best day to visit kennedy space center

Complete Guide to Visiting Kennedy Space Center: Tips & Tricks

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The Kennedy Space Center is likely already on your list if you have an interest in all things space, especially if you’re traveling to Orlando with kids and seeking a hands-on experience. 

For Florida travelers with a more passing interest, it can still be a great visit. It can help you develop a greater appreciation for what it takes to run a successful space shuttle program and the bravery and ingenuity involved with planning for a safe, effective space launch.

Our family had an amazing time checking out the Kennedy Space Center, which was the perfect way to mix things up in between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios .

Pro tip: Get your discounted Kennedy Space Center tickets here and bundle them with your rental car for huge savings!

In this guest post, space enthusiast Brian of Travel on the Reg will share his best tips for Kennedy Space Center to make the most of your visit! He’ll share the best things to do at the Kennedy Space Center and how to plan your next trip there with this complete guide to the Florida space site. I took lots of fun photos on our family trip to Kennedy Space Center, and you’ll see those throughout this article since I haven’t gotten to use them elsewhere!

And now over to Brian…

Where is the Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is on Merritt Island in central Florida. It’s not really a city but an unincorporated area. The area is most well-known for being a NASA launch site as home to the Launch and Landing Facility (LLF), previously known as the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF).

Merritt Island is also home to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. That means you may be able to spot some bald eagles on your way to the entrance, and if you opt to stay nearby you’ll want to build in time for a visit on a different day. 

NASA actually works with the refuge to make sure any decisions they make about shuttle launches, expansions, and changes to the existing footprint keep the wildlife habitat in mind.

Why was the Kennedy Space Center built in Florida? 

The Kennedy Space Center was built in Florida for a few reasons:

• Florida is closer to the equator than most other U.S. states, so rockets and shuttles launched from here use less energy to get out to where they’re going. In this case, where they’re likely going is outer space.
• Florida is on the East Coast. Anything launched from here gets a boost from the Earth’s eastward spin vs. similar efforts out of the West Coast.
• It’s close to the Atlantic Ocean. Any debris coming off the shuttles and rockets will fall into the water rather than in developed areas. Potential explosions, while rare, are also safer over the water.

One of the virtual astronauts you’ll meet while checking out the exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center will give you more details about the benefits of KSC’s location!

The complex is one of 10 NASA field centers around the United States, but it’s arguably the most well-known whether you’re a nerd for space exploration or a more casual observer. That’s what makes it such a popular stop on Florida trips or bigger road trips through the South .

How close is the Kennedy Space Center to Orlando? 

The Kennedy Space Center is 44 miles from Orlando. Drive time on that depends on where you’re coming from in Orlando, but expect it to take about an hour with light traffic. You’ll definitely want to rent a car for the trip!

Orlando is pretty notorious for heavy traffic as it’s Florida’s hub for all the fun, so it’s always best to give yourself extra time, especially if you have any timed activities while you’re here.

Is Cape Canaveral the same as the Kennedy Space Center? 

Cape Canaveral is adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center, but it’s not the same thing. Both are part of what’s known as the Space Coast. That’s not a reference to alien activity , but a nod to the spaceports located here.

The confusion may be related to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, a facility that also serves as a missile and rocket launch site for the U.S. Space Force.

To confuse you further, the Cape Canaveral program has also been known as the Cape Kennedy Air Force Station and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It’s all the same.

Tips for Visiting the Kennedy Space Center

Here are a few things you need to know before visiting the Kennedy Space Center:

• Tickets for Kennedy Space Center are available online. Buy them ahead of time to save a lot of money! 
• If you’re only buying general admission tickets, the cheapest discount Kennedy Space Center tickets are available through aRes Travel . Alternatively, you can pay just a few dollars more per ticket but score a huge discount on your rental car through Undercover Tourist when you bundle them together – that can save you hundreds of dollars.
• Ticket enhancements sell out. Book well ahead of time if you know when you’re visiting if you want to do any of the more immersive activities while you’re there.
• Parking is plentiful, but expect to pay a fee of $10 upon arrival.
• You can bring food and bottled drinks (just avoid glass) into the space center. Snacks are encouraged. The pricing inside is what you’d expect out of a theme park-style experience.
• If you don’t bring in food, there are quite a few options once you’re inside. Just expect the upsell. We spent about $25 on lunch that included a serving of fries, a veggie burger, chicken fingers, and two drinks.

How much time do you need at the Kennedy Space Center? You need at least 5-6 hours of time at the Kennedy Space Center to see the highlights. Add more time if you’ve purchased any enhancements.

I highly recommend you get there as early as possible. The center opens at 9am but the gates open at 8:30am. We arrived around 9:30am and met a long line of cars at the entrance. We were parked, past security, and in line for the bus tour just before 10am.

What is the best way to visit the Kennedy Space Center? The best way to visit the Kennedy Space Center is to download the app before you go and plot out your day.

This is basically the Disney World of space. You don’t want to go into this blind, as that may mean you run out of time to do the things that you really wanted to do. 

The app allows you to favorite things you need to see and view highlights by location on their Kennedy Space Center map. 

There are two locations you’ll be exploring on your visit, by the way, and one is only accessible by the Kennedy Space Center bus.

Best Things to Do at the Kennedy Space Center

We spent a full day at the Kennedy Space Center and still didn’t get to every nook and cranny while we were there. I do think we explored the complex quite well, though, so I’m going to share everything with you in the order we did it.

What should you do first at Kennedy Space Center? The first thing you should do at the Kennedy Space Center is explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center. You’ll get there on a bus tour from the main visitor complex.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

The Apollo/Saturn V Center isn’t accessible on foot. To get there, you’ll need to take the bus tour, which is included in your regular admission ticket. 

Access the bus tour at the main visitor complex from NASA Central. (Check out the map on your app or follow signage throughout the park.) If you hit the IMAX theater you’ve gone too far.

You don’t need to pre-book anything, but the park only got more crowded as the day went on. This is why I’m telling you to start with the bus tour.

On your bus tour, you’ll drive by the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. You can’t enter the building, but it’s impressive nonetheless. It’s over 500+ feed in every dimension and looks like a massive cube of concrete!

This is where the largest components of NASA’s space program are assembled, including space shuttles and the Saturn V. You’ll learn all about it on your bus tour, so take the earbuds out and listen up.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

Upon arrival at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, you’ll be ushered into a room as a whole bus group for an informative video, then to a second room to watch the Apollo 8 launch. 

The simulation comes complete with vibrating seats, and the spectacle was one of my favorite bits from the day.

After this, you’ll be dumped out into the main room, dominated by the Saturn V. The powerful rocket was an essential piece of the success of the Apollo program. 

If you’re new to all of this, the Apollo program was the space program responsible for the first moon landing and subsequent missions to the moon. The last flight through the program was Apollo 17 on December 19, 1972.

The Treasure Gallery is on one side and where you’ll find expected treasures, in this case, artifacts of the Apollo program. You’ll also see an exhibit on the Hubble Space Telescope while you’re here. Seriously, there’s a lot to see, so take your time.

While you explore the exhibits, you’ll hear a call to head to the Lunar Theater. Follow the call. You can always return to the exhibit spaces later, as those aren’t timed. The theater is where you’ll get to see the dramatics unfold around the Apollo 11 launch. 

The last exhibit at the Apollo/Saturn V Center is Ad Astra Per Aspera, a memorial to the astronauts who lost their lives on a test rehearsal of the first expected moon launch on Apollo 1. Three crew members lost their lives that day: Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee.

We spent about two hours at the Apollo/Saturn V Center before reboarding the bus. You can check out the launching pads outside before you go. If you’re hungry, stop into Moon Rock Cafe for a snack or lunch.

To get back to the boarding station, exit through the main gift shop. Don’t miss the Moon Tree Garden on your way out. You’ll see a statue there of the Apollo 11 astronauts in a lovely green space of trees that are direct descendants of seeds that were taken to the moon.

Read that last bit again to get blown away once more.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

As you leave the bus back at the main visitor center complex, you’ll be close to the entrance of the exhibits dedicated to the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Your visit there will start with video clips about the Atlantis program. 

You’ll likely need to wait for a few minutes for the first round of visuals, but we only stood in line for about 10 minutes. 

For a more in-depth education on the space shuttle once you’ve made it past the video clips, timed tours run by a center guide are included with your ticket. 

One of the more sobering exhibits in the main exhibit space is Forever Remembered, a tribute to the crews of the Challenger and Columbia disasters. That exhibit includes personal items from the crew members and pieces from both shuttles.

The main exhibit space is where you’ll access the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulation of the shuttle’s ascent into orbit. This is also included with your admission, but expect a wait to get inside. You can’t bring bags with you, but there are locked cubbies available for storage right next to the experience.

If you’re traveling with young children who don’t make the height requirement — you have to be 44” tall for the simulator — there are additional astronaut training simulators on the same level. It’s fun even watching kids try to achieve their mission objective on the simulators.

Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted

Explore attractions like NASA’s plans for Mars and how to get yourself into the next round of NASA hires in this building dedicated to deep space exploration. 

Sit in on the “Explorers Wanted” talk led by a very enthusiastic staffer before checking out the different rovers in the exhibit space. High-five the spaceman walking around the building. Don’t miss the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator outside the building. 

Astronaut of the Day

Every day, veteran NASA astronauts make themselves available for autographs and question-and-answer sessions at the Kennedy Space Center. 

We upgraded our ticket to include Chat With an Astronaut, and I highly recommend you do the same. It’s pricey at $50/person, but if you’re at all interested in a more personal experience at the Kennedy Space Center, this is a great way to do that.

Our Astronaut of the Day was Don Thomas. I got to ask him who his favorite astronaut was — it’s Neil Armstrong, by the way — over a selection of wine, cheese, and other snacks that blew the rest of the park’s food options out of the water.

Yes, you can drink at this event, but there are sodas and water available if you’re not indulging.

The Q&A is open to kids, too, and I must say that the kids at our session asked some very intelligent questions. 

Seriously, it was a great time. You also take home a NASA patch and autographed photo to remember the day, on top of any to-go snacks you want for the rest of the afternoon.

Book this ticket enhancement ahead of your visit. There are two sessions per day at 10am and 2pm, but the 10am was sold out during our visit. There is limited seating for the chats. We probably only had around 20 participants during our booked time, which made for a very intimate experience.

Note: The daily astronaut guests also make themselves available for big presentations in the larger theater space.

Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex

One of the newest exhibits at Kennedy Space Center is the huge Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex. This area highlights (far) future innovations in space travel and exploration and includes recent commercial ventures. There are plenty of interactive stations downstairs and four simulator “rides” upstairs offering different journeys into deep space – the lines can be long for these since they’re really popular and keep in mind the 39″ minimum height.

Space Mirror Memorial

This memorial from the Astronauts Memorial Foundation is worth a quick visit to pay your respects to NASA’s fallen heroes. It’s beautifully done on polished black granite. 

You can also see much of the park from here, including the tips of the rockets within the Rocket Garden, our next stop.

Rocket Garden

The Rocket Garden is an outdoor exhibit of, you guessed it, giant rockets. Tours are available throughout the day as part of your general admission, but you can also just read the signage available if you haven’t timed things right. 

The Delta II is my personal favorite because of those shark teeth. 

This is likely the most photographed section of the park, so I hope you get a sunny day to capture all of the rocket magic.

Heroes & Legends

The Heroes & Legends is dedicated to big names in space travel and what it takes to make a hero. Your entrance is timed to this one, but it’s all included in your general admission.

You’ll watch two short videos once you’re inside. One was a little disorienting, as it was one of those that include lots of moving visuals happening all around you. 

You’ll then be dropped into the main exhibit space that details the heroic qualities required of astronauts and more clips from former astronauts on their personal NASA experiences. The last exhibit is the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Additional Activities at the Kennedy Space Center

If you only have one day at Kennedy Space Center, the highlights above with the optional enhancement of an astronaut chat will make for an excellent day. With more time, you can add more enhancements to your ticket or explore more attractions at the Kennedy Space Center.

Families with kids can easily fill up full two days here if they truly take their time. Here are a few additional ideas for making that happen.

IMAX Building Space Movies

IMAX movies at the Kennedy Space Center are included with your regular admission. You’ll need to pay extra for the obligatory snacks and drinks before you have yourself a seat. 

Films run about 40 minutes and are typically narrated by some cool cats, like Sir Patrick Stewart’s Journey to Space .

Planet Play

Planet Play is a kiddie playground with space-themed educational opportunities for the little ones. Kids can climb a wormhole and slide through an asteroid field…under the supervision of parents, of course.

Astronaut Training Experience (ATX)

Treat the space lover in your life to this immersive experience where they’ll learn more about what it takes to live and work on Mars. The full program takes up to five hours to complete, so this is truly for someone with several days dedicated to the Kennedy Space Center.

If you just want a taste of the simulations involved, you can also book ATX Training Stages, a piecemeal approach. None of these were available during our visit, but we were eyeing the Microgravity Simulator.

Mars Base 1

Mars Base 1 is another immersive NASA experience that will set you up for success if you ever find yourself on the Red Planet. This one requires even more time. Expect to spend up to seven hours managing the Base Operations Center on Mars with other rookie astronauts.

Where to Stay Near Kennedy Space Center

There are a few area hotels in Titusville and Merritt Island, the closest towns to the Kennedy Space Center. Hotels on Cape Canaveral are another option – it’ll take you about 20 minutes to drive around the cape to the visitor’s center. Be mindful not to book a hotel too close to Port Canaveral on the day of a major cruise ship departure, as morning traffic can be intense in that area.

Cocoa Beach is about half an hour away, and driving from Orlando will take about an hour. If you’re planning to visit theme parks and spend only one day at Kennedy Space Center, you may as well just base yourself in Orlando the entire time – be sure to check out the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress review .

Need specific recommendations? Here are a few hotels with easy access to the Kennedy Space Center:

• Hyatt Place Titusville/ Kennedy Space Center ~10 minutes from KSC *This top-rated Kennedy Space Center hotel starts at just 6500 points per night when you transfer from a Chase Sapphire credit card
• Cape Crossing Resort & Marina ~15 minutes to KSC, located on Merritt Island
• Hampton Inn Titusville/I-95 Kennedy Space Center ~20 minute drive to KSC
• Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral ~30 minutes to KSC but walking distance to the beach

Is the Kennedy Space Center worth going to?

The Kennedy Space Center is worth going to for a primer on space exploration history and its many interactive experiences. If you time things right, you even have an opportunity to meet real astronauts. 

I was certainly impressed and wouldn’t mind a return to check out The Deep Space Launch Complex is, a new planned exhibit there. I’d even plan a visit around a space launch, especially if it was run by NASA’s Artemis program. 

This one is a must for even casual fans of all things outer space.

Check these reputable sources for discounted tickets:

Planning your trip to Florida

Check out more awesome places to explore on your trip to Florida:

• Transportation From MCO to Port Canaveral
• Fantastic Things to do in Orlando With Tweens
• Disney All-Star Music Resort Reviews: A Repeat Visitor’s Inside Scoop
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review: Is It As Good As You’ve Heard?
• 25 Essential Tips for Universal Studios Orlando
• 25 Tips for Disney World That Won’t Make You Crazy
• Hyatt Regency Sarasota Review: Family-Friendly Fun
• Fun Things to do in Sarasota with Kids: A Delightful Weekend Getaway
• 15 Wonderful Things to do in Clearwater with Kids (and Their Parents!)
• Attainable Bucket List Item: Swim With Manatees in Crystal River, Florida
• Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Review: A Weekend Getaway Wrapped in a Bow
• Things To Do In Miami With Kids

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7 Must-Know Tips for Visiting Kennedy Space Center

Visiting Kennedy Space Center (KSC) isn’t supposed to be rocket science. But I guess, in a way, it is.

I mean, before my first visit to Kennedy Space Center, I had a million and one questions.

Is the bus tour included in admission? How long is the tour? Can I purchase tickets online? Can I skip the line ( because patience and I don’t get along like we used to )? Why is the location listed as Orlando when it’s actually in Cape Canaveral? And is KSC even on Cape Canaveral or is it on Merritt Island?

So by the time I got to the wide concrete path leading up to KSC’s iconic tall white building, I was more than confused.

Until I wasn’t.

Just a few seconds before I entered, one simple word blocked over the KSC entrance, in clear sky blue, brought clarity: EXPLORE.

So that’s just what I did – explore. And during that time, I learned a few things to do (and not to do) whilst visiting Kennedy Space Center.

Here are 7 tips you need to know before visiting Kennedy Space Center.

Table of Contents

Know Where To Purchase Your Ticket

There are a lot of places that “sell” Kennedy Space Center tickets. Most of the websites you see online offering KSC tours are either a) just general admission tickets ( not a personal guided tour as they’d have you believe – how rude ) or b) a scam.

If you want to purchase your ticket online before visiting Kennedy Space Center, you can do so here (on Kennedy Space Center’s official website).

Kennedy Space Center Tip: If you purchase your ticket online, make sure you print out your ticket before arriving! You need to have printed tickets to enter KSC.

Several companies also offer skip the line tickets, which is exactly what I crave at the Chicago O’Hare Airport ( yikes ), but out here – on Merrit Island – not so much.

I purchased my tickets in-person while visiting Kennedy Space Center and I don’t regret that decision one bit!

Your ticket ($75 per adult) includes admission to:

• Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour ( this is how you visit the Apollo/Saturn V Center )
• Rocket Launch Viewing ( if available )
• The Exhibits
• Astronaut Encounter
• Rocket Garden

When you purchase in-person, you get a map and a list of showtimes ( the map is kind of clunky, but the list of showtimes is incredibly helpful ).

P.S. Your ticket does not include parking. If you’re planning on visiting Kennedy Space Center by car, parking will set you back an extra $10.

Know That You Should Avoid Visiting Kennedy Space Center On The Busiest Days

Visiting Kennedy Space Center during the holiday season (between Christmas and New Year) can be overwhelming.

To be honest, KSC isn’t usually a crowded attraction ( I’ve always been able to get in and out of lines in roughly 20 minutes ).

But in the wintertime and summertime (when school is out), the waits border on hectic.

Try to visit Kennedy Space Center on a weekday morning if you can. Go early. KSC opens at 9 AM ( you can park at 8:30 ) and closes at 6PM.

The big bucket list items are the Bus Tour and Space Shuttle Atlantis. Head to those attractions first!

And if you have the time, opt for an early or late lunch outside ( there’s always a rush in the parking lot at noon ).

Kennedy Space Center Tip: Most restaurants and eateries at KSC close at 2 PM. If you’re planning on eating there, try to pick up a bite as early as possible (to guarantee seating).

My first time visiting Kennedy Space Center, I ate at Moon Rock Cafe .

I got to dine under the Apollo 5 Rocket ( which at first, made my nerdy heart sing for joy ). But to be honest, the menu is limited and crazy expensive. I just ate there because I didn’t know you could leave KSC and re-enter later on in the day ( if you plan on doing this, remember to get your hand stamped ).

Know That There’s A Bus Tour

The bus tour was hands-down my favorite part of visiting Kennedy Space Center.

The bus departs every fifteen minutes from the Visitor Complex and transports you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The marshy Florida landscape skates by.

Kennedy Space Center Tip: The last bus tour (which lasts 45 minutes) departs 2.5 hours before closing. Don’t miss this attraction!

At the Firing Room Theater, the scene is set. You enter the Space Era. The race to launch a rocket is on. Sputnik threatens USA’s Superpower status. Worry brews.

This virtual tour is guided by a former launch controller so the experience is surreal. You feel like you’re listening to a memoir instead of a traditional guide. I loved every second of it!

Right outside is the Saturn V moon rocket. I still can’t believe this monstrosity is the size of a football field! Ridiculous, huh?

For Apollo 13 fans ( I’ve seen that movie way too times ), you can even see James Lovell’s spacesuit. Ah, fangirl moments.

After stopping by the Lunar Theater, exit towards Apollo Treasure Gallery, where Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and a bit of his lunar module, the Kitty Hawk, reside.

Apollo Treasure Gallery

Alan Shepard is the most underrated astronaut in the Apollo 11 Mission. I can’t begin to describe how excited I was to see a commemoration to him.

Exploring space is like taking part in a stage performance. Just because we know the names of the lead actors (Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin) doesn’t mean that the makeup artists and costume designers aren’t essential.

Kennedy Space Center captures that idea perfectly via the Apollo Treasure Gallery!

Know The Bag Policy Before Visiting Kennedy Space Center

I huff and slide my bag over my shoulder.

Having my belongings screened while visiting Kennedy Space Center isn’t unexpected, but the process is tiresome and slow ( think Flash from Zootopia ).

Here’s what you can and can not bring during your Kennedy Space Center visit:

Know What To Do In The Rain

The sky is overcast, weighed down by a deep, broody gray. Rain begins to fall to the ground in heavy plops.

I duck inside. Afternoon showers in Florida are common.

And after spending two days visiting Kennedy Space Center, I was incredibly grateful for the wealth of indoor attractions ( considering it was raining 90% of my Florida trip ).

• Journey to Mars: This is a theater presentation followed by some multimedia exhibits that really get into the logistics of running a mission to the red planet. You can see prototypes of food that might grow on Martian soil. Unfortunately, the whole lab wasn’t filled with potatoes, but I’m okay with a non-potato diet ( Martian reference – I highly recommend picking Andy Weir’s book for the plane ).
• The Atlantis Zone: The Atlantis, a mammoth space shuttle rotated 43.21 degrees, is held in The Atlantis Zone. If you’re visiting Kennedy Space Center with kids, note that there are lots of interactive exhibits here.
• Imax Theatre: There are three different shows available daily. Since I had a two-day pass, I opted to see all three. Arrive early if you want to catch a glimpse of the 3D IMAX movie in particular ( this one gets filled fast ).

Know These 5 Kennedy Space Center Tips

It’s getting late. The sun has dipped. Blank white canvases of rockets penetrate a flaming sky.

• The Rocket Garden is best seen in the afternoon . Walking among some of NASA’s early rockets feels surreal. The garden is located by the front entrance, near the Heroes & Legends exhibit, and it’s one of those places that leaves a big impression.
• High-tail your way to Atlantis . Atlantis is the most popular attraction at KSC. The exhibit takes a full hour to see. It’s engaging and immersive and all-around fun.
• After enjoying the Atlantis Exhibit, get in line for the 10 AM bus tour.
• There’s a ride. Just one. The Shuttle Launch Experience. And I’ve heard it’s good. I didn’t really have the stomach for this since I was a  little  nervous (I’m not really one for rides).
• Watching a shuttle launch is included with admission ! I’m so mad I didn’t know about this before visiting Kennedy Space Center. I’ll link the launch calendar here .

Know That Kennedy Space Center Is Worth A Visit

Because the admission price is so steep, it’s hard to determine whether visiting Kennedy Space Center is worth it.

But after wandering through the Atlantis Exhibit, relaxing on a quiet bus tour, and standing amongst the larger than life rockets, I’m certain of one thing: KSC is magical.

It’s not magical in the same way Disney is. This is a place with real-life magic – a magic twisted from science and engineering.

And I guess that’s what makes it the perfect day trip from Orlando.

Did you enjoy this guide to visiting Kennedy Space Center? Do you have any Kennedy Space Center travel tips? Let me know in the comments below!

Editor-In-Chief

Anshula grew up with a love of stories and places. Thirty-five states and 100 bookstores later, she's made her hobbit home in Middle Tennessee. Her Tookish side still takes over and leaves her chasing window seats, literary destinations, adventure books, sunrise coffee, and indie bookshops. She's appeared as a travel source on HuffPost, Reader's Digest, and MSN.

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14 comments.

I went here when I was a kid and fully intended to take my kids for a visit when we went to Florida last February. We had just had a new baby, and I completely underestimated how difficult traveling with a little one can be. We ended up nixing the space center. We go to Florida fairly often because we have family there; so hopefully we will do this on our next visit. Thanks for sharing

Yes, you should totally head up there the next time you visit! It can tough to travel with small children, but fortunately the KSC doesn’t have many long lines, unlike theme parks, which is great when you have kids in tow.

This is the best write up on the KSC I’ve read. I grew up in Orlando and just took my English fiance there last year (who has never been exposed to the space program like I had) and he cannot stop talking about it to this day. Also gorgeous pictures. 🙂

Awww…thanks! That is so sweet of you! I didn’t even think of going until I found out that it was only a day trip from Orlando! I’m so glad I did, though. KSC is an amazing example of how large a part of American culture the space program was!

what an awesome blog. I definitely want to travel more. Your website is very inspiring 🙂

Thank you so much for the lovely comment! Comments like yours motivate me to keep my website going! If you ever need any recommendations of where to go on a certain budget, you can always contact me! I would be happy to help!

