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You are here: Home / Travel / USA / Blast Off for a Day of Fun at the Kennedy Space Center

Blast Off for a Day of Fun at the Kennedy Space Center

June 24, 2016 by Kathryn 31 Comments

One of the great things about the Orlando area is that it’s in such a prime location for day trips to nearby cities, beaches and other locations. Once you’ve tried all the Orlando activities on your schedule, there are new amazing destinations just a quick drive away.

And recently, I had the chance to make a day trip to a place I’d been wanting to visit for some time: The Kennedy Space Center.

This family-friendly complex on Merritt Island is only about an hour’s drive from Orlando…but there’s enough fun and learning once there to keep a person busy all day!

kennedy space center

The main grounds of the Kennedy Space Center feature a variety of attractions about outer space, ranging from 3D IMAX movies to the Rocket Garden of replica space ships. The brand new Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit is a must-visit. In addition to tons of interactive exhibits that let visitors train like an astronaut, the building is home to the retired Atlantis Space Shuttle.

kathryn and atlantis space shuttle

The shuttle program was a revolutionary development in space travel since it created the first ships able to be reused for multiple trips. In fact, it was because of these shuttles that the International Space Station was able to be built!

Actually seeing a ship that had been in space up close gave me chills, and seeing the Canadarms from my own home country was a special treat.

kennedy center shuttle launch experience

For those that have dreamed of blasting off into space themselves, the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Launch Experience simulates an actual launch into space. Astronauts claim the simulation is one of the most realistic they have experienced, yet it’s appropriate for anyone that’s over 44 inches tall.

Personally, I was amazed by how rough the simulator ride was. I couldn’t stop my head from bouncing against the headrest as we took our virtual trip into space. It was a thrilling experience and in my opinion, it’s a must for anyone visiting the center.

orbiter landing slide

The Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit at Kennedy Space Center also contains plenty of fun activities for younger kids, from a slide that simulates the speed of a shuttle landing to a fun play structure where kids can pretend to be astronauts in a ship.

The astronaut training simulations are essentially video games come to life, and older kids will be sure to enjoy completing the various virtual missions to become honorary astronauts.

kennedy space center bus tour

Once I was done in the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, I decided to take the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Exhibit. One of the great things about going to the Kennedy Space Center is that movies, bus tours and astronaut encounters are all included with admission, so visitors can spend all day exploring, learning and playing at the center for one low price. I hopped on the bus and got ready to see some of NASA’s work up close!

nasa launch pad

The bus tour is a must for anyone that wants to move out of history and get a glimpse at the future. The drivers are full of knowledge about the current work NASA is doing and the bus tour itself takes visitors to actual launch pads, where NASA itself and two private companies are planning new journeys into space.

It was pretty amazing to hear that NASA is predicting sending a manned mission to Mars by 2030, a mission that’s meant not just building a whole new style of ship, but also a whole new style of launching system for that ship. While the visitor’s center is amazing, I found it even better being out where NASA’s team is working right now to make its most monumental voyage yet.

command center launch simulation

The bus tour ends at the Apollo/Saturn V Exhibit, home of the Saturn V rocket that’s sister to the rocket that journeyed all the way to the moon. The experience starts with a short film about the development of the Apollo program, then with a simulation of the successful launch of Apollo 8, right below the actual control consoles used by the NASA team when the launch took place. Then visitors are left to explore the home of largest rocket ever flown and the only place on earth where a person is free to touch a moon rock!

apollo saturn v rocket

In typical Kathryn fashion, when I first entered the main room of the complex, I didn’t even realize that I was walking right under the Saturn V rocket. When I looked up and realized that the massive ship was right above me, I had a moment of pure awe as I marveled at just how big it was…similar to the reaction of the fellow visitor I captured in my photo!

I walked the length of the rocket, which was divided into different sections that were utilized during different phases of the mission, and the amount of time it took to get from one end to the other had me in awe once again.

alan shepard space suit

The center also contains an amazing array of NASA memorabilia in the Apollo/Saturn V Treasure Gallery, including the original space suit of Alan Shepard, the second man and first United States astronaut in space. Seeing the battered and worn suit on display had me feeling like I was back in those first exciting days when space travel was brand new and every accomplishment made was a first.

Of course, I couldn’t leave the center without touching the moon rock on display, too. It was black and incredibly smooth, though I’m sure that was at least partly due to the endless number of visitors that have touched it over the years!

kathryn touching a moon rock

After exploring the Apollo/Saturn V Center, I hopped on a bus back to the Kennedy Space Center and did a bit of souvenir shopping in the gift shop. I couldn’t resist the chance to snap a picture with the center’s Spaceperson!

I was also excited to hear that astronauts often hold autograph signings for fans at specific times each day. And for those that want to get the ultimate outer space experience, special events including Lunch with an Astronaut and Up-Close Bus Tours are available at the Kennedy Space Center for an additional fee.

kathryn and astronaut

The Kennedy Space Center is such a great example of the many unique experiences that Florida has to offer. If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State, make sure to visit www.visitflorida.com for fun ideas, tips and advice on some of the must-visit attractions that Florida has to offer. You’ll be amazed by how much there is to see and do!

kennedy space center rocket garden

I have to admit that I was more impressed by the Kennedy Space Center than I expected to be. As someone with no more than a casual interest in NASA and space travel, I didn’t expect to get as caught up in the magic of outer space as I did. The center does an amazing job of making visitors feel like they’re part of the events that took place, and I came away inspired by the past and excited for the future.

