Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey

4.6 (73) 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242, United States

Categories

Museum of space history
Learning center
Museum
Science museum
Tourist attraction

Location on the map

Downey, Los Angeles County, California, US

Phone: +1 562-231-1200
Site: http://columbiaspacescience....

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday:10 AM–5 PM
Thursday:10 AM–5 PM
Friday:10 AM–5 PM
Saturday:10 AM–5 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

73 Reviews for Columbia Memorial Space Center 2024:

Review №1

2024-02-21 22:51:19

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!

Review №2

2024-06-15 00:53:08

Nice, small museum oriented toward school children. There are interesting activities for elementary ages and even a preschool area.

Review №3

2024-06-29 10:31:32

Educational and engaging, with a decent number of activities designed to stimulate minds, and encourage an appreciation for the science and history of space exploration (seems largely targeted to children). Its a bit small, but was enjoyable and interesting. Turned out to be a good place to get out of the heat for a couple of hours - the air conditioning was very good, perhaps a touch chilly at times. Some of the activity builds could be better maintained. The staff members seemed very friendly and enthusiastic.

Review №4

2024-02-10 21:57:55

Early Childhood Development section, Robotics Lab, Birthday packages. Cool for ages 2 thru 10.

Review №5

2024-06-22 08:44:37

Maybe I had wrong expectations? The museum was geared more towards children than I had anticipated.Nothing wrong with that. It’s just that there was not much to see it personally. It was definitely worth a visit at least once though.

Review №6

2023-02-10 20:49:42

Hello everyone.Welcome to the Columbia Memorial Space Center. This is a wonderful place for hands on learning. Columbia Memorial Space Center offers 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.

Review №7

2023-02-06 04:49:49

From January to December this place has lots going on for kids and teens. We met a wonderful robotics club from Long Beach here and we’ve spotted them at other events around town. Great place for kids to get envolved in stem projects and meet young adults who are succeeding in those fields.

Review №8

2023-11-10 00:27:46

It was interesting me and my class and friends went! I am in 5th grade and they told us things that we already knew ( or just me) the only thing that i learned were fun facts. It would be perfect for younger kids in 3rd grade or 4th but it was fun doing the interactive things but it was very short. We were there for 2 hours for the tour and to hang out / play with stuff. The drive for me was 4hrs. The staff were funny and cool ( very gen z ) i recommend for 3rd graders or 3rd grade teachers!

Review №9

2024-01-05 17:40:10

A wonderful place to take your kids

Review №10

2024-03-19 21:53:17

I I went there because I was my field trip from Gateway experiments and that was so fun and I made their age or so and and I get that five stars about the robots about all the games they have

Review №11

2019-07-18 04:29:56

Great place a hidden gem in the community Great trio with the family and kids can explore.. loved it

Review №12

2018-03-21 20:42:48

Beside a copy of the Apollo outside, there is nothing else inside beside a gift shop and hands on games for kids, I ask the young girl in attendance what was the connection with the city and the space programs but she looked at me like I was from another planet.You will be better off going to the California Science Center in L.A. where there is real stuff and people that they know about space..

Review №13

2022-04-03 23:36:20

William Craig. Great photo.Columbia memorial space centerClaudia.

Review №14

2022-12-28 05:13:33

This place is great. My kid made and launched a rocket outside and loved the paper airplanes. Its a fun engaging way to learn science. The staff is also fun, knowledgeable, and friendly.

Review №15

2023-10-19 05:12:46

My students loved the place

Review №16

2023-03-11 22:47:40

Great place for kids. Lots of interactive displays.

Review №17

2018-04-07 19:40:49

My daughter met the astronaut Nicole Stott. She was very nice and informative. Nice place to expose your young scientist, explore and learn about space.

Review №18

2021-07-16 00:13:29

Great place to go and learn about the Columbia spacecraft and just to learn about space travel in general. They have cool activities for kids to try. Its kinda of small but its still nice to go see. Everything want fully open when I went. The theater and mission control posts were still closed out else there would have been more to see and do. Still worth going and its free for a few days since it just reopened so take advantage. Plenty of parking and nice park right next door. The staff was great and helpful.

Review №19

2024-03-20 18:12:39

Make sure you call before you visit. They sometimes rent the whole place out and will be closed to the public but open to others.

Review №20

2022-09-05 15:14:18

Great little museum and grounds. There is plenty of parking and other activities to do and places to eat nearby.

