The Kennedy Space Center in Florida is one of the top attractions in the state. There are fun things to do and learn about, for people of all ages. Check out my top things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
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How to get to the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida
To enjoy the top things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, I’d recommend hiring a car to drive there. It’s about 50 mins – 1 hour drive from the centre of Orlando, Florida. This means that it’s the perfect day trip from Orlando, if you’re staying there to enjoy the theme parks. If you have your own car, you can stay at the Kennedy Space Center for however long you like, and leave when you’re finished.
Check out the opening times of the Kennedy Space Center on the website here. And if you’re looking for other things to do in Orlando, check out my Florida blogs here, or check out this great guide to Florida to help you plan your trip (affiliate).
Top things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis
The highlight of my visit to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, was seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was amazing to get so close to such an amazing part of history. You could really see all the details on the space shuttle, and imagine what it must have been like for the shuttle in space.
Learn about the history of space exploration
There are some fascinating exhibits about the history of space exploration. A highlight for me was a 3D video experience, that really made learning about the history come alive. It was so inspiring to see the people who had contributed so much to space exploration. It really spoke to my inner-8 year old who dreamed of becoming an astronaut – I felt so inspired to learn more, and part of me wished I’d followed that career path!
Take a photo on Mars
There are some amazing photos all around the Kennedy Space Centre. One of my favourites was an image of Mars. If you get the camera angle right, you can take a photo of yourself as if you were on Mars. It’s amazing to see such a clear photo from another planet.
See the Gemini 9 spacecraft
Another of the top things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida is to see the Gemini 9 spacecraft. You can see the spacecraft up close, and learn about all the amazing things that this spacecraft has helped us discover.
Astronaut memorial
The Forever Remembered exhibit is a really moving tribute to the 14 astronauts who sadly lost their lives during the loss of orbiters Challenger and Columbia. It’s incredibly sad and moving to learn about people who lost their lives in this way, but it’s a lovely memorial to them.
Rocket Garden
Check out the Rocket Garden for some great photos of some rockets up close. You can see the different types and sizes of the rockets, and learn more about each type. It was definitely a great place to get some photos.
Enjoy the gift shop
The gift shop at the Kennedy Space Center is definitely worth a visit as well. There are some great NASA-branded gifts that you can take home. I also enjoyed the science-related humour on these t-shirts as well. A perfect gift for anyone who loves maths and science!
Shuttle Launch Experience
Finally, the Shuttle Launch Experience is another of the top things to do at the Kennedy Space Center. You can get a sense of what it feels like to be on a space rocket that’s launching into space. But don’t worry, it’s very gentle – suitable for nearly everyone to have a go. I’m sure a real-life launch into space wouldn’t be quite so easy!
Enjoy the top things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida! Make sure you check out my blogs for other things to do in Florida, like visiting Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, as well as Miami, the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Enjoy your Florida adventures!
I’d like to try the shuttle launch experience, fun!
It’s a great part of the experience!
I’m planning on visiting the Kennedy Space Center this year! This is such a helpful guide and I’m really excited for it 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
I really hope you enjoy your visit, it’s a great place for a day out!