The RDU Buzz

By Chelsea Nallenweg 

Journey to Space: A Hands-On Adventure at the NC Museum of Science

There is a brand new space exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh and it is totally worth checking out for any space lover! Families can embark on an out-of-this-world journey and discover what it truly takes to live and work in space at the Journey to Space exhibit, open from November 2, through April 27, 2025. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-12 and can be purchased at the museum front desk.

There are so many hands-on things to do at this exhibit for both adults and kids! Visitors can step into the life of an astronaut as they explore the unique challenges and risks of space travel. The awe-inspiring mock-up of the Destiny Lab from the International Space Station is a must try for anyone that doesn’t get motion sickness easily! This mock-up attraction can help visitors experience the sights, sounds, and even the sensation of floating in microgravity. Visitors can also take a turn at operating a robotic arm, managing limited power for life-support systems, or test their dexterity using space gloves. 

This immersive exhibit includes authentic artifacts from past space missions, like Neil Armstrong’s helmet and gloves from Apollo. Visitors can listen to stories from current and former astronauts, sharing their perspectives on the incredible feats and challenges of working beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Kids can even play with a mini dollhouse version of the International Space Station!

From engineering marvels that make space survival possible to insights into humanity’s future on Mars, the Journey to Space exhibit offers an educational and thrilling experience for all ages! Aside from this exhibit, the North Carolina Museum of Science is the largest natural history museum in the southeastern states and offers many different exhibits throughout its SEVEN floors. It is also totally free to the public!