Kennedy Space Center Questions

[BraveLittleToaster2]

It will be our first time going to Kennedy Space Center while visiting Florida.
Is it worth it for someone who is not into space? My DH would literally spend 5 days straight at a place like that because he is SO into it. My boys will likely enjoy it. My daughter and I don't really care about space at all, thought I suppose it would be fun to see how big the shuttles are etc.

Is this worth all going together or do you think I should send the guys and stay behind? My parents have gone and said its amazing even if you don't love space. I hate to split up on our family vacation but wonder if I will enjoy it or be bored.

Also, how big do crowds get there? Disney size crowds?

 

[Schneewittchen37]

My family of 4 went in April 2023. We all had a great time, even though DH and DS are the only ones really into space stuff. If anything, it's made space stuff a bit more interesting for me and DD. There are a couple of longish lines for some experiences, so I would suggest arriving as early as possible. But it's not as bad as WDW during spring break crowd-wise.

 

[WEDWDW]

There are SO many launches these days!

If one happens during your visit that would make it EXCITING for all of you!

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

If you don't care about and aren't interested in space or learning anything about NASA at all, I would skip it. It can definitely easily be an all day outing (and still not see everything), so it would probably not be fun for those who are interested in the exhibits and experiences to be with others that are bored and wanting to leave after an hour or two. You could do something else with your daughter during the day.

 

[_19disnA]

There are several choices of which tours to take and how long to spend at the Space Center. Check their website for the various tour options available and you can probably find something your entire family will enjoy.

 

[fla4fun]

If you really have no interest at all, it might be better to split up and do something you and your daughter would really enjoy. I have a medium interest in space, and I enjoyed KSC (enough to upgrade my ticket to an AP to go back), but there were some times during the day where I wished it was time to leave while my more space fascinated travel party was still going strong. I would recommend looking at their website to see if there is anything you find interesting at all.

Sometimes it’s good to keep the family together on vacation even if they aren’t all interested in the same things, and sometimes it’s not. It can be nice to do separate things and then all come back together and share stories about your day, rather than some of the party having fun and the others not.

For what it’s worth, I thought the Space Shuttle and Saturn V rocket were a lot smaller than I expected them to be . . .

 

[nancipants]

As someone who used to work at KSC and loves space, I would like to encourage you to go in hopes it might spark some interest for you and your daughter. However, for the sake of the rest of your family, I would suggest staying at home so they can enjoy the day at their pace and possibly (likely) stay the entire day.

Crowds are definitely lighter than Disney but as always it depends on the time of year. The Visitor Center is small and walkable and most of the attractions are inside, with the exception of the Rocket Garden. The included bus tour takes you to the Apollo Saturn V Center which is all inside.

The last time I was there, the food options weren't great, so I would suggest packing a lunch.

 

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

I went there and I'm not really into space but I was amazed! Just the size of those booster rockets… WOWZA!

 

[RangerPooh]

I've bene twice, once as a young teen, and again in my 40s. I could take it or leave it. It is neat to see the evolution of space travel, and what different eras brought with it.

 

[Disneychick13]

I think it’s definately worth a visit even if you are not super into space/NASA. I’ve been twice and I would go again (and it’s not something that I would normally be interested in).

 

[slo]

We went last year and even though I’m not into space stuff, I still found it interesting. Do I need to go again anytime soon? No, but I’m glad I went when I did. Have a great trip!

 

[Stratman50th]

We have annual passes and love the place. It's more than a one day visit. My wife isn't really a space Nerd like me, but she enjoyed it immensely. Aside from the size and scope of the space vehicles, the history was big for us. We grew up in the 60s and 70s and saw the progression. My daughter who isn't that into space either really enjoyed seeing it as well. Bonus, we stayed for a launch.

 

[goofyernmost]

It is certainly up to you as to what you enjoy or not, but you really don't have to be "into the space thing" to enjoy the Space Center. There are movies, Disney like displays of reality things, bus tours of the grounds, standing under a Saturn V rocket the same type that was used to propel astronauts to the moon. You cannot imagine the size of that thing and I promise you will just wonder how they got that thing to leave the ground, much less all the way into outer space. Like I said, you don't have to be a fan of the space program to be impressed by what is there and how it is displayed.

It has been a little while since I was there last, but there is not even the lightest similarity in crowds. I Imax movies are incredible and like I said that rocket display is very impressive. I would bet that the periods of boredom are very few, far between and short lived.