Great post! I went there when I was younger and I’ve been thinking of going back because it is such a neat place!

Thanks! You should definately go back! The first time I went, I was around eight, so I my mind was pretty much tuned to the track of “awesome space-stuff” but now that I’m older, I see the Kennedy Space Center with a new perspective!

stupendous post! loved every bit of it. already waiting for your next post. 🙂

Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it! I should have a new post coming out tomorrow (fingers crossed)!

YAY SCIENCE! Really enjoyed your post <3 It's nice to see people/bloggers promoting experiences that actually enrich a person. (Not that I'm one to throw stones, since my life revolves around cute dogs and beach cocktails…But still…)

An an aeronautical engineer, I thank thee for making a trip to see spaceships and things.

Awww…I’m glad you appreciate it. I’m a huge tech nerd, so I love all things engineering related 🙂

FANTASTIC photos! Great article, too. I come from a NASA family so it’s nice to see people taking an interest in the history of the space program. Two thumbs up, lady!

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16 Kennedy Space Center Tips for Your First Visit

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Planning on visiting Kennedy Space Center for the first time? Then make sure you read all my Kennedy Space Center tips to help plan your trip here!

One place that should be on everyone’s US bucket list is visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Wow, what a place this is. Honestly, I can’t tell you how much I loved it here.

It’s just so different to all the other theme parks in Florida , partly because there’s SO MUCH to see and do. Also, there’s so much to learn too – and that’s a good thing!

It kinda feels like a school trip when you’re a kid. Everything is new and exciting – you just want to play with everything, hit all the buttons, and rush from one display to the next. It’s a lot like that. I don’t think I’ve ever come away from somewhere with such awe for space and this planet we call home.

If you’re planning on visiting Kennedy Space Center for the first time, it can be incredibly overwhelming. I know it was for me. The whole site is absolutely massive, and squeezing everything in takes a lot longer than you’d expect. If you’re not prepared beforehand, the day can really run away from you.

That’s why I wanted to come up with these Kennedy Space Center tips to help plan your trip here. I’ve done all the research so you don’t have to.

All you need to do is read these top tips, take them on board, and hopefully they’ll make things a little easier on the day.

So, if you’re planning of visiting KSC, make sure you bookmark this article for your next to Florida!

Heading to a different part of Florida? Then check out the best adventures in Florida , and my detailed guide to Fort Myers .

Why you should visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Like all kids, I was absolutely captivated by space growing up. I wanted to be an astronaut, I had the glow-in-the-dark stars and planets on my ceiling, the whole shebang.

Even when you grow up, that sense of fascination with space never leaves you. The numbers are just so staggering. Did you know it’s thought our universe contains 70 septillion stars? That number looks like this – 700,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

In comparison, astronomers estimate there are roughly 10,000 stars for each grain of sand on Earth. So every time you walk on the beach, it’s like walking over millions and millions of stars. It’s hard not being overwhelmed with numbers like that, isn’t it?

That’s what I loved about the KSCVC though. Everything was brought to life, and I learned so much along the way.

From interactive displays where you get to launch a rocket to fun 4D simulators that take you to outerspace, everything is fun and exciting.

Then there are extras like learning all about the James Webb Telescope at the IMAX theatre or having lunch with an astronaut. Or standing underneath the rocket thrusters of Saturn II, or walking around the Rocket Garden.

As you can tell, there is A LOT to do here, which brings me along beautifully to my top tips for Kennedy Space Center. As I said, hopefully these can help plan your trip here. I wish I knew these before my first visit, I’ll tell you that!

Kennedy Space Center Tips

Have a plan of action beforehand.

As I’ve already touched upon, time is everything here. You really don’t want to waste a minute so you can jam everything in. I was here for two days and even then I wish I had more time.

One thing I would recommend is take a look at the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex map beforehand so you’re familiar with where the main sections are. Obviously it can take a fair bit of time walking around the park, so factor that in when planning.

Also, appreciate the fact that things take longer that they say. The timing for the James Webb Telescope film at the IMAX says it takes 40 minutes, but that’s just for the film. When you factor in queuing up beforehand, then leaving the theatre afterwards, it’s more like an hour.

Don’t worry, I’ll give you a rough Kennedy Space Center itinerary later to help with timings.

Download the KSC app to see the schedule

To help come up with a plan of action, I’d recommend downloading the KSC app before your visit. Then you can see the schedule of what’s on when, and start planning your day around that.

If you know before you arrive that you want to see the “Chat with an Astronaut” at 10am, then the “Rocket Garden tour” at 11:15am, then the IMAX movie at 3:30pm, then you’ve got the backbone of a plan.

Otherwise, you’ll walk into the park, look at the schedule on the big board at the entrance and say “I want to see everything”, and just waste time coming up with a POA. Save yourself time by doing it all before visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Come for two days instead of one

One way of taking that time pressure off you is by getting a two-day ticket instead of a one-day ticket. We came for two days, and I was so thankful we did – we would never have had enough time to see everything in a day. Also, it’s really not much more money getting a two-day ticket.

The price of a one-day ticket is $75. The price of a two-day ticket is $89. That’s only $14 more for an extra day here. I think that’s really good value for money. Then you really can see everything this place has to offer.

Gates open at 9am, but the carpark opens at 8:30am

The Kennedy Space Center is open from 9am to 6pm. However, not everyone knows that the car park opens at 8:30am. This is a bit of a local secret, as you’ll see everyone with annual passes arriving at this time.

Even though there is a bit more of a queue to get into the carpark at 8:30am, it does mean you can get into the park pretty much on the dot of 9am when everything opens up.

Head straight to Spaceport KSC

One of the biggest attractions is Spaceport KSC . This is where you can embark on four incredible journeys to outerspace during an interactive themepark ride. These are more like some of the rides you’d get at other parks in Orlando.

The four rides are Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet, and Uncharted Worlds. They really are worth queuing up for, even if it does take a while.

On my first day here, I didn’t realise how long it’d take to queue. Even though the queue length said 40 minutes, I thought it must be quicker than that. In the end though, it took an hour – I was so frustrated as I wanted to see so much more of the park and not waste time!

On my second day, I headed straight for Spaceport KSC and there was no queue at all. For the first hour of the day, from 9am to 10am, you’ve got a good chance of going on all four rides without having to queue up. That means you can tick them all off before exploring the rest of the park.

If you only ride one, pick Red Planet

Obviously everyone’s different, but I thought Red Planet was the best ride by far. It also has the most seats, which means it’s the quickest ride too. That means, if you only have time to go on one ride, I’d really recommend Red Planet.

I really liked Cosmic Wonders and Uncharted worlds, but Daring Explorers was a bit meh in comparison.

If you’re travelling with babies/young kids, make use of the child swap system

There is a height restriction of 99cms (39 inches), so if you’re travelling with babies/young kids that aren’t tall enough, then this one’s for you.

At KSCVC they have a child swap system. This is where you all queue up together as a family. Then when you’re at the front, one of you goes on the ride, and the other goes off into a side room with your kid.

Then, after you’ve been on the ride, you swap over and the other parent can go on the ride without queuing all over again.

Chloe and I did this and it was really useful. It meant we both could experience all the rides without wasting loads of time. Obviously it takes a bit longer than if you don’t have kids as you’re going on separate rides, but it’s a great system. It means one of you doesn’t miss out when looking after the kid.

Factor in 2 to 3 hours for the Kennedy Space Center bus tour

I didn’t realise this before I visited KSC, but there’s a whole other section to the park that’s miles away. So far away that they have a separate bus tour just to get there.

One of the Kennedy Space Center tips I wish I knew beforehand was how long this tour would take. Well, I’d factor in a good 2 to 3 hours for this.

The other site is where the house the Saturn V rocket in it’s full resplendence. Nothing can prepare you for how big this is. You also get to see the original luna command center where they do a cool interactive display of what it would’ve been like in the countdown to liftoff in 1968.

There is so much to see over here. From how to luna landing was nearly aborted, to seeing how small the Apollo 14 command module is, to touching space rock, you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon just here. You’ve been warned – there is a lot to do at the Apollo/Saturn Center!

Sit on the right side of the bus

When you get on the bus itself, make sure you sit on the right side. This means you’ll have a much better view of VAB, the Vehicle Assembly Building . This is a massive block of a building where they assemble rockets pre-launch.

It was originally built in 1966 for the Apollo-Saturn V space vehicle. When you’ve seen the size of the Saturn V rocket, you’ll understand why they needed such a big building. In fact, it’s the eighth-largest building in the world by volume, and it has the biggest doors in the world. The doors themselves take 45 minutes to fully open!

Also, if you sit on the right, you’ll have a much better view of the crawler-transporters used to move the giant rockets themselves. These things move at a sedate 1mph, so they’re not exactly quick, but when you see what they’re transporting it’s easy to see why!

There’s a secret lift that mean you can skip the queue for Atlantis

I’m not too sure I should include this in my Kennedy Space Center visitor tips or not, but here we go.

The Atlantis complex is one of the most popular attractions at KSC. Usually you have to queue up before you can enter the main theatre. Depending on show timings, you can be waiting around a bit. And as they can only let in a set number of people you might have to wait for the next show.

However, there’s a lift that can bypass the queue. We found this out because we had our son in the pram and we didn’t want to push him to the top of the building. We saw this lift directly to the left by the toilets immediately after we entered the building, so we decided catch that to the 3 rd floor. We were pretty surprised that this deposited us directly in the Atlantis theatre and meant we had bypassed the long queue.

I would say only use this one if you actually need to – it is mainly there for families with prams or with wheelchairs.

Skip breakfast or lunch; have it with an astronaut instead

One of the paid extras you can do is have breakfast or lunch with an astronaut. At $50 extra, you might think this is expensive, but I actually thought it was quite good value for money.

These talks are either at 9:45am (Monday to Friday)/10am (Saturday & Sunday) or 2pm. They are basically a 45-minute Q&A session with an astronaut where you can pick their brains about space. You can ask them anything from whether they were scared going up to space, or what it’s like taking a crap.

Included in the ticket is a buffet, and it’s actually very substantial. For lunch, I had slices of beef brisket with bbq sauce, sliders, cheese and biscuits, then there was cake and other sweet treats to choose from. It also included an alcoholic beverage (beer or wine) which I thought was a nice touch. It was loads of food though, definitely enough for breakfast or lunch.

This means, instead of paying for breakfast at your hotel or lunch in the park, you can plan your day around the talk and have a meal included. All in all, for lunch with beer, and chatting to a real-life astronaut, and getting a commemorative coin and signed photo, all for $50 – I think that’s pretty good.

Share some Space Dots

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, I’d really recommend Space Dots. These are little balls of ice cream and sorbet, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

At $7 a pop, they’re one of the cheaper snacks in KSC, but they’re pretty big too. I would say one pot of Space Dots could easily be shared between two people or even with your kids.

Book the Hyperdeck VR early in the morning

One of the top things to do at Kennedy Space Center is the Hypderdeck VR game. This is when you’re an astronaut sent to space and you have to mine crucial resources with your laser blasters. It’s an immersive multi-simulator virtual experience and I absolutely loved it. It was definitely one of my favourite things to do here.

As there are only limited spaces, it’s best to book this on the KSC app as soon as you arrive. You can book a 10-minute slot for up to 4 people, but it’s best to get in early so you don’t miss out on this one.

Go on as many tours as you can squeeze in

For me, I really loved all the little tours. Some of these like the Atlantis tour were only 20 minutes long, but I learned so much more than I would’ve done if I walked around myself. I think a lot of people skip the tours so they have more time for other things, but I think the tours are invaluable for getting the most out of your visit.

Another tour I’d really recommend is the Rocket Garden tour. I found this fascinating learning all about the Space Race and what all the different rockets were used for.

Find out when a rocket launch is happening to coincide with your trip

I mention this in my article about the top things to do in New Smyrna Beach , but one of the reasons we were so excited about visiting Florida this time around was the chance at seeing a rocket launch. You can see them from New Smyrna Beach itself or other places along the Space Coast.

SpaceX launched 93 times in 2023, and they’re aiming for 144 times in 2024. That means if you’re staying in New Smyrna Beach or the Space Coast for more than a few days, you’ve got a good chance of seeing a rocket launch. Amazing, right?

Some locals were surprised at how excited we were to watch a launch, but this was our FIRST EVER ROCKET LAUNCH! Obviously we were super excited, and it was such an amazing experience. If you can coincide your trip to KSC with a rocket launch, then I’d definitely recommend that.

I didn’t find it that busy in the park

I’m not too sure if this is a tip or not, but I never found it oppressively busy at Kennedy Space Center. It was busy, but it wasn’t you-can-barely-put-one-leg-in-front-of-the-other busy.

Now you can say “I bet you went on a Monday in January.” I went on a Friday and Saturday at the very start of Spring Break. It should’ve been rammed, but it never felt crazy. I think that’s because everything is so spaced out which is a real bonus.

Kennedy Space Center itinerary

As I’ve been banging on about why you should get a 2-day ticket, I’m going to give you our 2-day itinerary. Hopefully this will give you a rough outline of what to see and timings.

09:00 – Arrive, park up and get your tickets 09:30 to 10:30 – Head straight to Gateway and do all the Spaceport KSC rides 10:30 to 11:15 – Explore Gateway and the interactive displays 11:15 to 11:30 – Rocket Garden tour 11:45 to 12:15 – Hyperdeck VR game 12:15 to 13:00 – Lunch 13:00 to 15:30 – KSC bus tour 15:30 to 16:30 – Atlantis experience (there is an Alantis walking tour at 15:30 too directly in front of the Atlantis shuttle on the 3 rd floor)

09:00 – Arrive, park up and enter the park 09:30 to 10:30 – Heroes & Legends 10:30 to 11:00 – Mission Status briefing 11:00 to 12:00 – Journey to Mars 12:30 to 13:30 – IMAX Movie: Deep Sky 14:00 to 15:00 – Chat with an Astronaut (with lunch included) 15:00 onwards – Free time to experience anything else you think you’ve missed!

This post was in association with Visit Florida and Kennedy Space Center promoting the best things to do in the area. As always, all views are entirely my own and without bias.

If you have any questions about Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, let me know if the comments below and I’ll help plan your trip here.

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER and the Merritt Island Park and Cocoa Beach 

Best time visit florida.

The Kennedy Space Center is a major attraction in the middle east coast of Florida, just a few dozen miles from Orlando and about two hundred miles north of Palm Beach (320 Kms). More precisely, the Kennedy Space Center complex is in the Merrit Island, side to side with the Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge.  Cocoa Beach, some miles south the Kennedy Space Center, is a ten mile shore famous for its surfing conditions and its beaches. For those who are looking for some beach life and cheap accommodation, Cocoa Beach is an option to consider. See: Best time to visit the Kennedy Space Center, the Merrit Island Park and Cocoa Beach MAIN GEOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES WHAT TO VISIT IN THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, THE MERRIT ISLAND PARK AND COCOA BEACH The Kennedy Space Center  USA/Nasa space programs have their heart here, in the Kennedy Space Center. Space vehicles are developed and tested in this complex, that also includes historic museums and facilities where the visitor can watch satellites, space capsules, space movies and multimedia displays concerning launches and space issues. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open all over the year except December 25 and some launch days. The Center Bus departs every 15 minutes and takes around 2 hours.  For details and tickets for tours, see the  Kennedy Space Tickets Center . See also  Kennedy Space Center site .

The Merritt Island Park "Where Nature Meets Technology", is Merritt Island's slogan . And indeed, unexpectedly, the island offers not only the most advanced demonstrations of human technology but also a huge representation of wildlife. The island park includes several trails - the Palm Hammock, the Oak Hammock, the Cruickshank, the Black Point Wildlife Drive - and lots of alligators, raccoons, bobcats, armadillos and one of the greatest bird gathering in North America. Cocoa Beach This ten-mile shore offers many surfing opportunities, excellent beaches and cheap accommodation, and is just some miles south of the Kennedy Space Center. For  a regional map, see: Daytona, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orlando map BEST  TIME TO  TRAVEL TO THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, THE MERRIT ISLAND PARK AND COCOA BEACH If you want to avoid crowds, then choose the weekends to avoid college students visits) and the months of May and September.  If you want to avoid crowds, take into account  especially packed days, weeks and weekends:  Presidents' Day weekend (February), Easter week, Memorial Day weekend (end of May), the Fourth of July, Labour Day weekend (September), Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's.  Thunderstorms period should also be taken into account, since they may lead to the cancellation of some visits. You may want to avoid the months where these natural phenomena may more easily occur: the summer months (June to October), with their regular afternoon thunderstorms. If you want to benefit from cheaper accommodation,  then consider accommodation in Cocoa Beach. The distance from the Kennedy Space Center is short and the accommodation may be rather cheaper than that offered by the many motels along the high-ways near the space complex. For other details on precipitation, temperatures, humidity and other weather variables, see  Florida Orlando Weather Map  and also  Best time to visit Southern Florida .

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© Best-Time-To-Travel.com, Best time to travel in USA destinations; Ed. Reisinh

17 Spectacular Kennedy Space Center Tips (Your Ultimate Guide)

When you think of the John F. Kennedy Space Center you think of the illustrious history of the space program here in America.

From the first man on the moon to the mission to Mars, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has been a cultural staple for many of us.

This American launch site has been used by NASA for human space flight since December 1968.

Because of this, I thought it would be great to bring you the best tips to conquering your day.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. Buy Your Kennedy Space Center Tickets Online

I always recommend buying your tickets online for any attraction in Florida.

I say this because it starts your day off on a good note since you won’t have to wait in the line to purchase your KSC tickets.

Your tickets can be bought on the official website where you’ll be able to print them out at home or pick them up from Will Call at the Visitor Complex.

Once you have your printed ticket from home, all you have to do is walk directly to the turnstiles and start your space adventure!

Can I buy tickets at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes you can. However, if you’re going on a busy day, then I recommend purchasing them online first.

How much does it cost to go to Kennedy Space Center?

Single day admission cost:

• Children $65 (age 3-11)
• Adults $75 (Ages 12+)
• Annual Pass $149 (Ages 12+) and $120 (age 3-11)

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2. Know Where to Buy Kennedy Space Center Discount Tickets

The prices on the official website are pretty good, but you may luck up on possible Kennedy Space Center discounts and deals using Groupon.

Groupon Kennedy Space Center Florida

KSC is pretty good about running great deals, but on Groupon you can find additional excursions to spice up your trip.

Ventures such as, the Space Coast Slingshots which will give you the opportunity to explore this beautiful coast of Florida with the wind in your hair!

If you’re vacationing in Orlando and you don’t have a vehicle, you can look up day tours that will take you over to KSC for a small fee.

Recommended: Ultimate Florida Packing List: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!

3. Download the App

Map out the day prior to your visit by downloading their app.

This is a great way to make a note of your must do’s and it’s also a wonderful way to help you see and experience as much as you can if you’re only there for a short visit.

Hipster Power Tip: Having the park app will allow you to view the map and get familiar with the layout of the Visitor Complex.

Kennedy Space Center App Features:

• Available for free in both the App Store  and  Google Play
• Has the Visitor Complex map in the app
• Answers your frequently asked questions
• Has descriptions of the shows and attractions
• Gives information on guest services, dining and shopping
• Keeps you updated on rocket launches
• Allows you to maneuver your way around the Visitor Complex and the Apollo/Saturn V Center

Downloading the app is one of the top Kennedy Space Center tips I wish I knew before my trip.

4. Have the Kennedy Space Center Address Handy

Before you leave your destination, it’s always good to have the address on hand.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex address is Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953.

Is Cape Canaveral the same as the Kennedy Space Center?

The Visitor Complex is located in the city of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Therefore, Cape Canaveral is not the same as Kennedy Space Center.

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5. Use the Map to Plan Your Day

It can be overwhelming stepping foot into this incredible visitor complex, that’s why I recommend going over the KSC map before you get there.

Kennedy Space Center Map

It will help you:

• Get familiar when the layout of the Visitor Complex
• All you to map out your day
• Plan what time you want to do the bus tour and when you want to have lunch

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6. Know the Kennedy Space Center Hours

The Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. EST every day of the year and closes at 6 p.m. This time can go up to an 8 p.m. closing time, depending on the season.

7. Map Out How to Get from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center

Here are my most basic Kennedy Space Center directions from Orlando.

If you’re coming from the theme park area or Orlando, then you’ll want to:

• Get on the FL-528 E from I-4 to FL-3 N/N Courtenay Pkwy in Merritt Island (about a 45-minute drive or 47.5 miles)
• Take exit 49 from FL-528 E
• Continue on N Courtenay Pkwy. Drive to Space Commerce Way (about a 10-minute drive…or 8 miles)

Does Kennedy Space Center provide transportation?

The visitor complex does not provide transportation to and from Orlando.

You can use one of the tours mentioned earlier that provides transportation by searching Viator.

8. Be Prepared to Pay for Parking at Kennedy Space Center

The parking lot is adjacent to the Visitor Complex. It will take you about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the lot to the front gate depending on where you parked.

It was an easy walk for me and a much simpler process than the theme parks.

How much does it cost to park at Kennedy Space Center?

• Motorcycles – $5.00
• Automobiles –  $10.00
• Oversized vehicles, motor homes or RVs –  $15.00

9. Know Exactly What the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Is

The Visitor Complex is an out-of-this world experience dedicated to showcasing the major accomplishments made through the space program.

It is divided into Mission Zones where the attractions and the tours are organized by chronological era.

What to do at Kennedy Space Center

• Astronaut Encounter
• Free Bus Tour
• IMAX Theaters
• Planet Play
• Lunch with an Astronaut
• Rocket Garden
• Space Shuttle Atlantis Attraction

It is here where you’ll get a hands-on interactive treat as you go through attractions and experiences presenting the many periods of time and achievements.

How long does it take to go through Kennedy Space Center?  

You should expect to spend at least 6 hours at Visitor Complex. I recommend the full day (9 hours) if you truly want to see everything.

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KSC Mission Zones

As mention above, KSC is split into Mission Zones. Let’s go through them all.

Heroes & Legends

This area allows you to learn about the pioneers of NASA’s early space programs along with the famous Rocket Garden.

It’s one of the newest additions to the Visitor Complex and has an amazing exhibit that walks you through each era of a typical astronaut’s life.

Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to stand on the second row to get a great view of the amazing film that you’ll watch in the second portion of the attraction in the Heroes & Legends building.

There’s even a spectacular U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® for you to explore.

Also, make sure you walk around the majestic Rocket Garden to view the actual rockets of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo.

Time needed for Heroes & Legends zone: 30 minutes

Behind the Gates

This area is where you get to see the historic launch sites and working spaceflight facilities. You do this by jumping on the  Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour .

Hipster Power Tip: Sit on the right side of the bus to get the best views of the tour, including those famous Florida alligators.

Don’t worry about any additional costs, the bus tour is included with your admission.

Time needed for the Behind the Gates zone: 1.5 hours

Race to The Moon

This is my favorite area of KSC . Once your bus tour of the historic launch sites is over, you’ll be dropped off at the Race to the Moon area.

The bus tour is the only way to get to this area which showcases the July 20, 1969 celebration of when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

This whole section is dedicated to legends of the Apollo era. It is here where you’ll be able to see the actual size of the Saturn V moon rocket!

It’s one of the most breathtaking things to witness.

You’ll also be able to learn more about the Apollo history with real artifacts and interactive games that will blow your mind.

Make sure you plan to spend at least one hour inside the Apollo/Saturn V Center, basking in all of the history.

Time needed for the Race to the Moon zone: 2 hours

Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

My other favorite area of the Visitor Complex takes you on a journey through NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.

Outside the Atlantis complex is a 184-foot space shuttle stack, with an external tank and two solid rocket boosters.

You actually have the opportunity to revel at the awe-inspiring American icon, shuttle Atlantis.  

The shuttle Atlantis now has a permanent home at the Visitor Complex and you can see it up close!

The way the Visitor Complex presents Atlantis to you will send chills up your spine.

So, I will not spoil the big moment for you!

Hipster Power Tip: If you’re brave enough, then experience what an astronaut goes through on an actual shuttle liftoff on the Shuttle Launch Experience . This is a must do attraction!

This zone also has some amazing hands-on simulation and games to help you truly become an astronaut.

Activities such as:

• a gigantic slide to mimic a space shuttle landing
• the opportunity to test your skills at performing a spacewalk
• hearing stories from the Space Shuttle Program workers
• exploring modules and microgravity of the International Space Station

Time needed for the Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other zone – 2 hours

NASA Now + Next 

This is the area where the two main IMAX theaters are. Here you can watch Journey to Space 3D  and  Touch the Stars: The Journey Has Begun 3D.

