Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located on Merritt Island, FL and it is about an hour drive from the theme parks. They have a lot of different activities you can do for the whole family, so you can decide which ones would be best for you and your kids.
Cost: $77 for adult tickets and $67 for kids tickets. They run specials often though, especially for Florida residents, so make sure you look into ticket prices. Currently, for Florida residents, they are offering a Florida 4-pack for $167.
Parking: There is a $15 fee to park.
Hours of Operation: It varies based on the time of the year but it is either 9am – 5pm or 9am – 6pm. I do recommend getting there early.
Website: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
We arrived a little around 10:30am but by the time we parked and then waited at will call (we had to go here versus the regular ticket line because we were FL residents) it was after 11 before we were walking into the complex. I recommend getting to KSC early and if you’re able to, purchase your tickets online. Also, if you want to get a better understanding of where things are, here is their map that you can check out.
As soon as you walk in, you will first see the Heroes & Legends building that features the U.S. Astronauts Hall of Fame. Then you will walk into the Rocket Garden. My kids loved this rocket garden, it was cool to see all of the different rockets. But we were there in July, so it was very hot and we did not last too long since it is outside.
We then wandered into the Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex (which is indoors). In here, you can experience the future of space exploration with spacecrafts, prototypes, and immersive displays. In here is also Spaceport KSC, which is 4 different ride simulators that take you on a space journey. There is Cosmic Wonders, Red Planet, Daring Explorers, and Uncharted Worlds. You must be 44 inches to ride but they do have a child swap room so parents can switch if you have a child under 44 inches. I wish I had known that when we went. We did not end up riding one because my youngest was too little and it was an hour long wait (as mentioned earlier, I recommend arriving early). But I would love to go back again so we can, I think my older two would love it.
In the next building is Hyperdeck VR (reservations are required for this if you are interested), the IMAX theater, and Planet Play. The movie we watched in the IMAX theater and Planet Play were the two highlights for my kids. Once you arrive, you can see the daily schedule for show times in the IMAX theater. I don’t remember exactly how long the movie was but it was no more than 30 minutes. It was just the right amount of time for my older two (ages 6 and 5). My youngest started getting antsy so I tried to entertain him with snacks.
Planet Play is AMAZING. This is where we spent the most of amount of time during our visit. It is a multiple-story indoor play place where kids can explore the planets. They did an excellent job of teaching the kids about the solar system while making it fun. Be prepared to spend time a lot of time here if you are coming with kids.
Another simulator experience that Kennedy Space Center offers is the Shuttle Launch Experience. Same as the other one, riders must be 44” to ride. We did not get to do this on our trip but plan to next time we go back.
One thing about Kennedy Space Center that I have heard so many great things about is their bus tour, which takes you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The bus tour is included in your ticket price but there is also the option to do the KSC Explore Tour, which is an additional $30 per adult or $24 per child. The Explore Tour makes additional stops that the general bus tour does not that provide unique photo opportunities. We did not do the bus tour on this trip because I was not sure how my youngest would do and did not want to cause any disruptions to anyone else. So, we will save that for our next trip. But it is top of my list, along with the simulators, next time we go.
Inside the Universe Theater, they are now playing Fraggle Rock: A Spacey Adventure. This is a great activity to do with the whole family.
If you have kids who are ages 10+ and are interested in space, you may want to consider the Astronaut Training Experience. This is a 4-5 hour program that is an additional $175 per trainee. For kids ages 10-17, an adult is required to also do it with them. In this experience, you will train like the next generation of space explorers going to Mars.
Kennedy Space Center offers the chance to meet astronauts and hear from them while they tell their stories. Check the daily schedule for more information.
Kennedy Space Center does have on-site dining that includes various options for lunch, ice cream, and Starbucks. While we were there, we ate at Orbit Café and they have burgers, pizza, chicken, salads, and more. There were plenty of options for each person in my family.
Overall, we had a great time at Kennedy Space Center, and I am glad we went. I plan to wait though to go again when my youngest is 44 inches. I want to make sure we can ride the simulators and do the bus tour.
For other activity ideas to do around Orlando, check out 5 Must Do Family Friendly Activities Around Orlando