STEM program is now offered overnight! Launch further into space exploration and discover rigorous, engaging activities and experiences. Explore physics and Newton’s laws, programming and robotics, circuitry and its applications in space exploration and more in Stars & STEM.
Helpful tips and information
Overnight experience forms
- Back packs, duffle bags or small roller suitcases “carry-on” size luggage is ideal.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (sleeping pad goes under your sleeping bag) Sleeping pads are highly recommended as we do not allow air mattresses and the floor is carpeted, but still hard.
- Pillows and extra blankets as the air conditioning does get cold, even in summer, so it is always a good idea to bring an extra blanket.
- Basic toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and hair brushes are ideal and wet wipes are a great way to freshen up since we do not have showers.
- Pajamas.
- Clothing should be comfortable. Casual clothes and good walking shoes are recommended. Scout uniforms may be worn on the night of the camp or the next day. Typically, about half of the troops and packs wear their uniforms and half wear troop or pack T-shirts or other casual clothes. Remember to bring a jacket or sweater no matter what time of year you are coming.
- Charging banks are a great idea and allow you to charge your device without an outlet. There are some outlets available in the sleeping area as well as charging stations around the center but you are not guaranteed a sleeping location near an outlet.
- Money for gift shop.
- Food/snacks if you have food allergies or are unable to partake in the provided meals, you may bring your own. However, NO food or drinks can be consumed in sleeping areas.
- Medical forms for every scout and adult are required to be brought to the Camp-In. The troop/pack leader should have them readily available if needed for an emergency.
What NOT to bring?
Please keep in mind that you will be sleeping with other troops and packs and we ask that you show the same courtesy and respect to them that you would like them to show you. Think of it as an indoor-camping trip and the camp site, just like in the forest, has a few rules so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
- Air mattresses and cots, the only exception to this rule is if you or someone in your party has a medical condition. If you did not already request to bring one in the comments section of your registration, please email Reservations or the Program Coordinator.
- Glow sticks (flash lights and phone lights are ok)
- Electrical hair appliances (blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons etc.)
- Only registered scouts and their leaders/chaperones attend a Camp-In. Chaperones are not permitted to bring any children who are not registered or who do not meet the designated age level or gender requirements for a camp-in.
Adding Additional Scouts or Adults to Your Reservation?
- If you need to add more scouts or adults to your reservation, please call Reservations at +1 281-283-4755.
Medical Conditions
- If you have a medical condition that does not allow you to sleep on the floor and you need to bring an air mattress or cot, please let us know as soon as possible before the camp so that we can accommodate you.
- If you need to bring a CPAP machine, let us know so that we can place you near an outlet.
- If you have any allergies to food, you can view the current menu and list of ingredients that will be offered during the Camp-In, on our website at any time. If you need to bring your own food, you may do so.
- Our Instructors and Camp-In staff will not administer any medication to anyone. If a child is bringing prescription medicine that needs to be taken during the camp, then either their parent/guardian or troop/pack leader must administer it to them.
First Aid
- We do have a first aid kit with very basic supplies for minor injuries or illnesses. The Security department also has a fully equipped first aid kit.
- The troop/pack leader needs to have all of the medical forms for every scout and parent readily available in case of an emergency.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
- Cancellations to your reservations may be made up until 6 weeks before the date of your Camp-In.
- Refunds will only be given up until 6 weeks before the date of your Camp-In.
- If your camp is less than 6 weeks away and you are not able to attend, you can reschedule individuals or your entire group and apply your ticket(s) to another Camp-In.
- If Space Center Houston cancels your camp due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we will either refund you or you can apply your tickets to another Camp-In date.
- Rescheduling your Camp-In date can be done by calling Reservations at +1 281-283-4755. Please note that all dates are subject to availability.
Getting to Space Center Houston We are located at 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058
Traffic can be an issue, even on a Saturday so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel. If you are crossing through downtown Houston, it is generally better to take the 610 loop instead of I-45 through that area.
- If your troop/pack is traveling in separate vehicles, make sure all drivers have a way to contact each other. Everyone must be present from your troop or pack in order to check in.
- Always check current weather and road conditions on official state websites.
- I-45 usually has road construction south of Beltway 8.
- Beltway 8 is a toll road.
- In case of bad weather and road closures on major freeways, there are several alternate routes in the area to choose from.
- Remember to search for Space Center Houston and not NASA or Johnson Space Center on your GPS. We are located across the street from NASA.
Bad Weather Camp-Ins are not cancelled for bad weather unless all of Space Center Houston is closed. This only occurs in extreme, severe storms. No refunds will be given as long as the Camp-In has not been canceled. However, you may reschedule your visit any time. You will be notified if the Camp-In is canceled.
Parking and Check-In
- Check-in is at 5 p.m.
- Tell the Space Center Houston Crew Member at the parking toll booth that you are here for the Camp-In. Parking is free for you and anyone else who is staying for the Camp-In or dropping off and picking up.
- The gate will be open early in the morning for anyone joining you on the second day.
- Check-in is at the Special Events Building located to the right of Independence Plaza
- Once everyone from your party has arrived, the leader can go up and check-in with our staff. You will receive a welcome packet with a wrist band for everyone in your group as well as the itinerary for the evening, coupons for the gift store and badge requirements met and a few other goodies.
- The Camp-In staff member will then explain everything you need to know and check-you in. Know how many scouts you have and how many adults you have altogether. They will also tell you when to bring in your luggage. If you are being dropped off, you can either store your luggage in another vehicle from your group or ask the Camp-In staff member for assistance.
- Your entire group must be present in order to check-in and enter the center. If you think that part of your group will not arrive before dinner starts, then please notify the Camp-In staff.
Badge Requirements Met During the Camp-In
- You will be given a list of all of the badge requirements your scouts will be earning upon check-in. You can also view them on our website. Some scouts earn an entire badge or adventure loop in a night, while others earn most requirements but not all. It depends on the camp type as to whether or not they complete all the requirements. For questions please contact the Program Coordinator, at campins@spacecenter.org.
Blue Cards
- Our Instructors cannot sign Blue Cards because they are not certified merit badge counselors. It is up to you to show your Space Exploration Merit Badge counselor the badge requirements met.
- Boy Scouts complete most but not all of their badge requirements for the Space Exploration Merit Badge during the Camp-In. They will need to complete the rest in order to earn their full badge and get their Blue Card signed off.
Badges
- We do not provide any physical badges for the scouts, including the make your own badge for Girl Scouts.
After Check-In, Before Dinner
- Free time to explore the center – limitations apply. Movies, shows, simulators and Independence Plaza are off limits. You can experience these attractions on your second day. This is so that no one misses dinner and we don’t lose you. There is plenty to see in the exhibit area during this time.
Buffet Dinner / Snacks / Buffet Breakfast
- Both meals will be served, “buffet style”, with one serving per person. Seconds will be offered after everyone has been served.
- Menus include vegetarian and gluten free options. See current menu on our website.
- Snack time happens during the second activity of the evening. We offer a beverage and snack to everyone.
Luggage/ Camp Sites
- Luggage is brought in at different times depending on what camp type you are attending and when the center closes. You will be told when to bring in luggage at check-in.
- Camp sites are assigned at random by troop/pack and are based on capacity and group size.
- Changing and getting ready for bed happens in the bathrooms.
- For Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls, men will be required to sleep in a separate area.
- After lights-out, it is up to you to keep your group quiet and settled. If a scout needs to go to the bathroom, our policy is that one adult must go with them. They cannot go without an adult.
