Kennedy Space Center

[dpuck1998]

What all is there to do at Kennedy? I'll be traveling with 3 kids 2 adults total. What are the must dos and "hidden" things we should do at KSC? Anything else that is a must do in the Cocoa Beach/Cape area?

 

[mikkiwikki]

Check out their site -
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

According to the UOG - it sounds like the bus tours are a bust with kids....because the 'sites' are too far off in the distance for kids to appreciate. they recommended sticking with the attractions in the visitors center.

We are going there November 30th & my son is wild about space exploration, so it should be lots of fun!

 

[keishashadow]

We liked the "upclose" tour...got to see where they assemble shuttle as well as a giant condor nest, lots of gators, turkey vultures.

Lots of hands on attractions.

The astronaut interaction was a bit of a snooze & we never did get to see any of the movies or hall of fame.

We went in Feb & it was very hot (from the concrete?), wouldn't want to be there in the summer - not much shade.

 

[kidsister]

I was there for the launch this past Saturday (and Friday when it was cancelled ). I still didn't get to do all of it, but did see both IMAX movies, the rocket garden, and the art gallery (great for grownups), lunch with an astronaut...great for grownups and kids, and the bus tour. I liked the bus tour,even tho I was way tired for getting up for the launch, getting on the causeway, melting in the heat for 2 hours and then having it cancelled. There was a lot of stuff for kids to do and learn.

They are building a ride that seems to be similar to Mission Space.
Lots of interactive stuff seemed to keep the kids very interested.
Similar in some ways to Epcot before they dumbed it down.

 

[twalton]

Definitely don't miss the bus tour...it's the highlight of the day, IMO. First stop is the viewing tower, where you will be able to see the Space Shuttle launch complex. If there's a shuttle on the pad at the time, the view is amazing! The next stop, the Saturn V center, is simply amazing. You'll be taken into a mock-up of the old mission control room, where they'll simulate the launch of Apollo 11...really cool! Then the doors open up and right in front of you is one of the Saturn V rockets, stretching the length of the building. There are incredible exhibits and summaries of all the Apollo missions, as well as a food court and gift shop. You then board the bus that takes you back to the Visitor Complex. In between all of that, you'll get great information on all the "goings on" of KSC and NASA, an up-close look at the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building), and even a nature tour (tons of alligators in the canals, and a bald eagle nest, too!).

It's well worth the time and money...plan on spending the entire day!

 

[mikkiwikki]

Definitely don't miss the bus tour...it's the highlight of the day, IMO. First stop is the viewing tower, where you will be able to see the Space Shuttle launch complex. If there's a shuttle on the pad at the time, the view is amazing! The next stop, the Saturn V center, is simply amazing. You'll be taken into a mock-up of the old mission control room, where they'll simulate the launch of Apollo 11...really cool! Then the doors open up and right in front of you is one of the Saturn V rockets, stretching the length of the building. There are incredible exhibits and summaries of all the Apollo missions, as well as a food court and gift shop. You then board the bus that takes you back to the Visitor Complex. In between all of that, you'll get great information on all the "goings on" of KSC and NASA, an up-close look at the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building), and even a nature tour (tons of alligators in the canals, and a bald eagle nest, too!).

It's well worth the time and money...plan on spending the entire day!

Did you go with kids? The books I read said the shuttle pad etc., was too far away to see anything and kids might get bored. I think this was the original question.

 

[twalton]

Been there many times without...but did take my neice and nephews a couple of years ago. All were under 9 at that point, and they were thoroughly entertained.