Planning a Visit to Kennedy Space Center for Kids
The Cosmos Mariners kiddos at Kennedy Space Center
Start planning your visit to Kennedy Space Center for kids, and have a family vacation that is out of this world.
(See what I did there?!)
I grew up going to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, and I love that I get to share that experience and learning process with my own kids now.
Kennedy Space Center is one of our favorite places to visit as a family.
Thanks to the interactive displays, engaging talks, 3D videos, and play space, Kennedy Space Center is VERY family friendly.
Here’s everything you need to know, do, and see to make your visit to KSC with kids a success.
This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.
I received press passes to KSC in 2016 to facilitate the original version of this post. However, I have been back since then on my own.
Updated 8/2022 | Written 2/2016
My daughter at the Kennedy Space Center entrance on her first visit
How Long Does it Take to Visit Kennedy Space Center?
The official stance on how long you’ll need at Kennedy Space Center is 6-8 hours, or a full day.
On my first visit to Kennedy Space Center with kids, this is the approach I took, and it wasn’t enough.
Since then, I have allotted 2 full days to the property, and I stand by that decision!
If I was going to KSC by myself, I might be able to do everything in just one day since I can read quickly and move through the exhibits at my own pace.
However, traveling with kids means letting them explore, ask questions, return to their favorite places for more learning, and looking at everything.
That process isn’t possible in only 1 day with kids.
The second day at KSC is only a few more dollars over the 1 day price, and you’ll have the luxury of doing several talks, trying out multiple experiences at KSC, catching a couple of the IMAX movies, playing at Planet Play, and more.
The Best Kennedy Space Center Kids Activiites
While there’s so much to do at Kennedy Space Center, you’ll want to start with the activities, tours, and exhibits that are mostly likely to capture your kids’ imaginations.
Here are my family’s top recommendations for kids!
1) The KSC Bus Tour
Ready for the bus tour!
Location: entrance to the bus tour is at the main campus between the Journey to Mars exhibit and the Space Store
On this tour, you’ll get a peek into the world of the people who make the space programs possible.
The tour takes you to the Apollo/Saturn V building, which is only accessible via bus.
On the 20 minute drive to the building, you’ll learn about the crawlers that transport the rockets to the launch site, and drive by the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building).
The VAB is where all of the Saturn V rockets were constructed before being moved by the crawler to the launch site 3 miles away.
Fun fact: the VAB is the tallest one story building in the world! When it was built in 1947, it was the world's tallest building. Now, it's the 6th largest in volume, and could fit 3 3/4 Empire State buildings by volume. The VAB doors are still the tallest in the world at 37 stories high.
Kids will love seeing the massive building up close, and learning about the crawler transporter, which tops out at a max speed of 1 MPH!
There’s a coordinating video that plays throughout the tour to orient visitors as to what they’re seeing.
2) The Saturn V Launch Simulation
Inside the launch control room for Apollo 8
Location: Apollo/Saturn V center, accessible only by the KSC bus tour
Here, visitors learn about the Apollo program, and why NASA was so keen to make the Saturn V mission successful.
The simulation room puts you in the middle of the suspense and excitement of the controllers and astronauts in the final three minutes before Saturn V launched on December 21, 1968.
This launch was a part of the Apollo 8 program, and became the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon.
Fun fact: the IBM computers in the simulation room are the exact ones that the controllers used to launch Saturn V in 1968.
My kids loved seeing the real time countdown in the control center simulation room, and they were fascinated when the entire room began to shake as the “rocket” launches. It’s such an amazing interactive experience!
The Cosmos Mariners kids in front of the Saturn V rocket!
I left the simulation room filled with emotion over the triumph of those brave astronauts and the committed controllers who were able to safely send Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders to the moon.
I loved the way that NASA has the Saturn V center set up.
When you leave the control room, you turn the corner to see the ACTUAL Saturn V rocket hanging from the ceiling!
The sight of this gigantic rocket (which tops out at an impressive 363 feet, or slightly longer than a football field) was enough to stop my entire tour group cold.
We all stood there, our mouths gaping at this thing that took 24 astronauts to the moon over a four year span.
3) Astronaut Meet and Greet Opportunities
Location: Universe Theatre (talks), Space Shop (autograph signing)
Each day, a group of visitors is able to eat lunch with an astronaut and ask him or her about the experience of living and working in space.
