Located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Kennedy Space center is home to the space shuttle launch pad and a NASA location. There are a variety of things to do that can take anywhere from a couple hours to a day or more, depending upon your level of interest. It is located about an hour East of Orlando and can be a welcome break from visiting theme parks.
Call (321) 449-4444 to get more information about the day you wish to attend or you can go online to the Kennedy Space Center tour website (see Resources).
Plan your route and travel time. Also, allow for Interstate backups that can happen frequently in Florida. Bring maps or a GPS Navigation System to help you find your way around. Keep in mind the closer it gets to launch time for the space shuttle, the less parking and proximity you will have as far as the launch pad is concerned. Some areas that are normally public access will be roped off.
Decide if you want to see a launch. The schedule is listed on their website, and you can also sign up for an email newsletter. You will need to be around on launch day and be flexible with your schedule, as many launches are canceled.
Choose the tour you would like to participate in. There are close up tours and also historical "Then and Now" tours that allow you to view the Apollo. The "Then and Now" tour fills up quickly and reservations are recommended. The Kennedy Space Center Tour is included with your admission and allows you to view the International Space Station, Apollo and Observation Center.
Take a look at the hands-on exhibits the Kennedy Space Center has to offer and walk over the various decks and bridges. You can come in contact with real space hardware, pieces of space and rockets. This is a real life museum, with space exhibits always changing. There are educational IMAX space movies in two theaters for your convenience. Or, you can look up at the clock that counts down to the next space shuttle launch.
Consider attending one of the special events, such as the Space & Air show if you are visiting Florida during that time. The Kennedy Space Center is home to many special exhibits and annual events. They also offer youth and other educational opportunities. There are many astronauts that make appearances at the "Astronaut Encounter" on a regular basis. You can also have lunch with an astronaut, but those tickets are limited and require advanced reservations.
Visit Space Shuttle Plaza in Kennedy Space Center and set your eyes on a life-sized space shuttle. You can also climb aboard the flight simulator across the way. You will be strapped in and will see what it is like to be aboard a space shuttle launch. Extra admission is required for this.
Experience Astronaut Training as a family, business group or individual. Bond as you work together to plan and complete a shuttle mission. Programs are a few hours, a day or a few days, depending on your needs. There are limited spaces available and advanced reservations are needed. You can call (321) 449-4400 to book by phone or go on the website listed within this article for information and tickets.
Stroll through the Rocket Garden and take a free guided tour daily until 4:00 p.m. Here you will see specially lit rockets of the U.S. and other countries. You can also climb aboard for a great photo opportunity and to get an idea of their size.
