Kennedy Space Center, Florida | 5 Must Things To Do For Adults

Kennedy Space Center is one of the iconic attractions in Florida. It is just an hour drive from Orlando and located adjacent to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Merritt Island on the East Coast of Florida. From the launch operations of Apollo to Skylab to Space Shuttle program, Kenedy Space Center is home to some of the historic space explorations. Whether you want to see a rocket launch or Vehicle Assembly Building or Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry, there are plenty of things to explore when you go beyond NASA’s gate.

I went to Kennedy Space Center four times and based on my experience, it is impossible to cover all the attractions in a single day. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit Kennedy Space Center soon, this post will help you how to experience the best of everything that NASA has to offer for an adult. 

1) Take The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour As Soon As You Enter

If you aim to take a glimpse of everything what NASA has to offer in a single day, you have to reach bright and early as soon as the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens. Don’t waste your time going to a Rocket Garden or taking a lot of pictures at the entrance. Instead, go for a bus tour as soon as you can. The bus tour is for 45 minutes but it will take you around 2.5 – 3 hours at Apollo/Saturn V Center. It might take you even 5 hours or more if you’re a space geek.

On your bus tour, you’ll see Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry and all the other facilities in between. The tour ends at Apollo/Saturn V Center where you’ll experience the first Moon-landing mission as well as witness NASA’s Project Apollo comes to life. Not only this, but NASA has also preserved the wild ecosystem on Merritt Island and you’ll get a chance to see gators, turtles, otters, dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, bobcats and coyotes if you’re lucky!

The best part about Apollo/Saturn V Center is you can enjoy the tour at your own pace. You’ll be amazed to see the larger than life display of human engineering and space travel. You’ll get a chance to walk beneath a real Saturn V moon rocket that launched humans to the Moon. 

Other attractions of Apollo/Saturn V Center are Lunar Theater, Apollo Treasures Gallery, Apollo 8 & The Firing Room, Astro Van, Astro Rover, Moon Rock and many more. On my first trip to Kennedy Space Center, I spent almost 5 hours at the Apollo/Saturn V Center that I couldn’t explore the other attractions. Therefore, plan your time wisely. 

2) Get close with Space Shuttle Atlantis

Space Shuttle Atlantis is one of the most spectacular attractions of Kennedy Space Center. It was first of its own kind space shuttle that used to launch like a rocket and land like a glider while transporting astronauts to and fro for almost thirty years. It is one of the most beautiful sights to behold that showcases the excellence of human engineering and advancement in space technology. 

3) Go For Shuttle Launch Experience

If you’re fond of 3D simulation rides at Universal and Disney, you’re going to love Shuttle Launch Experience. This eight and a half minute simulation ride gives you an experience of what it is to ride in a space shuttle and launch into space. The entire experience is quite exhilarating!

4) Meet a Real Astronaut at Astronaut Encounter

One of my favorite parts at Kenedy Space Center was meeting with a real veteran astronaut at Astronaut Encounter. I got a chance to meet astronaut Fred Gregory. He gave us a presentation and shared some of his stories while living in space. After the presentation, we had a Q&A section for the 5 minutes. I asked him about his working hours in space to which he replied candidly “we had to work almost all the time but if you talk about numbers, it was around 16-17 hours every single day”.

Later we also got a chance to shake hands with him and take a picture. 

Do check out the Kenedy Space Center Events Calendar in an advance to see who is the astronaut of the day on the date of your visit and what is the scheduled time for the Astronaut Encounter shows!

5) Enjoy The Show At IMAX Theater

For all the movie lovers, a visit to Kenedy Space Center IMAX Theater is a must stop on your visit. Everyday IMAX Theater shows two 3D movies on specific timings. Therefore, plan accordingly!

Enjoy The Other Attractions If You’ve Got Time Left

If you’ve got still some time left before the Kennedy Space Center closes, feel free to stroll around the Rocket Garden, check out Heroes and The Legend Attractions, visit gift shops and cafes. Don’t stress yourself too much about ticking everything to explore on your first visit. You can always save some attractions to explore for the next time!

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Tips for visiting the Kennedy Space Center

1. Nearest Airport – Orlando International Airport which is around 50 miles from Kennedy Space Center.
2. From Orlando, you can either rent a car and drive to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex or hire a cab/taxi. You can also take Uber or Lyft. 
3. Best time to visit Kennedy Space Center –  March to May. However, if you want to take a risk during hurricane season between September to November, you’ll find better deals in Florida.
4. If you want to see a rocket launch on your visit, check out NASA’s rocket launch calendar on their website and plan your trip accordingly.
5. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ve to walk a lot.
6. Sunscreen and sunglasses are must in order to beat Florida’s heat.
7. Keep a water bottle, some fruits or snacks in case you don’t want to spend much time at cafes. 
8. Take your camera as you’re allowed to take pictures and make videos during your bus tour as well as entire Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Though flash photography and videography are restricted at some of the indoor places. You’re also not allowed to click the picture of any NASA’s employee during the bus tour. 
9. In case you want to save money on merchandise at Kennedy Space Center, you can buy gifts from any outside gift shops in Kissimmee or on International Drive, Orlando. 
10. Last but not least, don’t forget to carry a bundle of energy.

Do share your experience if you’ve visited Kennedy Space Center in the comments below? If not, what do you think about the entire experience?

Till then, Happy Wandering!
Ana

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