Kennedy Space Center Visit – 2024 Insider’s Guide
Journey to the Red Planet, witness the indescribable majesty of a rocket shuttle launch, or meet a real-life astronaut. Space nuts of all ages will be in intergalactic heaven when they make a pilgrimage to the NASA Kennedy Space Center.
Follow along as we spill details on everything from moon rocks to the space shuttle Atlantis when you visit Kennedy Space Visitor Center.
This oasis of space exploration lies just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Orlando and Daytona Beach. Prepare those launch pads as you train in a space flight simulator, soak in a 3D IMAX movie, or peruse the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Read on to begin your mission to the cosmos above…
Visiting Kennedy Space Center
Located just under an hour’s drive from the City Beautiful, the Kennedy Space Center provides almost 8 million square feet of outer space exhibits, attractions, and rocket launches. Funded entirely from the generosity of visitors, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated on behalf of NASA by Delaware North.
Situated on the picturesque Space Coast in the city of Merritt Island, this educational and entertaining institution has delighted visitors for over 50 years. Each year the Kennedy Space Center welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors, including many overnight guests.
The Space Center Visitor Complex is currently open to the public and provides a full day’s worth of exploration and excitement. Indeed, in the know, officials recommend spending 6-9 hours to fully enjoy the Center’s spoils. From behind-the-scenes facility bus tours to in-depth dives into the current space program, the Kennedy Space Center is an ideal addition to any Florida vacation.
Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Ticket Packages
Before you can blast off for Mars or stand nose to nose with an actual space-flown spacecraft, you’ll need to purchase your Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center tickets.
Since the Kennedy Center Space is a widely popular destination, we highly recommend pre-purchasing your daily admission or Atlantis Annual Pass tickets ahead of time.
Explore infinity and beyond with any of our space worthy ticket selections:
A Single Admission ticket is good for a one day visit. Activities at the Kennedy Space Center include:
- The Kennedy Center Bus Tour
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
- Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®
- Rocket Garden
- Space Shuttle Atlantis® with Shuttle Launch Experience®.
- Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted
- Universe Theater
- And more!
Looking to make your little astronaut-to-be’s dreams really come true? When you visit the NASA KSC visitor center, add a
Chat with an Astronaut session to your general admission ticket.
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An Atlantis Annual Pass awards you all the perks of general admission to Space Kennedy Center for an entire year, plus:
- Free parking
- 10% off admission for up to 6 accompanying guests
- And discounts on food and retail
Can’t wait to be part of the next generation of space explorers? Reserve your spot with the Astronaut Training Experience to train, live, and work like you would on the red planet.
Looking to expand your horizons beyond space? From Disney World to Discovery Cove, there are many awe-inspiring add-ons to make your Kennedy Space Center Vacation Package an interplanetary success.
The App
Shuttle launches, living legends, and the world’s largest rocket, oh my! Make sense of the multitude of experiences and attractions that await you at the Kennedy Space Center when you download the free app.
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Enjoy GPS-enabled map navigation, Kennedy Space Center FAQ, up-to-date hours of operation, and detailed information on shows and exhibits. Stay on top of the current weather, enhance your visit with guest services, or locate the nearest restroom.
It’s like having a personal space pilot in the palm of your hand. The Kennedy Space Center Guide helps you make the most of your star-studded visit. Customize your visit with an astronaut appearance, or set up notifications for rocket launch updates.
Kennedy Center NASA Can’t Miss Attractions
Eye-popping asteroid IMAX films, soaking in the power of a Mars Rover vehicle, or the sensory overload of a shuttle launch experience. With so much of the Final Frontier to uncover, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Luckily, we’ve taken the guesswork out of mastering the Kennedy Space Center by compiling our ‘can’t miss space adventures’:
Apollo Saturn V Center – Considered the largest rocket made by humans at the time, the Apollo Saturn V moon rocket inspired the construction of the Vehicle Assembly Building. This spectacle of human engineering and creativity measures 60 ft taller than the Statue of Liberty and launched the U.S. to the moon! Be sure to watch the Apollo-era footage and catch a daily guided tour of each stage of the rocket.
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Heroes and Legends – Pay your respects and honor the brave individuals who dared to dream beyond Earth’s atmosphere at Heroes and Legends. Uncover the illustrious history of the space age and pioneer astronauts as you marvel at artifacts, including a Redstone rocket, the Sigma 7 capsule, and the Gemini 9.
Astronaut Encounter – Embrace the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chat with an actual astronaut! Glean first-hand insight, knowledge, and stories from a veteran astronaut as these heroes of the cosmos share their experiences in space during a live presentation and question & answer session.
Shuttle Launch Experience – Got ice water pumping through your veins? Adventurous souls will be aching to try the awe-inspiring experience that NASA astronauts deem “the next best thing to flying.”
Astronaut Training Simulators – Put your training, space skills, and knowledge to the test when tackling the Astronaut Training Simulator located within the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Pilot, dock, and discover the high-tech simulators and systems that bring this massive craft to life.