The goal of this zone is to teach you the lessons learned of NASA’s past missions and where the space exploration program is going next!

Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to get a photo in front of the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator®

Get the FULL list for all of the attractions here!

Time needed for the NASA Now and Next zone: 2.5 hours

10. Keep Track of the Kennedy Space Center Launch Schedule

If you’re super luck, you may be able to catch a one-of-a-kind launch experience. There’s nothing like watching an actual rocket launch so close by you.

The power of witnessing an actual launch rumbles your soul! No theme park attraction can compare to this world class adventure!

Kennedy Space Center Rocket Launch Schedule for 2024

Listed below are the rocket launches scheduled for 2024.

ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-70

• Where:  Space Launch Complex 37 Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Mission: A ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the NROL-70 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office from space launch complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
• Learn more here.

Rocket Launch: SpaceX Falcon 9 Eutelsat 36D

• When:  Spring 2024
• Where:  Launch Complex 39A Kennedy Space Center
• Mission: SpaceX will launch a new generation of multi-mission geostationary telecommunications satellite for Eutelsat.

Rocket Launch: ULA Atlas V Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test

• When:  May 2024
• Where:  Space Launch Complex 41 Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Mission: The Crew Flight Test (CFT) will demonstrate the ability of Starliner and the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket to safely carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

Hipster Power Tip: Remember that all launch times and dates are subject to change without notice. Be sure not to plan your whole trip around a shuttle launch date as it is always changing.

Kennedy Space Center Launch Viewing Areas

Listed below are the view options for you on your visit to Kennedy Space Center.

LC-39 Observation Gantry

This is the historic area where Apollo astronauts launched to the moon and is the closest viewing area to the launch pads of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

For an additional cost, you’ll get outdoor bleacher seating plus a shaded area if you don’t want to be directly in the sun. The Lc-39 Observation Gantry is 2 to 5.5 miles from launch pads.

Includes: Live launch commentary, snacks and refreshments

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Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area

This viewing area is 5 to 8 miles away from the launch site and is adjacent to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

A great perk about the Banana Creek location is that if the Apollo/Saturn V Center is open , then you’ll be able enjoy the theaters, dining and shopping experiences inside. Plus, you can view the Saturn V up-close.

Hipster Power Tip: Kennedy Space Center recommends that you bring sun and insect protection for this location.

Main Visitor Complex

Viewing a launch from the Visitor Complex is included with your admission ticket. The viewing area is located next to Space Shuttle Atlantis®, which is 7 miles away from the rocket launch area.

Here you’ll get bleacher and lawn seating, so sun protection is recommended.

Cost is included with your admission ticket . Please keep in mind that all prices mentioned in this guide are subject to change without notice.

11. Stop by Kennedy Space Center Gift Shop

The Space Shop is absolutely incredible!

I pride myself on leaving theme parks with my money still in my pocket, but not at this Kennedy Space Center Gift Shop.

…and probably not you either.

The newly renovated shop opened on June 29, 2018 and is “The World’s Largest Space Shop” at 15,372 square feet!

I spent a lot of time walking throughout the massive store filled to the brim with space memorabilia and NASA gear.

There are so many things to see and do inside this interactive shopping adventure such as, walking in the steps of NASA astronauts across the original Apollo 11 gantry located on the second floor.

You can find the space shop at the center point of the Visitors Complex.

Other Places to Shop at Kennedy Space Center:

• The Right Stuff located at the Apollo/Saturn V Center
• Shuttle Express ®   located inside Space Shuttle Atlantis®
• Information (yep, that’s the shop name) is located right at the visitor complex entrance

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12. Try Space Food at Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center offers four restaurants and three snack stands at the Visitor Complex. I will say that the food is not anything to brag about.

It’s pretty much your standard amusement park fare, which will hold you over while on your trip.

Hipster Power Tip: There are vegetarian, gluten-free and healthy choices available at all restaurants.

Kennedy Space Center Restaurants and Dining Experiences

• Dine with an Astronaut – This is one of the key highlights at Kennedy Space Center where you can dine with an astronaut. I wasn’t able to do it, but it is on my must do list for my next visits.
• Rocket Garden Café – Serves standard breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
• Moon Rock Café – Offers standard sandwiches and burgers. This café is located in the Apollo/Saturn V building.
• Orbit Café – Serves salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and desserts.
• Red Rock Grill – Offers hot dogs and beer in an outdoor lunch stand next to Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted.
• Rocket Fuel Food Truck – Serves snacks and coffee near the entrance of the Visitor Complex.
• Milky Way – Probably the highlight of my day. Here you can get a delicious waffle covered with all of the tastiest sweet treats your heart can imagine. This is the ice cream shop of the Visitor Complex that serves soda, ice cream and Space Dots ® .
• Space Dots ® – You can get the famous ice cream dots right next to Space Shuttle Atlantis.

13. Have Your Kennedy Space Center Itinerary Ready to Go

• 9:30 a.m. – Arrive at Kennedy Space Center
• 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. – Explore Heroes and Legends Area
• 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. – Watch the IMAX 3D space films (be sure to arrive 15 minutes before showtime)
• 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Have lunch with an Astronaut (or Explore the Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex)
• 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Do the Bus Tour and Apollo/Saturn V Center (a must do)
• 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Discover the Space Shuttle Atlantis with the Shuttle Launch Experience
• 3:05 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. – Visit the gift shop
• 3:30 p.m. to 4:55 p.m. – Get an ice-cream waffle at Milky Way, relax, or revisit your favorite areas
• 4:55 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. – Take any last-minute photos

I hope you like my one day visit guide. You can read the recommended itineraries from Kennedy Space Center here!

14. Do a Kennedy Space Center Tour

There are a variety of different Kennedy Space Center tours that range from day trips from Orlando or helicopter rides.

Kennedy Space Center with an Airboat Tour

On this tour you’ll get a great view of Kennedy Space Center.

This includes the launch pads area, Visitor’s Complex, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, and airboat ride up the St. John’s River and so much more! 

You can learn more about this tour here!

Kennedy Space Center Tours from Orlando

Viator also offers a variety of day trip tours from Orlando to the Visitor Complex just in case you don’t have a vehicle on your Disney vacation.

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15. Know the Best Days to Visit KSC

You may be thinking, “when should I go to Kennedy Space Center?”

The best time to visit KSC is in October, November, December, January, February, or May during the weekday.

What are the Crowd levels?

The worst time to visit Kennedy Space Center is on launch days, on major holidays, during the spring and summer break season.

16. Know What to Pack

While preparing for your day at the Visitor Complex, you should know what basic items to bring with you.

• Disposable Rain Ponchos   or rain jackets
• Download Kennedy Space Center App
• Small Backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Simple first aid supplies
• Small snacks
• Hand sanitizer
• Downloaded Park Map
• Hat for sunny days
• Portable Phone Charger
• Personal Hygiene Products
• Cash/Debit Card
• Water mist sprayer

Is food allowed in Kennedy Space Center?

Per the website , food and beverages packed in small, soft-sided coolers are permitted. Glass bottles or containers are also not permitted.

Beer is for sale at select locations and no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Are backpacks allowed at Kennedy Space Center?

You are allowed to bring in your own backpack. Just remember that all backpacks and bags will be inspected by security.

What should I wear to Kennedy Space Center?

Lightweight clothing such as shorts, leggings, comfy shoes,  a t-shirt,  a hat, and sunglasses are all perfect for your trip.

17. Know What Hotels are Near Kennedy Space Center

When planning your KSC trip, you’ll need a hotel that’s close to all the Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach action!

There aren’t too many hotels or resorts I can recommend that are near the Visitor Complex, but these are my picks for now.

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral – Cocoa Beach
• Hampton Inn Titusville I-95 Kennedy Space Center

My Final Thoughts and KSC Review

There you have it! My top Kennedy Space Center tips. Overall, I had one of the best days ever visiting KSC.

Before you decide to go on your own space journey, I want to give you some pros and cons of my visit.

• Easy layout to navigate
• Wonderful to view the Atlantis up close
• Love the tribute to all of the wonderful people of the space program throughout the years
• The Rocket Garden is visually intoxicating and enchanting
• A super fun bus tour (line looks long, but goes fast because the buses are large and are constantly going)
• Lots of indoor attractions ( great for beating the Florida heat)
• Amazing IMAX 3-D presentations and the NEW Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex
• The Shuttle simulation is phenomenal
• Food and drinks are reasonably priced
• Not too many shaded areas to sit under outside
• Food is average
• The bus tour takes out a big chunk of your day
• No exhibition showing the contribution of Black Americans or women to the space program

I hope you enjoyed this complete guide to doing Kennedy Space Center like a pro.

Remember to arrive early, explore space, and capture your own adventure!

Have you ever been before? If so, let me know what your favorite memory is in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

• 5 Adventurous Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
• Why You Should Visit the Alligator Capital of the World: Gatorland
• How to Find Cheap Flights to Orlando
• Magic Kingdom for Adults the Complete Guide
• How to Find a Vacation Home Near Disney World
• 18 Tips for Going to a Theme Park Alone

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: May 20, 2019/Updated March 29, 2024)

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2024 complete guide to hersheypark season pass: new benefits, discounts, and more, 6 thoughts on “17 spectacular kennedy space center tips (your ultimate guide)”.

NikkiJ, these tips are awesome. Thank you!

Glad I could help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions 🙂

This helped so much. I went so long ago. Much has changed.

I so happy that I could help. I hope you have a wonderful visit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions 🙂

Thank you so much for your indepth report. I’m going next month and cannot wait. (I don’t know why it took me so many years to plan a visit!). Looking forward to using your advice. Thanks again!!

My pleasure! I hope you had a wonderful time 🙂

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A Self-Guided Tour of Kennedy Space Center: 1-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Kennedy Space Center can be a bit intimidating. There is a lot to see and do within the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral and it can be tough to decide where to go first, the best way to see the top attractions, and even what things you should see and do and what things might be best left for a future visit. This self-guided tour of Kennedy Space Center will help you plan your itinerary and maximize your visit.

The first time I visited Kennedy Space Center, I didn’t have a plan… We just wandered around, in and out of the various buildings. That’s a perfectly fine way to visit if that’s your style, but you will probably miss out on a lot of things, and you won’t necessarily hit things in the best possible order.

On subsequent visits, I had a better plan this time around. Not only in terms of what I wanted to see and do (things I missed the first time) but also in what order I wanted to see and do them.

This self-guided tour of Kennedy Space Center will give you a plan of attack and order of operations for your visit that will maximize your time and provide the greatest insight into the U.S. space program and its more than 70 years of history.

In my opinion, it makes the most sense to explore the space program and Kennedy Space Center in a more or less chronological fashion. This means learning about Mercury and Gemini before you learn about the Apollo missions, for example. The Mercury and Gemini programs were the stepping stones that led up to Apollo, after all. The lessons learned in each of those programs culminated in Apollo, and lessons learned there led to the Space Shuttle, and so on.

The problem is that those programs are spread out across different buildings and even areas of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, meaning that you don’t necessarily just want to go from one building to the next in order.

Gaining a greater understanding of the history of human space flight is important! We are living in the most exciting time for space exploration since the 1960s and a visit to Kennedy Space Center will help you appreciate all of that even more.

Let’s jump into how to plan your visit to Kennedy Space Center with this suggested itinerary.

Planning a Day at Kennedy Space Center

The majority of visitors will be coming from the Orlando area, and Kennedy Space Center is located about a one-hour drive from there. The Visitor Complex opens year-round at 9 am and I suggest planning to arrive at opening time.

You can save time by purchasing your tickets online in advance. Tickets for adults  are currently $57 each.

Skip the Line and Buy Your Tickets Now

But you don’t need a reservation for the park unless you are planning on doing the add-on enhancements like chatting with an astronaut or the training stages (for an additional fee on top of an entrance ticket).

Closing time varies depending on the season, but is either at 5 or 6 pm, meaning you have 8-9 hours at Kennedy Space Center. You can easily fill all that time here. So let’s get into our self-guided tour of Kennedy Space Center and your itinerary for the day.

Kennedy Space Center Attractions Map

Be sure to scroll around, zoom in and out, and explore for a better idea of the Kennedy Space Center attractions, including insight into where the launch pads are, the bus route to the Apollo Center, and much more.

Rocket Garden

Just inside the entrance of the Visitor Complex stands the imposing Rocket Garden where you will find real versions of some of the most famous rockets in space flight.

The rockets are primarily from the early days of the space program but also feature some more modern ones, as well.

There are guided tours of the Rocket Garden at different times throughout the day, including one just after the park gates open. I would suggest hopping on this one!

The guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden lasts about 15-minutes and will share with you some of the key developments and progress in manned space flight from the earliest days up through the Saturn IB rocket.

You will also find massive rocket motors and the (tiny) capsules of the various programs which you can crawl inside to experience.

Doing the Rocket Garden first allows you to explore the earliest days of rockets (ballistic missiles) and manned spaceflight, plus it is all outdoors so it is best to do it before the Florida sun starts beating down on you.

Rocket Garden Time: 15-30 minutes

Heroes & Legends

Right beside the Rocket Garden, you should backtrack and head up the ramp to the relatively new Heroes & Legends building. This building explores some of the qualities needed by those early-day astronauts to strap into the top of a retrofitted missile and blast off into space.

The Heroes & Legends exhibit is among the newest additions to Kennedy Space Center and includes many very well-done exhibits, including interactive displays and attractions. You will learn a lot here about the astronauts involved in Mercury and Gemini, including their personal lives and what lead them to be part of the space program.

Don’t miss the Mercury mission control room, the Redstone rocket hung overhead, and Mercury and Gemini capsules on display.

The Heroes & Legends exhibit highlights Mercury and Gemini in greater detail, using some of the rockets you just saw in the Rocket Garden like the Mercury-Redstone, Mercury-Atlas, and Gemini-Titan rockets.

The Mercury 7 program sent six astronauts (flying solo) into space intending to reach orbit. Gemini sent up two astronaut teams with various space travel goals in preparation for Apollo, including spacewalks, docking procedures, and more.

You can make a brief stop at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the end of the exhibit, or save it for later in the day if time allows.

• Heroes & Legends: 1 hour

Apollo / Saturn V Exhibit

After learning all about Mercury and Gemini, let’s take the lessons learned and head to the Apollo program! The Apollo / Saturn V building at Kennedy Space Center is located in a separate area, accessible via a short bus ride.

Head straight to the bus area and board for a short guided tour of Kennedy Space Center to otherwise inaccessible areas. On the bus route, keep your eyes open for the Mercury-Redstone rocket soon after leaving, the SpaceX operations area (more on them later), and the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) where projects like Artemis (to return to the moon) is being worked on.

You will arrive at the Saturn V exhibit and be guided through a multi-room video introduction that is quite impressive. This tour or entrance will eventually lead you directly under the massive engines of a Saturn V booster hanging the length of the building… A mind-blowing sight to see the size and scale of the rocket that took humans to the moon.

There are numerous exhibits and rooms around the perimeter of the building that explore more of the various Saturn V flights culminating in the landing on the moon with Apollo 11.

There are somber reminders of the dangers as well, at the exhibit of Ad Astra Per Aspera detailing the tragic deaths of three astronauts: Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee, in a fire on the launchpad. The first Americans to die for space exploration, and not the last.

Be sure to step outside the building to see Launch Pad 39A and B, the launch pad of so many major milestones in space flight, with lots more to come in the future!

Adjacent to the building is also the Banana Creek viewing area where you can see rocket launches which are becoming increasingly frequent (about once per week). If you are visiting on a launch day, you might want to save the visit to Apollo / Saturn V to coincide with an hour or two before launch.

Click here to check out the Kennedy Space Center launch schedule.

If you’re following the suggested itinerary, you may want to grab lunch here at the Moon Rock Cafe or at the Orbit Cafe back in the main visitor complex area. Either way, you will want to grab the bus back.

Apollo /Saturn V exhibit time: 1-2 hours

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Space Shuttle Atlantis

After taking in the history of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, we are ready to embark on a new and exciting chapter of human space flight with the introduction of the Space Shuttle! The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is located adjacent to the drop-off area for the Apollo bus.

The Space Shuttle marks the most lengthy period of space flight, with 30 years of service, over 100 missions, and more than 300 astronauts flown.

The ability to partially reuse a spacecraft (the shuttle is a glider that is reusable, but the rockets themselves were not) marked a huge turning point in space flight systems and set some of the groundwork for what we have today.

Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, you will find the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis after one of the most impressive reveals you will ever see. Seeing the scale of the Atlantis up close and personal is another mind-blowing experience.

The age of the Space Shuttle is a whole new era that introduced the International Space Station (ISS) still flying overhead and was instrumental in the launch (and repair) of the Hubble Space Telescope which fundamentally changed our conception of the universe.

Don’t miss out on the Space Shuttle Launch Experience which gives you a bumpy ride to space and even the illusion of weightlessness upon arrival. There are numerous exhibits about the shuttle and related technologies throughout the building, and also be sure to check out the memorial to the 14 astronauts who died in the Challenger and Columbia accidents, along with some wreckage from both vessels. Another reminder of the dangers.

The space shuttle itself was retired in 2011 after 30 years of service, and the United States sat idle for nearly 10 years, unable to launch U.S. astronauts from U.S. soil, instead having to buy seats from the Russians to launch from Kazakhstan just to reach the International Space Station… But that was all about to change.

Space Shuttle Atlantis time: 1-2 hours

Gateway Launch Complex

Finally, back near the Rocket Garden at the entrance to Kennedy Space Center is the newest addition, the Gateway Launch Complex. This exhibit takes us into modern times and even explores some possibilities for the future…

Here you will find some space-flown hardware including a SpaceX Falcon 9 first-stage booster, a SpaceX Dragon Capsule, an Orion Capsule, and some other space hardware like the Boeing Starliner Capsule, Sierra Space Dream Chaser, and concepts for new space station elements.

It was, of course, the SpaceX Falcon 9 that brought Americans back to the International Space Station from U.S. soil with their first manned flight in November 2020, more than 9 years after the last Space Shuttle flight, and certainly one of the few bright spots in the dark days of the pandemic.

These are the reusable boosters that return to earth, landing upright with engine ignition. It has happened so many times now (some individual boosters have more than 13 landings) but it still seems like CGI or magic every time, especially when they land out at sea on a giant barge. The Falcon 9 is still only partially reusable, and the next step is fully reusable rockets.

In terms of the future, there are some proposals for space station capsules and flight here, as mentioned, plus four different interactive experiences where you can take off to Mars, Trappist-1, and other destinations.

Who knows what the future holds for space flight? Well, after today, you’ll have a pretty good idea of our progress, how we got there, where we are today, and what the future could hold.

Gateway Launch Complex time: 1-2 hours

Tour of Kennedy Space Center Itinerary

• Rocket Garden: 15-30 minutes
• Apollo / Saturn V: 1-2 hours + 30 minutes for bus shuttle (15 minutes each direction)
• Lunch: 1 Hour
• Space Shuttle Atlantis: 1-2 hours
• Gateway Launch Complex: 1-2 hours
• Recommendations to fill any extra time below

These five exhibits on this tour and itinerary of the Kennedy Space Center will fill your entire day but there are still more things to see… These five destinations or exhibits are the most important, not only in terms of the history of space flight but also the most impressive and complete exhibits at Kennedy Space Center.

Visiting the exhibits in this order will take you on an in-depth tour of American spaceflight. Here is a recap of the programs along with some notable accomplishments and a timeline.

• Alan Shephard first American in space (1961)
• John Glenn first American to orbit the earth (1962)
• Gordon Cooper with 22 orbits (1963)
• Ed White with the first American spacewalk (1965)
• Neil Armstrong performed the first manned docking in space (1966)
• Neil Armstrong first man on the moon (1969)
• Apollo 17 the final voyage to the moon (1972)
• Bruce McCandless first untethered spacewalk (1984)
• Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit (1990)
• Eileen Marie Collins was the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission (1995)
• First crew abroad at the International Space Station (2000)
• SpaceX Dragon capsule docks with ISS, the first private spacecraft (2012)
• SpaceX Falcon 9 lands the first stage of an orbital booster for the first time (2015)
• U.S. Astronauts travel from U.S. soil again to the ISS on a SpaceX Falcon 9 (2020)

Tip: Read the book Into That Silent Sea & In the Shadow of the Moon before you go to gain better insight into the early days of the space program and a better appreciation for everything you will see here.

If you have more time that you want to utilize, I’d suggest budgeting a little more time on the period of most interest to you, whether that is the Space Shuttle, Apollo, or early Mercury/Gemini programs.

If you want a break, I’d suggest working in an IMAX movie after lunch or in the afternoon — check out the app or pamphlets at the entrance for a schedule. There are also massive gift shops if you want a NASA or SpaceX t-shirt (the best one is at the main plaza).

You can also finish out the day by visiting Journey to Mars, the Space Memorial Mirror, the Nature & Technology exhibit, or the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame if you bypassed it earlier while visiting Heroes & Legends. These are all secondary exhibits, in my opinion, and should be left for the end of the day or included in future visits.

I hope that this suggested itinerary and schedule of Kennedy Space Center prepare you for an incredible day at one of my favorite places in Florida. I’m adamant that Kennedy Space Center is not just a stopover to include on an Orlando family vacation, but an incredible destination in its own right.

The experience is even more incredible if you can time it with a scheduled rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center. Unmanned launches are a pretty regular occurrence these days, so your odds are good! But even if you can’t make a launch, the visit to Kennedy Space Center is 100% worth it and I try to return periodically to absorb even more details and insights about space exploration and to explore new additions to Kennedy Space Center.

Be sure not to miss my guide on things to do at the Kennedy Space Center with more details about each exhibit and the highlights you can’t miss at each spot, plus thoughts on where to stay in Titusville and other necessary trip planning help.

Tips to Book Your Trip Now & Save Money

Book Your Flight Book a cheap flight with Momondo , they’re my favorite search engine. Or better yet, start travel hacking so you can fly for free. Another great search engine is Skyscanner .

Book Your Accommodation Book cheap accommodation in advance. For hostels I recommend HostelWorld , for hotels I use Booking.com or Hotels.com , and for apartments or longer stays, I use Airbnb . I like to check reviews on TripAdvisor prior to reserving.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance This is easy to overlook but SO important. It will help protect yourself from illness, injury, and theft while traveling. VERY important. And be sure to read my article about international travel insurance for more details

• SafetyWing (best for digital nomads)
• World Nomads (most comprehensive)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my budget travel resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list all the ones I use and recommend to save money when I’m on the road.

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Thank you SO much for this itinerary! Just visited, and this helped a ton 🙂

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Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Kennedy Space Center

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On Merritt Island, Florida, Kennedy Space Center is the country’s most visited and watched space entity. Here, you’ll find over 700 buildings in use, such as multi-use spaceports with industry partnerships, vehicle assembly, Space Station Factory, Launch Control Center, astronaut dorms, and the iconic Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.

President Eisenhower established NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in 1958 to “perform civilian research related to space flight and aeronautics.” Five years later, Lyndon Johnson designated the facilities the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Today, Kennedy Space Center sees 1.7 million guests per year (pre-COVID). It is “Florida’s Gateway to Space.” Here is everything you need to know about visiting Kennedy Space Center and what you should see and do there.

Tickets And Parking

You can purchase Kennedy Space Center tickets online or from the kiosk at the entrance. Parking will set you back $10, and admission prices are $57 for adults. There are discounts for children under 12 and on multiday tickets. You are permitted to bring in your own food and beverages, though no glass is allowed.

Parking is easy and relatively close so walking to the entrance won’t make you exhausted upon arrival. Wear comfortable shoes, and depending on the time of year you visit, sunscreen may be required.

A few things are temporarily closed at KSC due to COVID ; you will find them on this list, but there is plenty to make a day of it, and you’ll hardly notice.

Pro Tip: If you are traveling and have a pet, there is a free air-conditioned pet kennel offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Proof of vaccinations is required.

NaughtyNut / Shutterstock

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSC) is where you’ll start your day. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Things to see at KSC include the Rocket Garden, IMAX Theater, character appearances, Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, and Space Shuttle Atlantis with Shuttle Launch Experience.

You’ll be in awe wandering through the Rocket Garden , with Delta, Gemini, Mercury-Redstone, Juno rockets, and others that pioneered the space program. The missiles are replicas, as back in the day, they weren’t recovered or reused. The most impressive one is the Saturn 1B, the only rocket laying down.

Melody Pittman

At the Space Shuttle Atlantis , you’ll see every inch of a full-scale space shuttle, along with testimonials and memorabilia ranging from what the astronauts eat to how and where they sleep. Space Shuttle Atlantis should take about an hour to explore.

