The NASA Glenn Research and Visitor Center

NASA Glenn Visitor Center is a hit with little astronauts

The NASA Glenn Visitor Center is equipped to entertain even the most demanding imaginations of little astronauts. From space paraphernalia to educational exhibits and activity stations, children and adults alike are treated to an up-close and personal look at the "great beyond."

Have you ever wondered why stars glow so brightly? Or how far away the Earth is from the sun? The answers await at the Visitor Center. Located inside the NASA Glenn Research facility, the Visitor Center provides patrons with the opportunity to explore the history and ongoing research of outer space.

The Visitor Center holds fun and educational presentations in the auditorium and has more than 6,000 square feet of exhibit space featuring displays such as the Apollo Command Module, "Aero Adventure" -- which showcases space-travel engine innovations, a tribute to John Glenn, the first  American to orbit the Earth, a real space suit and an actual moon rock. There is also a large video screen that plays scheduled videos about NASA and its programs, as well as live broadcasts of space shuttle launches, in-flight activities and landings. There are plenty of scale models and hands-on activities, as well.

A gift shop offers space memorabilia and small gifts. Don’t forget to try the authentic space food in the shop. Kids love the space "ice-cream" -- a freeze-dried version of the creamy confection.

The Visitor Center is open students in grades K-12 and adult visitors who are American citizens. All adults must present a current government-issued ID upon entry.

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Cleveland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)