Part 3: Space Center Houston and the Infinity Science Center
We have finally made it to the final part of our Florida to Texas Road Trip series. You will notice I renamed this post Texas to Florida Road Trip because we’re headed from Texas back to Florida. In part 1, we set off on our road trip from Central Florida and headed to Florida Caverns and the USS Alabama. Part 2 of our road trip covered most of our stay in Webster, Texas including stops at Seawolf Park, Clear Lake Park, and San Jacinto Battleground Site. Today in part 3, the adventure continues at Space Center Houston and the Infinity Science Center.
Space Center Houston
We made it to our final day in Texas. The kids and I headed out to Space Center Houston early. Just a warning, Space Center Houston is nothing like Kennedy Space Center. If you expect it to be similar, you will be disappointed. After reading lots of reviews, I knew we needed to arrive early. I thought arriving 15 minutes before opening would be sufficient. Nope! We were greeted by tons and tons of people. It was field trip day! School kids were everywhere. It took us forever to find the ticket booth. If you can, purchase your tickets ahead of time online. With our AAA discount, the tickets were $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids. Having an AAA membership will get you a $5 discount per ticket. After getting our tickets, we made our way through the security checkpoint. It was a simple bag check.
Tram Tour
Once inside, we made our way back to the Tram Tours. Another tidbit I picked up from reviews was to do the Tram Tour first thing. Otherwise, you may be stuck in a long, hot line. Even going there first, we had to wait about 15 minutes to be able to get on the second tram. We chose to do the 90-minute tour. It stops at Historic Mission Control, the Astronaut Training Facility, and the Saturn V. You actually get off the tram at each stop and get to walk through the facilities.
PSA
And now my Public Service Announcement of the Day; if you are on a public tour keep your kids QUIET so others can hear the commentary. We were seated in front of a bunch of kids who talked the entire tour. With the tram being open-aired and the kids talking, we couldn’t hear 75% of what was said. The only time they were quiet was when their chaperone told them to be quiet during a moment of silence at the Astronaut Memorial. Even my homeschoolers were annoyed with these kids.
The rest of the Space Center
Despite not being able to hear, we did enjoy the tour. Historic Mission Control was very interesting, as was the Astronaut Training Facility. After the tram tour, we grabbed a quick lunch. I knew to expect high prices, but still was shocked when it cost $40 for the 4 of us. If you are being frugal, bring a picnic. There is a picnic area right outside the front gate. After lunch, we explored the rest of the center. The kids loved climbing aboard the 747 and mock space shuttle in Independence Plaza. We had actually seen this shuttle previously since it used to be on display at Kennedy Space Center.
My kids also enjoyed the kid’s hands-on area and getting to touch a moon rock. An added perk was that the kids got to participate in the Stellar Science Show. By this time all the field trip kids had left and my kids were some of the only school-aged kids left at the show. They had a great time doing the science experiments. Yay, science lessons in disguise!
Plan on your visit to Space Center Houston taking up most of the day. We did just about everything, except for the movies, and were done in about 5 hours. If you watch a movie, you’ll be there for 6-7 hours.
Our road trip heads back east
The following day, we started driving back east. We made a short detour to see dear friends in southern Louisiana before spending the night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We stayed at another brand new Home 2Suites. Our suite was almost identical to the one we had in Webster, Texas. Even breakfast was the same. We were very comfortable. The hotel was very conveniently located close to lots of restaurants and shopping.
Infinity Science Center
The next morning we continued on east. Unfortunately, we were headed right towards a line of severe weather making its way across the Gulf Coast. Our first stop of the day was the Infinity Science Center in Mississippi. Infinity is the visitor center of Stennis Space Center. It is located right off I-10 next to the Mississippi Welcome Center. We found the Science Center just about empty. Not many people were venturing out with the impending bad weather. It is $15 for adults and $8 for kids. Parking is free! Infinity is nothing like KSC or Space Center Houston. It is much, much smaller!
Infinity has outdoor exhibits and a nice Biome Boardwalk. Outside there is also a segment of a Saturn V rocket. Indoors you will find 2 levels of exhibits, most of which are hands-on. There are also movies and a Bus Tour into Stennis. The bus tour is included with your ticket. Because of the approaching bad weather, we limited our visit just to the main center. We explored the entire place in just over an hour. Strangely, our kids loved big blue building blocks the best. Silly kids!
Infinity is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Your only dining option is the cafe inside the center. There is also a picnic pavilion outside or the Mississippi Welcome Center next door. I suggest bringing your own food if you plan on eating during your visit.
Crestview, FL
That night we spent the night at the Country Inn & Suites in Crestview, Florida. The hotel was in a weird location. It was off the main road next to a Dollar General. We saw some shady people but felt safe inside the hotel. We had a 2 room suite that was very comfortable for our family of 5. Breakfast at this hotel was buffet-style and was very good. The hotel also had a pool and exercise room.
The following day was a strictly driving day. No sightseeing! Overnight the storms had passed by us, so we were driving right into the rain. By lunchtime, we overtook the line of storms and were racing to stay in front of it. We made it home safely right before the rain hit. We were so thankful to be home!
Home Sweet Home
Our Texas to Florida and then Texas to Florida road trip was a whirlwind, but it couldn’t have gone any smoother if we tried. The kids and I had a great time and Hubby completed his meetings. In the future, we’d like to repeat the trip but spend more time along the way. There is so much to see along the Gulf Coast. What is your favorite attraction along the Gulf Coast?
- Road Trip Florida to Texas: Part 1
- Florida to Texas Road Trip: Part 2
- 5 Places to Experience a FL Rocket Launch
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are strictly my own. I was not compensated for this post.
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