>> Book your small ground chat with an astronaut here. <<
This experience is not included in regular admission, but if you've got a space-crazed kid (or you're a little space-crazed yourself), this would be well worth the splurge.
If you're not sure that you want to spring for the lunch, there are 2 daily astronaut talks held in the Universe Theatre.
These talks are a great way to still get some face time with an astronaut--and it's included in your daily admission ticket.
We attended one with astronaut, commander, and pilot Brian Duffy who flew 4 missions in the space shuttle program to ISS. My daughter was chosen to ask a question at the end, and she loved that bit of interaction!
After each astronaut talk, there’s a free autograph signing at the Space Shop if you’d like to take home a unique souvenir.
Look for the meeting times on your daily bulletin.
Fun fact: all of the astronauts in these experiences have flown on space shuttle and lived aboard the International Space Station.
4) Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
In this massive building, you can see the actual space shuttle Atlantis and learn about its crew members.
Atlantis made 33 visits into space as part of the space shuttle program from 1981-2011, and flew 125 million miles.
Like the Saturn V exhibit, it is overwhelming to see the size of Atlantis as it hangs directly in front of you.
Fun fact: the crawler that transports the rockets to the launch site get 32 feet to the gallon of gas.
My kids LOVED the replica of Atlantis’ shuttle control section, where you can sit in the driver’s seat, flip switches, push buttons, and work the flight controls just like the space shuttle pilots did.
Nearby is a flight simulator, where you can try and land the space shuttle on a runway!
5) Space Shuttle Simulator
Location: Atlantis building
This ride is one of the newest additions to Kennedy Space Center, and it was quite popular on our recent trip.
With a height requirement of 44”, my 5 year old didn’t make the cut, so be prepared to hold younger kids back from the experience.
For kids who make the cut off, the ride takes visitors through the countdown and launch sequence as seen on the space shuttles.
It can be intense, but it’s not as bad as a standard rollercoaster.
6) Rocket Garden Tour
Location: next to the entrance gates on the main campus
Get up close and personal with the history of space flight in this outdoor exhibit.
You can climb into replicas of the tiny 1-3 seat capsules from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo days.
Claustrophobic astronauts need not apply!
Make sure to join one of the free guided tours of the garden, which will give you more insight into these towering space behemoths.
These tours last about 15 minutes and explain the differences between each of the rocket’s design, function, and missions.
7) Journey to Mars Exhibit
Even though there aren't any current manned space flights, NASA is gearing up for the future of space travel--and our first manned flight to Mars.
The Artemis program will take humans back to the moon, while the closely related Orion program will take humans to Mars via a moon spaceport.
Here, you can learn about the Orion program and why NASA is so interested in exploring Mars.
Did you know that the astronauts who will be commanding the next manned space exploration are currently between the ages of 6 and 16? It's possible that your budding engineer, astrophysicist or test pilot could grow up to be a part of the Orion crew!
8) Planet Play
My kids spotted this space-themed play area on the map within a minute of us walking through the gates.
Spread out over 3 stories are several slides, climbing tunnels, and interactive elements designed to get kids moving.
Each part is wonderfully themed to encourage learning about space.
For example, there’s an area where kids jump from one lit up pad to the next to create a constellation. There’s another slide that puts kids in a “black hole!”
Plus, it's a great place to let your kids get some energy out while you plan your day.
On the 2nd floor is a parent lounge with cool light-up chairs.
Hang out here will you grab a coffee or glass of wine from the small snack bar.
9) Touch a Moon Rock.
Location: Apollo/Saturn V center
Let your kids get up close and personal with a real lunar rock!
This exhibit allows them to touch material that is older than 99.9% of all material on Earth.
If they can’t get to the moon, this is the next best thing.
10) KSC Spaceport
Location: Gateway building
A part of the brand new Gateway building, this ride carries visitors through 1 of 4 rides through space.
There are 4 journeys to choose from:
Uncharted Worlds takes visitors into deep space.
Daring Explorers follows early space flight missions.
Red Planet takes you on the journey to Mars.
Cosmic Wonders, where you’ll learn about the Horsehead and Crab Nebulas.
We chose to do Uncharted Worlds and Cosmic Wonders, and both were a lot of fun.
After you’re strapped into your seats, you’re put through a virtual launch to explore an element of space.
