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Shoot for the moon with your Kennedy Space Center day trip. In this Florida family adventure guide, we’re sharing our tips for an epic adventure exploring Florida’s top space attraction.
Located in Central Florida on Merritt Island at a working NASA spaceflight facility, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex immerses visitors into the story of human space exploration.
An out-of-this-world Florida family adventure, Kennedy Space Center brings curious explorers as close to space as they can get without leaving Earth. A place that showcases and celebrates the remarkable feats of dreamers, explorers and adventurers, Kennedy Space Center will leave your family inspired and excited about the future of space exploration.
How to Plan Your Family’s Kennedy Space Center Day Trip
There’s a lot to see and do on a Kennedy Space Center day trip. It helps to come prepared with a mission plan for your Florida space adventure.
Tips for Planning the Most Epic Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Kids
- Plan to visit on a weekday for a less-crowded experience.
- Purchase your tickets in advance so you can proceed directly to the visitor complex entrance. Consider the Orlando All-Inclusive Go City Pass to save money if you plan to visit other Orlando area attractions during your Kennedy Space Center trip.
- Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time to park and be at the entrance before the gates open at 9 a.m.
- Pack snacks and water. Small, soft-sided coolers are permitted at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Glass bottles and containers are not.
- If you have older kids, consider an add-on enhancement to your Kennedy Space Center day trip. We recommend the Chat with an Astronaut experience.
Top Attractions to See on a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Day Trip with Kids
During our Kennedy Space Center day trip with kids ages 10 and 6, our favorite attractions included Apollo/Saturn V Center, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Planet Play and the Chat with an Astronaut add-on experience.
How Much Time Do You Need to See the Top Attractions at Kennedy Space Center?
To help you plan your Kennedy Space Center day trip, here’s a guide to how much time to allocate for each of the must-see space attractions.
Suggested Itinerary for a Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Kids
What should you explore first at Kennedy Space Center? Which Kennedy Space Center attractions are best for families with kids? Keep reading for our suggested Kennedy Space Center itinerary for families.
Explore Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex is a good place to start your Kennedy Space Center day trip. Reminding visitors that NASA is always exploring, Gateway offers curious explorers a look at current space programs and the future of space exploration.
First, you’ll take a look at modern-day spacecraft hardware developed by NASA and its commercial partners. On the second floor in Gateway, adventurers can step into futuristic Spaceport KSC to embark on one of four unique immersive journeys to Uncharted Worlds lightyears away.
Take the Bus Tour to Apollo/Saturn V Center
Taking you behind the gates through restricted areas, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour gives you a glimpse at NASA’s working spaceflight facilities and historic launch sites. The tour ends at the Apollo/Saturn V Center where you can spend as long as you want before boarding the bus back to the main visitor complex.
Lift Off with Apollo 8
As an introduction to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, you’ll get to experience what it was like to be inside the firing room during the historic Apollo 8 launch in 1968. Apollo 8 was the first crewed NASA mission to orbit the moon.
Inside the Firing Room Theater, you’ll take a seat facing the actual consoles used during the Apollo launches. As the clock counts down and all systems are go, you’ll feel the tension, excitement and the sheer force of the Saturn V rocket’s lift off from the launch pad.
Marvel at a Saturn V Moon Rocket
After experiencing the launch presentation, you can stand in amazement under a real Saturn V moon rocket. The largest rocket ever flown, Saturn V will blow you away with its size. At 363 feet, it’s taller than the Statue of Liberty!
As you explore the rest of the Apollo/Saturn V Center, you’ll find interactive exhibits and artifacts that bring NASA’s moon landing missions to life. You’ll see lunar samples, the Apollo 14 crew capsule and other treasures. You’ll also see an authentic Lunar Module 9 with a life-sized scene from the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
Take a Break at Planet Play
When my kids were ready for a break to let loose and play, we were excited to find the perfect spot, Planet Play. An indoor, high-tech space playground, Planet Play is designed for kids ages 2 – 12.
At Planet Play, kids can adventure though the solar system, climbing from planet to planet. They can crawl through a black hole, slide through and asteroid field and more. Interactive digital gaming elements let them race as a Mars rover, connect stars to create constellations and power up a lander spacecraft for liftoff.
While the kids play, parents can relax and watch them from comfortable seating in the Planet Play lounge. There’s even a bar serving coffee, beer and wine.
Blast Off with Space Shuttle Atlantis and Shuttle Launch Experience
Space Shuttle Atlantis is a must-see attraction during your Kennedy Space Center day trip. Inside this Mission Zone, you’ll get the chance to marvel at the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis displayed just like it was flown in space.
After viewing Atlantis, try out the astronaut training simulators to learn what it’s like to pilot, dock and land a space shuttle. You can also explore components of the International Space Station that allow you to experience life like an astronaut living in space.
When you’re ready to really blast off, climb aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience simulation ride, located on the bottom floor of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Mission Zone.
Walk Through the Rocket Garden on the way to the Heroes & Legends Mission Zone
As you head back toward the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex entrance, take a walk through the Rocket Garden before exploring the Heroes & Legends Mission Zone. This one-of-a-kind garden displays rockets from NASA’s pioneering programs – Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. Most of the rockets you can walk among in the Rocket Garden are real, though they were never flown in space.
Guided tours of the Rocket Garden are offered daily and last 20 minutes. The Rocket Garden is also a great spot to take a family photo during your Kennedy Space Center adventure.
Get Inspired at Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Want to learn more about the brave astronauts who embarked on America’s earliest space missions during your Kennedy Space Center day trip? Set aside some time to check out the Heroes & Legends Mission Zone featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Heroes & Legends will give you a deeper understanding of what it means to be a space hero. You’ll be inspired by the stories of astronaut pioneers and learn the key qualities that defined them as heroes.
Want to Upgrade Your Adventure? Do the Chat with an Astronaut Add-on Experience
For families with older kids and teens curious about a career as an astronaut, I recommend the Chat with an Astronaut experience. This add-on to your Kennedy Space Center day trip lets you participate in a casual, small-group Q&A with a NASA astronaut. The Chat with an Astronaut session is 45 minutes long.
During the chat, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious chef’s sampling of food and drinks, including one alcoholic drink per adult. To remember the experience, you’ll take home a cool commemorative coin and autographed photo of the NASA astronaut you met.
Is Chat with an Astronaut at Kennedy Space Center worth it?
If you ever wanted to meet an astronaut or if your kids are interested in exploring career paths in space science, you will likely be glad you did the Chat with an Astronaut experience. My kids loved the opportunity to ask their questions directly to a veteran NASA astronaut. And he provided some inspiring answers to encourage their curiosity.
More Epic Family Adventures to Plan in Florida
Looking for more Florida day trips to plan with you family? Check out more Florida family adventure guides from Adventure-Seeking Mom and subscribe to get new adventures sent to you via email.
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Definitely adding to my Florida list of Adventures. Looks like a great time 😍
No doubt you will love this fascinating Florida bucket list adventure!