Kennedy Space Center is located in the heart of central Florida and is visited by nearly 100 million people a year. Rockets launched from Kennedy Space Center get a head start with a “bonus” of 914.3 miles per hour because the southern latitude encourages the Earth’s rotation.
If you’re in the area to check out some of Florida’s best beaches, why not take a detour on a space trip.
The next question is how to get the most out of your visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Don’t worry. We explain all the best tricks and tips with a simple step-by-step formula. After all, it’s not all rocket science.
Step 1: Identify what type of traveler you are
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) attracts a wide range of visitors, from hardcore science geeks to curious kids. The question is what kind of visitor are you?
KSC is great for families with lots of interactive exhibits, but some exhibits, especially astronaut training, have age and height restrictions. Children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult to participate in these sessions.
Also, be honest with yourself about how much time you have for space during your visit. It’s relatively easy to visit all the “must see” attractions in one day, but if you do add-on programs, you should definitely plan for his second day.
Step 2: Know Your Mission Zone
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is organized into five “mission zones” grouped by age. You’ll travel from the dawn of space exploration to your current mission, but you’ll need to plan your trajectory to avoid unnecessary trajectories.
heroes and legends
It all starts with NASA’s Heroes and Legends. This is the first zone you enter through the gate. This exhibit details the early history of the US space program. Learn what inspired these early explorers and discover the technology you need to defy gravity.
NASA now and in the future
Your next mission is a leap into the near future of space exploration, from the history of spaceflight to a journey from the International Space Station to Mars.
Shuttle: a ship like no other
This is the final mission zone in the main Kennedy complex. For 30 years, Shuttles have been America’s boosters supporting critical missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. Even the space launch system, the largest rocket ever to take us to the Moon, Mars and beyond, is built on the lessons and components of the shuttle program.
Race to the Moon (Apollo Era)
The Apollo program united our nation and proved that mankind’s loftiest dreams are possible. A short bus ride from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings you to Apollo’s Saturn V Center. There, you’ll learn about the people and machines that inspired a generation and gave hope to all that followed.
behind the gate
Another area, accessible by bus departing from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, gives visitors access to some restricted areas of America’s spaceports (often called KSCs). Gain exclusive access to historic and operational launch sites where you can learn about the past, present and future of space exploration.
Kennedy Space Center Must-See Attractions
Each mission zone has a must-see attraction. These installations provide a natural physical, emotional and contextual map for visiting the Kennedy Space Center. Don’t miss it when you visit.
Rocket Garden (Heroes & Legends)
Be in awe of the sheer size and power of the vehicle required to escape Earth’s gravity. Although I’ve never flown it, the Rocket Garden holds authentic artefacts from the space program. Be sure to admire the last Saturn 1B, which produced over 1,600,000 lbs of thrust and was set for flight intact, and the workhorse Delta II, which had more than 150 launches in his 30-year program.
Space Shuttle Atlantis (Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other)
This is your chance to see a real spacecraft that has flown 33 missions and orbited the Earth nearly 5,000 times. The mileage is as great as the Mission, with 126 million miles on it.
Journey to Mars (NASA Now and Next)
Mars exploration is both now and the next space exploration. The rover explores the surface of the red planet, looking for potential human habitats, elemental water and extraterrestrial life. Journey to Mars explores the technologies and challenges of deep space exploration so that tomorrow’s generations can better learn and travel around our planet.
Complimentary activities at Kennedy Space Center
Admission to the Kennedy Space Center includes many free activities. Some offer comfortable air-conditioned seating to escape the Florida heat, while others offer interactive experiences for youngsters with fidgety fingers.
NASA has produced more than 2,000 space spin-offs that haven’t received as much attention as Mega Booster, but are as important as KSC’s hits such as the IMAX movies.
Here are some free activities at the Kennedy Space Center organized by the Mission Group.
heroes and legends
It’s a Matter of Fact Show: An interactive, live learning show inside the Universe Theater.
Astronaut Encounters: Meet and greet live astronauts and discover what excites astronauts inside the Universe Theater.
race to the moon
Apollo 8 and Launch Chamber: Experience the thrill of the Space Race from the launch chamber of Apollo 8, the first manned Saturn V mission.
Road to the Moon: Discover the technology and achievements of Apollo missions 7-10 as humans first landed on the moon.
