15 Reasons to visit Kennedy Space Center

Last updated on June 3rd, 2024 at 03:33 pm

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When people think of central Florida, Kennedy Space Center isn’t normally the first destination that comes to mind. While I am a huge fan of the other Florida theme parks, I believe Kennedy Space Center is worth the drive from Orlando and a great way to spend the day. Whether you consider yourself a fan of astronomy or not, I am going to show you why Kennedy Space Center is absolutely worth visiting and how to plan your day. Here are 15 reasons why you should visit Kennedy Space Center.

Why You Should Visit Kennedy Space Center

There is a mystery around space exploration and the people who choose to travel into space. Kennedy Space Center offers an interactive experience into space travel and the astronauts who have made history.

Kennedy Space Center isn’t only for those who love science and space. The visitor complex perfectly illustrates the accomplishments of the space program and how it is our shared history. This is a perfect reason to visit.

Where is Kennedy Space Center

Everyone knows where Disney World is, but not as many people know where Kennedy Space Center is. The complex is located on the east coast of Florida on Merrit Island, Florida and covers 144,000 acres, also look for the 525 ft. tall vehicle assembly building that is used for stacking NASA’s rockets.

First things first, you need the basic information for visiting Kennedy Space Center

Planning Your Visit

Hours range from 9:00am-5:00pm to 9:00am-6:00pm depending on the time of year. Check HERE for current hours. Go early to maximize your time.
Parking at the visitor complex has paid parking lots to accommodate motorcycles-$5, automobiles-$10 and oversized vehicles and RV’s-$15.
Admission tickets can be purchased online. You can choose between 1- or 2-day admission tickets. Reduced rates are available for seniors 55+ and US active-duty military.

Now you can start planning the exhibits you would like to visit. If you have a 1-day ticket, go early to make sure you see everything you want. You will need to allow ample time for touring.

What to See

Kennedy Space Center’s exhibits are divided into Mission Zones and each zone has a variety of experiences for you to enjoy. Check out the Mission Zones below to see which one’s sound like fun for you.

Heroes and Legends

US Astronaut Hall of Fame– A visual display honoring American astronauts.
Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo– This is a 45-minute film featuring the struggles of the early days to the glory of the moon landing.
Rocket Garden– Get up close with rockets from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs as you walk through this impressive display.
Countdown Clock– Make sure you stop by the historic countdown clock. It was one of the most watched clocks in the world. The clock found its new home here after being moved due to being replaced by an updated version.

There is so much to see in Heros and Legends consequently, you might be trying to find the perfect picture spot. Look no further–the iconic NASA insignia is located in this mission zone.

Behind the Gates Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour- You will get a more in depth

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour– You will get a more in-depth view of this working spaceflight facility as you tour through some of the restricted areas of the complex.

Race to the Moon-Apollo/Saturn V Center

Saturn V Rocket– Walk beneath a real Saturn V rocket. You will explore the type of rocket that sent humans to the moon, and you will be amazed by the size and complexity of this rocket.
Apollo 8 and the Firing Room– Get goosebumps as you listen to the launch of the first crewed NASA flight to orbit the moon while you relive the 1968 launch and view the actual consoles used.
Path to the Moon– An impressive exhibit which highlights Apollo missions 7-10 and the advancements that kept the astronauts safe. Take time to walk through a real command service module, view a timeline of the steps taken to get to the moon and view artifacts from the missions furthermore, you will also gain insight into how the astronauts used the lunar rover.
A Rough Road Leads to the Stars– Pay tribute to the fallen Apollo 1 astronauts.

Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

Space Shuttle Atlantis– A massive full scale space shuttle stack of two solid rocket boosters and orange external tank. Take a peek inside to see the shuttle as only the astronauts did.
Hubble Space Telescope Theater– Learn about how the astronauts fought to save the telescope over five missions thus leading to the telescope still being used today. We are still learning the answers to questions about a variety of topics to this day through the discoveries using the telescope due to their determination. Marvel at the exact replica suspended in air at the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction.
Forever Remembered– A touching tribute to the fallen astronauts of Challenger and Columbia.

NASA Now + Next

Exploring Space in Current and Future Missions– Go deeper and explore current missions to the international space station then you can also travel to the Red Planet in Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted.
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex– This exciting exhibit highlights the future and current events in the space program furthermore, you can also see the spacecraft of today and get a glimpse of the designs of the future. Then, enter Spaceport Kennedy Space Center and launch aboard one of four unique journeys. You will be able to choose between Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet or Uncharted Worlds.
Journey to Mars– Are you fascinated by Mars? This multimedia exhibit shows what is happening now at NASA. You will be able to play interactive games and ride in a simulator.
IMAX– Space movies are available daily. Make sure to check the daily schedule to see what is showing during your visit.

There are so many reasons to visit Kennedy Space Center and it’s definitely worth your time to make the trip to the Space Coast. However, you might still have one question…

How Do I View a Launch?

Viewing a rocket launch is the coolest thing to do at Kennedy Space Center. You will want to make sure to check the launch calendar to see if there is a rocket launch scheduled during your visit. You will also be able to see which viewing areas are being used and get tickets, if needed. If the launch occurs during normal visitor complex hours, launch transport may be available on a first come, first served basis. Launches that are scheduled outside of normal hours, a ticket for the transportation to the launch is required.

Conclusion

The 14 exhibits plus the launch are 15 excellent reasons to visit Kennedy Space Center. You may not be a space travel enthusiast when you first visit, but I expect you will gain a new appreciation for the accomplishments made in space exploration and even become the newest fan of space flight.

If you have some extra time or if the Cocoa Beach area is your destination, here is how you can spend 2 days in Cocoa Beach.

Looking for other destinations on Florida’s east coast? Check out what you should do in Vero Beach, Florida.