Overview
Blast off into three exciting days of STEM exploration through Houston, including a showstopping exploration of NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, the global epicenter for space discovery. Your students can also look forward to designing a model rocket out of foam insulation and launching their very own space race! Also, your group will discover the secrets of the ocean at the Downtown Aquarium, wander the mind-boggling exhibits at the Museum of Natural Science, and learn more about dozens of species that call the Houston Zoo home.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Houston, TX
Houston Zoo visit
Learn about butterfly conservation, husbandry training of animals, how endangered animals such as Houston toads and orangutans are protected, and more at this world-class zoo. Get up-close experiences with thousands of animal residents, like gorillas, jaguars, giant otters, storks, and tortoises.
Lunch
Houston Museum of Natural Science visit
Gain in-depth knowledge about everything from paleontology to Texas wildlife to space and energy technology at this natural history museum. Engage with exhibits that bring fascinating discoveries, such as massive dinosaur skeletons and ancient Egyptian artifacts, into clear view.
Downtown Aquarium visit
Downtown Aquarium isn’t your typical aquarium—it’s also an entertainment complex featuring a ferris wheel, carousel, and more. Home to around 300 species of marine life, it offers a variety of fascinating exhibits that combine education with fun.
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lone Star Flight Museum visit
Let your imagination take flight at this museum dedicated to rare and historic aircraft where interactive exhibits bring STEM concepts and aviation history to life. Learn about aerodynamics, lift, airfoil design, and weather patterns, then conduct a pre-flight safety inspection of a real airplane.
Lunch
Space Center Houston Stars & STEM Program - Day 1
Go behind the scenes into an astronaut training facility and mission control at this hands-on space center. Discover NASA's new rocket, the SLS, and Newton's Laws of Motion. Design a model rocket from foam insulation and compete for who can land on the Moon and Mars first.
Dinner at Space Center
Day 3
Breakfast
Space Center Houston Stars & STEM Program - Day 2
Gain insights through a specialized, guided exploration of the NASA Johnson Space Center on this tour, where you'll get an in-depth look at astronaut training and rocket technology. Learn about human spaceflight with a visit to the Mission Control Center, where Apollo operations were managed.
Lunch
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Houston
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.