Columbia Memorial Space Center

Columbia Memorial Space Center is at 12400 Columbia Way. Next door to the site where Apollo Program capsules and Space Shuttle crew modules were once built, the 20,000-square-foot facility uses hands-on exhibits and visual displays to make space science accessible to all ages. Highlights include the Robotics Lab, using Lego vehicles for testing; the Paper Airplane Station; and the Shuttle Simulator, examining how well you'd dock with the International Space Station. Catering to groups, the Challenger Learning Center showcases a mock NASA Mission Control and Spacecraft room where kids can participate in simulated space missions.

Out front is the memorial plaza, which honors both the 1986 loss of Space Shuttle Challenger as well as Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003.

Guided tours are available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.