10 Space & Astronaut Destinations and Activities for Kids in Wichita

I am fascinated with the night time sky.  The planets, moons, stars and galaxies.  It intrigues me and is an interest that my children also share.  As a family, we enjoy late summer nights where we can watch the stars, find the constellations and dream of becoming an astronaut someday. 

Ever since the launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, our love for the starry sky has been fueled.  So much that my oldest son has big plans with his friends to visit the Kennedy Space Center when they all turn eighteen.  They are 6 years old.  So the fact that there is a week dedicated to space means we don’t take any shortcuts and we celebrate!

This year marks the 51st anniversary of the first Moon landing in 1969!  Want to celebrate with us this year? Try some of these fun activities.

Visit the Cosmosphere:

This space museum is located in Hutchinson, KS and offers a unique experience to understand the history of space exploration.  Although nothing compares to the in person tour, you can also check out the galleries online through their virtual tour.  Click here to be taken to the virtual tours.

Visit Exploration Place:

The Exploration Place has a wonderful Sun, Earth and Universe exhibit available.  You can build a model spacecraft for a mission into space and explore the universe.  Click here to check out this exhibit.  They also offer an Astronomical Adventure Camp-In, where you can stay the night, make a Mars Rover and explore space!

Check Out Virtual Space Tours:

  • NASA has a lot of information and activities available online for kids of all ages.  From Crew program tours (including the SpaceX Crew Dragon) to tours of the NASA facilities and even Space Station tours. This is one of our favorite websites to visit!  Click here to be taken to at home and augmented reality tours.
  • Check out Google Expedition! Take a virtual trip to the International Space Station and see inside the spacecraft modules or fly along with Juno on the way to Jupiter.  This app is often used by teachers and even offers virtual reality images to make you feel like you are really there!  Plus it includes questions and facts that appeal to the minds of children at all ages.

Build a Spacecraft at Home

Get Outside

  • Get a telescope, binoculars or even use the naked eye and spend a night out under the stars.
  • Even more fun, check out the time and date of when you can see the planets in the sky.  For Wichita dates and times, click here.  You can also check out the moon phases and when to see eclipses!
  • Every Friday, Sky & Telescope, publishes some sky maps and tips for observing the nighttime sky for the following week.  We use this website to help us prepare for upcoming celestial events!

Live & Eat Like an Astronaut:

  • MRE (Meals Ready to Eat): This is what Astronauts eat pretty much every day.  Things you can eat on Earth today that can be found on grocery store shelves fall under this category, things that can be re-hydrated with water or freeze dried foods.  These foods typically include protein, fruits and veggies.  Astronauts daily food intake consists of three meals and a snack.
  • NASA has some great information and videos to show your kids how to eat, spend free time and even brush your teeth in space!  For a day in the life of an astronaut information, click here.

More Fun Space Activities:

What are some fun activities you do with your children for Space Week?

Jenna Marceau
Born and raised in Wichita, full of Shocker pride, Jenna is a boy mom to son's Aiden and Eli. She married her college sweetheart, Danny, and the two keep an active schedule that includes chasing their children and dogs around Northeast Wichita. Jenna is an executive for a local HR Outsourcing organization and a member of the Junior League of Wichita. She likes to spend her spare time helping others or volunteering around the community. You can catch her at local events, supporting entrepreneurs and participating in activities with friends and family. She is a total foodie, loves coffee and craft beer, is an avid podcast listener and is quite fond of a glass of Cabernet to end her day. Keep up with Jenna at @JenMarceau on Instagram!