If you’re planning a trip to Florida, visiting the Kennedy Space Center may be at the top of your itinerary. My inner space geek has dreamt of visiting this visitor complex for decades. To help you get the most out of your visit, I’ve compiled some of my top Kennedy Space Center tips.
Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are about 50 miles east of Orlando. We visited this complex during our trip to Florida, which included a few fun-filled days at Walt Disney World.
The vast complex boasts everything from real rocket displays to tours and simulated experiences. It’s the perfect place to take your little aspiring astronauts and space geeks to marvel at the abilities of mankind.
To simplify your visit, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know for your trip. This includes how to get there, top things to do, where to eat, and some helpful tips. So, let’s jump right in!
Tip: Looking for more fun things to do near Orlando? Have a look at my guide to the best day trips from Orlando, Florida.
Visiting Kennedy Space Center: What You Need to Know
Here’s a broad overview of some essentials to know before you visit the Kennedy Space Center.
Getting From Orlando to Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center sits along the East Coast, about an hour’s drive from Orlando. There is no public transport connecting to the visitor complex. You can get there by rental car or organise a transfer from Orlando with pickup at your hotel. A rental car allows for more flexibility, while an organised transfer will help you enjoy the ride without worrying about directions.
Kennedy Space Center Parking
Parking at Kennedy Space Center opens 30 minutes before the complex opens, and there are various lots you can enter.
You’ll pay parking fare at the entrance to the lot. Parking costs around $10 (£8) for standard vehicles. Visitors with disabilities can park in Lot 2, while rideshare or taxi drop-offs take place at Lot 4.
Kennedy Space Center Hours
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Sunday. Entry to the complex ends one hour before closing time. The last bus tours run 2.5 hours before the complex closes.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Tickets
You can buy visitor tickets online or at the entrance. We decided to rock up on the day and buy tickets there, but I recommend purchasing tickets in advance. This will save you time that could otherwise be spent on exploring the space centre. If you want to book add-on experiences, these are also best booked in advance.
You can buy tickets online on the Kennedy Space Center website or through a third-party seller. Because the complex is so vast, there is now an option to buy a 1-day or 2-day admission ticket. At the time of writing, 1-day ticket prices for the space centre are:
- $65 (around £50) for children (ages 3-11)
- $75 (around £60) for adults (ages 12+)
Kennedy Space Center Tickets on Discount
The Kennedy Space Center provides discount tickets for seniors (ages 55+) and US military members.
Restaurants Near Kennedy Space Center
There are a few restaurant options at the visitor complex offering your usual burgers, pizza, and hot dogs.
You may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages into the complex, as long as the containers are not made of glass. So, if you’d like to bring your own meals for the day, you can do so. There are some restaurants you can stop at near the complex:
- Pier 220 Seafood and Grill: Seafood spot with outside seating, river views, and regular live music.
- Village Inn: Traditional American breakfast restaurant serving pies, crepes, and pancakes.
- Sunrise Bread Company: Classic bakery with fresh bread, muffins, sandwiches, and coffee.
Hotels Near Cape Canaveral
If you’re planning a 2-day visit to the Kennedy Space Center, you may want to book a hotel. There are many more attractions near the visitor complex, including some great beaches. So an overnight stay may be a great idea.
Here are a few hotel suggestions if you’re wondering where to stay near the Kennedy Space Center:
Things To Do at Kennedy Space Center
There are so many things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, all included in your admission ticket. However, there are some fun add-on activities you can consider to make your visit extra memorable.
Tip: Have a look at my blog on exploring the Kennedy Space Center to get an idea of all the fun activities.
Chat With an Astronaut
Have all your space questions answered with the ‘Chat With an Astronaut’ add-on. This experience takes place twice daily and lasts about 45 minutes.
You and your little space troopers will get to join a small group setting with some food and beverages. The Astronaut of the Day will answer any pressing questions and share stories of their space experiences.
Astronaut Training Experience (ATX)
Ever wondered how space explorers are preparing for travels to Mars? Get real-life experience training for life on the red planet with the Astronaut Training Experience.
This 4–5 hour program is open to participants aged 10 and up. Participants will get to practise their docking skills, walk in a microgravity environment, and use immersive simulation technology. It’s the perfect experience for an aspiring space explorer.
The Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour
Go beyond the Kennedy Space Center bus tour and get a tour of America’s multi-user spaceport. This Kennedy Space Center tour is ideal if you’re looking for some extra-special photo opportunities. The KSC Explore Tour makes stops at the historic Launch Complex 39, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the NASA Press Site.
Grab a Souvenir at The World’s Largest Space Shop
Why not grab a small memento on your way out to remember your visit or to gift someone back home? The on-site Space Shop has everything from quaint snow globes and freeze-dried foods to Fisher Space Pens (for use in space).
Tips for Visiting Kennedy Space Center
Now that you’ve got all the essential information for your trip, here are a few additional tips.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Kennedy Space Center is a whopping 6 miles wide and 34 miles long. So be sure to wear some comfy shoes ideal for indoors and outdoors. The play areas also involve crawling, sliding, and climbing, so ensure your kiddos are dressed comfortably.
Many presentations are stand-only, which can put a strain on your feet. For little ones, consider renting a stroller at the complex, or bring your own buggy. There are also wheelchairs to consider if a member of your party gets tired quickly.
Arrive Early
With so many sights to get to, you’ll want to arrive early to make the most out of your day. Arriving early may also help you enjoy some quiet time before the crowds move in. Weekdays tend to be quieter as well if you prefer a more crowd-free experience.
Start With the Bus Tour
The bus tour provides a great overview of the entire complex, and you’ll get some informational insights from your guide. With the bus tour out of the way, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the centre’s unique attractions.
Check the Daily Schedule
Get a park map and daily schedule to stay up to speed on any time-sensitive changes. This will give you an idea of IMAX showing times, bus tour departure times, and what presentations are taking place. You can also check the Kennedy Space Centre events calendar. This calendar is great for learning who the astronaut of the day is and when the next rocket launches are taking place.
Use the Kennedy Space Center App
The Kennedy Space Center App is your guidebook to a well-organised trip. This free app has everything you need to know on the day. This includes the daily schedule, the map of attractions, inclement weather alerts, and the fastest walking routes between sights. You can also easily purchase your tickets in-app.
Have a Kennedy Space Center Itinerary
Going in with a rough idea will help you maximise your time and get to all the non-negotiable attractions. Do your research beforehand to ensure that you have a plan tailored to your family’s needs.
You might have little ones who don’t enjoy immersive experiences or who aren’t too excited about spending an hour in an IMAX movie. By coordinating your day with your partner or fellow party member, you can ensure everyone gets to enjoy their desired activities.
Planet Play is a great place to let little ones blow off some steam while your older kids partake in other experiences. Have a look at the Kennedy Space Center’s proposed itineraries for ideas on planning your day.
Consider Multi-Day Tickets
While a full day at the centre may seem like plenty of time, the day passes quite fast. The bus tour alone usually accounts for about two hours, while IMAX films are an hour long. You should also budget anywhere between 15–45 minutes for each additional attraction.
The Kennedy Space Center launched a 2-day ticket option in 2022 as a solution. This allows you to see more of the complex without having to rush to get to everything — at a discounted rate.
Kennedy Space Center, Florida – FAQs
Still have a few questions about visiting the KSC? Have a look at these commonly asked questions below.
What Is Special About the Kennedy Space Center?
The Kennedy Space Center was the site of departure for humankind’s first journey to the moon. The monumental site has since been witness to multiple technological innovations and rocket launches over the years.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex showcases and celebrates many of these leaps for mankind. You’ll get to see original spacecraft, immerse yourself in space simulations, and learn about the history of space travel.
How Much Time Do I Need for the Kennedy Space Center?
You’ll want to allow at least six hours to visit the Kennedy Space Center. The visitor complex is vast and filled with all sorts of attractions to keep you busy for hours. These include presentations, a bus tour, simulation rides, and various astronaut artefacts. The more time you have, the more time you’ll have to take it all in and enjoy this unique experience.
Final Tips for Your Visit to Kennedy Space Center
While most people head to Florida to visit Walt Disney World, there’s so much more to the Sunshine State. If you ever find yourself in Florida, you won’t regret visiting the place where the first moon missions left planet Earth. Not only is it an insightful, inspiring, and educational experience, but it’s also an incredibly fun place for the entire family.
While planning your trip to Florida, be sure to have a look at my guide to visiting Palm Beach, Florida. You’ll also love this bucket list of places to visit in the USA if you’re looking for more US travel inspiration.
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