Blast off into an unforgettable adventure at KSC in Cape Canaveral, Florida! More than a hub for space exploration, it offers history, science, and hands-on fun for all ages. Our multi-generational Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex itinerary blends education, excitement, and relaxation, ensuring an excellent experience for everyone.
We’ll explore Heroes & Legends, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Atlantis Space Shuttle, journey to the future with Journey to Mars, and take an exclusive Behind the Gate Tour.
After a tasty lunch, kids can enjoy all the adventures at Planet Play. We’ll wrap up with an IMAX space movie and photo ops. Get ready for an out-of-this-world family adventure that will create memories for a lifetime!
Morning: Arrival & Exploration
Arrive at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (9:00 AM)
- Purchase tickets or use pre-booked passes for smooth entry.
- Take a family photo in front of the iconic NASA Globe (meatball).
- Wander through the Rocket Garden and walk among space rockets of the Mercury, Apollo, and Gemini space programs.
Heroes & Legends Exhibit + U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (9:30 AM)
- Engage the older generation with inspiring astronaut stories.
- Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and space artifacts.
- The movie, shown on a 360-degree screen, is informative and entertaining for all ages, as is the Astronaut Hall of Fame gallery.
- Be in awe of the Mercury Mission Control recreation.
Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other – Atlantis Exhibit (10:30 AM)
- Walk through the massive Space Shuttle Atlantis display, with more than 60 exhibits.
- Experience the Shuttle Launch Simulator (a thrill for teens and adventurous adults).
- Kids’ Play Area: “Slide down” from space like an astronaut!
- Take advantage of selfies in front of the huge Atlantis sign.
Midday: Space Lunch & Relaxation
Option 1: Lunch with an Astronaut (Noon – optional upgrade)
- Enjoy a meal while listening to firsthand space travel stories from a veteran NASA astronaut. The meal may or may not include Tang.
- Perfect for grandparents and kids alike who love space history.
Fun Fact: Nasa currently has active astronauts. Since its inception, there have only been 360.
Option 2: Quick Bite at Orbit Café (Noon)
- Family-friendly food options with space-themed dining.
- Recharge before the afternoon adventure.
- If you can hold out until later in the day, The Moon Rock Cafe at the Apollo/Saturn V Center is excellent. Order from the kiosk and enjoy juicy burgers, pizza, and specialty cupcakes.
Afternoon: Mission to Mars & Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Journey to Mars Exhibit (1:00 PM)
- Hands-on activities for kids, including rover simulations.
- Learn about upcoming Mars missions—great for future astronauts!
Pro Tip: Watch for the pop-up science experiments at the S.T.E.A.M. Interactive Carts. Kids will love the topics they cover and will most likely go home having learned something new.
Behind the Gates Bus Ride to Apollo/Saturn V Center (2:00 PM)
- A must-do for the whole family! Ride through the spaceport and past real launch pads.
- Visit the Saturn V rocket, the largest ever built. You can view a second Saturn V at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Watch an emotional reenactment of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
- Don’t miss “The Eagle Has Landed,” a bronze sculpture on the grounds honoring the crew members and the July 20, 1969, moon landing.
- Buy your souvenirs at the Right Stuff Gift Shop, which has fewer crowds and lots of Snoopy merch.
Evening: Wrap-Up & Final Attractions
Planet Play for Younger Kids (3:30 PM)
- This fun, space-themed play area lets little ones burn some energy throughout a three-story dream playground. Kids could truly spend the whole day in this elevated indoor playground.
- It’s the perfect downtime for older family members to rest. They also serve drinks, including beer and wine, and have many seating areas to relax.
IMAX Theater Experience (4:00 PM)
- Watch a stunning space documentary on a massive screen.
- Relax and reflect on the day’s adventure. Take a nap…nobody is watching.
Pro Tip: The Space Mirror Memorial is towards the back of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Be sure to pay tribute to our fallen astronauts who have perished on space missions. The memorial is illuminated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s really something special and a great way to introduce your children to the dangers and challenges of space exploration.
Souvenir Shopping at The Space Shop (4:45 PM)
- Pick up NASA gear, astronaut ice cream, and fun souvenirs. You’ll find an excellent selection of t-shirts, kids’ toys, plush items, and space memorabilia in this official NASA store, the world’s largest space shop.
- Capture one last family photo before heading out.
Thanks to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for providing tickets for me and my family to visit the property so that I could get content for this article. I’ve worked yearly with KSC for nearly 10 years, and watching this property grow and become incredibly popular is a true blessing.
Wrapping Up a Fantastic Day
- My husband and I brought our young daughters to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and his grandparents brought him. It was extra special to do the same with our granddaughter.
- Visiting this Cape Canaveral attraction embraces the rise and importance of S.T.E.A.M. and encourages future space exploration dreams for kids and teenagers.
- Visit during holiday events for a bonus. And, if you are traveling with a pet, onsite complimentary boarding is available on a first-come, first serve.
Bonus Tips
- With space exploration being such a hot topic, KSC is busy every day, but they manage the crowds well, and there is plenty to keep you busy.
- Accessibility notes: All tour buses are equipped with wheelchair—and scooter-accessible lifts. There are a limited number of electric scooters, wheelchairs, and strollers near the main entrance.
- Two noteworthy Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex season events are Holidays in Space (usually the last two weeks of December) and Kennedy Under the Stars, an after hours event with illuminated experiences.
- You can see launches from Kennedy Space Center at the KSC Visitor Complex or from nearby beaches and parks along Florida’s east coast. Some launches require tickets to view from KSC, which can be purchased online. Use this link to see future rocket launch schedules.
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