I encourage you to sit through one of the IMAX films that may pertain to space travel and how it affects the astronaut’s body or showcasing space travel of the future and what that means to you.

A must-see, though a tear-jerker, is Forever Remembered , a memorial honoring those astronauts who lost their lives on the Challenger and Columbia. These lives are also memorialized on the continually illuminated Space Mirror Memorial , a polished black granite stone on the National Register of Historic Places with those 24 astronauts’ names emblazoned.

Special Exhibits And Ceremonies

My favorite part of KSC is the Heroes and Legends exhibit. You’ll start with a 360-degree film about the meaning of a hero, then move into a second location for a thrilling interactive program about early space exploration. It has a Disney-esque feel to it, but I can’t tell you more because it could ruin the surprise.

After that portion of Heroes and Legends, you’ll enter the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, where you can see those recognized and honored for their accomplishments. I’m waiting for my fellow West Virginian, Jon McBride, to make it there.

A ceremony I am proud to take part in is NASA’s Day of Remembrance . Each January, a list of the fallen astronauts is read and remembered in an intimate ceremony of around 100 people. This year, it took place in front of the Space Mirror Memorial, with family members of the fallen astronauts in attendance. The 35th anniversary of the Challenger disaster takes place in 2021.

Offerings For The Littles

If you bring children or grandkids, Kennedy Space Center’s all-new Planet Play offers a fully immersive multi-level playground designed for those ages 2 to 12. The neon lights and modern playscape is a much-needed offering at Kennedy Space Center and super fun. There are couches for parents to take a break and relax while the kids get some energy out, and the Planet Play Lounge serves coffee, beer, and wine.

KSC Tours And Special Features

The KSC Bus Tour runs from KSC to Apollo/Saturn V Center, offering an up close and personal look at the Saturn V, the largest rocket ever flown. It is only accessible by this tour. I had been to KSC a dozen times before taking this tour, and it is a must! The ride itself is pretty thrilling. It passes America’s multi-user spaceport, launch pads 39A (leased by SpaceX for the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets) and 39B (previously Apollo and other launches, but is being reworked to support future launches).

At Saturn V, wander the grounds, namely the Moon Tree Garden, and then see the interactive displays, a “Footsteps on the Moon” timeline, 3D holograms, a replica of the moon landing, and 1960s living room, all inside the 100,000-square-foot facility. You can also eat a meal at Moon Rocket Cafe and browse The Right Stuff gift shop.

Fun Fact: Be sure to see the moon dust on Alan Shepard’s spacesuit at the Apollo Treasures Gallery.

The Astronaut Training Experience and the Mars Base 1 program give you a chance to see what training and living on the Red Planet is like. It requires a separate ticket fee, and guests must be 18 (or 10 to 17 and with a participating adult). Where else can you spacewalk in a microgravity environment with the world’s most cutting-edge simulation technology? The program lasts between 4 to 5 hours.

If you’re at KSC during a rocket launch ( monitor the event calendar here ), you can see it from the property, main parking lots, or even alongside the roads, when allowed. Launches take place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, adjacent to KSC. I live in Vero Beach , 90 minutes away. Folks in my town go over to the beach to capture the launches. Depending on the clouds, it is entirely possible.

Pro Tip: If you are there for a night launch, I recommend staying at the Inn at Cocoa Beach , which has a darling oceanfront rooftop patio. Guests congregate there to watch and count down the launch, or you can do so from your room’s balcony. There are no crowds, either.

Dining And Shopping Options

You can enjoy a good meal at Kennedy Space Center at the Orbit Cafe. This sizable cafeteria-style venue has a wide array of burgers, sandwiches, build-your-own-salads, and pizza. Enjoy an ice cream treat or Martian Rocks (an exclusive flavor) at Space Dots, or pick up popcorn, drinks, and candy before going in to see the IMAX movie.

One of the most popular activities at Kennedy Space Center is Dine with an Astronaut. This event (currently on hold) gives you a chance to eat a tasty meal as you hear about a retired astronaut’s adventures in space as told by them. There is even time for Q and A at the end. And get this — they serve Tang!

The Official NASA Store of Kennedy Space Center is the world’s largest space-related store. You can find apparel, souvenirs (think ornaments, masks, plush, and mugs), books, office essentials, collectibles, and space ice cream. And speaking of the freeze-dried packaged stuff, I never miss picking up a bag, but the shelves were full of ice cream sandwiches, instead, on my last visit. I nearly cried.

Visiting Kennedy Space Center is an exceptional place to visit for all ages. It certainly makes you feel proud to be an American when you see all we have accomplished and what our future in space holds. Happy travels.

Related Articles:

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Melody and her daughter Taylor run both Wherever I May Roam and Travel The South travel blogs. She is a digital influencer, freelances for both print and online publications, and hosts an annual travel conference, Southern Travelers Explore. Melody has been traveling her entire adult life and has visited 49 states and 49 countries. She loves cruising, small towns, historical sights, and National Parks.

• Dec 5, 2017

Visiting Kennedy Space Center: a weekend guide

Kennedy Space Center is one of the coolest places in the entire state of Florida. Use this quick guide to make the most of your one or two day trip to Kennedy Space Center...

When I was a young kid, one of the most memorable places we visited on a family vacations to Florida was Kennedy Space Center. Then I grew up and never came anywhere near the Space Coast for the next 20 years, but this summer, I finally made my triumphant return to Kennedy Space Center. With all the changes and additions since visiting few decades ago, Kennedy Space Center is even more memorable as an adult NASA nerd…

Visiting Kennedy Space Center is fairly self-explanatory, but we do want to give folks a little guide to make the most of their trip to this remarkable place.

First, how much time should you allot to visit Kennedy Space Center?

A trip to Kennedy Space Center is EASILY a full-day affair. If you’re a real space geek, you might even consider giving it a day and a half to two full days. (Special events such as launches could also dramatically impact how much time you should allot, so keep that in mind.)

Ok, now for what you have to see and do while you’re there…

The Kennedy Space Center Must-Sees and Must-Dos

Kennedy Space Center is divided into “Mission Zones” to help keep you from missing any of the amazing exhibits and experiences, but, the first things you can’t miss are before you even walk through the main gate…

You’ll want to get plenty of photos right off-the-bat with the giant NASA insignia, the John F. Kennedy Fountain, and the old countdown clock.

Once inside, you’re free to experience each “Mission Zone” at your leisure, but, in our humble opinion, you should start with either Behind the Gates (and Race to the Moon) or Shuttle: a Ship like no Other. Since “Behind the Gates” is a bus tour that connects you with the Race to the Moon, it’s a popular attraction, and if you can beat the crowds you’ll spend less time waiting in line for the next available bus. The Space Shuttle exhibit is also an “experience” with paced admission, so getting inside to see the shuttle before the crowds will also help you have more time (and better pictures!)

Now, here’s a little of what to expect at each “Mission Zone”

Heroes and Legends

For most, the highlight of the Heroes and Legends mission zone is the “Rocket Garden.” Here you’ll find a collection of rockets, most from the Mercury and Gemini eras of NASA. While you’re free to walk the garden at your own pace, we HIGHLY recommend checking the schedule for their brief guided tours. These passionate NASA guides bring the Rocket Garden to life in a way you wouldn’t experience on a self-guided walk.

After spending some time in the garden, be sure to stroll through the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Behind the Gates/Race to the Moon

When I first visited Kennedy Space Center as a child, the giant Saturn V rocket was just an outdoor display. These days, it's the centerpiece of the “Race to the Moon” mission zone, one of the highlights of a visit to Kennedy.

But to get to the Race to the Moon, you have to hop on a bus. Well, we shouldn’t say “have to.” It’s actually a pretty great tour of the property which is full of wildlife and historic spots like the massive Vehicle Assembly Building.

Once at the “Race to the Moon” zone, you’re in for a real treat, from viewing the giant Saturn V to experiencing a simulated launch to browsing countless artifacts from the Apollo missions, it’s definitely one of the most memorable parts of visiting Kennedy.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to take the bus to get back, so timing it so the lines aren’t huge will again help you.

Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

There are very few places to see a space shuttle. This is one of them. After a pretty stellar video presentation, you’ll come face-to-face with Atlantis. If you have kids, they’ll love the play “tubes” they can explore and use to get up and down through the building and the room of hands-on simulators (heck, you’ll enjoy it too.)

For adults, the “Forever Remembered,” memorial to those lost on the space shuttle missions STS-51L Challenger and STS-107 Columbia is particularly moving with shadowboxes honoring each astronaut as well as rare pieces recovered from both shuttles.

Also well-worth waiting in line for is the space shuttle launch simulator. To be honest, we had very low expectations for this little ride, but we thought, “why not?” The simulator completely exceeded our expectations and was a nice little free addition to our experience.

NASA: Now and Next

While there are a few fun little things to see here, the real draw is the IMAX theater. Take a break and enjoy one of 2 different movies offered daily with your general admission ticket.

Kennedy Space Center Add-ons and upgrades

Of course, there are plenty of “extras” you can tack on to your general admission ticket. For the hardcore NASA nerds, an upgraded bus tour can take you to places like launch control or up-close to different launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building. If you plan on purchasing any of these upgrades, we’d highly suggest extending your time at Kennedy to 2 days.

Our favorite add-on, however, is “Lunch with an Astronaut.” For just under $30 ($16 for kids), you get a pretty decent lunch buffet and a chance to hear from a real-life astronaut about their time in space.

For us, it was worthy every penny. First of all, you’re going to end up eating lunch at KSC during your time there anyway so why not spend a few extra dollars on your lunch and walk away with a lifelong memory?

So whether you just have a passing interest in space exploration or are a complete NASA guru, there’s a Kennedy Space Center experience that’ll suit you. Spend a day or two at one of America’s most important places, and you will not be disappointed.

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An Out-of-this-World Kennedy Space Center Itinerary with Tips

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Visiting science sites around the world is a passion of mine – observatories, aquariums, fossil sites, science museums, and of course, space centers! In the US, there are few you can visit, but by far the most incredible is the Kennedy Space Center outside Orlando, Florida. There’s so much to do there, that you can easily spend a whole day discovering and learning from all their exhibits. In this Kennedy Space Center itinerary, I’ll share a good strategy for tackling the massive Visitor Complex.

Launching in 10…9…8….7…6…5…4…3…2…1! Blast off!

Kennedy Space Center Itinerary Hour-by-Hour

Kennedy Space Center (aka KSC) is organized into Mission Zones, which are areas that have exhibits and attractions. The Mission Zones were designed so that as you move through their layout, you’ll explore the US space program in chronological order from Mercury to Shuttle with Gemini and Apollo in between.

In my personal opinion, it’s not exactly clear the order in which you would go through the exhibits to maintain the chronological order. But, it is nice to organize yourself by the Mission Zones, so you know what era you’re currently learning about.

The Mission Zones are Heroes and Legends, Race to the Moon, Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other, NASA Now + Next, and Behind the Gates (reserved for ticket add-ons).

For this Kennedy Space Center itinerary, I’m starting you off with the Apollo missions, which is in the Mission Zone “Race to the Moon.”

@periodicadventures Tickets are $58 per person but you can spend 6 hours there! #kennedyspacecenter #kennedyspacecenterflorida #nasavisitorcenter #thingstodoinorlandowithkids ♬ original sound – Alanna | Travel Pro 🧳

9 AM — Arrival and Bus Tour

The Visitor Complex opens every day of the year at 9 am, so it’s best to arrive then to maximize your time and beat the crowds.

Once you’re in, it can be tempting to get distracted by the MANY shiny things including exhibits, shops, and literal rockets and rovers, but I recommend powering through straight to the Bus Tour as this is the best thing to do first!

The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour is included in your daily admission and takes you behind the scenes around the actual working space center. You’ll see restricted areas and the spaceflight facility where there are current plans to send astronauts into deep space.

One of the most impressive buildings in terms of sheer size is the Vehicle Assembly Building, which can house a full size rocket end-to-end standing up. Your guide, the amazing Emily Calandrelli, will give you some size comparisons that will blow your mind!

The Bus Tour, which is 15 minutes, takes you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center where you get out and learn all about the Race to the Moon.

9:15 AM — Apollo/Saturn V Center (Race to the Moon)

I’ll admit, this was easily my favorite part of the Kennedy Space Center and I full on cried in here a couple times. Once a scientist , always a scientist.

Once your bus arrives, you’ll enter a lobby where you’ll hear about the Race to the Moon with audio and video recordings from news reports at the time and former President Kennedy himself. It’s seriously so moving to hear about how all of America banded together to make the moon landing happen in the Apollo missions! Yes, I this is where I cried first .

The next room is The Firing Room Theater where you get the incredible opportunity to relive the thrill and wonder of Apollo 8, which was the first crewed NASA mission to orbit the moon in 1968 on the Saturn V rocket, which you’ll see soon!

The room features audio and visual safety and engineering checks, the countdown, and the “launch”, which shakes and lights up the room in a stunning and magnificent display. Yepp, you guessed it, I cried, again.

After this 20 minute show, you’ll proceed into the Saturn V Rocket room, which houses one of these massive rockets that were used in every Apollo mission.

The sheer size of this thing is sure to impress every visitor to the Kennedy Space Center. It is afterall, the largest rocket ever flown at 363 feet long (that’s taller than the Statue of Liberty even including the pedestal!).

If that’s not enough (but I mean, it totally is), there’s exhibits surrounding this rocket where you’ll learn even more about the Apollo missions including who crewed each one, what the goals were, and see relevant artifacts.

Some exhibits not to miss in here include Ad Adstra Per Aspera, a dedication to the fallen astronauts of the Apollo 1 mission, Moonscape, which is a recreated scene of Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on the moon including an authentic Lunar Module 9, and Path to the Moon, showcasing the technology responsible for the astronauts’ safety.

There’s also an interesting exhibit on the Fisher Space Pen , which is a specially designed pen that doesn’t rely on gravity to write. Instead, it uses a pressurized ink cartridge that allows it to even write underwater!

Be sure to take your time here as there really is so much to see in every corner, like the People’s Moon, a digital art piece where you can take your photo and add it to a large moon comprised of a ton of visitors’ photos.

When you’re done here, you’ll hop back on the bus to return to the main Visitor Complex.

Allow 2 hours to explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center fully and don’t miss the garden outside.

11:30 AM — Lunch

Believe it or not, there are 4 dining options for full meals at the Kennedy Space Center Complex.

We went to the Orbit Café, where they served burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza. The food itself was actually pretty good, especially for a quick service, almost theme park-esque spot.

Other options include Space Bowl Bistro, where they have build your own noodle or quinoa bowls and acai bowls, Moon Rock Café, which is in the Apollo/Saturn V Center (you’d eat there before taking the bus back), and Red Rock Grill, a lunch stand serving hot dogs and fries.

Optional ticket add-on: Chat with an Astronaut >> Speak with an astronaut and ask them all your pressing questions about living and working in space. It’s offered twice daily in the morning and afternoon ( ~ 10 am and 2 pm), where each ticket comes with select food offerings, an alcoholic drink for adults, and commemorative gift.

12:30 PM – Space Shuttle: Atlantis (Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other)

Get up close to an actual space shuttle, the Atlantis, and learn all about the space shuttle program. These ships transport astronauts to and from space and act as both a rocket and glider!

In this exhibit, you’ll learn about the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, and the inventions made for space that are now used here on Earth ( I LOVED this exhibit! ). Also in this building is the Shuttle Launch Experience, astronaut training simulators, and memorial to the astronauts who lost their lives on the Challenger and Columbia shuttles.

Allow an hour and a half for this building.

2:00 PM – Ice Cream Break

All this space stuff can certainly work up your appetite. Not to mention the Florida heat always warrants an ice cream break.

Pop into Milky Way, the one stop ice cream shop for a scoop of ice cream, milkshake, or Space Dots, which is flash frozen ice cream. You can also get Space Dots from an independent shop right outside the Atlantis building!

2:30 PM — Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex (NASA Now + Next)

This building houses many exhibits that showcase the present and future of space exploration. You’ll see capsules, spaceplanes, and boosters used in recent missions and some interactive mockups. For example, there’s a full-scale space habitat of that which orbits the moon. You can step inside and see the incredible use of space!

Also in this building is Spaceport KSC is a motion theater ride that transports you to space destinations. You’ll experience one of four journeys and one experience is included in your admission ticket . If you’re running short on time, I’d personally skip this one.

3:30 PM – Journey to Mars (NASA Now + Next)

Don’t miss the small but mighty Journey to Mars exhibit where you’ll see actual Mars rovers and learn all about their findings on their journeys.

They also have great displays and interactive exhibits so you can learn about current NASA plans and missions including Mars, the Moon, and beyond!

Also, while you’re on a Mars kick, don’t miss MRVN (aka the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator), which is the newest Mars rover concept vehicle that looks straight out of an action movie!

4:00 PM – Heroes and Legends

This entire section is dedicated to heroes, legends, pioneers, and incredible astronauts and is comprised of two main attractions – the US Astronaut Hall of Fame and Rocket Garden.

You can certainly spend the rest of your day in these two exhibits.

In the Rocket Garden, walk among literal rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, which not only are a testament to the incredible rockets but those who crafted, piloted, and crewed them!

The US Astronaut Hall of Fame isn’t simply a display of names and photos, it’s an inspiring journey about what it takes to make a hero and how we define a hero. When you see the inductees, you’ll have a greater appreciation for their contributions to NASA space programs and their qualities that make them heroes.

Spot astronauts like Sally Ride, John Glenn, and Mae C. Jemison.

Also, in this area is It’s a Matter of Fact show, presented by the S.T.E.A.M. team giving visitors a chance to learn more through fun experiments!

* 5:00 PM – IMAX and Space Mirror Memorial

Depending on what time of year you visit, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex may close at 5 pm or 6 pm. If it closes at 6 pm, or if you find you have more time, I recommend filling it with an IMAX presentation and a visit to the Space Mirror Memorial.

IMAX films now playing are Deep Sky with images from NASA’s Webb Telescope and The Last Man on the Moon about Eugene Cernan and his story of the challenges returning home as an astronaut. See the daily film schedule when entering the complex. Your KSC ticket comes with an IMAX showing, so no extra ticket purchase required.

The Space Mirror Memorial is a large sheet of black granite with the names of those astronauts lost to space missions including Apollo 1, STS-51L Challenger, and STS-107 Columbia. The memorial is in the back of the complex behind the Orbit café.

Kennedy Space Center Tips for Visiting

When to arrive.

To beat some of the late-morning/afternoon crowds, I recommend arriving first thing in the morning when Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 am. Not to mention it takes a full day to explore the Kennedy Space Center to the fullest, so not a minute to lose!

Your ticket must be used on the day you selected when purchasing, but there is no set time window, so you can show up whenever on that day.

When I arrived 10 minutes before opening, there were massive lines queueing up, but they moved quickly and the morning crowd dispersed, so it wasn’t really that crowded at all. So, even if it seems crowded in the morning, I stand by arriving first thing in the morning.

Particularly, this will trickle into your first experiences at the Visitor Complex, so you’ll get to experience some areas without many people at all.

Where is the Kennedy Space Center?

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL

Kennedy Space Center is adjacent to Cape Canaveral and just an hour from Orlando .

When you are navigating to it, be sure to enter “Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex” into your GPS. Leaving out the Visitor Complex will take you to NASA’s area of operations, which is restricted.

How do you get there from Orlando?

From Orlando you want to drive east from the city center, whether on FL-528 E or State Route 50 E. Eventually, you’ll cross over the NASA Causeway Bridge and practically be there. There will be signs as you get closer helping you navigate to the parking lot.

Is parking free?

Unfortunately, not. Parking is $10 per car.

Can you get there via public transportation?

Also, unfortunately, not. There are guided tours that include transportation to and from hotels in Orlando, which you can schedule with the company.

How much does it cost to visit the Kennedy Space Center?

Tickets are pretty steep at $75 for adults and $65 for children ages 3-11 not including taxes, fees, or add-ons.

What’s included in your ticket?

Luckily, A LOT. You get entry to the visitor complex, bus tour with access to behind the scenes areas and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, all exhibits on the main campus in the main Mission Zones, S.T.E.A.M. shows and interactive carts, IMAX Theater, Shuttle Launch Experience, Spaceport KSC theater, astronaut training simulators, Astronaut Encounter show at Universe Theater, and more!

Ticket Add-Ons

Given that quite a bit is included in your ticket, here’s what is not included and is a ticket add-on for an additional price.

Chat with an Astronaut allows you a chance to speak with an astronaut about their experience over light food and refreshments. It’s offered twice daily. Tickets are $50 per person.

Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour is an in depth behind the scenes tour that allows you to get out of the bus to take photos and gives you access to a space expert for a guide. Tickets are $25 per person.

Fly with an Astronaut is an even more exclusive behind the scenes tour with an astronaut. You’ll eat lunch with them, try out the Shuttle Launch Experience, and take a guided tour. It’s not offered every day, so check the calendar and ticket checkout for your options.

For a unique add-on, Astronaut Training Experience is for you! You’ll participate in immersive simulation training to live and work on Mars.

ATX Training Stages allow you to try the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) at a fraction of the time and cost if you don’t have the time or budget to opt for the full program.

Mars Base 1 allows you to live and work for the day there solving science and engineering challenges. This is also not always available, so check their ticketing site for updates.

Finally, you can add in a photography pass, called Astropass , which includes all your digital photos from locations throughout the complex. This add-on costs $14 and only one is required per family or group.

Is it worth the money?

Yes, 100% yes. I absolutely LOVED my time here. Not only are these exhibits so incredibly well done, but there’s enough to fill an entire day and then some!

Given my experience at Johnson Space Center and the Jet Propulsion Lab, I can confidently say, this one does it best for visitors. Not to say the others aren’t worthwhile, but given the high ticket price, let me assure you it’s worth it!

Related read >> 26 other top science museums in the US

Can you see an actual rocket launch?

If there is a launch scheduled, yes you can see it from the KSC Visitor Center. However, to see it from the designated Launch Locations, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for entry to that specific location.

Some locations include the North Atlantis Lawn (behind the Atlantis exhibit), Banana Creek Viewing Area (adjacent to the Apollo/Saturn V Center), and LC-39 Observatory Gantry.

Alternatively, you can view rocket launches from Cape Canaveral National Seashore, which is what I did. It wasn’t too crowded and using the Launch Console app made orienting myself easy to be sure I was facing the launch!

@periodicadventures Is this on your bucket list? #travelbucketlist2022 #bucketlistexperience #rocketlaunch #capecanaveralflorida ♬ Space Song – Beach House

Is one day enough at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes and no. I think for most visitors, you’ll get your money’s worth in just one day. You can see the majority of exhibits, if not all of them in just one day.

If you have multiple days, a 2-day ticket is only $14 more and will allow you to take it slow and be sure you don’t miss anything.

While I think 2 days is certainly nice, it’s not necessary and for most of us, we have plenty of other things to do in Orlando like the theme parks to tend to, so one day is enough!

How much time do you need at Kennedy Space Center?

I’ve seen questions if 3 hours or 5 hours is enough and honestly, I truly think you need the full day to experience Kennedy Space Center.

The Bus Tour with the Apollo/Saturn V Center alone takes 2 hours and that’s not even the main complex. With the other major exhibits including Atlantis, Gateway, and Heroes and Legends, you need the full day.

If you have kids, a full day might be too much. Luckily throughout the complex, there are low sensory areas as well as a play area, called Planet Play, where kids can get some energy out and adults can enjoy coffee or an adult beverage.

What is the best KSC tour?

This depends on your interest level and budget, but honestly, I think the general admission ticket is best for most of us.

Sure, as a scientist, I’d love to add on all the behind-the-scenes tours and chats with astronauts, but every thing you add on is another activity on your itinerary to take away from the exhibits. They’re already so well curated that you don’t need a special tour or add-on to have a great time!

If it’s your first and/or only time visiting, opt for the general admission ticket and don’t miss the Bus Tour first thing.

If it’s a return visit, then I recommend looking into the specialty tours and add-ons.

If you want a guided tour from Orlando, that’s an option, too. Although I haven’t participated in it, this tour comes highly recommended.

Visiting Orlando? Check out these other posts:

• Closest beaches to Universal Orlando
• Best snacks at Universal Orlando
• Walt Disney World tips for first timers
• Ultimate guide to Disney walls with maps
• Most magical things to do in Harry Potter World

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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Wow, it definitely sounds like the type of place that I’ll truly enjoy. I feel like spending a full day here will be enough in a way there seems to be a lot of things to explore and see, which definitely complements the idea of visiting Walt Disney World or Universal Studios the next day! 😀

It’s definitely a welcome itinerary change from the theme parks! Space is so cool!

