Outer space is a vast ocean full of stars, planets, space-time rifts, and creepily goateed doppelgängers, with large stretches of nothingness in between. Today's deal takes all the cool parts of the universe and cuts out the boring multi-generational road trips to create an action-filled edumacational experience of galactic proportions. For $45, you get a one-year family membership for two adults and children in the immediate household less than 18 years of age to the Adventure Science Center, a $90 value.

The Adventure Science Center is located just outside downtown Nashville and features many interactive exhibits for budding cosmonauts. Boldly go where thousands have gone before with exhibits such as the astronaut-training simulation, known to earthlings as Space Chase, or the Adventure Tower, which is a series of activities aimed at stimulating minds and sparking creativity. Spend some time poking around the center, finding wonderment around every bend, and possibly a penny on the floor. Keep an eye on your cosmo-watch and get discounted general admission to the Sudekum Planetarium or to one of the planetarium's laser shows with your family membership.

Pick from one of the shows currently showing at the Sudekum and strap in at a discounted rate. Seven Wonders, for example, travels back in time to explore the seven wonders of the ancient world the way the ancients would have wanted: on a massive, modern movie screen. Or you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the Skies Over Nashville. Learn what those sparkly things in the night sky are and how they form connect-the-dot unicorns. A planetarium educator will take you on a journey to the stars, asking you questions along the way to make sure the comforting darkness doesn't unawaken you. Shows are recommended for those over four years of age.

Reviews

Frommer's includes Adventure Science Center in its Nashville guide, observing:

• It's hard to say which exhibit kids like the most at the Center. There are just so many fun interactive displays from which to choose in this modern, hands-on museum. Though the museum is primarily meant to be an entertaining way to introduce children to science, it can also be fun for adults. – Frommer's

Five Judy's Book reviewers give Adventure Science Center 3.4 stars, three Insider Pages users give it a solid four, and seven TripAdvisors give the center four owl eyes:

• This was a fun time for my family. This place is packed with exciting scientific exploration. There is lots of hands on learning, which is lots of fun not only for the kids, but for the adults. This place is really on e [sic] of those fun places you want to go back to. – Athena S., Judy's Book