The different activities of the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse

Has space exploration always made you dream? Would your child like to know more about the cosmos? In this case, the various activities of the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse will allow you to acquire new knowledge while having fun as a family. Discover what this essential scientific complex in the pink city offers.

What are the different activities of the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse?

There are many things to do and see during your visit to the theme park. We advise you to stay there at least a day in order to enjoy it at least without running in all directions. Each place offers to focus on a different activity or experience. Their nature also varies: you have the choice between quizzes, animations, mini-documentaries, tests and much more. The diversity is truly amazing in this great museum of the Universe! In this article, we will discuss the most common activities.

The News Square

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The complex traces the history of space exploration, but that does not prevent it from updating. In this place, you can discover the latest news concerning the missions of the ISS (international space station). Screens with which you can interact await you. Find Thomas Pesquet who will explain life in space.

The Garden

You can stroll through this 4-hectare garden which includes several attractions, such as the Ariane 5 rocket. It is the symbol of the Cité de l'Espace, by the way. You will also discover the size of the various devices used during space exploration, in particular the Soyuz capsule or the Apollo lunar module.

The planet flower bed highlights the different planets of the Solar System. You will see how tiny our Earth is compared to the others!

The observatory

In this part of the complex, the Big Bang is in the spotlight, with the formation of the galaxy. And of course, since it is an observatory, various tools for observing the night sky will be available to you.

The planetarium

In a chair tilted backwards, our head is directed towards the ceiling of the room. Thanks to this position imitating the observation of the stars while lying down, you can enjoy a real simulation of a summer sky. The screen is a 360° dome, making the experience even more realistic. Different terms will be explained during the film: Solar System, stars, galaxies, black holes. You will also witness the manifestation of certain events such as eclipses, for example.

The Mir space station

This is a permanent exhibition of the replica of the Mir space station. You will learn more about the lifestyle of astronauts by entering this life-size installation.

The IMAX giant screen

In 3D, this device makes it possible to attend various documentaries like the Planetarium and the Stellarium. You can see the asteroids up close, discovering their origin and the potential dangers they present to Earth.

LuneXplorer

Do you want to explore the Moon while staying in Toulouse? Good news, with LuneXplorer you participate in a trip from Earth to our satellite. This simulator will make you feel all the sensations during a take-off and a landing. Throughout the experience, you will be told about the challenges of these space missions. Nothing better than this type of simulation to understand what astronauts experience when they go to explore space. Although exceptional, be careful, this is not an activity reserved for children measuring less than 1m30.

The unique activities in the Cité de l'Espace

Depending on the calendar, there may also be special events. So do not hesitate to consult it directly on the Cité de l'Espace website to participate! This is for example the case of the Nuit des Étoiles in Toulouse in summer.

Before winter, projections on the northern lights are not uncommon. This phenomenon is always fascinating!

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Shows are organized throughout the year to entertain, question and inform the spectators.

The films shown change throughout the year: this makes it possible not to always offer the same theme to regular visitors.

What are the most fun activities of the Cité de l'Espace for children?

The Cité des Petits is a workshop for toddlers aged 4 to 8. During this time, children can imagine all kinds of scenes by evolving in a space decorated like a space station. The operation of rockets and the life of astronauts are subjects addressed with playfulness for better understanding.

The film Polaris in the Stellarium is probably one of the best activities your children can participate in. This cartoon will answer children's questions about the opposite Poles with the meeting of a penguin and a polar bear. The animated film even goes further, to space exploration with the construction of a ship leading our two protagonists into space.

Do not hesitate to take a look at the calendar during school holidays. Indeed, during this period, various games are organized to introduce the youngest to the challenges of space missions.

Which hotel to book to stay near the Cité de l'Espace?

If you want to fully enjoy the Cité de l'Espace, you might as well sleep nearby. Indeed, by choosing a nearby hotel establishment, you will waste less time reaching the site and you will fully enjoy the activities.

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We recommend that you stay in our B&B HOTEL Toulouse Cité de l'Espace Gonord! Located on the avenue of the same name, you will not even have a 10-minute walk to reach the scientific culture center. The districts of Château de l'Hers in Toulouse and Pont des Demoiselles are not very far. Leave your car safely in our private and closed free parking lot.

Before going to the Cité de l'Espace, take the time to enjoy your breakfast with our exquisite all-you-can-eat buffet. With a full stomach, you will not lack energy to explore the approximately 2,000 m² of museum, be sure.

You still have a day in Toulouse, and you don't know what to visit after the Cité de l'Espace? If you haven't already, head to the Place du Capitole thinking of wandering through the adjacent streets. The Saint-Sernin basilica also presents itself as essential in your visit with the Canal du Midi!