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Blast Off on a Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center in Florida

Blast off on a trip to Kennedy Space Center! One of Florida’s most iconic visitor destinations, Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex is filled with fascinating exhibits and experiences, hands-on activities, and actual spacecraft.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is approximately 1 hour east of Orlando and an easy drive from most of Central Florida. It is only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Lakeland, making it a perfect destination for a day trip OR part of your next Florida vacation.

There are three different “eras” of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Learn about the journey to space and the race to the moon at the Apollo/Saturn V Center , see a Space Shuttle and learn about 30 years of shuttle missions in the Atlantis Center, and the future of space travel can be found at NASA Now + Next including a brand new exhibit opening in June 2022 – Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour Tips

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Take a quick peek at some of the things you will see at Kennedy Space Center:

Things to Do at Kennedy Space Center

As we mentioned, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex groups attractions and exhibits by chronological era. We highly recommend exploring these areas in order, starting with Apollo/Saturn V, then the space shuttle, then the future of space travel, which is how we’ve listed them below. All of these activities are free with admission.

Make the bus tour your first destination when you arrive at Kennedy Space Center. The bus tour isn’t extensive, it is a quick 10-15 minute ride out to the Apollo / Saturn V Center, but it is through restricted areas where you cannot drive on your own. The most interesting thing you’ll see from the bus is the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where Saturn rockets, the Space Shuttle, and the new Artemis Rocket are assembled before being transported out to the launch pad.

TIP – Sit on the right side of the bus tour. This will give you the best views of the VAB and a chance to spot alligators in the roadside canals.

You’ll depart the bus at the Apollo/Saturn V Center where you can stand beneath the largest rocket ever flown and be amazed! This is where you’ll learn about the history of the United States’ journey to space and landing on the moon.

You’ll start in the Apollo 8 Firing Room where you will see the actual consoles used in the 1960’s, and experience a simulation of the Apollo 8 launch – the first crewed NASA mission to orbit the Moon in 1968. TIP – If anyone in your group is sensitive to loud noises, you may want to skip this experience or use headphones – the simulated launch includes loud rocket noises. It is not a scary experience, just loud.

From there, spend time exploring the exhibits inside the building including a peek inside a rocket capsule, a lunar module, a moon rock, and much more. Be sure to walk out back at the Apollo/Saturn Center where you can see the active launchpads for NASA and SpaceX.

When you’re finished at the Apollo/Saturn V Center you’ll take the bus back to the main complex. As you depart the bus look for the large orange and white shuttle boosters outside the Space Shuttle Atlantis building – don’t miss this stop!! Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit you can see a space shuttle up close – the sheer magnitude will impress you.

Our group found the entrance to this building a little confusing – after you go inside you’ll walk up a long ramp that winds around to the 2nd floor. If it is crowded, you’ll likely be waiting in a crowd on this walkway, but there are no signs indicating what you’re in line for. If you’re in a line on the ramp, you are in the right place! Once it is your turn, you’ll watch two short videos and then enter the main shuttle and exhibit area. TIP – When you go into the 2nd room with a movie screen try to get a spot near the front, and be sure you’re looking ahead of you when the movie ends. Trust us!

Other activities in this building include a 2 story slide, hands-on exhibits, shuttle flight simulators, a large gift shop, and the Shuttle Launch Experience.

Located in the Atlantis building, the Shuttle Launch Experience simulates an actual shuttle launch! You’ll recline backward, blast off, and then experience the space shuttle’s eight-and-a-half-minute ascent into orbit. It is not for the faint of heart, you will feel the G forces on this launch ride at Kennedy Space Center. Must be 44″ to ride, you’ll also place all of your belongings in a free locker at the entrance. This takes a minimum of 30 minutes, if you’re short on time, check with the attendant for the current wait time. TIP – This is a true simulator, if you have issues with motion sickness this ride might not be the best idea.

Once you’ve learned about the history of space exploration, learn about the current and future plans for space travel in NASA Now + Next areas.

In Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted you can discover NASA’s plans to explore deep space through interactive games and simulators.

See the newest concept vehicle,  Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator ® , or MRVN ® , designed for navigating the demanding landscape of Mars.

The newest exhibit – Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex – showcases authentic spacecraft, futuristic prototypes and immersive displays from NASA and its commercial partners (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, SpaceX) working on collaborative space exploration.

Check the schedule for daily IMAX movies including Journey to Space and Asteroid Hunters. Shows last approximately 40 minutes and are included with admission.

If you need a break in the air conditioning, stop in Planet Play and let the kids burn off some energy. This two-story indoor climbing structure is designed for ages 2-12. TIP – Parents can enjoy an adult beverage and relax on the couches on the 2nd level.

The Rocket Garden is the first thing you’ll see when you enter the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. We recommend saving it for later in the day as you depart unless it is especially interesting to a member of your group. Daily tours are offered but you can also walk through on your own. You can also go inside the Heroes & Legends building and walk through the U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame .

You can hear from an astronaut and even get a photo or autograph with someone who has been to space! Astr onaut Encounter is a live Q&A session in the Universe Theater. You can also visit the Astronaut of the Day at The Space Shop or Shuttle Express for his or her autograph. The Kennedy Space Center Calendar lists the scheduled astronauts.

The World’s Largest Space Shop is located right in the center of the Kennedy Space Center complex with 2 floors of space memorabilia. Additional specialized gift shops are located at the Apollo/Saturn V Complex and the Space Shuttle Atlantis exits.

Rocket Launches are not frequent but it is possible to see one if you plan ahead and have some flexibility, keep in mind that launches are weather dependent and can be scrubbed on short notice. Check the Kennedy Space Center calendar for upcoming launches and tips for attending in person.

If you really want to dive into outer space, check out the add-on experiences at KSC. Options include Dine + Chat With An Astronaut (45 minutes) and the Astronaut Training Experience ® (4-5 hours). Special tours are offered throughout the year. These opportunities are an additional cost and require a reservation, they are not included with admission.

• Plan ahead and get the app. Make a tentative plan to be sure you cover everything your group wants to see. Use the Kennedy Space Center App to save favorites, see a map, and check the schedule.
• Get there as early as possible! There is a bag check and metal detector at the entrance and this line can get long. KSC is a popular spot for field trips , if you arrive around opening time of 9am you can likely beat the crowds at the gate.
• Check the Daily Schedule. It lists the times for IMAX movies, Astronaut Autographs, free walking tours, and other live events. You can get a printed schedule when you arrive or find the info in the app.
• Once you’re inside, head straight to the bus tour. While you’ll be tempted to stop in the Rocket Garden to walk through the rockets – don’t! Keep veering right and head straight to the bus that will take you to the Apollo/Saturn Center. Spend 1-2 hours there and once you’re done there you’ll ride the bus back to the main visitor complex where you can see the Atlantis Space Shuttle, NASA Now + Next, Rocket Garden, and other attractions.

Is Kennedy Space Center designed for kids?

While Kennedy Space Center is stroller friendly and open to all ages, we think it is best enjoyed by ages 5+ or children who are especially interested in rockets and space exploration.

How long should I spend at Kennedy Space Center?

You can easily fill the entire day. To fully experience the three main eras of space travel, we recommend you allow a minimum of 4-5 hours.

Is parking free at Kennedy Space Center?

At the time of publishing, parking is $10 per vehicle. Parking is included in an annual pass.

What is the difference between NASA and Kennedy Space Center?

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center covers 144,000 acres with multiple facilities for launches and other operations. It is one of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) ten field centers across the US. It has been NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight since 1968 and continues to be a working facility. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the area that is open to the public featuring spacecraft displays, exhibits, space memorabilia, and more.

Where is Kennedy Space Center located?

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is on the east coast of Florida, approximately 1 hour east of Orlando, Florida and an easy drive from most of Central Florida.

At the time of publishing, single day admission to Kennedy Space Center is $57 for adults (12+) and $47 for children (ages 3-11). Discounts are available for seniors and active-duty military. There are also options for multi-day tickets and annual admission.

If you are a teacher, first responder, nurse, student, or veteran, check for discounts through ID.me.

Learn more: Kennedy Space Center Website

“ The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not, and it is one of the great adventures of all time. ” – John F. Kennedy

Now get out there and start exploring!

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Check out our Travel + Day Trips Guide for more articles on travel with kids, day trip ideas, places to go in Central Florida, and more.

What To Experience On A Day Trip To Kennedy Space Center From Orlando

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Take a break from Florida’s theme parks and popular tourist attractions just for one day. Instead of Orlando rollercoasters, beautiful Florida beaches, and the vibrant nightlife of Miami , why not go to infinity and beyond? At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, that’s precisely what mere mortals can do (well, not literally, but it’s as close as non-astronauts can get to outer space!)

As one of the best things to do in Florida besides amusement parks , this is no ordinary day trip from Orlando. Operated for NASA by Delaware North, this outta-this-world center of intergalactic awe isn’t just one of Florida’s top museums; it’s an astronomical hub here on Earth pioneering the way for deep space travel and a place of discovery and development of cutting-edge space exploration innovations from NASA.

Related: This Is How You Can Budget For Orlando, Depending On Your Itinerary

Open to curious minds and aspiring astronauts to learn about the tremendous vast above and around planet earth (and beyond what’s currently known), the KSC Florida is a spaceport of the future where the public can learn about space, other worlds, travel beyond the stratosphere, and the mesmerizing science that upholds space.

Holding a wealth of mind-blowing journeys, exhibits, and experiences under its roof (though the magic within goes beyond the skies), the Kennedy Space Center has always been one of Florida’s most popular attractions.

Related: Orlando For Cheap: How To Plan An Affordable Vacation

What’s more, this incredible place also holds history in its every nook and cranny, detailing the iconic past of space travel as well as offering visitors the chance to experience what it’s like to be a real astronaut, with space shuttle simulations and virtual space experience delighting those who walk through the spaceship doors.

With so many things to see at Kennedy Space Center, it commands a full day to explore its entirety - and one of the most convenient and immersive ways to enjoy its magnificence is by taking a tour of KSC (details incoming below!)

Anyone who says “no” isn’t in their right mind; the Kennedy Space Center is, quite possibly, one of the top attractions in Florida, taking curious visitors on an adventure through space and time. Packed to the brim with attractions, activities, and exhibits, KSC visitors can enjoy an immersive experience while learning about America’s history of space travel at the Rocket Garden, the Apollo/Saturn V center, and numerous other museums across the vast complex.

Related: The 11 Best Museums In Florida You Need To Visit

• Kennedy Space Tour Name: Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando
• Tour Price: From $69.99
• Duration: 10 hours approximately

Book This Tour

Among the best space experiences in the world, this out-of-this-world day trip takes visitors to the epic Kennedy Space Center from Orlando, where they’ll spend hours exploring the entire NASA world-class facility, launchpads, and rocket exhibits like the famous Saturn V. Guests can savor the mind-blowing simulated Shuttle Launch Experience, watch stellar IMAX films, and get the first-hand scoop on real space stories at the Astronaut Encounter experience. If that wasn’t enough, participants also get the chance to upgrade their tour to have lunch with a veteran astronaut, as well as scope out extra sightseeing opportunities.

Kennedy Space Center Highlights: What Does The Tour Include?

• Kennedy Space Center tour from Orlando with optional upgrades
• Transportation to and from the Kennedy Space Center via selected Orlando locations
• Kennedy Space Center tickets included
• Tour NASA’s launch headquarters and the iconic Shuttle Launch Experience
• Check out the famed Rocket Garden, Apollo/Saturn V Center, and view two IMAX virtual space films
• Meet veteran astronauts at the Astronaut Encounter show
• The choice to upgrade the tour and have lunch with an astronaut
• The opportunity to upgrade to the Space Pass Plus and visit the Vehicle Assembly Building
• Local taxes

Food and drinks aren’t included on this Kennedy Space Center tour; however, they’re available to purchase. Also, Rocket Launch tickets may command an extra charge.

Tour participants get up bright and early for a full day swooning over space travel at the Kennedy Space Center. The day starts with a morning pickup from select Orlando locations, and guests pick a comfy seat on the coach and relax on board for the 45 minutes it takes to get to the space center.

Upon arrival at the KSC Visitor Complex, guests are free to explore the place at their leisure. They can hop on a NASA bus for a short journey to one of the many epic exhibits, many of which include:

• The Early Space Exploration exhibit - showcases stories and artifacts from legendary missions like Gemini (there’s an actual Gemini program capsule on display here!)
• The Rocket Garden, where the first NASA rockets await as well as those from all eras of space travel (the Children’s Play Dome here is a favorite among little ones and adults alike!)

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Launch Into The Apollo/Saturn V Center & The US Astronaut Hall Of Fame

Visitors can also head to the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, where they can relive the excitement of the Apollo era. This full-on, incredible exhibit celebrates the never-before-achieved feat that shook the entire world: the moment humans first reached the moon.

In this exhibit, tourers also get to relive Neil Armstrong’s iconic moonwalk, touch a moon rock, and get a closer look at the giant Saturn V rocket - indeed, the largest ever rocket built, measuring 63 feet (110 meters) in height!

Discover The Astronaut Encounter Show & The Rocket Garden

Throughout the day, guests can also take a tour of the most famous NASA landmarks, as well as meet a real veteran NASA astronaut at the Astronaut Encounter Show. The epic Rocket Garden with its imposing rockets also awaits, wherein the first rocket to break free from gravity is housed. Another important feature to discover is the Heroes and Legends exhibit, which features the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and honors NASA’s fallen heroes.

After that, visitors can learn more about what it truly takes to become a Martian astronaut exploring the red planet on the Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted experience.

Watch Out-Of-This-World Space Showings At The IMAX: A Virtual Trip To The International Space Station

Next up, visitors can soak up a feast for the eyes and mind via a complimentary showing or two at the IMAX Theater housed within the complex. Shown on massive five-story screens, the engaging stellar movies are IMAX® A Beautiful Planet and Journey To Space 3D, taking viewers on a virtual journey to the International Space Station.

In addition, all that virtual space exploration will surely ignite questions for real astronauts. During the Astronaut Encounter, real astronauts can answer those burning questions as they discuss their experiences with the public, telling genuine stories of their professional lives and on-the-job ordeals working in space!

Leave Planet Earth And Feel What It’s Like To Be An Astronaut At The Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit

More mind-tingling exhibits entice visitors at the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where more than 60 interactive experiences provide a full-sensory space affair invigorating the mind and senses (take heed: this is one of the best things to do at Kennedy Space Center!)

In this part of the trip, visitors get to relish the people, passion, and patriotism backing NASA’s Space Shuttle program, which birthed both the International Space Station and launched the Hubble Space Telescope.

Here, tour participants also savor what it’s like to be a real astronaut; they’ll explore a replica of the ISS and even board a full-size Space Shuttle mock-up and experience an authentic virtual launch into space on the heart-thumping Shuttle Launch Experience. This shuttle experience truly is a wild ride; aspiring astronauts can orbit the Earth on an extraordinary simulation trip that replicates the true sounds, sights, and feelings of a real shuttle launch.

From taking the helm in the shuttle cockpit to experiencing floating in the midst of space, this is one wicked journey unlike anything else - one that visitors do not want to miss.

Related: These Are Orlando’s Coolest Hotels To Book For 2022

Of course, in between exhibits and stops, visitors can take snack breaks at their own expense in the Rocket Garden or the Orbit Cafe. Once the tour is over and the day ends, a coach collects tourers and returns them to their departure point in Orlando - easy and hassle-free.

Related: How To Watch A Space Rocket Launch At The Kennedy Space Center

Additional Tour Options : Visitors can upgrade their tour to have a chatty sit-down lunch with a real astronaut who’s a member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps!

Another option available is the Space Pass Plus , which combines all the experiences above with a guided tour of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the NASA Causeway, the Operations and Checkout building, and the A/B Camera Stop to view the countdown clock at Press Site - previously a crawler transporter that moved Apollo moon rockets.

The Kennedy Space Center is an immersive, unbelievable place with overwhelming experiences for lovers of space, space travel, and human-space history. Whether people opt for a bus tour or not, a visit is guaranteed to be a memorable day out. However, veterans of the center and visitors who’ve been to the establishment before will always recommend a bus tour; it’s a full-day experience with what seems like a whole universe to explore within the complex. Ultimately, the bus tour conveniently comprises many of the best bits and rarely fails to get five stars in Kennedy Space Center reviews.

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Home » A First-Timer’s Guide to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

A First-Timer’s Guide to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The minute you step through the gates at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , you are transported to an out-of-this-world experience with limitless possibilities, and a showcase of what humankind has achieved in its travels to space – and beyond.

If it’s your first time at the visitor complex, we understand it can be a little overwhelming with so much to do. That’s why we’ve put together a guide for first-time visitors

One-day and two-day tickets for adults and children ages 3-11 are on sale, with senior and military discounts also available.

Save time ahead of your visit by purchasing tickets online at KennedySpaceCenter.com, and heading directly to the front gate! Tickets can be purchased on-site, too.

If you want to spend multiple days at the visitor complex (and why wouldn’t you?) then consider getting an annual pass for you and your family. Having either a two-day ticket or an annual pass allows you to visit the complex more than once and really take in all we have to offer! Click here for all the ticket details .

ENJOYING YOUR DAY

With so much offered, here’s a breakdown of what you can do at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

At Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®, see the visionary designs paving the way of human deep space travel while also discovering the current cutting-edge innovations of space exploration from NASA and commercial partners. And while at Gateway, don’t forget to take experience Spaceport KSC, where you’ll launch aboard one of four unforgettable journeys during an immersive ride. Guests must be 39” minimum to enjoy the attraction.

Experience the dawn of the space age and get up close with actual artifacts at Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing®.

At Universe Theater, meet a veteran astronaut and hear their stories at Astronaut Encounter, learn about the matter in It’s A Matter of Fact, and hear about recent and upcoming NASA missions in Mission Status Briefings. Check the Daily Schedule for show times.

At Space Shuttle Atlantis®, see the real Atlantis orbiter, which flew to space 33 times and traveled 126 million miles. You can also interact with more than 60 exhibits and simulators about what it’s like to live and work in space! And don’t forget to strap in for the Shuttle Launch Experience®. If you have motion sensitivities, you can still enjoy the mission briefing pre-show. The attraction has a 44” height minimum. A non-motion viewing area is also available.

Little ones can enjoy Planet Play, a fully immersive play experience for the next generation of space explorers.

Don’t miss the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you’ll explore the Apollo Program’s worldwide impact – all while standing underneath the tallest rocket ever flown. You can also touch a Moon rock, watch first-hand accounts of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, and more. The Apollo/Saturn V Center is accessible through the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, where you can go behind NASA’s gates to see the past, present, and future of America’s multi-user spaceport.

Also, don’t forget to explore the Rocket Garden, visit Journey To Mars launched by United Launch Alliance, and see a space-themed film at IMAX®.

ENHANCE YOUR VISIT

The fun doesn’t stop there.

More enhancements are available for purchase in addition to admission. They are:

– Astronaut Training Stages: The experience for guests ages 10 and older allows you to practice your docking skills, navigate the Mars terrain, experience the sensation of performing a spacewalk, and more.

– Chat With An Astronaut: Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while getting the chance to ask a real veteran astronaut your most pressing questions in a small-group setting. Purchase tickets online or at Guest Services.

– KSC Explore Tour: Go beyond the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour! Make several stops to capture once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities of spaceflight icons. Tickets are available for purchase online or at Information. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour departure time.

BE YOUR OWN GUIDE

Use your smartphone to create your own customized multimedia tour. The KSC SmartGuide app is available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and American Sign Language. Download the app for free from the App Store and Google Play.

Also, the visitor complex has partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, creating a welcoming space for people with autism and sensory needs. Sensory Guides are established at each attraction entrance. Don’t forget to download the Sensory Guide as well.

COME HUNGRY

You’ll probably work up an appetite while you’re at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Luckily, there are plenty of food and drink options available.

Enjoy pizza, salads, burgers, pulled pork at Orbit Cafe, acai bowls and choose-your-protein dishes at Space Bowl Bistro, hot dogs and other classics at Red Rock Grill, and more. For a quick pick-me-up, enjoy Starbucks®, ice cream at Milky Way, traditional movie favorites at IMAX Snax, and more.

If your first visit is this fall, then it’s the perfect time to partake in our annual Taste of Space Fall Bites! Celebrate the taste of the season from Oct. 2-Nov. 5, 2023, with brand-new menu options throughout the visitor complex. Click here for more information.

During the holiday season, you can enjoy Holidays in Space across the visitor complex. There is a nightly projection show, and festive holiday décor throughout the grounds including six-foot-tall astronaut nutcrackers and a 50-foot tree with more than 61,000 pixels of light and so much more.

PICK UP A SOUVENIR

Don’t forget a piece of memorabilia to commemorate your trip to the visitor complex when you visit The Space Shop, the world’s largest collection of NASA merchandise. Gifts and souvenirs are also available at Shuttle Express, which features gifts and souvenirs about the Atlantis orbiter and NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. At The Right Stuff at Apollo/Saturn V Center, pick up products that celebrate the Apollo missions.

Also, take the memories home with you with Astropass, powered by Storibox, which includes all your digital photos from all of the visitor complex’s photo locations. It’s available for purchase online or at Guest Services.

What are YOU most excited about for your first visit ?

• Things to do
• Orlando Attractions

Kennedy Space Center

• Kennedy Under the Stars
• Women in Space
• Mission Zones
• Cape Canaveral
• Launches & Events
• SpaceX Launch
• Visitor Complex
• SpaceX Crew-7 Mission
• Plan Your Visit
• Guided Tours
• Restaurants
• Orlando to KSC
• Transportation
• Launch Tickets
• Rocket Garden
• Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
• Heroes & Legends
• Behind the Gates
• Saturn V Rocket
• Space Shuttle Atlantis
• NASA Now + Next
• Race to the Moon
• WonderWorks Orlando
• Orlando ICON Park
• Madame Tussauds
• SEA LIFE Orlando
• Clearwater Beach
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
• Festivals and Events

What are Kennedy Space Center opening hours?

Open 9am–6pm

Last Admission

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open Monday-Sunday weekly.

• Kennedy Space Center will remain closed on Christmas Day (25th December).
• The last bus tour runs 2.5 hours before closing time.

Book Kennedy Space Center tickets & tours

Best time to visit the kennedy space center, weekday vs weekend.

• Monday through Friday tends to see fewer crowds, which also means a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to take your time exploring exhibits without feeling rushed. Schools often schedule field trips on weekdays, so mornings might still see a surge in visitors, but generally, afternoons are quieter.
• If you are planning a weekend visit, arriving early, around 9am-10am, is wise to beat the crowds and make the most of your day. Expect longer lines for popular attractions and tours, as well as busier parking areas and restaurants.

Peak season vs Low season

• Peak Season ( November to February, March to April) coincides with school holidays, such as winter (December to early January) and spring (March/early April) break. The weather is warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring, but expect crowds and longer waits.
• Low Season ( May to October) sees fewer tourists, except during summer break (June to early July). Fall (September-November) brings cooler, rainier conditions. Summers (July and August) can be challenging due to extreme heat and humidity, while hurricane season (late August to October) sees unpredictable weather with higher odds of storms.

How long should I spend at the Kennedy Space Center?

To make the most of your visit to the Kennedy Space Center, we recommend spending about 6 to 8 hours there. This gives you enough time to explore all 5 Mission Zones as well as the operational facilities if you opt for the Explore Tour. If you get the 2-day pass, you can spend about 5 hours each day at the complex.

if you choose regular admission tickets , here's how much time you will need at each zone:

• Heroes & Legends:  45 minutes
• Behind the Gates:  1 - 3 hours
• Race to the Moon:  2 hours
• Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other:  2.5 hours
• NASA Now + Next:  2.5 hours

If you choose the Kennedy Space Center tours or Chat with an Astronaut tickets, here's how much time you will need for each.

• Guided Tour: 10 hours
• Explore Tour: 2 hours
• Chat with an Astronaut: 45 minutes

Irrespective of your ticket type or add-on, set aside an entire day for your visit to the Kennedy Space Center

Frequently asked questions about the Kennedy Space Center hours

Yes, the Kennedy Space Center is open seven days a week, except on holidays like Christmas.

You should arrive at Kennedy Space Center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ticket time. This extra time allows for parking, security checks, and walking to the entrance or tour starting point, ensuring you can begin your experience without rush, especially on busy days or during peak seasons.

Entry before your scheduled time might be possible if the center is not at full capacity. Otherwise, there are plenty of activities to engage in around the visitor complex. You can visit the Rocket Garden, browse the gift shop, or enjoy a meal or snack at one of the dining facilities.