Space Shuttle Atlantis – Snap away, as you’ll want to document every inch of Atlantis, the only space shuttle displayed in flight. Beyond her two solid rocket boosters and orange external tank, Space Shuttle Atlantis also includes more than 60 immersive exhibits detailing the history, technology, and impact of NASA’s space shuttle program.
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Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted – Do you have what it takes to be part of NASA’s next generation? Step inside the mystery of the Red Planet. Test your deep space skills with interactive games and simulators as you explore NASA’s plans for Mars.
Rocket Launch Viewing – Get one step closer to completing your bucket list. Treat yourself to the epic visual of a real-time rocket launch. Revel in live launch commentary and the mind-blowing sounds, sights, and vibrations of a spacecraft departing Earth.*
*Please note that Rocket Launch viewings are pre-scheduled and not included with general admission. The visitor complex may offer launch tickets for rocket launches.
What’s New
At the Kennedy Space Center, technology and progress work hand in hand. NASA continues to dive deeper and deeper into the secrets of the cosmos. Meanwhile, the Space Center continues to champion the eternal quest for knowledge.
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In the coming months’ intrepid Space Center guests can expect new attractions and exhibits such as:
Gateway – The Deep Space Launch Complex – Starting Spring 2022. Experience the thrill of cutting-edge innovation, immersive rides, and the arrival of the incredible SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster, also known as Booster 123.
Moonscape – Reenact one of the most infamous moments of American history when you visit the Moonscape. One of the newer exhibits at the Space Center, Moonscape, recreates the iconic scene from Apollo 11 when Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong planted the American flag on the lunar surface. In addition, kids can test their landing and launching skills with three interactive space challenges.
Food and Drink
Meteors, space shuttles, and anti-gravity training can really take it out of you! Refuel your food storages, so you can take on even more interstellar challenges when you settle in for lunch at the Kennedy Space Center.
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Whether you are hankering for a sit-down meal or wondering where to procure an adult beverage, we are spilling all the tea on where to eat:*
- Orbit Cafe – An indoor eatery that serves both breakfast and lunch. Come here to chow down on fresh salads, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and more.
- Moon Rock Cafe – Fuel up on fries and other snacks as you admire the Apollo spacecraft at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
- Planet Play Lounge – Thirsty adults can kick back with an ice-cold beer or glass of wine at this futuristic and funky lounge.
*Please note: The Space Center does allow visitors to enter with small amounts of food and beverages in small, soft-sided coolers.
Address For Kennedy Space Center & Parking
The sprawling Kennedy Space Center is a mere 44 miles from the bustling Central Florida metropolis of Orlando and located at:
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Although not accessible by public transit, there are many tour companies that offer round-trip transportation to the center as well as guided tours.
If you choose to drive, parking is readily available for the following prices:
- Motorcycles – $5
- Automobiles – $10
- Oversized vehicles, motor homes, or RVs – $15
Florida’s Central East Coast may be known for sun-soaked beaches and surf-worthy swells. However, this palm tree-studded paradise is also home to every space fan’s biggest fantasy.
The Kennedy Space Center contains countless exhibits, artifacts, and displays from past flights and robotic missions. It is here where the story of NASA and our world’s eternal fascination with the infinite void come alive.
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Dare to uncover the untold possibilities of space travel, shuttle launches, and more. Meanwhile, meander through over 40 acres of America’s space program.
Pssst.. Wondering about other Kennedy Space Center locations? Well, there is only one Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex!
Unleash Your Inner Astronaut and Ignite Your Curiosity at Kennedy Space Center
Learn about the fascinating history of the Hubble Telescope and stroll through the Rocket Garden. Then walk underneath the massive rocket that launched humanity to the Moon.
Step into the shoes of a professional astronaut, or feel the raw power of an eight-and-a-half-minute ascent into orbit.
However you choose to launch your thrilling expedition to the Kennedy Space Center, you are in for an unforgettable day of interplanetary adventure.
Kennedy Space Center FAQs
How Long Do I Need at Kennedy Space Center?
To thoroughly immerse yourself in all the Kennedy Space Center has to offer, you should aim to devote at least 6 hours of your day. This will allow you enough time to explore the exhibits, partake in interactive experiences, and even catch one or two of the IMAX films. However, given the extent of captivating space history on display, many visitors find themselves easily spending an entire day.
What Should I Wear to Kennedy Space Center?
When planning your trip to the famed Kennedy Space Center, there are a few considerations to keep in mind concerning what to wear. The centerpiece of this is the proper attire, which typically involves a comfortable shirt and sturdy pairs of shoes, ideal for exploring the expansive areas of the space center. With an outfit that combines both comfort and practicality, you can fully immerse yourself in every stunning exhibit, without missing a stellar beat.
Tell us, What’s Your Favorite Kennedy Space Center Attraction?
Leave us a comment below!