Welcome Show
- There will be a Welcome Show after dinner to go over the plan for the evening, rules and introduce the Instructors. Midway through the show, the scouts are dismissed into their groups with their Instructors and go to their first activity. The adults stay behind for an adult briefing and then rejoin the scouts. Important information is covered that you will need to know during the remainder of the Camp-In.
2 Deep Leadership
- Our policy at Space Center Houston is that a scout is never left alone. They are either with one of our Instructors, another scout or a troop/pack leader or parent. We ask them to find a “Space Buddy” (another scout) during the Welcome Show and they are supposed to stay together during the activity portion of the night. We understand that scouting organizations may have a different policy when it comes to how many adults must be with a scout at all times.
- Please feel free to abide by your organization’s policies. We understand and respect that you may require two adults from your troop or pack to go with the groups when they are dismissed and that is completely acceptable. We just need most of the adults in the adult briefing portion of the Welcome Show.
Camp T Shirts, Patches and Day 2 Only Tickets
- Camp T-shirts, patches and Day 2 Only Tickets will be available for pick up and/or purchase after the Welcome Show. The Camp-In staff member leading the Welcome Show will dismiss you by group to go to the T-Shirt counter.
- If you preorder your shirts and patches you will receive them the night of the Camp-In. We no longer mail them before the Camp-In.
Activities
- The activity portion of the evening is meant to be a fun and educational experience for the scouts. One badge/ adventure loop has been chosen for the scouts that evening to work on, which is advertised on our website. We chose the most space related badges available from each organization, however some lend themselves more to space science than others. Our Instructors will relate the activities to space as much as they can. All activities are either science or space related.
- Your scout will be assigned to a group of about 20-30 other scouts. They will not be separated from their troop or pack unless the troop or pack has more than 30 scouts. You will also be assigned to the same group as your scouts.
- Groups will rotate around the center, doing each activity at a different location. Some activities are hands-on while others are tours or interactive demos.
Leaders
- Your role as a troop or pack leader and parent is very important during the Camp-In. The activities are designed for you to participate with your scouts and enjoy this unique experience together. Please participate in the activities with your scouts and help them make memories that will last for a life time!
- Instructors are going to rely on you to participate and be a part of the activities. They will interact with you as well and will get you involved so “be prepared”.
- The Instructors also need your help with maintaining discipline and attention of the scouts.
- We will have a refreshment area for you where there will be coffee, soda and hot and cold water available to you throughout the evening.
Family and Friends
- Camp-ins are designed as a special night for scouts and their parents/leaders only. If any friends or other family members would like to join you for your second day, you can purchase a discounted second day ticket for $12.95 for them the night of your camp-in. Tell your guests to arrive by 10 a.m. to join you for the second day.
- Taco bar (ground beef and chicken fajita)
- Lettuce and pico de gallo
- Flour tortilla (three per guest)
- Sour cream and cheese
- Churros
- Soda machine, water, coffee, and tea
Breakfast
- Scrambled eggs
- French toast sticks
- Sausage patty
- Fresh fruit
- Orange juice, apple juice, coffee, and tea
*Please note menus are subject to change. Check back the week of your camp-In for any changes.
To register for an overnight experience or to change your order, please contact Reservations at +1 281-283-4755 or reservations@spacecenter.org. For any questions regarding the program please contact the program coordinator at +1 281-244-2131 or campins@spacecenter.org.
Program enhancements
T-shirts
Camp T-shirts are $15 each and are available for purchase in youth medium, youth large, adult small, adult medium, adult large. adult XL, adult XXL. T-shirts are available for purchase only during the evening of the event with cash or credit card. To reserve T-shirts please call +1 281-244-2131 or email campins@spacecenter.org.
Patches
Patches are $7 and can only be purchased the night of the event with cash or credit card. Patches will be made available for purchase only during the evening of the event. To reserve patches please call +1 281-244-2131 or email campins@spacecenter.org.
Meals
Group meal plans are available as an option for second-day visits.
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Follow us or subscribe to our emails to get updates and special offers.