Late arrivals may be accommodated depending on the center's capacity and scheduling for the day, but this is not guaranteed.

If you miss your bus tour time, you’ll need to check with the visitor complex staff for the next available slot, subject to availability.

Visitors usually spend around 6-8 hours exploring the exhibits, attractions , and tours offered at the Kennedy Space Center. Your visit can be shorter or longer depending on your interest level and whether you participate in special tours or experiences.

No, there is no strict time limit for your visit to Kennedy Space Center. Visitors are generally free to explore the complex at their own pace during the operating hours. A typical visit can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on how in-depth you want to explore the exhibits, take tours, and participate in activities. However, it's important to note the closing time of the center and plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have enough time to see and do everything on your list.

Arriving right at opening, around 9am to 10am, tends to offer a quieter experience. Additionally, the spring months between March to April are ideal with pleasant temperatures and lesser crowds.

Yes, operating hours can vary during holidays and special events like rocket launches; extended hours are common during this time. Always verify the current schedule online before planning your visit.

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A Kid-Friendly Guide to Visiting the Kennedy Space Center

February 26, 2020

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex SR 405 Titusville, FL Having been to my fair share of science museums with the kids (now ages 10 and 8), I thought I knew what we’d be getting into at the Kennedy Space Center  in Cape Canaveral, Florida. I never expected that it would turn out to be the most impressive science center we’ve ever visited. It’s extremely well-executed, with so many kid-friendly activities that everyone in my family was entertained for the whole day. And we learned a lot about NASA science and history to boot!

The Kennedy Space Center is divided into several “mission zones,” or buildings dedicated to different eras of space travel. We spent the first half of our day in the Space Shuttle Atlantis mission zone, which is a hub for numerous hands-on activities and experiences. Then after eating lunch and watching an IMAX movie, we hopped aboard the bus tour to drive out to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Read on for the best things to do at the Kennedy Space Center with kids, then check out this guide to Florida's Space Coast  for more family-friendly fun. 

View a space shuttle up close

Upon entering the Space Shuttle Atlantis building, you’re ushered into a room to watch a couple of short videos on the story of Atlantis. The second video ends in a totally spectacular way, but I won’t ruin the surprise for you! All I’ll say is that I was so amazed, I gasped out loud. After watching the videos, we entered a great hall to view Atlantis in person. Seeing its scuffs and dings up close really drives home the astounding fact that the shuttle in front of us has carried people into space and back 33 times.

Play around in space

Also housed in the Space Shuttle Atlantis mission zone are two activities that my kids wanted to do over and over again (and I bet yours will, too). The first was crawling through a replica of the International Space Station, which is suspended on the second level ceiling, high above the ground level. One section of the course features a clear tube that gives you a bird’s-eye view while you crawl through. 

The other thing was the enormous, 22-degree slide that connects the second and first levels. The slide is supposed to simulate the adrenaline rush of returning to Earth in a shuttle. My husband and I each took a turn as well and the slide really was very fast! (Note: kids must be at least 38 inches to participate.)

Feel what it’s like to blast off

The Shuttle Launch Experience is the Kennedy Space Center’s main attraction. The ride simulates what it’s like to sit in a shuttle through a launch sequence, from countdown and liftoff to being in orbit. Veteran astronauts claim that the simulation is the closest thing to experiencing an actual launch.

It does feel very realistic—you experience everything from the rumbling of the rocket boosters to the force of blasting off into space, followed by the weightlessness of being in orbit. Keep in mind that you need to be at least 44 inches to try this ride and it may be a bit too realistic for young kids.

Land a space shuttle

The Space Shuttle Atlantis mission zone is filled with numerous simulators that your children can play with. They're basically glorified video games, which is probably why my kids were so into them! They particularly liked the one where you land a space shuttle back on Earth, but there are other tasks as well, such as fixing parts of the International Space Station.

Catch an IMAX movie

At the Kennedy Space Center, two IMAX movies are included with the price of admission. We could only fit in one and chose to watch Journey to Space 3D . It was very informative, but the material is probably best for ages eight and up. Keep the younger kids busy with a tub of popcorn.

Take the bus tour

The Kennedy Space Center bus tour offers an opportunity to take a break from all the walking. You get to sit on an air-conditioned coach bus for 45 minutes and listen to narration from the driver and on-board videos as you tour the vast grounds of the complex and see everything from construction sites to launch pads. After the tour, you’re dropped off at the Apollo/Saturn V Center to check it out. When you’re ready to return, just hop on another bus for the 15-minute ride back.

We spent about an hour at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you can relive the launch of Apollo through a series of videos while gazing over the actual mission control room. The main hall houses Saturn V, the largest rocket ever flown. Stretched out across the length of the room, the rocket’s scale is truly impressive. Located in the same space is a moon rock that you can actually touch, although at this point it doesn’t look like much a rock anymore—more like a smooth, flat disk.

Allow at least two hours for the whole excursion (add more time to wait for a bus if it’s a crowded day), and check the schedule to see when the buses stop running (sometimes it’s as early as 2:30pm).

Insider tips:

• The highway from Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center is lined with numerous tolls. If you’re driving a rental car without the SunPass (Florida’s prepaid toll pass), be sure to have $20 in cash and change to pay them.

• Plan to spend six to eight hours at the complex, including an hour for lunch. Get there as soon as it opens (at 9am each morning), as the parking lot fills up quickly.

• Check the website for NASA’s launch schedule. If you can time your visit for a launch day, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch a rocket blasting off into space with your own eyes! If you have no interest in this, you may want to make sure you’re visiting on a regular day, as the Kennedy Space Center can get very crowded on launch days.

Hours and admission

Location: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island

Hours: January 6-March 22, April 20-June 28, August 10-December 20, December 25: Daily, 9am-6pm. March 23-April 19, June 29-August 9, December 21-24, January 1-3: Daily, 9am-7pm. December 26-31: Daily, 9am-8pm.

Admission: Adults $57, children (ages 3-11) $47, under 3 free

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Last Updated on May 25, 2024 by Goya

Thinking of visiting Kennedy Space Center? Then, you’re in the right place!

For over sixty years, the Kennedy Space Center has been a mecca for space exploration . It’s where humans took their first steps towards the moon and launched rockets into outer space. Today, the Kennedy Space Center remains an incredible place to explore and learn more about NASA’s history, as well as its current projects. It is also home to a visitor complex that allows anyone to get up close and personal with some of the most incredible space-related artefacts and experiences in existence.

Visiting Kennedy Space Center is an experience that will create memories and stories to last a lifetime both for space enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. I can speak first-hand to this, having recently been there as a rather curious sidekick to my space enthusiast husband, on a quest to witness the initial (sadly scrubbed) SpaceX Crew-6 launch in February 2023. And even for those who don’t have their eyes fixed on a particular launch, there are plenty of exciting things to explore at KSC. No matter your level of curiosity and enthusiasm, Kennedy Space Center is sure to capture your heart and leave you with an unforgettable experience.

So, without further ado, from great tips on what to do and where to go, to helpful advice about tickets and accommodations and a massive FAQ section just for you, here is everything you need to know about visiting Kennedy Space Center!

Table of Contents

#1. Plan Your Visit to the Kennedy Space Center

#1.1: how to get to kennedy space center.

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is located at Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 , which can be accessed using public roads.

Driving to Kennedy Space Center

The easiest way to arrive at the Kennedy Space Center is by car, taking one of the several highways and interstates leading to the complex. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours from Daytona Beach, 1 hour from Orlando and 20 minutes from nearby Titusville.

It also makes the perfect stop on a road trip from Orlando to Miami !

Closest Airports to Kennedy Space Center

The closest airports to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), which is located 38 miles away, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Sanford International Airport (SFB), both of which are located around 60 miles away.

Shuttle Bus Service to Kennedy Space Center

While they have many shuttles on display and buses to take you around the center once there, there are unfortunately no shuttle bus services from Orlando or nearby airports to the visitor complex . Instead, KSC provides you with a list of transportation companies offering ground transportation services to and from the Visitor Complex.

If you don’t have a car or simply prefer to leave the driving and planning to someone else so you can sit back and enjoy a day trip, you may be interested in tours that offer pick-up from area hotels and round-trip transportation between Orlando and the Visitor Complex. There is a variety of tour packages to fit your budget and interests, including one-day tours, multi-day excursions or special trips with a chance to meet an astronaut for the ultimate space experience.

These tours are also great if your time in Orlando is limited.

#1.2: Kennedy Space Center Tickets

Kennedy Space Center offers a variety of ticket options from single-day admission to annual passes that allow you to come back as often as you like. You can also purchase tickets for special events such as launches, tours, or other exclusive activities.

Daily Admission Tickets

As of March 2023, the prices for daily admission tickets are as follows:

Annual Tickets

As of March 2023, the prices for annual tickets are as follows:

Special Interest Tours and Add-On Enhancements

You can maximise your visiting experience by opting for special interest tours and add-on enhancements (in addition to the daily admission ticket or annual pass) for the following prices. While it may sound tempting, multiple tours are not recommended.

*Also part of Astronaut Training Experience

Astronaut Training Experience®

The Kennedy Space Center’s Astronaut Training Experience gives aspiring space explorers a chance to experience simulated zero gravity and learn from veteran astronauts, offering them an out-of-this-world glimpse into the life, science and technology behind NASA’s groundbreaking missions.

Admission is not included, but it is not required for this experience.

#1.3: Parking at Kennedy Space Center

When visiting the Visitor Complex, there are several parking options available to make your visit as convenient and stress-free as possible. The Visitor Complex parking lot opens 30 minutes before the complex opening and accommodates motorcycles, automobiles and oversized vehicles such as RVs. Parking fees are collected at the entrance to the lot with rates of $5 for motorcycles , $10 for cars and $15 for oversized vehicles, motor homes or RVs .

If you have an Annual Pass (or Feel the Heat Launch Viewing Package ), complimentary parking is included with your pass — just make sure to display it!

#1.4: Finding Your Way Around KSC Visitor Complex

To ensure that you make the most out of your visit, take some time to check out the map and overview of attractions below so you can easily find your way around the visitor complex and know exactly where to find your favourites.

Map of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Attractions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

When you enter the Visitor Complex, you will be instantly greeted by the magnificent sight of the Rocket Garden. But try to resist the temptation and begin your journey by heading over to Heroes & Legends , which will be the first building on your left. Here you will be able to learn more about the brave individuals who risked their lives in support of space exploration. You’ll also get a close-up look at the Gemini 9 capsule and Mercury Control Center. (Also featuring: U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® ) — You can read more about Heroes & Legends here in the “best of KSC” section.

When you leave the building, you will find yourself back in the Rocket Garden , where you can explore some of NASA’s most iconic rockets on display. Here you can learn more about their history and significance, as well as gain insight into how they helped propel space exploration forward. On the other side of the garden is the Gateway , where you will be able to explore interactive displays, videos and more about NASA’s ongoing efforts in space exploration. (Also featuring: Spaceport KSC ) — You can read more about immersive rides in Gateway’s Spaceport KSC here in the “best of KSC” section.

Then it’s time for some fun with IMAX (and for those with kids, Planet Play ), which has educational films and games that are sure to make your visit even more memorable. Or perhaps off to Universe Theater , where astronaut encounters take place. — You can read more about astronaut encounters and other special events here in the “best of KSC” section.

Opposite IMAX, you can visit NASA Central and explore the wealth of interactive exhibits that detail the work done by our nation’s space agency and its exploration efforts. From here, you can head to Space Shuttle Atlantis which has an impressive collection of artefacts, including a full-scale shuttle! (Also featuring: Shuttle Launch Experience ®, Hubble Space Telescope Theatre , Forever Remembered ) — You can read more about Space Shuttle Atlantis here in the “best of KSC” section.

From here, you can walk past the Constellation Plaza and jump on a bus to take a journey back in time with the Apollo/Saturn V Center . Here you will get an up close and personal look at the vehicles that made history by taking mankind to the moon, as well as a chance to explore interactive exhibits about their development and use. (Also featuring: Apollo 8 and the Firing Room , Moonscape / Lunar Module 9 , Lunar Theater , and Moon Tree Garden ) — You can read more about Apollo/Saturn V Center here in the “best of KSC” section.

When you are back in the main visitor complex area, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Space Mirror Memorial , next to the North Lawn Launch Viewing Area / Atlantis West Pavillion.

Kennedy Space Center Official Guide

To make navigating the Visitor Complex as easy and stress-free as possible, KSC Visitor Center offers the Kennedy Space Center Official Guide .

It is an app that includes helpful information such as hours of operation, where to shop, where to eat and the nearest restrooms, as well as learn all about fun attractions and tours, astronaut appearances and shows. It also allows you to create a favourites list to customize your own guided tour of the Visitor Center, and ensures you never get lost thanks to its GPS-enabled map navigation!

I hear it’s a great way to explore Visitor Complex before your visit and create a personalized experience while you’re here. Unfortunately for us, the QR code for download just never seemed to work — probably because we have UK Apple Store accounts .

#2. Best Things to Do and See at Kennedy Space Center

At Visitor Complex, you are sure to be awed by the achievements of one of humankind’s most incredible feats: space exploration. From virtual reality experiences to interactive exhibits and awe-inspiring displays, Visitor Complex is packed with ways to explore our universe and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to reach new heights — literally!

While I would highly recommend going early and visiting the entirety of the complex and the exhibitions it houses, if you are short on time, you may want to focus on the following top attractions instead.

Of note: If you have all the time in the world but don’t know where to start, then KSC has some great itineraries depending on how many days you have to visit (1 or 2 days) or who you’re going with (kids under or above 10, adults/group, space enthusiasts).

#2.1: Rocket Garden

The Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center is a breathtaking display of some of the most iconic rockets in history, and a living testament to humankind’s historic achievements in space exploration. From the towering Gemini-Titan II and Delta to the sleek Mercury-Atlas (the only replica in the mix), each rocket on display has its own unique story and place in space exploration. Walking through the garden, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as you gaze up at these towering monuments to human ingenuity. Each rocket represents countless hours of hard work, innovation, and determination that made space exploration possible. It’s an experience that leaves you feeling both humbled by the enormity of what we’ve achieved and inspired by what we have yet to discover.

The impact is felt even more powerfully when one notices that grandest example: Saturn IB mounted on its side like time standing still yet signalling progress into our greatest unknowns above!

#2.2: Heroes & Legends

The Heroes & Legends experience at Kennedy Space Center is a must-see for anyone interested in space exploration and the heroes who made it possible.

The US$20 million exhibit that opened in 2016, explores America’s first astronauts and their feats of courage. The experience begins with a brief movie that sets the stage for what’s to come. From there, you can explore an exhibit based on the nine key traits of a hero , learning about passion, curiosity, discipline and many more through interactive displays. And of course, a stunning array of historical artefacts including Gemini 9 and Sigma 7 capsule as well as pieces such as the NASA emblem and original Mercury Mission Control room consoles – remaining since the Early Space Exploration era!

The experience ends at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® , where you can learn about the brave men and women who have risked their lives to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

It’s an inspiring experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for those who dared to reach for the stars.

#2.3: Gateway

Gateway offers visitors a daring adventure to explore the cutting-edge innovations of space exploration, and an out-of-this-world experience — a chance to explore the cosmic wonders of space from the comfort (or excitement) of our blue planet. Whether you embark on “Red Planet”, “Daring Explorers”, “Cosmic Wonders” or “Uncharted Worlds”, each of the four “destinations” on offer promises a unique journey through distant worlds and galaxies for those adventurous enough to take part in these immersive rides!

“Red Planet” in particular, offers Mars enthusiasts a truly magical opportunity to venture back into its ancient oceans with the Perseverance rover and try their luck at escaping Mars’ notorious dust storms. Just beware that any fellow travellers may not be as appreciative though — like some screaming high school kids we had the pleasure of sharing the ride with…

#2.4: Space Shuttle Atlantis

Following a rather impressive show and entrance, here, you will step into the incredible world of Space Shuttle Atlantis and get an awe-inspiring look at her suspended in a flight positio n, just as if she’s recently departed from her last mission. From there, you’ll be able to see where major history was written as it soars through space in a 43.21-degree rotation, showing off its payload doors open with extended Canadarm for maximum effect!

Space Shuttle Atlantis also includes more than 60 interactive exhibits celebrating NASA’s 30 years of journey through outer space history, technology and life-changing impact on humanity…

And of course, the magnificent Shuttle Launch Experience , where visitors can experience up close what it was like to be aboard the Shuttle!

#2.5: Apollo/Saturn V Center

17 December 1996 made history for NASA when the Apollo/Saturn V Center was opened in a restricted area accessible only by Kennedy Space Center tour buses. Spanning 100,000 square feet and housing an impressive Saturn V rocket display plus many other related exhibits from the groundbreaking Apollo program era, this historical installation forever changed how visitors could access what had long been showcased outdoors south of the Vehicle Assembly Building.

Here, you can marvel at the Apollo 14 command module Kitty Hawk , and get up close with real moon rock that you can touch — something untold numbers before have only dreamt of doing! Check out unique artefacts like replica Lunar Roving Vehicles, many space suits worn during various missions, plus actual samples from Earth’s closest neighbour. For those looking for even more mission immersion as if they were there themselves — two theatres recreate the launch and landing of Apollo 8 and 11, respectively, right within your fingertips!

NOTE: This is also where you are taken should you book a “Feel the Heat” Launch Viewing Package for any mission leaving from Launch Complex 39A.

#2.6: Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

This tour is a great way to discover the birthplace of America’s spaceflight atop an air-conditioned motor coach, with a guided tour behind restricted areas at Kennedy Space Center… and also, the only way you can get to the Apollo/Saturn V Center .

On this bus journey, you can whizz through some of the most mission-critical areas of Kennedy Space Center and get a glimpse of its larger-than-life facilities and coveted launch complexes, as your expert guide shares insights into ongoing developments that are pushing humanity deeper into outer space exploration.

Note: As NASA and its commercial partners progress towards more ambitious space ventures this year, the bus route may change slightly based on the needs of this working spaceport, while remaining committed to offering plenty of enthralling sights beyond KSC’s gates!

#2.7: Special Events

Visitor Complex also hosts regular astronaut encounters as well as launches and other special events throughout the year. These may include exciting special exhibits and ceremonies that offer unique opportunities for visitors including a chance to interact with real astronauts or get an up-close look at historic artefacts from NASA’s past missions.

Don’t forget to check the social media channels for KSC and the daily schedule given out at the entrance to make sure you don’t miss any happening during your visit!

#3: Dining and Shopping Options at Kennedy Space Center

No trip to Kennedy Space Center would be complete without some souvenir shopping or eating some space-themed food at one of KSC’s eateries! Luckily, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants onsite offering everything from burgers and hot dogs all the way up to a beer and wine bar (of note: it’s right next to the children’s play area) if that’s what you’re looking for! You can also pick up official NASA apparel or souvenirs in any number of shops scattered throughout the complex.

So come hungry and be prepared to take home unique items to remember your day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!

#3.1: Food at Kennedy Space Center

At the Visitor Complex, you will find several delicious dining options (eight, to be specific) to choose from. You can:

• Enjoy traditional American classics and pizza at Orbit Cafe (in the main complex) or Moon Rock Cafe (in Apollo/Saturn V Center)
• Grab a quick bite and beer at the Red Rock Grill or snacks for the show at IMAX Snax
• Go for healthy nourishing bowls and noodles at Space Bowl Bistro
• Help yourself to some coffee, wine or beer in Planet Play Lounge , while waiting for your little astronauts to return from their journey.

And, of course, no visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is complete without a stop at Milky Way or Space Dots for some of the best spacey treats: Cookie Dough Space Dots® !

#3.2: Shopping at Kennedy Space Center

When it comes to shopping, you can find a variety of souvenirs at the Visitor Complex. In addition to your usual hoodies, t-shirts and hats, all three shops in the complex offer exclusive collectables and memorabilia to commemorate your visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

The Space Shop , the world’s largest collection of NASA merchandise, is right in the middle of the complex (can’t miss it really!) , whereas Shuttle Express and The Right Stuff can be found inside Space Shuttle Atlantis and Apollo/Saturn V Center attractions, respectively.

#4: Rocket Launches at Kennedy Space Center

For the ultimate Kennedy Space Center experience, consider watching a launch while you are there — it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be missed by anyone who loves space exploration!

There’s something magical about watching a rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center. The excitement and anticipation are palpable as you wait for the countdown to begin. As the engines roar to life, you can almost feel the ground shake beneath your feet, and you know that you’re witnessing something truly special. It’s impossible not to be transported back in time, thinking about the first launches and how far we’ve come since then.

We recently had the opportunity to experience this incredible moment with the “Feel the Heat” package, which I would highly recommend for any big, momentous launches. With this package, we were as close to the launch pad as humanly possible (and safe). But no matter which package you choose, one thing is certain: watching a rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center is an experience like no other!

#5: A Deeper Dive Into the Kennedy Space Center

#5.1: history of the ksc and the visitor complex.

From its humble beginnings as a small launch pad in the 1950s to its present-day status as one of the world’s premier space exploration sites, the Kennedy Space Center has been home to some of humankind’s greatest achievements in space exploration. Today, it is also home to a Visitor Complex that offers an up-close look at these accomplishments and more for tourists from around the world. Here’s a brief overview of the history of this incredible complex.

Space Exploration

The journey towards understanding our universe began thousands of years ago when ancient civilizations attempted to map out the stars and planets in our solar system. As time passed, humanity developed increasingly sophisticated tools for exploring the unknown—from Galileo Galilei’s telescope in 1609 to Robert Goddard’s liquid-fueled rocket in 1926—and eventually made its way into space. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy declared that America would put a man on the moon by 1970, spurring an unprecedented era of innovation that culminated with Neil Armstrong’s iconic first steps on July 20th 1969.

A Match Made in Heaven: NASA and The Kennedy Space Center

In 1958, just three years before President Kennedy’s speech, NASA was formed—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration—to lead America’s efforts in space exploration programs. Soon after its creation came one of its most ambitious undertakings yet: building The Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Named after JFK shortly after his assassination in 1963, KSC became NASA’s primary launch site for all human-crewed missions as well as robotic probes sent out into deep space. Over its lifetime KSC has been responsible for launching numerous spacecraft including Apollo 11 (which took Armstrong to the moon) and STS-7 (America’s first successful female astronaut mission).

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The original KSC Visitor Complex opened in 1967 but did not offer much more than viewing stands until 1995 when major renovations began onsite.

Nowadays, The Visitor Complex at KSC is like no other place on earth, offering visitors an immersive experience into the world of space exploration through interactive exhibitions, informative displays and educational presentations from veteran astronauts who have had firsthand experience with NASA missions throughout history.

Visitors can explore many attractions like Astronaut Training Experience®; see historic spacecraft such as Atlantis®; watch rocket launches from special observation areas; experience simulated G-forces with Shuttle Launch Experience®; get an up-close look at authentic astronaut training facilities; explore interactive exhibits about space sciences; take guided tours through working areas like Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB); visit iconic sites like Apollo/Saturn V Center®; get an inside look at operational control centers; or enjoy a range of amazing shows like Rocket Garden featuring retired rockets used during missions over 50 years ago!

#5.2: What to Expect on a Visit to The Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is a historical landmark of space exploration. From the early days of the Mercury and Gemini programs to modern missions from private companies such as SpaceX, the KSC holds a special place in human history and collective memory. A visit to the Kennedy Space Center offers visitors a journey through space exploration and a chance to experience this significant part of our past, present, and future.

A Trip Through Time

At its core, the KSC Visitor Complex offers a journey through time that spans from humankind’s earliest space explorations to present-day achievements. From interactive experiences that feature astronauts who lived through it all, to displays of rockets used in historic missions, it is easy to get lost in a world of exploration and discovery. Throughout your trip you will come across artefacts such as astronaut suits, moon rocks collected during Apollo 11 mission, and capsules used on various space missions – it’s like taking a trip back in time!

A Chance to Venture Beyond Our World

The KSC Visitor Complex also offers an opportunity for visitors to learn more about current space exploration ventures beyond our world. You can explore exhibits dedicated to Mars rover expeditions or see close-up replicas of satellites used by NASA for interplanetary study. You can even take part in simulations that give you a first-hand look at what astronauts experience during launches or rendezvous with other spacecraft orbiting around Earth. The possibilities are endless!

The Future Awaits

As you wander through the complex you will come across exhibits dedicated to upcoming projects such as Orion – NASA’s deep-space capsule – and commercial crew vehicles that will be responsible for ferrying astronauts into orbit around Earth. The complex also features an IMAX theatre where guests can enjoy spectacular films about current space ventures or attend educational seminars focused on topics such as astronomy or astrophysics.

