McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Interactive air & space museum with planetarium shows and a focus on NH's space heritage. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more exhibit time
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more exhibit time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Interactive air & space museum with planetarium shows and a focus on NH's space heritage. Fun for all ages!
"Great, affordable family adventure! Surprised to learn that Concord had a space museum and planetarium!"
Check Exhibit Status
Some exhibits might be out of order. Labels usually indicate this, but it's good to be aware. :informationdeskperson:
Planetarium is a Hit
The planetarium shows are highly recommended, especially the indigenous sky stories. :star2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Space Exhibits
Hands-on displays make learning about space and aviation fun for all ages. Perfect for budding astronauts!
Planetarium Shows
Immersive shows explore the cosmos, including unique indigenous sky stories. A must-see for a celestial journey.
New Hampshire Space History
Discover the Granite State's contributions to space exploration, from pioneers to modern missions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Exhibits
Plan for Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pit stop recommendations ?
Check Exhibit Status
Some exhibits might be out of order. Labels usually indicate this, but it's good to be aware. :informationdeskperson:
Planetarium is a Hit
The planetarium shows are highly recommended, especially the indigenous sky stories. :star2:
I'm in Concord for the long weekend with my wife and 1-year-old. What are some must sees/dos in this area? Best places to eat?
Great for Young Kids
Ideal for preschoolers and young children with plenty of hands-on activities. :child:
Affordable Family Fun
Offers good value for families, with AAA and veteran discounts available. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Exhibit Status
Some exhibits might be out of order. Labels usually indicate this, but it's good to be aware. :informationdeskperson:
Planetarium is a Hit
The planetarium shows are highly recommended, especially the indigenous sky stories. :star2:
Great for Young Kids
Ideal for preschoolers and young children with plenty of hands-on activities. :child:
Affordable Family Fun
Offers good value for families, with AAA and veteran discounts available. :moneywithwings:
Plan for 2-3 Hours
You can easily spend a few hours exploring exhibits and catching a show. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center to be a charming and engaging spot, particularly for young children with its hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows. While some exhibits show their age, the staff's dedication and the unique historical and cultural content, like indigenous sky stories, make it a worthwhile and affordable family adventure. Occasional maintenance issues and specific closing times for amenities like the playground are noted drawbacks.
"My maiden name is McAuliffe (no relation) and my son is going through a huge space and rocket phase, so when I heard about this museum a few weeks ago I figured we had to check it out! We spent about 3 hours there, I thought it was great for a preschooler. Nice and quiet, tons of hands-on activities. A few things weren’t working but were very clearly labeled as such so that didn’t really bother me. Definitely a little dated but it’s obvious they care and are working on improving what they can. It was extremely clean, bathrooms included. It was too hot to spend much time on the playground but it’s brand new and looks wonderful! My space loving little guy had tons of fun. We will definitely be back."
Kristen Russell
"We went for a birthday party and it was great. Cute show in the planetarium and the center has lots of fun hands on experiences for kids. Easy to manage place for a family with kids. Elevator and easy access for strollers and wheelchairs. Definitely recommend it."
Carlos Brown
"We are so disappointed brought my 4 year old grandson to play outside and to spend the afternoon. Several of the exhibits are out of order there was some sort of maintenance crew cutting through what sounded and looked like sheet metal so we couldn't enjoy any of the exhibits that were up and running because you couldn't hear yourself think. Then to make matters worse the playground closed at 3:00 so we weren't able to enjoy that either just a very disappointing experience for a little boy who was really looking forward to it. We're also informed you can only use/learn with telescope on Friday. However despite all this I still paid full price we were there under 40 minutes."
Marybeth Marcellino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located in Concord, NH. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. If you're coming from out of town, consider it a great pit stop on your route.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors.
While public transport options might be limited directly to the center, Concord does have some local bus services. It's best to check local transit schedules if you're relying on public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is generally affordable for families. They also offer discounts for AAA members and veterans.
Yes, the center offers AAA and veteran discounts on admission.
Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or call ahead. Some reviews mention the playground closing at 3:00 PM on certain days.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, purchasing tickets in advance online is often a good strategy for popular attractions to save time. Check their website for online booking options.
Planetarium shows are typically included with admission or may have a small additional fee. It's recommended to confirm this when purchasing your tickets.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The center features high-tech, interactive exhibits focused on air and space exploration, as well as New Hampshire's history in space. There are hands-on activities for all ages.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for preschoolers and young children due to its numerous hands-on activities.
Yes, the center is designed to be accessible, with elevators and easy access for strollers and wheelchairs.
While geared towards younger audiences, adults can enjoy the historical aspects and interactive elements, especially if they have an interest in space or aviation.
The planetarium offers shows about the cosmos, including a unique presentation on Native American stories of the night sky, created in partnership with local indigenous tribes.
Yes, there is a new playground, though some visitors noted it has specific closing times.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the center. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas.
The interactive exhibits themselves offer great photo opportunities. The planetarium, during shows (if permitted), can also be visually striking. The exterior and any outdoor exhibits or the playground area are also good for capturing memories.
While not explicitly detailed in reviews, it's common for museums to have rules against flash photography that could damage exhibits or disrupt shows. Always check for posted signs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚀 Space Enthusiasts
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cosmos: Planetarium Shows
Beyond the special presentations, the planetarium likely offers standard shows covering various astronomical topics, from constellations to planetary science. Attending a show is a great way to complement the hands-on exhibits and deepen your understanding of the universe. It's advisable to check the show schedule upon arrival to plan your visit accordingly and ensure you don't miss out on these celestial adventures.
Hands-On Learning for Young Explorers
Reviewers highlight that the center is easy to manage for families, with features like elevators and stroller accessibility contributing to a stress-free visit. While some exhibits might be a bit dated or occasionally out of order, the overall experience remains positive for its target audience. The presence of a new playground also adds to the appeal for families looking for a place where children can burn off energy while still being in an educational environment.
New Hampshire's Space Heritage
This historical aspect adds another layer of interest, particularly for those with a connection to the state or an appreciation for the history of science and technology. It's a chance to see how a smaller state has played a significant role in a grand endeavor, making the pursuit of space feel more personal and relatable. The blend of interactive exhibits and historical context makes for a well-rounded educational experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit