Exploring Kennedy Space Center

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Kennedy Space Center. We were provided a complimentary visit but all thoughts are our own.

We had a blast at Kennedy Space Center, while not in Orlando, it is well worth the 1-hour drive to Merrit Island! Since 1968, the Kennedy Space Center has been NASA’s primary launch center for human spaceflight. Today you can visit the complex to see impressive displays, and artifacts and experience attractions related to all things space!

We did take our 3-year-old and were not sure how he would do but there is truly so much to see and do for all ages and he ended up having the best time and getting so much out of our visit. He especially loved Planet Play, the educational and very immersive space-themed indoor play area, he truly could have stayed there all day! There are things to climb on, and slide down, tunnels, activities, and a lounge area inside for parents too.

The Rocket Garden

The Rocket Garden was one of the first things we explored and it is typically the first thing you will see (after the countdown clock!) these rockets are huge and tower over the rest of the facility. NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs are all represented in the Garden of Rockets. There are a couple of replica capsules you can climb in and are great photo ops!

Space Shuttle Atlantis

This building was my favorite! Home to one of the three space-flown shuttles, Space Shuttle Atlantis showcases the orbiter spacecraft (it’s HUGE!) and tells the story of NASA’s 30-year space shuttle program. Before you enter the building you walk under a full-scale rocket booster pair, this provides such an awe of how big the Space Shuttle and stack were.

When you enter the exhibit you enter an immersive theater that simulates the launch of the Space Shuttle, the transition from the theater to seeing the actual space shuttle is amazing. The lower floor includes many artifacts and the Shuttle Launch Experience which is a full-motion simulation of a real launch!

Apollo/Saturn V Center

This exhibit is not located at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and requires the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour to access. (The bus tour is included in the ticket price. Rides are available throughout the day, with the last ride being 2.5 hours before park closing.)

When you enter this center you see a mock-up of Mission Control for the Apollo 8 Mission which included the actual consoles used during those missions then enter a room where you can see the entire Saturn V rocket, specifically the 5 massive engines towering over the area. Throughout the center, you can see an Apollo Capsule, the Lunar Module, a large-scale model of the Saturn V rocket describing each stage, a Lunar Rover, and many other items. You can even touch the moon, there is a piece of moon rock that you can view and touch.

There is a memorial with personal artifacts from the three astronauts and information about what went wrong on the fatal day of Apollo 1.

We spent a while here so we recommend starting your day with this bus trip.

Dining

There are many options for food and drinks throughout the complex. We ate at Orbit Cafe, they have pizza, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a few other grill items. There is also a Starbucks on the property as well as Milky Way, a yummy ice cream shop! Moon Rock Cafe is located at the Apollo/Saturn V Center serving snacks such as hot dogs and coffee.

Shopping

There are a handful of gift shops throughout the complex. The largest one is located in the center of the main complex and is called “space shop” It has two floors of NASA merchandise.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open year-round, typically from 9 am – 5 pm. It is family-friendly and fun for all ages and worth the drive from Orlando. We cannot wait to go back and explore even more.