It is truly an incredible experience for any lover of science and technology!

FAQs | Visiting Kennedy Space Center

Did you jump straight to this section for your burning questions? Don’t worry, I got you covered!

What is So Special About Kennedy Space Center?

Kennedy Space Center is a beloved institution that has touched the lives of generations of people, from the first explorers entering space to today’s space junkies. Visiting Kennedy Space Center is an experience that invokes humanity’s collective spirit and needs to explore, and one with answers to some burning questions.

Can You Meet an Astronaut at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, visitors to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex have the opportunity to meet a real astronaut. Through various programs offered at the Visitor Complex, guests can ask questions and get an up-close look into what it takes to be an astronaut. The Visitor Complex also hosts events where astronauts make special appearances, giving guests the chance to interact with someone who has been in space. Visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is truly a unique experience that no space enthusiast should miss.

Can You Walk Around Kennedy Space Center for Free?

No, a ticket is required to enter Kennedy Space Center. Visitor’s tickets allow access to the Visitor Complex, which features interactive exhibits and presentations, as well as historic spacecraft and rocket displays. The Visitor Complex also offers discounts for seniors, children and active-duty military. There are additional fees for special attractions and ticketed events.

Click here for different ticket types and their prices and here to purchase them.

How Long Does It Take to Visit Kennedy Space Center?

It certainly depends on individual interests and how much time one wants to spend on each featured attraction, but in general, it may set you back anywhere between four hours or up to a full day.

Can You See Everything at Kennedy Space Center In a Day?

Yes, you can see everything at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in a day, and in fact, that is exactly what we did. However, depending on your interests and the amount of time you want to spend exploring each exhibit, it is recommended to plan for two days when visiting Kennedy Space Center. This will allow plenty of time to explore all that Kennedy Space Center has to offer without having to rush.

What is the Best Day or Time to Go to Kennedy Space Center?

The best day to visit Kennedy Space Center depends on your individual schedule and interests. Visiting Kennedy Space Center during the week can help avoid crowds, although school groups are often present during weekday visits. Visitor’s tickets provide access to all of the Visitor Complex’s exhibits, presentations and displays, so plan accordingly to ensure you have plenty of time to take everything in. Special launch days often draw large crowds, so plan accordingly and check out the Visitor Complex’s online calendar for up-to-date information about upcoming launches.

Can You Do Kennedy Space Center in Half a Day?

Technically yes, with good planning in advance and going early to avoid queues, it is possible to visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in half a day. However, depending on the visitor’s interests and the amount of time they want to spend exploring each exhibit, it is recommended to plan for at least a full day when visiting Kennedy Space Center. Take into account also that some of these exhibits come with their own pre-exhibition shows/documentaries or queues.

Is Kennedy Space Center Worth It?

Absolutely – there’s nothing quite like visiting this place of inspiration, where starships come alive underneath Florida’s gentle sun rays. Whether you have an entire day or just several hours available, visiting Kennedy Space Center is worth your time and money!

What is the First Thing to Do at the Kennedy Space Center?

Other than purchasing your tickets (which you would have likely purchased online beforehand) and going through security, the first thing you should do is check the times and availability for the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour . This tour gives you access to the Apollo/Saturn V Center , home to the fully restored Saturn V rocket. As it’s a stone’s throw away (give or take a few miles) from some of the observatory gantry, launch pads and other restricted areas, access to this center is only possible by Kennedy Space Center tour buses, with the last tour bus running 2.5 hours before park closure. So if you’re planning to go to the complex around midday, you may want to prioritise this tour first.

How Long Is the Bus Ride Inside the Kennedy Space Center?

The bus ride inside the Kennedy Space Center takes around 15-20 minutes to reach Apollo/Saturn V Center , where the tour concludes. Here, you are recommended to spend around 2 hours checking out the restored Saturn V launch vehicle and visiting the variety of exhibits related to the Apollo program , or perhaps grab a bite or do some shopping, but you can of course leave anytime you want taking one of the return buses that leave every 15 minutes.

Is Kennedy Space Center a Lot of Walking?

Yes, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is surely an adventure for the feet. The Visitor Complex covers more than 145 acres and includes interactive exhibits, presentations and displays in five distinct areas. However, with plenty of places to rest, you can explore without worry. For those with mobility issues, wheelchairs ($10) and electric scooters ($30) are available for rent so everyone can experience this incredible destination. Stroller ($8) and double stroller ($10) rental is also possible.

Is Kennedy Space Center Crowded?

The Visitor Complex at Kennedy Space Center can get crowded, especially on weekends and during school holidays… But never feels too packed thanks to its expansive grounds. It is best to visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds. Visitors can purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry.

Is Kennedy Space Center More Indoor or Outdoor?

I would say Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a combination of 70% indoor attractions (interactive indoor exhibits, presentations, and educational programs that provide an in-depth insight into the history of space exploration) and 30% outdoor attractions (Rocket Garden) and walking around the complex and between various dispersed sites .

What Do You Wear to the Kennedy Space Center?

The best way to dress for a visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is in comfortable clothing and shoes. Since the Visitor Complex covers a large area, there is a lot of walking and exploring to be done. Visiting Kennedy Space Center on sunny days can make for warm temperatures, so it’s best to wear loose-fitting, light clothing (and bring sunscreen). Visiting during cooler weather often requires a jacket and/or warm clothing.

Can you Bring a Backpack to Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring backpacks while visiting Kennedy Space Center. However, all backpacks must be inspected at the Visitor Complex entrance. Security personnel are available to assist with bag searches and metal detectors may be used as an additional security measure. It is recommended that visitors arrive with minimal items in their backpacks as this will help expedite the security process.

Can You Bring Food and Beverages to the Kennedy Space Center?

Bringing in food and drinks is allowed – provided that it’s in small quantities and doesn’t include glass bottles or containers, or anything with alcohol in it. Beer is available for purchase at select spots on-site.

Can You Bring Pets to Kennedy Space Center?

Only service animals are permitted inside the KSC exhibits, presentations and on the bus tour. All other furry friends need to wait at home or in the free on-site pet kennel (required: proof of vaccination records) .

Are There Free Things to Do at the Kennedy Space Center?

Yes and no. While you may be able to watch a rocket launch for free (if you happen to be in the complex on the day of a launch, as we were for the Starlink V2 satellite launch ) and most of the exhibits do not require any additional payment for entry, you still need to pay to for the ticket to enter the complex.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Kennedy Space Center?

Daily admission prices range from $45 (per day for a 2-day ticket) to $85 (for a one-day ticket), with additional discounts available for seniors, children, active military personnel and annual/family pass holders. Click here for different ticket types and their prices and here to purchase them.

If you are planning to eat, drink and shop while you are there, you are looking for at least another $50-70 per person. Of course, it all depends on how much NASA/KSC memorabilia you intend to purchase!

What Ticket is Best for Kennedy Space Center?

– For adults visiting Kennedy Space Center as a day trip from Orlando: 1-day admission ticket – For travelling space aficionados: 2-day admission ticket – For those in no rush to do it all in one day, or who are suffering from limited mobility or travelling with kids and want to allow as much time as possible for emergencies, bathroom breaks and tantrums: 2-day admission ticket – For locals planning to visit over and over again: Atlantis Annual Pass or Cosmic Club Family Annual Pass

Does Kennedy Space Center Offer Military Discount?

Yes, Kennedy Space Center provides special benefits for active duty military members, including discounts on adult and child admission. ( Note : Must be able to present a valid military photo ID)

Is Kennedy Space Center Fun for Adults?

Yes, with its wealth of historic spacecraft and memorabilia and unique experiences on offer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a great place for adults to go on a fun otherworldly adventure. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a history buff or simply curious about the future of star-gazing, a visit to Kennedy Space Center is sure to leave any adult in awe!

Is Kennedy Space Center Fun for Kids?

Kids are sure to have a blast at KSC as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities designed just for them! From building their own rocket ships out of Legos to exploring the world beneath the waves through virtual reality goggles, there’s something for everyone in the family. KSC tours also offer an educational experience tailored specifically for young kids which emphasises exploration and discovery in a fun way, making it one of the most family-friendly things to do in Florida !

Is Kennedy Space Center Good for Kids?

Yes! If you want to give your kids a unique experience unlike any other, Kennedy Space Center is the perfect place for it. With awe-inspiring exhibits and attractions that will get their imaginations soaring, this bucket list destination is suitable for families of all ages and will leave them filled with wonderment about outer space.

What Age is Good for Kennedy Space Center?

While the complex has activities like “Planet Play” which was designed with younger audiences in mind, given the educational and historical value of KSC (and the fact a ticket is required for anyone above the age of 3), this experience may be best suited for (and truly appreciated by) kids aged 5 to 7 and up .

What is Planet Play?

Opened to the public on January 1st 2021, Planet Play is a new, fully-immersive multiple-story play experience at Kennedy Space Center. Designed with kids aged 2 – 12 in mind, this indoor interactive area is designed to take the little space explorers on an immersive journey as they explore different planets and let their imaginations soar with endless possibilities of intergalactic adventures!

What Is the Difference Between Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center?

While Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral both possess a shared mission as well as resources, Cape Canaveral, the home to the United States Space Force, is primarily focused on government programs and military-related rocket launches whereas Kennedy, a complex by NASA On Merritt Island, encourages more private endeavours.

What Is the Closest Town to Kennedy Space Center?

The closest town to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is Titusville, Florida. Titusville lies on the Indian River Lagoon and is located just 9 miles from the Visitor Complex. Titusville is a great place to stay before or after visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex since it offers a variety of lodging, food and entertainment options.

What Other Attractions Are Near Kennedy Space Center?

There are many things to do near Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. You’ll find Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. Nearby towns offer other interesting attractions such as museums, restaurants, shopping, and more. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is also conveniently located at driving distance from popular theme parks such as SeaWorld Orlando and Disney’s Hollywood Studios .

How Far Is Kennedy Space Center from Disney?

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located approximately 60 miles from the various Disney parks in Orlando, Florida and can be reached by car in less than an hour, depending on traffic. Or alternatively, you may opt for a Kennedy Space Center Tour & Transport from Orlando, Disney, Universal, and Kissimmee .

How Far Is Kennedy Space Center from Orlando?

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located approximately 60 miles from Orlando, Florida and can be reached by car in less than an hour, depending on traffic. Or alternatively, you may opt for a Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando .

Where to Stay Near the Kennedy Space Center?

If you’re planning a trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, there are a variety of nearby lodging options. Hotels near the Visitor Complex include the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront and La Quinta by Wyndham Cocoa Beach – Port Canaveral (formerly owned by America’s original 7 astronauts). Vacation rentals are also available in nearby towns such as Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Titusville, for those wanting to stay close while visiting Kennedy Space Center. If you are only planning to go to KSC for a day trip, you can do what we did and stay at Hilton Orlando (which was excellent) or Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal / I Drive (which was pretty decent), which are only an hour of drive from KSC but much closer to the rest of the Orlando attractions.

Recap: Visiting Kennedy Space Center

From its humble beginnings 60 years ago to becoming a staple of American culture today, the Kennedy Space Center is a truly one-of-a-kind destination filled with inspiring stories from those who have explored beyond our planet’s atmosphere! The KSC Visitor Complex does an incredible job providing an incredible journey through time that allows visitors to explore some of the greatest accomplishments in space exploration ⁠— from earliest efforts with Project Mercury all the way up to current endeavours like sending humans beyond Earth orbit aboard Orion crew vehicles.

Here, you can enjoy interactive exhibits featuring massive rockets and a ‘hands-on’ learning experience with simulators, try floating weightless in an area designed to recreate zero gravity (perfect for aspiring astronauts!) or join a multitude of audio-tours curated by NASA experts – which will take you through all aspects of space exploration.

Whether you are looking for educational activities with your family or trying to plan your dream vacation around space exploration , or want to learn more about the USA’s proud history of space exploration and get an inside look at future projects planned by NASA, this complex has something exciting for everyone!

There are truly countless ways to get up close and personal with the universe while visiting Kennedy Space Center, and they are all waiting for you to join on this expedition and experience first-hand how far humanity has come since those first few steps towards exploring outer space were taken!

Why not join them now?

Looking for more things to do in Orlando, Florida?

• Take your imagination on a journey at Disney Hollywood Studios, and yes, there is plenty to do there for adults too!
• Outdoorsy visitors may also find the following tours interesting:

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Great post – with a space mad son it sounds as though it should definitely make it on the wish of places to visit sooner rather than later!

Oh, 100% – It is sure to be a great trip for the whole family!

Wow I had no idea there was so much at the Kennedy Space Centre and that you can speak to Astronauts – what an incredible experience thanks for sharing !

Glad you found it useful!

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A complete guide to the Kennedy Space Center

Things to do in Orlando Orlando Attractions Kennedy Space Center

Headout x Kennedy Space Center: Exclusive

Kennedy Space Center is partnering with Headout for an exclusive after-hours event! What’s in store? A galactic glow party! You read that right. Mark your calendars because it’s time to experience the Kennedy Space Center like never before.

🌟 What are the highlights?

• A techno DJ dance party
• Cosmic Glow Miniature Golf
• Drinks at the Glowing Bar and Lounge areas
• Live entertainment
• A one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with veteran NASA astronauts

🗓️ Date: August 31st, 2024

🕕 Time: 6:30pm to 10pm

A stellar experience awaits – get your tickets now!

Kennedy Space Center in a Nutshell

The Kennedy Space Center in Florida is one of NASA’s 10 field centers that has served as the primary launch site for essential missions including the Apollo missions. The center has been an asset to space exploration and continues to make significant contributions even today. Grab the chance to learn all about past and future missions, train like an astronaut using simulators, and witness original spacecraft up close at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Read this page to learn everything you need about visiting the Kennedy Space Center.

Handy information

Opening hours.

13 August - 17 December: 9 AM to 5 PM 18 December - 31 December: 9 AM to 6 PM

Must-see at Kennedy Space Center

• Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
• Apollo/ Saturn V Center
• IMAX Theater
• US Astronaut Hall of Fame
• Rocket Garden

Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA Get there

Why Visit Kennedy Space Center?

• Step into the heart of space history where legendary missions like Apollo were launched, and explore launchpads that changed the course of human exploration forever.
• Train like an astronaut through immersive simulators, feel the rush of a rocket launch, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of space travel.
• Get up close to original spacecraft, including the awe-inspiring Space Shuttle Atlantis, and witness the marvels of engineering that have enabled us to venture beyond our planet.
• Delve into interactive exhibits that unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, providing insights into our place in the universe and the incredible science that drives space exploration.
• Perfect for all ages, explore all the exhibits inside that ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love for science and discovery.

Kennedy Space Center Tickets

Take a look at all your Kennedy Space Center ticket & tour options. Choose between admission tickets, bus tours, guided tours, & more!

Inside Kennedy Space Center

1 heroes & legends.

Immerse in space history through the Heroes & Legends zone. Marvel at the Rocket Garden's iconic rockets and explore the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, honoring space pioneers. Engaging attractions like the "Through the Eyes of a Hero" exhibit and the Astronaut Encounter offer personal insights into the journeys of these explorers.

2 Behind the Gates

Embark on an exclusive bus tour behind the gates of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Discover Launch Complexes A and B, witness the colossal Vehicle Assembly Building, and gain unparalleled access to areas where historic missions were prepared. Dive into this exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure showcasing the heart of space operations.

3 Race to the Moon

Relive the thrilling era of the many Moon missions in this zone. Stand awestruck before the mighty Saturn V rocket , explore the Apollo 8 module, and experience the intensity of the Firing Room, where history was made. This zone is a tribute to humanity's audacious journey to our satellite planet.

4 Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

Encounter the magnificence of space travel as you lay your eyes on the majestic Space Shuttle Atlantis, a marvel of engineering. Interactive exhibits offer insights into the shuttle program's legacy, allowing you to understand the life of an astronaut and the shuttle's groundbreaking missions.

5 NASA Now + Next

Dive into the future of space exploration through the exhibits at NASA Now+Next, . Delve into the Journey to Mars, exploring our endeavors to reach the Red Planet, witness the Deep Space Launch Complex, an emblem of upcoming missions, & top it off with the captivating IMAX Theater, offering stunning visual insights into cosmic wonders.

Top Attractions at Kennedy Space Center

Here are some top attractions at the Kennedy Space Center that must be a part of your itinerary.

Step into a field of giants at the Rocket Garden. Discover an array of historic rockets, each with its own tale of exploration. This living tribute showcases the evolution of launch vehicles that have shaped our cosmic aspirations. Zone: Heroes & Legends

Stand before the monumental Saturn V Rocket, a towering testament to the Apollo era. Gaze in awe at the engineering marvel that propelled humanity toward the moon, an emblem of audacious ambitions and remarkable achievements. Zone: Race to the Moon

Embark on an exclusive journey behind the gates of Kennedy Space Center on the Explore Tour. Hop on a tour bus that takes you to the Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Complex A & B, and other operational facilities that fuel space exploration. Zone: Behind the Gates

Behold the awe-inspiring Space Shuttle Atlantis, a symbol of human ingenuity. Get a close look at the spacecraft replica, gaining insight into its remarkable missions, equipment, and the astronauts who propelled it into history. Zone: Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

Relive the intensity of the Apollo 8 mission in the Firing Room, where historic decisions were made. Experience the nerve-racking moments of space exploration and learn about the precision required for successful launches. Zone: Race to the Moon

Peer into the future of space exploration at the Deep Space Launch Complex. The exhibits will give you an insight into upcoming missions and technologies that will redefine our understanding of space. Zone: NASA Now+Next

The Kennedy Space Center, located in Florida, has a storied history as NASA's premier launch site. Established in 1962, it was integral to the Apollo missions that landed humans on the moon. The inaugural launch of Apollo 11, carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, marked a pivotal moment in human achievement. Throughout the following decades, the Space Shuttle program, saw over 100 launches, solidifying the center's role in space exploration. The iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, one of the largest structures on Earth, housed both Apollo and Space Shuttle vehicles. Today, the Kennedy Space Center remains an active hub for launching various missions, from robotic interplanetary explorations to resupplying the International Space Station. Its legacy reverberates through history, showcasing mankind's insatiable desire to reach for the stars.

Rocket Launches at Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center is synonymous with rocket launches, that have shaped space exploration. Historically, it has hosted monumental launches like the Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed humans on the moon. The Space Shuttle program, , with its remarkable launches, further solidified the center's reputation. Currently, the Kennedy Space Center remains at the forefront of launch activities, supporting both government and commercial missions. Recent launches have included satellite deployments, scientific explorations, and resupply missions to the International Space Station.

SpaceX conducts frequent launches from the Kennedy Space Center , revolutionizing the industry with reusable rockets like the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, facilitating a new era of accessible space travel. As the launch site for both historic and modern missions, the Kennedy Space Center continues to propel humanity's dreams into the cosmos. Keep an eye out for upcoming launches so you can make your way to the Kennedy Space Center on the day of the event!

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit the Kennedy Space Center is during the fall and spring seasons. These months, typically from September to November and March to May, offer pleasant weather with milder temperatures, making outdoor attractions and exhibits more enjoyable. Additionally, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, giving you a more immersive experience with shorter lines at the different attractions inside.

Kennedy Space Center Hours

• 13 August - 17 December: 9 AM to 5 PM
• 17 December - 31 December: 9 AM to 6 PM
• Last admission - 1 hour before closing
• Last bus tour - 2.5 hours before closing

Getting There

The best way to get to the Kennedy Space Center is by car or by opting for bus transfers . Public transport is not available directly to the Kennedy Space Center, however, the closest bus stop is at Cargo Road. Parking is available inside the Visitor Complex.

Tips For First Time Kennedy Space Center Visitors

1. Plan ahead - The Kennedy Space Center is a popular destination, and it can be crowded during peak times. Make sure to plan your visit in advance so that you can get the most out of your trip.

2. Buy tickets online - You can buy tickets online, and this is the best way to ensure that you have a spot on one of the center's tours.

3. Arrive early - The Visitor Complex opens at 9 am, and the best exhibits tend to fill up quickly. If you want to see everything the center has to offer, make sure you arrive early.

4. Stay late - The Center is open until nightfall, and there are some special nighttime events that you won't want to miss. Plus, the center is really beautiful at night, and it's worth sticking around for a few hours after dark.

5. Bring sunscreen - It can get very sunny at the Kennedy Space Center, so be sure to bring sunscreen with you.

6. Bring water - If you're planning on spending all day, then it's a good idea to bring lots of water with you. Just being outside for so long can cause dehydration, especially if it's hot out.

7. Dining options - There are tons of restaurants, cafes and food trucks for you to choose from. Opt for an early lunch, or a late one to avoid crowds.

8. Visit during a weekday - Crowds tend to be much larger on weekends and holidays, so if you want to try to beat the rush, then consider visiting on a weekday instead.

9. Bring a camera - If you want to take some great photos of the rockets and spacecraft, then bring your camera with you.

10. Plan what you're going to see - The Center has a lot of cool exhibits spread over a massive expanse of land. Scan through the map and list of attractions before your visit so don't miss out on things you really want to see!

About Visiting the Kennedy Space Center with Family

Interesting Facts About Kennedy Space Center

1. The Kennedy Space Center served as the launch site for all Apollo moon missions, including the iconic Apollo 11 mission that carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the lunar surface, marking a giant leap for mankind.

2. Standing at a staggering 525 feet tall, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) is one of the largest structures in the world. It was originally constructed to assemble the massive Saturn V rockets and later housed Space Shuttles before their journeys to space.

3. The Rocket Garden isn't just a display; many of the rockets found here were actually test-fired before they were exhibited, giving visitors a chance to see real rocket engines up close.

4. The historic Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center is the room where critical decisions were made during launches.

5. The Kennedy Space Center is a regular launch site for SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. Witnessing these launches is a thrilling experience, with the added excitement of watching reusable rockets return for pinpoint landings, revolutionizing space access.

More about Kennedy Space Center Facts

Restaurants & Cafés

The Rocket Garden Cafe offers a wide variety of food options for visitors. The cafe is located in the Rocket Garden and the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. The cafe has a casual atmosphere, and it's a great place to relax and take a break from all of the excitement.

The Moon Rock Cafe offers meal options as well as delicacies like Chicken, Bacon & Swiss Melt and Pepperoni Pizza. Have lunch among Apollo spacecraft and artifacts in the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The Moon Rock Cafe has a number of space-themed dishes that make for a unique dining experience.

Orbit Cafe is a popular restaurant inside the Center that serves freshly prepared salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, dessert, and more. The lettuces and herbs in the salads are grown hydroponically in towers right in front of your eyes. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can go there either before or after your visit to the space center.

After exploring the galaxies and constellations, if you find yourself craving something sweet, Milky Way is just the place for you. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it offers a variety of options that are perfect for any occasion. The menu includes items such as eggs benedict, chicken marsala, and salmon filet, and the restaurant also has a wide selection of desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Taste the ice cream of the future! Located close to Space Shuttle Atlantis, this outlet offers innovative ice cream and gelato in your favorite galactic flavors. The restaurant is decorated with images of space travel, and it offers a unique dining experience that is sure to impress.

Located next to Journey To Mars, this outdoor lunch stand serves hot dogs, beer and more. The Red Rock Grill is a great place to eat if you're visiting the Center around lunch time. Fuel up before your visit to the museum. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Kennedy Space Center Gift Shops

The Space Shop is one of the most popular shops inside the Space Center, and it's packed with exclusive items that are perfect for collectors. Some of the highlights from the space shop include models of rockets, astronaut dolls, and patches from different NASA missions.

If you're looking for a unique gift or a space-themed souvenir to commemorate your visit to the Space Center, then be sure to check out The Right Stuff Shop . The store has a wide selection of items, including hats, T-shirts, toys, books, and many other items. You can find something for everyone at the Right Stuff Shop.

The Shuttle Express shop is a convenience store, and it offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs for visitors. The store is open from 9am to 5pm, and it offers a 10% discount to visitors who show their admission tickets. Some of the popular items available at the Shuttle Express shop include hats, T-shirts, postcards, sunglasses, and many other types of souvenirs.

Hotels Near Kennedy Space Center

Luxury stays.

• The Canaveral Sands
• Port d'Hiver
• Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Economical Stays

• Hampton Inn
• La Quinta Inn & Suites
• Days Inn by Wyndham

Budget Stays

• Econo Lodge
• Coco Beach Suites

What are the Kennedy Space Center hours of operation?

The Kennedy Space Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the IMAX Theatre is open from 10 AM to 4 PM.

What is the best time to visit the Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is busiest on weekends, and Saturday is usually the busiest day. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, then opt to go on a weekday morning.         

