We (couple and 2 boys - 8 & 5 yo) visited on the l...

We (couple and 2 boys - 8 & 5 yo) visited on the last day of 2020.
Arrived around 1030am and there was some people entering with us. Lines to buy tickets and entering were fast.
We didn't plan ahead our visit so chose the attractions randomly at first but since they have more or less options of times we planned to vmake the most of our visit (it's not a cheap one!)
I recommend the following schedule:
1) If you arrive at 10am (doors open): Rocket garden (self) and tour (15' guided)
2) Atlantis walking tour (20' video fabulous experience) and many space shuttle to picture and learn, galleries with all about the Atlantis, astronauts, devices, facts and replicas of the inside to seat and touch pretending you're an astronaut. Also a big slide for all ages to go down to main floor. And last but not the least: Ride the space shuttle experience! Every half hour from 11 to 4 pm you could experience the launching (we didn't do it since kids got scare and I don't like that vertical speed kind of experiences). They picture you like Universal Rollercoasters and you buy the pic at the end.
3) Asteroid hunters 3D movie (well worth 40 minutes). On your way out get into the new multiple-story indoor play for kids 2-12 were parents can seat and relax watching them play and learn about the solar system.
4) Journey to Mars (seat and enjoy about 30 minutes of facts about Mars which also kids appreciate).
Also visit on the west gallery of IMAX the self-guided exhibit NASA Now.
We decided it was enough seating and watching for our kids and skip: Mission Status Briefing (20 min. Movie) and Mission Control (40 min. Movie) both at Universe Theater. If you're a fan of each of the topics I recommend to go between the Atlantis Tour since these 3 attractions have the less showing times. I'll attach a pic of the flyer.
Across from Journey to Mars you have a huge Gift shop full of great space related stuff and outside the rear exit you could meet a real Spaceperson to take a pic with (5 time appearances).
5) On your way out: Nature & Technology self-guided)
6) You can start your visit here since it's at the entrance but we left it to the end cause it's an all day long attraction (10-4pm): Heroes & Legends Experience (2 short videos - 7 min. esch - about all times people - not only astronauts- that made history in the US) and a self guided tour of famous US Navy pilots and their equipment.
We had lunch at Orbit Cafe - self order and decent waiting time to got it ready to take to the table. Kids eat pizza (huge portion for them, decent for an adult) and we ordered burgers (big and delicious).
We loved this visit and definitely come back when around.