Space Camp is a STEM-focused camp in Huntsville, Alabama, run by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center since 1982 for campers ages 9–18 in grades 4–12, with separate adult and family sessions. Programs center on simulated space missions, astronaut-training simulators, aviation, robotics and cybersecurity, with weeklong overnight and day-camp options. It is a structured, large-scale operation (about 1,000 campers) with on-site RNs during weeklong sessions.
Photos
Photos from Space Camp’s own website and materials.
Videos
Videos from the camp’s own website, played from YouTube or Vimeo.
- Kids who are seriously into space, aviation, robotics or cybersecurity and want hands-on simulators and missions
- Families with children across a wide age range, since sessions are tiered by age from 9 through 18, plus family sessions
- Campers who are blind or visually impaired, or deaf or hard of hearing, and want a dedicated program
- Total cost runs above the listed tuition: a $200 non-refundable registration fee plus optional airport transport ($100, or $120 on another page)
- Phones are locked in signal-blocking pouches with once-daily access, and tablets and smartwatches are prohibited — a real adjustment for some kids
- Cancellation is costly: full tuition is forfeited within eight weeks of the session start, and the registration fee is non-refundable
2027 sessions and prices
| Session | Dates | Price | Per week | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Camp · 9-11 · lowest weekly price | Mar 14 – Mar 19 | $1,699 | $1,982 | Open |
| Space Academy · 12-14 | Mar 14 – Mar 19 | $1,699 | $1,982 | Waitlist |
| Advanced Space Academy · 15-18 | May 30 – Jun 4 | $1,899 | $2,216 | Open |
| Mach I · 9-11 | May 30 – Jun 4 | $1,699 | $1,982 | Open |
| Mach II · 12-14 | May 30 – Jun 4 | $1,699 | $1,982 | Open |
| Mach III · 15-18 | May 30 – Jun 4 | $1,899 | $2,216 | Open |
| u.s. Advanced Cyber Academy · 15-18 | May 30 – Jun 4 | $1,899 | $2,216 | Open |
| u.s. Cyber Academy · 12-14 | Jun 6 – Jun 11 | $1,699 | $1,982 | Open |
What it really costs
Fees we could read from the camp’s fee list are added. Travel, gear and optional trips are not.
Activities
Camp life
Getting there
Straight-line distance. Driving is usually 20–30% longer.
What families say
★ 4.6 on Google · 581 reviewsParents and campers describe Space Camp as full of fun, hands-on activities, including mission simulations, rocket building and launching, and astronaut-training experiences. Reviewers mention dorm-style rooms and shared bathrooms as uncomfortable for some, and cafeteria food as typical but generally acceptable. One camper also notes long walks between activities and recommends staying off site.
- Fun activities 4 of 4
- Learning experiences 2 of 4
- Dorm and bathrooms 2 of 4
- Cafeteria food 2 of 4
- Walking and layout 1 of 4
“Family space camp with my 9 year old. Solid weekend with a ton of fun activities. The beds are rough for adults, but the rooms were clean and private. Shared bathrooms in the levels. Food was like a school cafeteria, there were several options…”
“Activities were really fun. I would recommend staying off site. The habits get stuffy and uncomfortable at night. You're required to walk up and down the stairs unless carrying your luggage. Inconvenient having to walk to use a shared bathroom and…”
4 family reviews
“Activities were really fun. I would recommend staying off site. The habits get stuffy and uncomfortable at night. You're required to walk up and down the stairs unless carrying your luggage. Inconvenient having to walk to use a shared bathroom and shower. Lots and lots of walking to get from 1 activity to another. Would make more sense if they grouped them together by location. Typical cafeteria food. Wasn't horrible but wasn't amazing. It rained every day we were there. Take an umbrella or a poncho. Planetarium was the best part.”
“Family space camp with my 9 year old. Solid weekend with a ton of fun activities. The beds are rough for adults, but the rooms were clean and private. Shared bathrooms in the levels. Food was like a school cafeteria, there were several options for each meal period and it was overall good. Loved the rocket construction and launch.”
“I enrolled in Adult Space Camp, and it was an amazing experience. I met some great people, learned a lot, and got to do fun activities. If you've ever wanted to experience astronaut training, I highly recommend it. You'll leave with a wealth of knowledge and incredible memories!”
“I can’t say enough good things about Space Camp! My 7 year old son and I attended the 3 day family camp and had nonstop fun! Before we went I was wondering how my son’s attention span would hold up but he was genuinely interested in everything we were doing. From mission simulations to building and launching model rockets to learning how astronauts live in space, the whole weekend was so interesting! I want to include a few things in my review that I had questions about before going. - Families are assigned rooms in a dorm style facility onsite. There are bunkbeds and community bathrooms. If you don’t sleep well with noise or like community bathrooms (like me!) then I stayed at the Marriott hotel. It’s within walking distance to Space Camp so we didn’t even have to drive our car. - The days are long but so worth it! The days start early and you’re going from one event to the other. - You are fed breakfast, lunch and dinner in the cafeteria and the food is pretty good! They had a salad bar each day. - Our camp counselor, Rachel, was amazing! They work really hard and are with you the entire time. My son has already been asking when we can go back. I highly recommend!”
In the news
Questions about Space Camp
How much does Space Camp cost in 2027?
2027 tuition at Space Camp runs from $1,699 (Space Camp) to $1,899 (Advanced Space Academy). The lowest weekly price is $1,982. Extra fees: $200 non-refundable registration fee; round-trip airport transportation $100 (another page says $120); optional apparel and snack packs.
What ages does Space Camp take?
Space Camp takes campers from 9 to 18.
When are the 2027 sessions at Space Camp?
Space Camp: Mar 14 to Mar 19. Space Academy: Mar 14 to Mar 19. Advanced Space Academy: May 30 to Jun 4. Mach I: May 30 to Jun 4. Mach II: May 30 to Jun 4. Mach III: May 30 to Jun 4.
Does Space Camp run a winter camp?
Yes. Space Camp also runs winter sessions. Dates for this winter aren’t on its website yet, so ask the camp.
Can campers bring phones?
Phones are secured in locked, signal-blocking pouches; limited access once daily during prep-for-bed; tablets and smartwatches are prohibited.
Is there a visiting day?
No parent visits while camp is in session; parents are encouraged to attend graduation.
Is it good for first-time campers?
Homesickness advice includes preparing in advance, registering with a friend, practice sleepovers, and not promising to rescue the child.
What is the refund policy?
Written cancellation at least eight weeks before session start: 90% tuition refund; within eight weeks: full tuition forfeited; illness with physician verification: full refund.
Is financial aid available?
Scholarships based on financial need or academic excellence; 2027 general scholarship application open through Dec 6.
Similar camps
Compare
Run Space Camp? Check what we show and send corrections, photos or spots left for 2027. Families see updates after our next check.