Review №21

2023-02-05 01:46:19

All day dance comp nearby. Had a couple hours to kill between performances and awards. Took a handful of high schoolers here. BEST $5 ever! They were so entertained and so were we! Thank you CMSM!!

Review №22

2014-01-05 10:37:12

I surprised the kids with todays visit. Although the facility is awesome, I do feel it could have a few more items on display. Overall, it is well worth the price and the visit. Your kids will enjoy the flight simulator and the rocket launcher display when you first enter the memorial. Be sure and visit the space suit as well as the robotic arm that emulates that of the Mars Rover. Fun for any family on a budget. Parking is plentiful and handicap access Is available.

Review №23

2018-08-04 18:07:19

Small but educational. Gift shop has some cool stuff. I took my 4 year old and its his new favorite place. He loves all the interactive exhibits. They also have workshops. Good little getaway for a family.

Review №24

2014-08-20 15:30:29

The space center is a fun and affordable place for families and science/technology enthusiasts! I personally love their LEGO Robotics Lab and all the historical aspects throughout the museum. They stand on the ground where Apollo capsules and Space Shuttles were built (former North American/Rockwell/Boeing site)! Their Challenger Learning Center is a super awesome simulator where you can participate in a two-hour mission to the Moon, Mars, or a comet... Just like with NASA! My niece loves attending their preschool classes. They have a new topic each session with fun and engaging activities. They offer all sorts of classes and activities on robotics, rocketry, and physics throughout the month. For all they offer, $5 admission is a great bargain!

Review №25

2018-07-19 21:33:09

I was surprised by how small the Space Center is, but all of the exhibits were interactive in some way. It was practically empty the day we went and my daughter had the entire place to herself.There was one annoyance in that the Center closed earlier than was listed. This is very possibly my fault for not checking or calling.Please be mindful that there isnt a place to eat inside the Center, so if you need food there is a fantastic promenade a (very) short walk away.

Review №26

2017-06-24 20:55:28

The memorial was nice. This was a very beautiful contribution to the Columbia astronauts. Unfortunately the staff, well the volunteers were pretty clueless. They didnt address us as we walked in, they only keep talking about themselves and just plain out hanging out. I know this space center would be great if you had people who were genuinely interested in space and what the museum had to offer, but these kids just plain out didnt care. I dont think I saw a manager or a supervisor there. Either way, its a nice place to go, just be aware you might have to figure out some of the intereactive displays by yourself since the edgy cool teenagers will be too busy chatting than helping kids and parents interested in the museum

Review №27

2016-08-03 21:03:37

Cute little place for kiddie imagineers who have a deep interest in Space and the Stars. Came here for a birthday party. Of course, theres hits and misses here.This place could use more seating inside, the robotics room station (we had a broken cable, so please donate some micro USB if you have any) is in need of supplies, could use more interactive games downstairs.The Good: Upstairs has some space props, downstairs has an area for movie, and bathrooms for both and downstairs. Picnic area outside is open to the public until 12pm. You can bring your own food for birthday parties and they can refrigerate your cake for you until its time.Entrance if youre not part of a party I believe is around $5. Great little place for kids under 5 years of age. If you have kids older than that, i would skip this place. Place is Air Conditioned inside so on a hot day, its quite nice.Oh, a big plus here is the one way street parking. So little kids wont be flatten by cross traffic like a pancake.

Review №28

2022-03-22 21:55:20

The CMSC is a great place to bring your kids and show them the introductory experiences of engineering and STEM. New information is always being rotated around but the one complaint I have is the historical landmark it sits on hasnt been acknowledged as thoroughly. Yes they do have a small display of Vultee/Rockwell/NAA but it neglects the true impact those companies had on the city of Downey.Nonetheless a really solid musuem experience for children and adults alike

Review №29

2019-06-23 04:03:26

A small little space center with hands on kids activities. We went to PBS Socal kids event. Kids enjoyed a lot. Hands on creative activities. There is small Guided Mission Control room and Robotics Room. Since it is too crowded didn’t get to see them. I was told today’s tickets were over by the time we reached. The Volunteers there have no idea how to reserve a guided tour to get in. Check before you start to visit space center. I spend only like 2 hours because of socal event otherwise one hour is good enough to cover it.

Review №30

2017-11-28 05:33:00

Great place to take kids any time of year, summer time they have robotics camps and other activities. I also was able to use a AAA discount. There is also some great eateries nearby and a pro for kids to run around

Review №31

2023-08-03 21:53:43

My grandkids had a good time.

Review №32

2020-08-26 03:52:03

It’s a small place you could see the whole place in a hour in a half they do offer robotics and other different workshops. They also conduct cool events once in a while you definitely want to keep checking there’s always something new going on here.