What can I do inside Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is packed with attractions, and you can learn about America's history of space travel at the Rocket Garden, the Apollo/Saturn V center, and many other museums throughout the complex. You can also watch a live rocket launch from the NASA Causeway, tour the Astronaut Hall of Fame, experience a ride to Mars at the Journey to Mars museum, and go on many other exciting adventures.

How do I get to the Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is located at 1 Rocket Road in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The center can be accessed by car, or you can opt for a ticket with bus transfers from Orlando.  

Are there any hotels near the Kennedy Space Center?

There are hotel options near the Kennedy Space Center, and some of them include Comfort Inn at Port Canaveral Hotel, A1A Beachfront Resort, and Pier House Resort.

What is there to do near the Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, which is one of the best cities for visitors interested in the ocean. Popular nearby attractions include Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, and many of Florida's beaches.

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Home » Home » Blast Off to the Cosmos During ‘Kennedy Under the Stars’ at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Blast Off to the Cosmos During ‘Kennedy Under the Stars’ at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

By Space Coast Daily  //  June 21, 2024

Takes Place August 31 at 6:30 p.m.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Blast off to the cosmos this summer during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex  Kennedy Under the Stars  celebration.

Taking place August 31 at 6:30 p.m.,  Kennedy Under the Stars  is an exclusive after-hours event combining the park’s favorite attractions with a galactic glow party. Tickets are $65 for all ages and can be purchased  online .

Key attractions at the main visitor complex will stay open late, offering lower wait times and more time to venture to other worlds in Spaceport KSC. Guests can also get up close to real flight-flown artifacts like Space Shuttle Atlantis , feel the rumble aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience and more.

Throughout the evening, the colors of the cosmos will be brought to life through a series of illuminated experiences designed to shed new light on a visit to the visitor complex, including an 80s to 90s Video DJ in the Rocket Garden, a Techno DJ dance party in NASA Center, Cosmic Glow Mini Golf under the massive Saturn 1B Rocket and more.

Guests will also have the chance to meet with veteran astronauts Nicole Scott and Scott Parazynski who will mingle amongst the crowds throughout the evening. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the night and select retail stores will also remain open.

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SpaceX rocket launches from Cape Canaveral: Best views in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Titusville

Spacex missions include starlink internet satellites & goes-u spacecraft, which will launch atop falcon heavy rocket..

A pair of SpaceX rocket launches are on the horizon − one a Falcon 9 rocket and the other a more powerful Falcon Heavy rocket.

Depending on weather, both should be visible from nearly anywhere on the Space Coast. Here's more information about the rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. If there are changes to the launches, this story will be updated.

Florida rocket launch calendar: Is there a launch today? SpaceX, NASA, ULA missions from Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center

Is there a rocket launch in Florida today? Rocket launch calendar for Florida

Here's what we know about the rocket launch missions, mentioned in  FLORIDA TODAY's rocket launch calendar  for the month of June, which is updated frequently. (Check that link often for rocket launch times and dates because they are routinely subject to change for a variety of reasons.)

FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper, provides interactive launch coverage and livestream at  floridatoday.com/space  with frequent updates on launches at least 90 minutes in advance, sometimes longer, depending on the mission. For questions or comments, email  Space Reporter Rick Neale  at [email protected] or tweet him  @rickneale1  on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter. You also can contact Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at [email protected] or tweet her  @brookeofstars  on X or  Instagram .

Is there a rocket launch from Florida? Sunday, June 23: SpaceX Starlink 10-2

• Mission:  A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will deploy a batch of Starlink internet satellites, which are packed inside the fairing atop the 230-foot rocket.
• Launch:  Window opens at 1:03 p.m. EDT Sunday, June 23.
• Location:  Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Trajectory:  Northeast
• Live coverage:  If you want to watch live rocket launch coverage,  FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team  will provide updates at  floridatoday.com/space , starting about 90 minutes before launch time. You can download the free  FLORIDA TODAY app , which is available in the  App Store  or  Google Play , or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Tuesday, June 25: SpaceX Falcon Heavy GOES-U

• Mission:   NOAA’s fourth and final GOES-U (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) spacecraft , which will monitor weather and environmental phenomena, will launch atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
• Launch:  5:16 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 25
• Location:  Launch pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
• Live coverage:  If you want to watch live rocket launch coverage,  FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team  will provide updates at  floridatoday.com/space , starting two hours before liftoff. You can download the free  FLORIDA TODAY app , which is available in the  App Store  or  Google Play , or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today?

Where to watch a spacex rocket launch from space coast of florida.

Pretty much anywhere  in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket  launch. The best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.

If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river.

If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast.

Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots).

Some hotspots to check out:

• Jetty Park Beach and Pier , 400 Jetty Park Road,  Port Canaveral . Note, there's a charge to park.
• Playalinda Beach , 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
• Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park , 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge.
• Space View Park , 8 Broad St., Titusville
• Sand Point Park , 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
• Rotary Riverfront Park , 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
• Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (just before State Road 520 Causeway)
• Cocoa Village , near the parks and shops or near the docks
• Various  parks on Merritt Island
• Rotary Park , 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island
• Kiwanis Park  on Kiwanis Island Park Road on Merritt Island
• Port Canaveral, with ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean at port
• Alan Shepard Park , 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
• Cocoa Beach Pier , 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.
• Lori Wilson Park , 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.
• Sidney Fischer Park , 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
• Downtown Cocoa Beach , along Minutemen Causeway
• Tables Beach , 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach
• The Tides  on SR A1A in Satellite Beach
• Various  parks , including the Pelican Beach Clubhouse, in Satellite Beach
• Pineda Causeway
• Eau Gallie Causeway
• Front Street Park near Melbourne (U.S. 192) Causeway and U.S. 1 in Melbourne
• Indialantic boardwalk  at Melbourne Causeway and SR A1A
• Paradise Beach Park , aka Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (this is a beachside park)
• Sebastian Inlet Park , 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
• Ambersands Beach Park , 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
• South Beach Park , 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
• Merrill Barber Bridge  in Vero Beach
• Alma Lee Loy Bridge  in Vero Beach

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on  Twitter  or Instagram at  @byjensangalang . Support local journalism.  Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper .

• Park Overview Explore Missions Zones
• Heroes and Legends Space Pioneers
• Behind the Gates Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
• Race to the Moon Apollo Moon Landing
• Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other NASA's Space Shuttle Program
• NASA Now + Next Preparing for Journey to Mars
• All Attractions
• Plan Your Visit
• Hours Of Operation
• Hotel Packages
• Travel Information
• Events Overview
• Event Calendar
• See A Launch
• Groups Overview Plan Events and Tours
• Youth Groups Programs and Field Trips
• Scouts Adventures for Scout Troops
• Private Events Events and Custom Tours
• International Programs and Custom Tours
• Camp KSC Day Camp for Students
• Educators Resources for Teachers
• Programs Educational Programs at KSC
• Accessibility Information

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex℠ offers a variety of ticket options and add-on enhancements to create the best experience for your next visit! 

Savings for Florida Residents

Offer valid: may 1, 2024 - august 18, 2024.

Florida residents save with this exclusive offer featuring discounted tickets for a party of four to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Plan your trip today!

Offer only available May 1 - August 18, 2024. Must be redeemed on site by August 18, 2024. *Proof of Florida residency is required. Valid for up to four (4) admissions purchased in one transaction. Restrictions apply. No cash value. Not valid with any other discount or specially ticketed event or rocket launch packages.

*Proof of residence includes, but is not limited to a valid Florida Driver's License or utility bill.

Check back throughout the year for offer updates

1-Day Admission Ticket

Included with Admission

• Gateway™: The Deep Space Launch Complex featuring Spaceport KSC
• Space Shuttle Atlantis® and the Shuttle Launch Experience®
• Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
• Apollo/Saturn V Center
• Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®
• Astronaut Encounter
• Planet Play
• Rocket Garden guided tours
• Journey to Mars
• 3D Space Films
• Character Appearances
• Other scheduled presentations and films

Not Included with Admission

The following experiences are add-on enhancements and are not included with daily admission.

• Chat with an Astronaut
• Special Interest Tours (extended bus tours)
• Astronaut Training Experience®
• Astronaut Training Experience Training Stages

A 1-Day Admission Ticket is valid ONLY for the day selected during the ticket purchase process.

This ticket does not include parking.

2-Day Admission Ticket

A 2-Day Admission Ticket is valid beginning on the day selected during the ticket purchase process. Both admissions must be used within 6 months of that selected date.

Senior 1-Day Admission Ticket

Seniors age 55+ experience special savings on 1-day admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Tickets must be purchased at the ticket kiosks or at Will Call upon arrival.

Senior 2-day admission ticket.

Seniors age 55+ experience even more savings on 2-day admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Military 1-Day Admission Ticket

U.S. military receives a discount on adult and child admission.

VERIFY WITH ID.ME OR PRESENT VALID PROOF OF SERVICE AT WILL CALL.

Members of the U.S. Military (active, retired and veterans) receive $5 off adult and child one-day or two-day admission tickets. There are three ways to receive the discount: on-site at the ticket kiosks, on-site at Will Call, and online.

KennedySpaceCenter.com*

Tickets may be purchased online after ID.me verification. You will be directed to log in or create an account with ID.me during the purchasing process. Once verified, you may purchase your discounted ticket(s).

On-Site (Ticket Kiosks)*

At the kiosks, you will be given a barcode to scan with your mobile device which will take you to ID.me for log in and verification. Follow on-screen prompts. Once verified, you may purchase your discounted ticket(s). This option for purchase will be coming soon.

On-Site (Will Call)

If you do not have an ID.me account, you may bring your proof of service (such as DD-214, Choose VA card, retiree ID, driver’s license with the Veterans designation, or active duty military ID) to the Will Call agents upon arrival. They will verify your service and apply the discount.

The discount can be applied to up to 6 guests per transaction.

*Please note that it is highly recommended you have an ID.me account before purchasing. ID.me may not verify your credentials immediately if this is the first time documentation is submitted.

Military 2-Day Admission Ticket

U.S. military receives a higher discount on a 2-day adult and child admission.

ATLANTIS ANNUAL PASS

Enjoy a year of unlimited admission, including free parking, 10% off admission for up to six accompanying guests per visit, and discounts on food and retail.

Atlantis annual pass perks

Included with the Atlantis Annual Pass:

• Admission for one year*
• 10% off admission for up to six guests per visit
• Lanyard to match the pass level
• Monthly Newsletter plus rocket launch and event alerts (when providing an email address)
• Free parking each visit ($15 value per visit)
• 10% off retail and food and beverage purchases
• 10% off Astronaut Training Experience® and Camp Kennedy Space Center®
• Exclusive access to special passholder events

* Annual passes are not valid for separately priced tickets such as special launch viewing and events. ** Passholder must check the box to sign up for exclusive emails during the purchasing process.

Annual passholders receive a 10% discount on many separately priced activities when admission is included. Terms and conditions are subject to change.

• Rocket Garden rocket tours

NOT INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

The emailed tickets received online allow for the first entry to the visitor complex. You may print your Atlantis Annual Pass or display it on your mobile device. Upon arrival to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, go directly to the turnstiles at the main entrance. Scan the barcode on one ticket at the turnstile and once verified, you will be admitted. Visit Guest Services to exchange each ticket for an annual pass. Your photo will be taken at the time the annual pass is issued.

Cosmic Club Family Annual Pass

INCLUDED WITH the Cosmic Club Family Annual Pass

With a Cosmic Club Family Annual Pass, your entire family will enjoy: 

• Admission for one year* 
• Two adult annual passes, which will also permit entry for four children ages 3-11 per visit 
• Save $50 on select birthday party packages in Planet Play 
• Free parking each visit ($15 value per visit) 
• 10% off daily admission for up to 6 additional guests per visit 
• 10% off most retail and food and beverage purchases 
• 10% off Camp Kennedy Space Center and Virtual Camp Kennedy Space Center 
• Up to six Collectable Souvenir Cups with $0.99 refills 
• Front of the line access for Planet Play 
• Exclusive access to special passholder events 

*Annual passes are not valid for separately priced tickets such as special launch viewing and events. ** Passholder must check the box to sign up for exclusive emails during the purchasing process.

INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

• When purchasing the Cosmic Club Family Pass, you will be asked to provide the names of the two adults associated with the family pass. Each adult will have their own annual pass card, redeemed on site during their first visit.   The emailed tickets received online allow for the first entry to the visitor complex. You may print your Cosmic Club Family Annual Pass or display them on your mobile device.  Upon arrival to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, go directly to the turnstiles at the main entrance. Scan the barcode on one ticket at the turnstile and once verified, you will be admitted. Each ticket is valid for one entry only.  
• Visit Guest Services to exchange each ticket for an annual pass. Guest Services is located inside the turnstiles and to the right.   Each named passholder must redeem this ticket on site within 30 days of the purchase date. Your photo will be taken at the time the annual pass is issued. The family annual pass begins as soon as one passholder redeems this ticket at the visitor complex. 

Annual passes are not valid for separately priced tickets such as special launch viewing and events. Annual passholders receive a 10% discount on many separately priced activities when admission is included. Terms and conditions are subject to change. 

KSC Explore Tour

Ignite your imagination on the KSC Explore Tour . Get closer to restricted areas such as launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building at America’s multi-user spaceport. This 2 hour tour includes stops for photo opportunities along the way before concluding at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

With a space expert as your guide, tour America’s multi-user spaceport and make stops along the way for iconic photographic views. Ignite your imagination on the  KSC Explore Tour .

Go beyond the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, included with admission, with this Explore Tour, stopping to capture photo opportunities and view icons of NASA spaceflight operations. Tour availability and routes may be altered at any time with or without any notice due to operational requirements. Safety protocols require an alternate tour bus route during days leading up to a launch from Launch Complex 39A.

Fly With An Astronaut

Discover Something Real ™ while exploring behind the gates of Kennedy Space Center as part of a small group with a veteran NASA astronaut guide.

Fly With An Astronaut includes a one-day admission ticket in the pricing. There is no need to purchase a separate admission ticket.

• Annual passholder discounts for Fly With An Astronaut tickets are only available by calling 855.456.6597
• Tour is scheduled from 9:15 AM to approximately 2:15 PM.
• Space is limited to 43 participants
• Guests will receive a special pin with their experience
• This tour may not be suitable for young children due to the length of the tour and minors must be accompanied by a participating, paying adult over the age of 18.

* In addition to daily admission ticket or annual pass. Multiple tours are not recommended.

Chat With An Astronaut

Sit down in a casual, small-group setting, enjoy a sampling of food and beverages and ask a NASA astronaut your most pressing questions. 

INTRODUCING CHAT WITH AN ASTRONAUT  

Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation about what it is really like to live and work in space. with plenty of time for an engaging Q & A session.

Inclusions:   

• A continental breakfast in the morning, or chef’s choice of culinary samplings in the afternoon 
• 1 alcoholic drink per adult ticket (more available for purchase)
• A commemorative gift and lithograph (signed portrait) of the astronaut

Due to the small setting of this experience, Chat With An Astronaut is not available to groups. There is a maximum of 6 tickets purchased per transaction.  This experience is indoors with social distancing practices in place. For more information on our Trusted Space efforts against the spread of COVID-19, visit our  Health & Safety Procedures  page. 

Land and Drive on Mars Training Stage

Navigate the Martian surface! This full-motion simulator will place you in the Commander or Pilot seats where you hone your skills and drive over the rough Martian terrain. With varying degrees of motion intensity, everyone can drive on Mars. 

All ATX Training Stages are perfect for guests looking to kick off their space exploration training during their visit without doing the full ATX program. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ATX TRAINING STAGES:  

• ATX Training Stages must be purchased in addition to daily admission.  
• All ATX Training Stages are for individuals and groups ages 10 and older. Trainees that are ages 10 - 17 will require a paying, participating adult.  
• Allow 30 minutes in your day for your ATX Training Stage. 
• Program is presented in English both verbally and in text.   
• Minimum height for this simulator is 51 inches/1.3 meters tall. 
• Maximum weight for all simulators is 275 pounds/127 kilograms. 
• Closed toed shoes are required.  

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: 

• All Astronaut Training Experience Simulators:  For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this experience.  Expectant mothers should not participate.  
• Land and Drive on Mars Simulator: Those who have had recent surgery or injury should not ride.  Participants must be at least 51” tall.

Due to limited capacities and enhanced sanitization practices, availability is limited to a first come, first served basis. We highly recommend you pre-book your training stage before you arrive . 

Walk on Mars Training Stage

Time to step onto the Red Planet. Walk on Mars through immersive virtual reality with the help of your crew. Nowhere else on Earth can you explore Mars quite like this.  

Requirements For All ATX Training Stages:  

• Minimum height for this simulator is 48 inches/1.22 meters tall. 

Safety Precautions: 

• All Astronaut Training Experience Simulators: For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this experience.  Expectant mothers should not participate.  
• Walk on Mars Virtual Reality: If you experience seizures, loss of awareness, eye strain, altered vision or other visual abnormalities, dizziness, disorientation, or any symptom related to motion sickness, you should not participate.  Guests who have pre-existing binocular vision abnormalities should not participate. 

Microgravity Training Stage

Train for weightlessness and conduct your own spacewalk in the Microgravity Simulator. You and your crew will work together in order to successfully complete a series of training challenges needed to set you on a path to Mars, all while in a frictionless environment.  

*In addition to daily admission ticket or annual pass.

Astronaut Training Experience

Nowhere else on Earth can you train to go to Mars and experience astronaut training. Through exciting and immersive simulation technology, prepare for the next mission to Mars.

Trainees do not need daily admission to experience ATX.

• ATX is a 5 hour program, beginning at 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM on the dates available. 
• ATX is suitable for ages 10 and older. Trainees that are ages 10 - 17 will require a paying, participating adult.

SAFETY AND RESTRICTIONS:

English Flue ncy:   Due to safety instructions and the interactive content essential to this program, each guest must be fluent in English in order to participate in ATX.

All Astronaut Training Experience Simulators:  For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this experience.  Expectant mothers should not participate.

Lander/Rover Simulator:  Those who have had recent surgery or injury should not ride.  Participants must be at least 51” tall.

Walk on Mars Virtual Reality:  If you experience seizures, loss of awareness, eye strain, altered vision or other visual abnormalities, dizziness, disorientation, or any symptom related to motion sickness, you should not participate.  Guests who have pre-existing binocular vision abnormalities should not participate.

Spacewalk Training:  Participants must be at least 48 inches/1.22 meters tall. Max weight 275 pounds/127 kilograms.

Admission is not included, but it is not required for the Astronaut Training Experience.

Mars Base 1

Travel to Mars to live and work for the day, solving authentic science and engineering challenges. Rookie Astronauts manage the Base Operations Center on Mars, harvest plants in the Botany Lab, program robots to optimize solar energy and adapt to the challenges of living on Mars.

Due to safety instructions and the interactive content essential to this program, each guest must be fluent in English in order to participate. 

• Mars Base 1 begins at 9:00 am and is an all-day program.
• Appropriate for ages 10 and older.  Trainees that are ages 10 - 17 will require a paying, participating adult.
• Wheelchair accessible, but with some possible mobility challenges.

Learn more about Mars Base 1 . 

Mars Base 1 does not include daily admission to the visitor complex, but daily admission is not required to participate. Add  admission  to visit on your second day and have the complete Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex experience!

Admission is not included.

Kennedy Under the Stars After Hours Event

August 31, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm.

Kennedy Under the Stars returns August 31, 2024! This exclusive after-hours event combines your favorite visitor complex attractions with a galactic glow party!

The main visitor complex’s key attractions will remain open with lower wait times, so you’ll have more time to venture to other worlds in Spaceport KSC, get up close with actual flight-flown artifacts like space shuttle Atlantis and a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, feel the rumble aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience ® and more.

Select visitor complex restaurants and retail stores will also be open during this specially ticketed event.

Finally, the evening event would not be complete without your best space-themed costume. Dress to impress and have fun, but for security reasons, costumed masks that conceal your face are prohibited, as are any props that resemble weapons.

August 31, 2024 • 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Tickets for all ages are $65 (plus tax). annual passholders attending the event will receive discounts on food and a 30% savings on retail items..

Parking to this event is complimentary.

This ticket is valid for EVENT ENTRY ONLY. The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour and the Apollo/Saturn V Center will not be operational.

Enhance Your Visit

Play on the Planets

Planet Play®

Experience a ship like no other.

Space Shuttle Atlantis®

Kennedy Space Center Official Guide

Save a Map. Download the free App!

• Kennedy Space Center Official Guide App is available for free from the App Store
• Plan your trip with features such as maps, FAQ’s, and detailed descriptions of shows and attractions.
• Enhance your visit with information on guest services, dining and shopping, and for updated information including rocket launches.
• Use the wayfinding maps to maneuver your way around the visitor complex and the Apollo/Saturn V Center

Admission prices are plus tax. Daily Admission tickets are good for a one-day visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex℠, excluding special promotional offers and black out dates. Prices are subject to change without notice. KSC Special Interest Tours, ATX and Chat With An Astronaut are only valid for date of reservation.

Military Discount: Price good with proof of valid ID for United States active duty military at the ticket window. Reservist, retiree and active duty military receive discount when purchasing tickets through a participating MWR/ITT Travel office.

Annual passes are non-transferable and nonrefundable. Purchases of annual passes may be made at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex℠ front gate or guest services, online or by calling the reservations office at 855.433.4210.

Seating is limited at Chat With An Astronaut, and KSC Special Interest Tours are limited and subject to availability. Due to the special nature of these tours, space is limited. Advance reservations are suggested for both special programs. All exhibits are subject to change, and tours may be altered or closed due to operational requirements or launch preparations.

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Nasa preserves its past at kennedy while building future of space.

Messod C. Bendayan

Current and former employees of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida gathered recently to celebrate the installation of a Florida Historical Marker cast in bronze at the location of the spaceport’s old headquarters building.

The first of its kind inside the center’s secure area, the marker is the latest example of the center’s commitment to remembering its rich history as it continues to launch humanity’s future.

At the forefront of NASA Kennedy’s commitment to preservation is Katherine Zeringue, who serves as cultural resources manager, overseeing the center’s historic resources from buildings to historic districts to archaeological sites.

“Traditional approaches attempt to preserve things to a specific time period, including historic materials,” Zeringue said. “But that’s a challenge here because we still actively use our historic assets, which need to be modified to accommodate new missions and new spacecraft. Therefore, we rely on an adaptive reuse approach, in which the active use of a historic property helps to ensure its preservation.”

Many iconic structures are still in service at NASA Kennedy, like the Beach House where Apollo astronauts congregated with their families, the Vehicle Assembly Building where NASA rockets are still stacked, the Launch Control Center, and Launch Complex 39A. All told, 83 buildings, seven historic districts, and one National Historic Landmark are either listed or are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

To conserve these resources, the spaceport follows a variety of federal laws, regulations, and executive orders, including the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This includes making a reasonable and good faith effort to identify any historic properties under its care and considering how its decisions affect historic properties.

“The Cultural Resources Management Program aims to balance historic preservation considerations with the agency’s mission and mandate to ensure reliable access to space for government and commercial payloads,” Zeringue said. “Finding that proper balance is challenging in the dynamic environment of our spaceport.”

Perhaps no other location embodies the center’s commitment to the past and the future more than Launch Complex 39A. Created in 1965, the launch complex was initially designed to support the Saturn V rocket, which powered the agency’s Apollo Program as it made numerous trips to the Moon. Outside of launching Skylab in 1973, the pad stood unused following Apollo’s end in 1972 until the agency’s Space Shuttle Program debuted in 1981. The transition from Apollo to space shuttle saw Launch Complex 39A transform from support of a single-use rocket to supporting the nation’s first reusable space launch and landing system.

By the time the program ended in 2011, 135 space shuttle launches had taken place within Kennedy’s boundary, 82 of which were at Launch Complex 39A. Many of those were among the program’s most notable, including the flights of astronauts Sally Ride, NASA’s first woman in space, and Guion Bluford, NASA’s first Black astronaut in space, as well as the first flight to the newly created International Space Station in 1998.

The launch complex began another transformation in 2014 when NASA signed a 20-year lease agreement with SpaceX as part of Kennedy’s transformation into a multi-user spaceport. SpaceX reconfigured Launch Complex 39A to support its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, which today launch robotic science missions and other government and commercial payloads, as well as crew and cargo to the space station. Apollo-era infrastructure is incorporated in the SpaceX Crew Launch Tower.

“Launch Complex 39A exemplifies the balance between historic preservation and supporting the mission,” Zeringue noted. “Each chapter of the space program brings change, and those changes become additional chapters in the center’s historical legacy as we continue to build the future in space exploration.”