I was also impressed by how many kid-friendly activities were included. It really is an ideal family outing for everyone from toddlers to teens. If you’re in Orlando and looking for a fun getaway for the day, this Cape Canaveral trip is a great choice. It’s fun, engaging and will have everyone dreaming about shooting to the stars!

mommy kat and kids rp2

Filed Under: USA Tagged With: cape canaveral, florida travel, kennedy space center, merritt island, orlando day trip, space center

Comments

  1. Carole Dube says

    June 25, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    I have never visited the Kennedy Space Center. Looks like a lot of fun! I wish I live closer.

    Reply
  2. jan says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:07 am

    Pretty neat to say I touched a moon rock.

    Reply
  3. Carolle H says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:11 am

    A lot of fun 😉

    Reply
  4. Rosanne Robinson says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:50 am

    I have never been to the Kennedy Space Center, but would love to take my grandson there.

    Reply
  5. NickyJ says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:53 am

    Would love to take my daughter here one day.

    Reply
  6. Cheryll Shubert says

    July 26, 2016 at 11:42 am

    What an amazing day trip!! I never think about all of the cool things there are to do in FL because I usually just focus on Disney!! I really loved this post! I know my little guy would have so much fun here. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

    Reply
  7. Cheryl says

    July 26, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Looks like you had a blast!

    Reply
  8. kristen visser says

    July 26, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    wow what an amazing experience this would be ! fun, educational…I totally love that slide and would be the one to go down it over and over again lol

    Reply
  9. kathy downey says

    July 26, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    Wow,that must have been so neat to visit there!

    Reply
  10. Holly MacRitchie says

    July 26, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    Looks like an amazing day, my nephews would love it there!

    Reply
  11. Lynda Cook says

    July 26, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    Oh wow that would have been one amazing tour, I would have loved to view everything, just all so amazing!!

    Reply
  12. Debbie White Beattie says

    July 26, 2016 at 6:19 pm

    I think it’s great to show kids the past and the history of how things began and how we got where we are. I bet you all had a great time.

    Reply
  13. nicolthepickle (Nicole Graham) says

    July 27, 2016 at 4:36 am

    Wow, this would be good for children. They’d discover new things for sure.

    Reply
  14. Janet W. says

    July 27, 2016 at 5:08 am

    This looks like such a neat place to visit! Lots of things to keep my grandsons entertained!

    Reply
  15. Julie says

    July 27, 2016 at 6:27 am

    We didn’t make it there last year when we went to Florida but I want to go on our next visit!

    Reply
  16. Cheryl says

    July 27, 2016 at 10:22 am

    I was there when I was 12. I hope to someday take our kids. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Stacy Scott says

    July 27, 2016 at 6:35 pm

    I have never been to the Kennedy Space Center, But this is something that now has my wheels turning for our next big Adventure! Looks and Sounds Amazing . Thanks so much for sharing

    Reply
  18. Edith Reardon says

    July 28, 2016 at 6:27 am

    Not for the kids, I think hubby and I should take a trip there instead. Never been and just added it to our bucket list.

    Reply
  19. Stephanie LaPlante says

    July 29, 2016 at 11:25 am

    This sounds very cool. Especially for future astronauts! As for me, space freaks me out.

    Reply
  20. Judy Cowan says

    July 30, 2016 at 7:54 am

    Never been there but I have heard lots of great things from family/friends that have gone there. Will have to check it out next time we go to that area.

    Reply
  21. Laurie P says

    July 30, 2016 at 8:35 am

    Great photos! I hope one day we get to visit the space centre!

    Reply
  22. Darlene W says

    July 30, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    My older grandkids would love to visit here

    Reply
  23. Silvia D says

    July 31, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    Wow, that would be so awesome to visit!

    Reply
  24. AD says

    August 1, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    Great review! This is my boys’ favourite place to visit, they went crazy when we were there last year.

    Reply
  25. Stephanie says

    August 4, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    So cool! I really want to visit, who knows one day!

    Reply
  26. natasha lamoreux says

    August 5, 2016 at 10:01 am

    I visited the Kennedy Space center as a teenager and it was so neat. I am hoping to make it out to Orlando with the whole family so my kids can experience it too.

    Reply
  27. Jamie hall says

    August 5, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    Wow that looKS like so much fun,

    Reply
  28. Stella says

    August 9, 2016 at 11:42 pm

    Looks so fun! Wish we could go!

    Reply
  29. Fan R says

    August 20, 2016 at 4:50 pm

    Looks like interesting place to visit!

    Reply
  30. Jeannie says

    August 20, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    What a great place to visit. I think my son would love it there.

    Reply
  31. Jennifer P. says

    August 21, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Some of my friends went here during a high school trip, and ever since then I have wanted to go. We are definitely going to go when we do our Florida trip 3.5 years from now – we are planning a big trip to Florida when our oldest is 13, so that our youngest is also at a good age for all the things we want to do. I have never been to Florida and have always wanted to go, so I have a long list of things to do there! 🙂 I know my kids will love the space centre for sure! My oldest has “astronaut” as one of her possible future careers.

    Reply

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