Moonscape: A life-size scene of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the first time humans landed on the moon.
Exploring the Moon: An interactive exhibit that lets you explore the Moon like an Apollo astronaut.
Ad Astra Per Aspera: Latin for “Over the Difficulties to the Stars”, it pays tribute to the life and memory of the three astronauts who died on Apollo 1.
Apollo Treasures Gallery: See authentic Apollo spacecraft and many artifacts from the storied program.
Shuttle: a ship like no other
Astronaut Training Simulator: A high-tech simulator for critical functions of space shuttle flight.
Forever Remembered: Honoring the astronauts who lost their lives during the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle missions.
ISS Technology Triumph: Explore the International Space Station Modules.
Shuttle Launch Experience: Experience the sights, sounds and sensations of launching into space.
NASA now and in the future
Spaceport KSC: Choose from four incredible journeys around the solar system.
Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator: Discover concept vehicles designed for the demanding Mars terrain.
IMAX THEATER: Space-themed movies with stunning visuals.
Gateway: Explore the future of space exploration at the Deep Space Launch Complex in an immersive exhibit.
Astronaut training at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center has two different training paths available as add-on purchases for space enthusiasts. These immersive and intensive courses are designed for older children and adults who want to experience what it would be like to be an astronaut or go to Mars. Learn and practice out-of-this-world skills.
MARS BASE 1 is a 5-7 hour program that simulates everyday life on Mars. Solve real-world science and engineering challenges while harvesting plants, optimizing solar energy, and adapting to challenges unique to Mars.
The Astronaut Training Experience is a series of immersive simulations designed to prepare you for a mission to Mars. Navigate the terrain of Mars at different intensities, walk on Mars in an immersive VR simulation, and learn to train for spacewalks in zero gravity. If you don’t have time to experience the full astronaut training, you can also take individual training sessions on specific days.
Other Augmentation Activities at Kennedy Space Center
If you need more space, the Kennedy Space Center offers additional enhancement activities beyond its regularly scheduled attractions.
Kennedy Space Center Exploration Tour
Head behind the gates with an expert guide, stopping for iconic photo ops along the way.
chat with an astronaut
Beyond the large group of astronaut encounters at the Universe Theater, we offer a casual small-group experience sharing refreshments and conversation.
fly with an astronaut
Take a guided tour behind the gate, eat lunch, and enjoy a shuttle launch experience with a real astronaut.
Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch Director Tour
Launch Director Mike Reinbach will guide you through a unique shuttle experience.
Beach near Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is located on the Atlantic coast of central Florida, providing easy access to many locations. beach near orlando You may know.
Playalinda is located next to the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island. Drive 40 minutes from Merritt Island through Titusvilles. A pristine beach with miles of empty dunes.
Cocoa Beach, just south of Merritt Island, is home to the original Long John Surf Shop. World-famous surfer Kelly Slater is also from the area, and while the area has a surfing culture, breaks can be finicky at best.
“The most famous beach in the world,” Daytona Beach is an hour’s drive north of KSC. It is known for its carnival-like atmosphere on its promenade and piers.
Things to do near Kennedy Space Center
Orlando’s attractions are its biggest draw near the Kennedy Space Center. Your trip will start and end here as the nearest major airport is also located here.
Orlando is known worldwide as the theme park capital of the world, but there’s so much more to do than enjoy Mickey Mouse’s hospitality.There are many other lively cities romantic thingsI-Drive, local eateries, exploring public parks and more.
Eco tour around Kennedy Space Center
Behind Merritt Island are three huge bays: Mosquito Bay, Indian River and Banana River. There are many ways to explore these biologically rich waters, but our favorite is kayaking through mangrove tunnels and bioluminescent algae.
You can also take an airboat tour, see manatees (best in winter), and cycle hundreds of miles of cycling trails from downtown Titusville to northeastern Florida.
plan a space adventure trip
The Kennedy Space Center is a premier space adventure destination located near fun and friendly central Florida. Millions of people visit the region each year as part of their travels. vacation in florida.
Kennedy Space Center is an easy day trip from Orlando. However, space enthusiasts recommend he spends two to three days exploring all the exhibits to try out the enriching experiences and additional training opportunities.
Take some time to plan your visit and space adventure. Think about if you want to see the highlights or if you want to dig into the details. With so many different ways to optimize your visit, you’ll be glad you did.
