Traveling Space Museum Comes to Charlotte
"Space Day" event combines the interactivity of a space camp and the thrill of a theme park
If your child has ever said they want to fly in outer space, be an astronaut or go to the moon, this event is for you. The Traveling Space Museum is a full-size interactive, reproduction of the exact training astronauts use to prepare for flight missions, and it's coming to Charlotte's Park Expo, April 1 and Central Cabarrus High School, April 2.
The NASA-inspired and affiliated Traveling Space Museum is for school-age children, and much like a traveling circus rolling into town, trucks drive into a prepared parking area and 10 or more different exhibits are quickly off loaded and set up the day before the event. Local science groups also are there with display exhibits.
The event is dubbed "Space Day," and combines the interactivity of a space camp and the thrill of a theme park. Climbing in, on, and sitting at the controls is encouraged — what kid doesn't love that? (You might even get to ride a hovercraft!) The Traveling Space Museum is designed to spark the minds of kids from all walks of life, and give those who have an interest in space and STEM activities a chance to talk with experts on site who can teach students about what astronauts do and how they use the equipment to get the job done.
The event is hosted by Aviation Camps of the Carolinas that hosts camps at area airports including the cities of Monroe, Charlotte, Concord and Rock Hill. The camps are one-day, and offer everything aviation — from "how to do airplanes fly" to a visit to NASCAR's private aircraft hanger, simulators, control towers, Navy aircraft and scheduled orientations flights.
Tickets for the Traveling Space Museum are $5 in advance or $8 day of the event. There's is no limit as to how many students can attend, but tickets are required.
