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Thursday 10am - 3pm Friday 10am - 3pm Saturday 12pm - 4pm

NASA Goddard Visitor Center

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Greenbelt, MD
NASA Goddard Visitor Center

Come browse the unique, informative exhibits, or participate in one of the monthly model rocket launches.
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Only 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis, don’t miss this chance to explore the universe in your own backyard! Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD was established in 1959 as NASA's first center devoted to the exploration of space. It is named after Dr. Robert Goddard, "The Father of American Rocketry." Home to the world's largest group of scientists and engineers, G

oddard's mission is to expand our knowledge of Earth, the solar system, and the universe through observations from space and through scientific discovery.

09/04/2026

International Observe the Moon Night | Saturday, Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m.

Join us for interactive hands-on activities, a Moon art gallery, presentations, lunar and astronomical observing with telescopes, and the opportunity to see a real Apollo 14 Moon rock in our exhibit!

For more information, visit our website at https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/visitor-center/events-and-programs/ or call 301-286-8981.

Registration is not needed for this free, family-friendly event but will help us in planning! Registration is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-observe-the-moon-night-at-goddard-visitor-center-tickets-1998508289091.

08/30/2026

Join us Saturday, September 5 from 1-3 p.m. for our monthly Model Rocket Launch Day!

Do you like to build model rockets, but don’t have a launch pad? Now you do! Anyone can bring a model to fly at the visitor center’s rocket launches; there are no costs or fees to participate. Rockets, motors, and supplies are available for purchase at the nearby Goddard Gift Shop (and many hobby shops or toy stores), and you can even get rocket construction and launch tips from our on-site experts on launch day!

Don't want to launch your own rocket? That's fine, too. Come out to watch, and cheer on our rocketeers!

We will make wind and weather-related decisions about the launch the day of and update this post.

08/21/2026

08/08/2026

Grow with Goddard
Thursday, August 20, 9 - 10 a.m.

Join us for activities and demonstrations for ages 3-5 here at our visitor center during a special morning hour before we open to the public. This month's program is about flight!

Registration is required for each child participant. Parents and guardians do not need to register, but at least one parent or guardian must be on-site for the program. Registration information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nasa-goddard-visitor-center-3091729.

Please call 301-286-8981 for more information.

08/07/2026

We are gauging interest in hosting a public Watch Party of the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope here at the Goddard Visitor Center on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7:26 a.m. EDT. Please let us know if you would be interested in joining us for a Watch Party by registering at this Eventbrite link. More information can be found at the link or by calling 301-286-9041.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interest-form-for-rst-launch-watch-party-at-goddard-visitor-center-tickets-1996170754462?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/05/2026

Saturday Science
August 8, 1 - 3 p.m.

Join us for activities to celebrate NASA science! This Saturday's program is "Planets Near and Far!" Registration is not needed for this free, family-friendly event. Call 301-286-8981 for more information.

07/28/2026

Join us Saturday, August 1 from 1-3 p.m. for our monthly Model Rocket Launch Day!

Do you like to build model rockets, but don’t have a launch pad? Now you do! Anyone can bring a model to fly at the visitor center’s rocket launches; there are no costs or fees to participate. Rockets, motors, and supplies are available for purchase at the nearby Goddard Gift Shop (and many hobby shops or toy stores), and you can even get rocket construction and launch tips from our on-site experts on launch day!

Don't want to launch your own rocket? That's fine, too. Come out to watch, and cheer on our rocketeers!

We will make wind and weather-related decisions about the launch the day of and update this post.

07/21/2026

Blast Off with Books! This Saturday, July 25, 1-3 p.m.

Celebrate the life and work of Dr. Nancy Grace Roman with a special reading of “Her Eyes were on the Stars” by the author, Jennifer Sommer. There will also be family-friendly activities. Registration is not needed. For more information, please call 301-286-8981.

Please note that the book will not be available for purchase on site so plan to bring a copy if you would like it signed!

07/17/2026

Model Rocket Spot Landing Competition this Saturday, July 18, 12-3 p.m.

Launch your own model rocket with the NARHAMS Rocket Club as part of its lunar contest. Awards ceremony to follow. Registration is on site on the day of the event. For more information, please see the file download on the Visitor Center website below or call 301-286-8981.

07/15/2026

Blast Off with Books! Saturday, July 25, 1-3 p.m.

Celebrate the life and work of Dr. Nancy Grace Roman with a special reading of “Her Eyes were on the Stars” by the author, Jennifer Sommer. There will also be family-friendly activities. Registration is not needed. For more information, please call 301-286-8981.

Please note that the book will not be available for purchase on site so plan to bring a copy if you would like it signed!

Address

ICESat Road
Greenbelt, MD
20771

Opening Hours

Thursday	10am - 3pm
Friday	10am - 3pm
Saturday	12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+13012868981

Website

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/visitor/home/index.html

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