Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Space Center approach their field trip experiences?

Our mission is to ignite a community of critical and creative thinkers.  We approach field trip experiences by allowing our guests to drive the experience.  We focus on hands-on engagement.  We promote learning through play and exploration and engage in brief discussions about space, science and more.

How long are field trip experiences?

The Space Center offers 2 different types of field trip experiences.

The Tour is 2 hours in length.  The Challenger Learning Center Mission is also 2 hours in length.  

Are there capacity restrictions/limits for the field trip experiences?

Yes.

For a field trip Tour, there is requirement of no less than 15 participants and no more than 120 participants per Tour.

For Challenger Learning Center Missions, there is a minimum of 16 participants and no more than 34 participants per mission.

If you would like to book both experiences – Tour and Mission - in one day, there is a minimum requirement of 16 participants and no more than 68 participants.

Please note, for school group Mission experiences, we allow up to 4 chaperones per mission experience.  

Are there are restrictions for field trip experiences?

Yes.

The field trip Tour is appropriate for all age levels.

The Challenger Learning Center Mission is for participants at the 5th grade level and above.

What is the cost of the field trip experiences?

The Tour cost is $3 per person.  For school groups, we do provide one adult chaperone free for every ten student participants.

The Challenger Learning Center is a flat fee of $350 per mission experience.  

Is a deposit required to book a field trip experience?

Yes. There is a $45.00 non-refundable deposit required for all field trip reservations.  The deposit will be applied towards the total cost of your reservation.  The deposit must be submitted to confirm your reservation.  The remaining balance of your reservation is due upon arrival at the Columbia Memorial Space Center on the date of your reservation.

What does a field trip Tour consist of?

  • 30 minutes exploring our first floor exhibits

  • 30 minutes exploring our second floor exhibits

  • 30 minute private robotics lab session where participants have an opportunity to code robots

  • 30 minute STEM activity which promotes hands-on learning and discovery

What is a Challenger Learning Center Mission?

The mission experience offers an exciting, hands-on adventure where participants become part of a simulated space mission.  Working as a mission ream, participants take on different roles – from astronaut to engineer – to solve challenges and complete hands-on activities that bring science, technology, engineering and math to life!

Are the field trip Tours a guided experience?

Yes! Our Museum Facilitators will guide participants through the experience. Museum Facilitators are assigned based on the quantity of participants.  One Museum Facilitator is assigned to a group up to 30 participants.

Below is the breakdown of how Museum Facilitators are assigned and how larger groups will be divided to experience the Tour.

  • 15-30 participants = 1 Museum Facilitator (group stays together for the experience)

  • 31-60 participants = 2 Museum Facilitators (group is split into 2 groups to experience the Tour)

  • 61-90 participants = 3 Museum Facilitators (group is split into 3 groups to experience the Tour)

  • 91-120 participants = 4 Museum Facilitators (group is split into 4 groups to experience the Tour)

When can I book a field trip experience?

Tours and Challenger Learning Center Missions are available to book Tuesday- Friday.

Are there specific times for the field trip experiences?

The following time slots are available to book a field trip Tour.

  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

The following time slots are available to book a Challenger Learning Center Mission.

  • 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

  • 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

The following time slot is available to book both a field trip Tour and Challenger Learning Center Mission.

  • 9:30 AM – 2:00PM

Can we have lunch before or after our field trip experience?
Groups are welcome to enjoy lunch in our outdoor amphitheater. Please be sure to indicate to our reservations team if you plan to have lunch at our facility.

If you are having lunch at the facility, staff will store bagged or boxed lunches in containers.  Additional belongings will not be stored.

How soon should my group arrive to the Space Center for our field trip experience?

Please check in at the front desk with the cashier 15 minutes prior to your scheduled field trip experience.  

Does the Space Center have a gift store?

Yes! We accept cash, credit card and contactless payment (tap).  We do not accept bills larger than $20.

Is there parking around the Space Center?

There is plenty of free parking at the facility.

What is your field trip cancellation & refund policy?

Cancellations are not official until the school/group/organization receives written notification from the Columbia Memorial Space Center.  Field trip experiences, which include Tour and/or Mission experiences, must be cancelled 14 days prior to your visit to receive a refund of any payments made towards the experience less the non-refundable deposit fee of $45.00.  Failure to show up or if late cancellation notice is provided, a cancellation within 14 days of your group reservation, means total loss of the deposit, and if paid, the final balance.

Can we reschedule a field trip experience? 

Rescheduling will only be honored if a school/group/organization contacts the Space Center minimally 14 days in advance from the initial reservation.  A field trip experience is not confirmed as rescheduled until a school/group/organization receives written notification from the Columbia Memorial Space Center.  Any group/school/organization may reschedule an experience twice.  Any rescheduling requests thereafter will be charged the full amount of the experience and no further date changes will be honored.

Can I change the number of participants scheduled for a field trip experience?

Your final head count must be provided 7 days prior to the date of your visit. Should your headcount change, please contact us at 562.231.1200.  If fewer individuals in your groups arrive on your visit date, the group will be responsible for payment of all reserved admissions.  If  you arrive with more individuals than you reserved, your group space is not guaranteed. 

How do I book a field trip experience?
To request a field trip, please complete our form here.
Once your inquiry is submitted, our team will follow up within 3 business days to confirm availability and finalize your reservation.

If you have any questions or special requests, please feel free to contact our reservations team at 562.231.1200 or at reservations@downeyspacecenter.org. We’re happy to help and look forward to hosting your group!