Museums that Matter – Virginia Air & Space Center

We’ve already expounded on Hampton, Virginia’s delights as an outdoor paradise, but we must admit that come wintertime it can have the occasional chilly day. Where should you turn, then, if a forty-degree hike just isn’t your thing? How about the Virginia Air & Space Center?

Arguably Hampton’s most famous attraction, the Virginia Air & Space Center is a humungous interactive science museum with a focus on family-fun and education. It couldn’t be better located either. Hampton, VA is the site of the very first NASA Space Center, and thus in many ways the birthplace of the American Space Program, and today the Air & Space Center serves as the official visitors destination for both NASA Langley and the Langley Air Force Base.

Exhibits are numerous but perhaps the most exciting is “Space Quest”. This long-in-the-making exhibit offers a hands-on opportunity to explore Mars, a space station, a shuttle and much more. You can create realistic craters in real time, simulate a lunar landing, have a fun rover race and even check out a time machine.

Of course, there’s plenty for history buffs of any age to explore as well. The “Adventures in Flight Galley” explores over 100 years of human aviation through an impressive collection of actual air and spacecraft as well as interactive exhibits allowing you to do everything from “wing walking” across a bi-plane to living a day on the job of an air traffic controller.

Need to rest your feet? The Virginia Air & Space Center has it covered. Visit the adjacent Riverside IMAX Theatre which shows a combination of educational documentary and feature films. Some film presentations are even presented in 3D. IMAX tickets may be purchased separately or as part of a general admission ticket to the center.

The Virginia Air & Space Center is open year-round. Learn more about it here.

For hotels in Hampton, VA, we must again go with the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel. The beautiful waterfront location is a definite plus, but the real story this time is the walking distance access to the Center. Enjoy!

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