Forget the big theme parks! Do you know what really made me feel like a kid again? Kennedy Space Center.
I have so many thoughts in my head now. This week is the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing. In fact, today (July 16, 2019) is the date of Apollo 11’s launch to the moon 50 years ago in 1969.
Top that off after returning from our recent trip to Florida with a visit to Kennedy Space Center, I’m like a happy kid in a candy store!
You don’t understand – I am a space geek and have always been since I was a child.
My Story
I was around 5 years old when I first picked up a book about space. Neptune was my favorite planet because of its beautiful blue color.
For years I studied everything I could about space. I remember asking my parents to order the free VHS from Space Camp, so I could learn about their space program opened to the public. I wanted to go to space camp so bad!
Also, I wanted to be an astronomer when I grew up, but math was not my strong suit (and still isn’t!) My parents did buy me one of those kid telescopes from KB Toy Store (remember that place?) and I remember having my first look at the craters on the moon.
I was hooked for life!
Kennedy Space Center was always on my bucket list. So much history there and it’s where all the REAL magic happens. In fact, it’s probably my very first bucket list item as a kid.
So, as you can see, finally being able to visit Kennedy Space Center was a major life “pinch me” moment! It was also a fun experience to share with Tristan who is showing an interest in space exploration.
Getting There
Whether visiting from Orlando or on the coast from Daytona Beach, the center is an hour’s drive, making it an easy day trip either places.
Tip: Use this address when using your GPS: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (or look up Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex). Do not enter Kennedy Space Center because it will not take you to the visitor complex. I believe it goes to an entrance for employees only.
Parking is $10 per car, good for one day. For other types of vehicles like motorcycles and RVs, see more information here.
Tickets
If you can’t remember anything else, please remember to buy your tickets online! Not only will you receive a discount instead of paying the ticket counter price, but you will avoid standiing in a long line.
We got to the complex around 9:30am (it opened at 9am) and although we arrived close to opening hour, there was already a line for the ticket counter. I think it took us 45 minutes before we got to the ticket window.
So buying tickets at the counter will eat into your time at the complex. Do you know what else will eat up your time? The line for the bus tour.
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
This 45 minute bus tour is included in your admission ticket (not the special interest bus tours, you’ll need to pay extra for those.) It was one of the biggest highlights from our visit, but first we had to get through that insanely long line in the Florida heat!
I don’t know if it was because we were there in the summer, maybe it’s not as bad during off peak seasons, but it took us at least 1 1/2 hours before we boarded one of the tour buses.
It was worth the wait though!
The tour takes you behind the gates into the restricted areas of America’s Spaceport where the public are not allowed to visit independently. Guys, this is the real deal. You will get to see where NASA does their work! But from the bus, not inside the buildings LOL
While taking the bus tour, the driver points out cool things like the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) which I’m sure you’ve seen on TV and movies! We also saw the launch pads (in fact we were visiting a few days before Space X’s Falcon Heavy June 24th launch.) And the crawlers (crawler-transport) which are tracked vehicles used for transporting the spacecrafts to the launch pads.
Fun Fact: Did you know the crawlers only move at 1mph loaded and 2mph unloaded? Which is why it could take hours to transport a rocket to Launch Complex 39.
While riding through the spaceport, there is also an informative video you’ll be able to watch so you could have a better understanding of the things you are seeing on the tour.
At the end of the tour, you are dropped off at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The buses operate every 15 minutes and since there are tons of them in operation, there will be a bus available to take you back to the visitor complex when you’re ready.
The ride to and from the complex is 20 minutes each way.
Apollo/Saturn V Center
Stay for awhile and visit the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and if you get there around lunch like we did, you could eat at Moon Rock Cafe which was a lot cheaper than what we paid for food at the theme parks.
If you don’t want to eat at Apollo/Saturn V Center there are plenty of other dining options back at the KSC Visitor Complex.
But first we experienced a piece of history in the Firing Room Theater.
Not only does it show a short film reliving the launch of Apollo 8 aboard the Saturn V rocket in 1968, but as you watch the final moments of the launch – well let’s say things get very interactive! And it gets so much cooler after that! I’d tell you but if you visit it will ruin your surprise.
Have you ever been up close to a rocket? They’re HUGE! Particularly Saturn V the largest rocket ever built, which we also saw at Apollo/Saturn V Center.
It’s 363 feet long and apparently 60 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. I don’t know how else to describe it but the feeling was amazing to walk underneath a real piece of space history. So close you could reach up and touch it. Well, I wish, but I don’t think anyone is that tall to reach it!
This center was a treat to visit because the exhibits are dedicated to the Apollo program and the moon landing.
Rocket Garden
While still on the topic of rockets, we loved the Rocket Garden at the KSC Visitor Complex and I’d love to have a smaller version of one in our backyard!
The rockets are from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs, dedicated to all who brought the dream of space exploration to life. You could wander through the garden without a tour or join a guided tour (included in your ticket) for more in-depth information about the rockets.
The Rocket Garden also provides out of this world photo opportunities!
Atlantis
The Atlantis shuttle, was mind-blowing! It’s not a replica, it’s the actual Atlantis! I’ve never “ooh-ed” and “ahh-ed” so much in my life.
Another highlight of our visit was seeing Atlantis up close. It really is breathtaking, what a beauty!
Atlantis went on 33 missions and was retired after its final flight in July 2011, closing out the end of NASA’s shuttle program.
You will get to see the shuttle in a cleverly, surprising way. But that’s another surprise I don’t want to ruin for you! So I will leave it at that.
Shuttle Launch Experience
Coolest thing ever! I know, you probably are getting tired of me say the word “cool” but oh my goodness, KSC really is THAT awesome!
If you don’t have a weak stomach, you should definitely hop on the Shuttle Launch Experience. I’m not going to lie, I was very nervous and almost didn’t board it. So, you’ll get on the simulator with a group of people, each strapped into your seats. The ride is meant to provide the same experience training astronauts go through for a shuttle launch into orbit.
You will feel everything from the rumble of the rocket boosters to the “twang” – what they call the upright position and sideways motion seen before launch. I’m probably not explaining it right scientifically, but just Google NASA twang. You’ll see what I’m talking about.
Tip: You can rent a locker at the simulator entrance downstairs for free to keep all of your belongings safe while you ride.
More Interactive Exhibits, Memorials and Films
The complex splits the attractions and exhibits into “Mission Zones”. Each zone has different attractions based on the different eras in space exploration including exhibits related to today’s space program. Nature & Technology, Heroes and Legends, Space Mirror Memorial are just a few areas to name that are there to experience.
Before I forget to mention, there is also a covered playground area if visiting with kids who need to run some energy off (ahem, Tristan!)
I’m sure we’ve probably missed a few other things at KSC on our one day visit, so I can see why it’s often suggested to visit for at least 2 days but majority of visitors stay for just the day.
“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” – John F. Kennedy
Are you a fan of space exploration and astronomy? What do you love about it? Comment below and share this post!
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