During your space journey, you’ll feel breezes on your face, dodge bumpy asteroids, and be faintly misted in Saturn’s atmosphere.
I found it similar to Disney’s "Soarin’” in the movements, and it was, overall, a gentle ride.
The height requirement is 38” and my generally tentative 5 year old LOVED the experience.
>> There’s even more to do on the Space Coast! Explore the best things to do in Melbourne Florida. <<
Kennedy Space Center Tips
Get the 2 day ticket if your schedule allows.
You’ll be able to go more slowly through the exhibits, attend more of the talks, and try out multiple rides on KSC Spaceport.
Plus, the 2 day tickets are just a few dollars more than the 1 day ticket.
Buy the refillable souvenir cup.
For around $7, you can purchase the refillable souvenir cup from any of the restaurants or drink kiosks.
You get a free initial fill-up with any fountain drink, tea, or water.
If you fill up the drink at Orbit Cafe (across from the Space Store) or at Moon Rock Cafe (in the Apollo/Saturn V building), those drinks are also free.
If you fill up at any of the other kiosks, your drink is $0.99.
We got one of these on our most recent trip, and it was a lifesaver!
Since the KSC property isn’t huge, we simply walked back to Orbit Cafe or the Moon Rock Cafe to grab a free refill.
Know that the tragedies are handled sensitively and respectfully.
In American space flight history, 3 tragedies have occurred: the crew of Apollo 1 was lost during a pre-flight check in 1967, the crew of the Challenger lost their lives during launch in 1986, and the Columbia shuttle disentegrated during re-entry in 2003.
It’s hard to talk about the entire history of NASA without touching on these topics, and you’ll find that your kids will ask some hard questions while you’re there.
I encourage you to answer those questions as best as you can.
If you think your kids can handle more information, there are several excellent exhibits that delve further into the astronauts who gave their lives in the name of science.
Ad Astra Per Aspera is an exhibit in the Apollo/Saturn V center that remembers the 3 men who perished in the Apollo 1 fire.
You’ll learn about the people they were, see memorabilia from their lives, and explore other brave pioneers in the field of flight.
Over at the Atlantis building, there’s a moving tribute to the crews of Challenger and Columbia.
I am not ashamed to say that I cried while visiting this exhibit. I don’t remember much about the Challenger tragedy, but I do remember the day that the Columbia tragedy occurred.
Seeing the personal effects of those astronauts and learning more about them drives home the reality of their sacrifice.
KSC has added rooms for visitors who have special needs during their visit.
If your child has sensory needs, anxiety, or just needs a break, there are quiet rooms throughout the complex.
We found several near the restrooms, but ask any of the employees if you can’t find them.
KSC has also added signs throughout the property indicating if a ride or experience would be challenging for those with sensory issues.
Best Hotel near Kennedy Space Center for Families
After a long day exploring, the last thing I want to do is have a long drive back to my hotel.
While you’re visiting KSC, I recommend staying at the Hyatt Place Titusville/Kennedy Space Center.
The astronaut that greets visitors in the lobby of Hyatt Place Titusville/Kennedy Space Center
This hotel is nearly brand new—it was built in 2020—and its space themed.
The best part, though, is that it is about 5 miles from Kennedy Space Center, making it one of only 2 hotels near the entrance to KSC.
In fact, it is located to the left as soon as you get off the NASA Parkway from Merritt Island (where the KSC complex is located).
We opted for a king room with sofa bed, and it was perfect for our family.
My kids slept on the sofa bed, which is called the “Cozy Corner” by Hyatt.
For a sofa bed, the mattress was super comfortable, and my two children said they slept well on it.
The king bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept better than I can remember doing at a hotel!
Breakfast is included, and it’s better than your typical continental breakfast.
Each morning had both hot and cold options. Our first morning’s hot dishes were sausage, hashbrowns, and scrambled eggs, while the second morning offered bacon, french toast, and scrambled eggs.
You also have bagels, cereal, oatmeal, pastries, fruit, and toast.
Other amenities we loved were the pool, which is open from sunrise to 10 PM each day, and the launch room on the 5th floor. When there’s a launch, the hotel opens this room for people to view!
>> Book your stay at the Hyatt Place Titusville/Kennedy Space Center. <<
What would you add to this guide to Kennedy Space Center for kids?
