Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island, Florida)
Since 1968, the Kennedy Space Center has been NASA’s main launch site for space flights. Important missions have been carried out at its base, such as the Apollo 11 lunar landing.
Its large Visitor Complex allows visitors to learn about everything from early programs to current space exploration. Some of the accessible attractions you can visit are the “U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame”, the “Rocket Garden”, the “Launch Experience” or the “Astronaut Encounter”, among others.
As specified on the official website, the site has accessible parking near the entrance, tour buses with elevators, appropriate seating in the theater and cinemas, mobility equipment rental service (electric scooter or wheelchair) and adapted restrooms. Also, from the complex you can buy tickets for the upcoming rocket launches.
Space Center Houston (Houston, Texas)
Space Center Houston is a leader in learning about space exploration and science. As such, it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the great Texas metropolis.
Visitors with reduced mobility can tour the NASA astronaut training facilities, the George W.S. Abbey rocket park and Apollo mission control. It is also possible to visit the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exhibit, enter the spacecraft and spacesuit galleries, attend an astronaut presentation and many other experiences.
Accessible parking is available near the entrance. In addition, the following services are available at the center:
- Streetcars and tour buses have elevators.
- Adapted restrooms throughout the center.
- Wheelchairs are available for loan at the Guest Services Desk. Limited number of wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All theaters, attractions and exhibits are accessible to wheelchair users. Entrances are at ground level.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Huntsville, Alabama)
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center houses one of the largest rocket collections in the world. Here you will have the opportunity to see the authentic Saturn V and other incredible space artifacts.
Some attractions such as the “G-Force Accelerator” or “Moon Shot” may not be recommended for people with back problems or other significant medical conditions. We recommend that you consult the information on the different activities.
If you need it, you can request a wheelchair or stroller free of charge during your visit. There are also adapted restrooms, reserved parking, paved paths, elevators, accessible seating and ramps, among other services.
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum (NYC, New York)
The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum has as its centerpiece the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, built during World War II for the U.S. Navy. It also exhibits the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the Concorde Alpha Delta G-BOAD and the USS Growler submarine. So, through its exhibits you can take a journey through American history, where you will discover how innovation happens in the air, at sea and in space.
The museum is accessible almost in its entirety. However, it does not lend wheelchairs. You can get more information by writing to the email address provided on the official website: access@intrepidmuseum.org.
California Science Center (Los Angeles, California)
Few places arouse curiosity as much as the California Science Center. This museum has different exhibitions dedicated to space, ecosystems and the origins of life. To complete the experience, it has an IMAX projection system to watch 3D movies and feel endless emotions.
All its areas are suitable for wheelchair users, including the IMAX theater, which has accessible seats located at the top. Manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, all restrooms are adapted.
In this post we have only mentioned a few centers that you can visit. We invite you to let us know in the comments what other similar places you have visited and tell us about their accessibility.
Tell us, would you like to visit them?
Sources: Kennedy Space Center, Space Center Houston, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, California Science Museum