Review №33

2022-05-28 20:41:51

A very nice place visit with the family. It has interactive stuff to do. Location is a bit hidden in the back of Downeys Landing, by the theater.

Review №34

2022-04-14 15:37:06

I actually didnt go inside I was just there to see the Apollo boilerplate 12. Really cool to look at and I would love to come back and check out the museum!!

Review №35

2022-06-29 22:46:53

Good experience,for a little kids

Review №36

2019-11-21 22:32:05

Very nice center to visit. I feel it is more structured for school age children. As an adult I wanted more on the space program and space crafts than what was there.

Review №37

2019-10-24 19:58:31

Small but fun for the kids. Making paper planes was fun. The robotics lab was both entertaining and challenging.

Review №38

2020-01-18 05:05:52

Loved this space center! So interesting to learn that Downey had been instrumental in the Apollo missions and to a degree in the Space Shuttle program. Highly recommend.

Review №39

2016-09-03 18:39:44

Drove to the center but they were closed for a special event. I wish they had put it on the front page of their website or even put a sign outside to communicate that they would be closed. The woman at the front desk told me that the closure was posted on the calendar but people rarely check that. Day wasted.

Review №40

2021-09-05 23:52:47

Amazing, and really really fun. Geared to kids, but adults can have fun too. Would go again

Review №41

2012-07-04 02:56:27

We had a wonderful time here. Was able to wear the space suit. This facility will especially appeals to younger visitors.

Review №42

2010-02-18 23:35:27

This space center has a wide range of interesting and exciting displays that take the visitor on a journey through the world of an astronaut. I would definately come back again!!!

Review №43

2023-08-12 21:55:47

Great place to learn astronomy! I highly recommend!

Review №44

2019-07-24 18:45:21

We didnt get inside the day we went but the capsule outside was interesting and worth the visit for the 50th space anniversary.

Review №45

2019-03-03 18:07:08

It was pretty amazing when I went to this space center in 4th grade (i think) and everything was just fascinating.

Review №46

2022-04-14 00:29:48

Kids loved it especially its so hands on friendly workers

Review №47

2024-01-28 07:14:01

Very good place 👍 👌

Review №48

2017-09-23 19:57:23

Loved it. Perfect for young kids. The shuttle simulators are great.

Review №49

2019-02-05 18:00:15

A nice small museum that offers a lot of hands-on activities for kids and adults

Review №50

2018-08-20 01:45:05

One of the best school field trips I’ve ever had growing up.

Review №51

2017-08-01 22:12:23

Fun and educational a real informative and hands on entertaining experience. Definitely going back!

Review №52

2019-04-07 18:24:28

Kids love the hands on experience here. Lots of local history too.

Review №53

2017-04-07 05:25:55

I am a senior citizen and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this museum.

Review №54

2022-04-29 21:20:52

Me and my kids had a great time

Review №55

2023-01-28 23:20:22

Should have been bigger, considering the history of the site.

Review №56

2019-02-28 21:48:51

Fun for kids, not much to do here though

Review №57

2022-11-13 06:08:06

Fun place, where you might actually learn something

Review №58

2016-06-16 01:16:58

It was the best fantastic science center ever

Review №59

2020-06-20 00:38:17

NBD but add it to your list of stops on a day out

Review №60

2012-09-19 06:08:49

We had a wonderful time here

Review №61

2022-12-19 09:12:03

Kids loved it.

Review №62

2020-08-28 01:25:08

The Luisi family loves this place

Review №63

2021-07-24 12:42:28

Very educational and exciting

Review №64

2022-09-27 11:56:19

City of downey Columbia memorial space center

Review №65

2019-10-20 03:57:39

So much to see and do!!!

Review №66

2021-09-06 06:18:22

Fun!

Review №67

2018-01-27 21:46:22

Kids hands on heaven.

Review №68

2018-01-04 03:54:44

Not so much fond of it

Review №69

2017-07-20 00:35:53

Very interesting place

Review №70

2016-03-07 17:34:36

Love this center!

Review №71

2019-09-26 03:07:43

👍😊👍

Review №72

2024-07-02 22:42:33

Found another local gem. Would have loved this even more as a kid but still so enjoyable as an adult and a great tribute to the Columbia. Lots of information and more in the works. Come support them and pay a visit, they also have some programs available for kiddos ❤ 👨‍🚀🛰🚀

Review №73

2017-10-31 20:06:49

Its okay for children