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Museums & Landmarks

Columbia Memorial Space Center

📍 Downey, CA

★4.6(154 Google reviews)👶All ages

Interactive space museum dedicated to the Columbia shuttle crew, featuring robotics programming, flight simulators, and STEM workshops. Guided tours, science camps, and astronomy nights available. Best for kids under 11. Compact and content-rich.

✓ Hands-on STEM✓ Robotics lab✓ Flight simulators✓ School-age kids✓ Friendly staff

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids aged 5-11 who are curious about space and technology. The robotics lab is a particular hit with school-age children new to programming. Staff are consistently described as friendly and informative.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Call ahead to confirm exhibits are accessible and no private events are booked
⏰Museum membership from other institutions may grant free or discounted entry - check before visiting
🎟️Plan for 2-3 hours to fully work through the hands-on exhibits
🚗Robotics lab is best suited for kids aged 6-11 as an intro to programming

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.6
★★★★★

154 Google reviews

G Reviews from Google

J

Juan Rodriguez (JohnnyMan)

3 years ago

★★★★★

“Hello everyone. Welcome to the Columbia Memorial Space Center. This is a wonderful place for hand's on learning. Columbia Memorial Space Center offer's scienc technology and engineering. Getting to learn the earth and astronomy. There is a robotics lab where you can learn about programming. Discover flight and aeronautics. Learn about NASA and commercial space programs. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The admission fee is inexpensive and offers a discount to AAA, membership holders. This is a great environment for kids to learn and explore. There are many activities to keep you entertained. Thank you for reading my review. Please follow me on Google maps and check out the places I visit.”

I

Ismael Santiago

a year ago

★★★★★

“Here is my experience with this tiny but great interactive museum. Call ahead to make sure there isn't an event that you will not be able to access the museum. It is really for kids. The staff were friendly and informative. The robotics lab was a great introduction to programming and robotics for younger kids (less than 10 or 11). Though this museum is small, it is a great way to spend a few hours. I recommend spending time with the exhibits and making sure your little ones learn something.”

J

John Louie

2 years ago

★★★★★

“How did I not know about this place? Dedicated to the memory of the astronauts who perished when Space Shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry. It is centered around science education, and hosts school visits from around the region. Not large, not glitzy, but with several really great hands-on exhibits. I could spend all day at the shuttle landing simulator, trying not to bury the spacecraft in Rodgers Dry Lake. Admission is only $5!”

💬 What parents mention

Hands-on STEM exhibitsFriendly and informative staffBest for kids under 11Call ahead for exhibit availability

Overview

Columbia Memorial Space Center honors the Columbia shuttle crew through hands-on STEM exhibits including a robotics lab, flight simulators, and space exploration displays. School field trips, science camps, and astronomy nights run throughout the year. A theater room and outdoor amphitheater support educational programming and events. The facility is compact - plan for a focused 2-3 hour visit rather than a full day.

🕐 Opening Hours

Tuesday10:00-17:00
Wednesday10:00-17:00
Thursday10:00-17:00
Friday10:00-17:00
Saturday10:00-17:00

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