Kennedy Space Center

[momtoejanda]

Going to KSC with kids ages 6,6,9. What do we want to do?

Do we just walk around? Should I sign up for the Up Close tour?

I would like to make the most of one full day. Thanks!

 

[crazelion]

Whether you do don't eat the food at Kennedy Space Center. The food is awful. i am still wondering how can mess up a salad.

You can walk around and do up close tour I think for a cost.

 

[kathy884]

Do the regular tour that is included with admission. It's very well done and in inself makes the day worthwhile. After that much do, pick extra things that the kids are interested in. // They have improved this place so much compared to 10 years ago. I was impressed. 10 years ago I would have said skip it. Now I think it's well worth the day trip.

 

[librarymouse]

I agree! KSC is really nice and has lots of stuff to do- the bus tour included with admission will be plenty in depth- the up close tour is interesting but very detailed and long- my husband loved it but it was a little dry. I would definitely say to take advantage of the Imax movie included with your admission, as well as the shuttle launch simulator. The Star Trek stage show is surprisingly cute and kid-friendly (tribbles!). There are also several small exhibits in the main area that are interesting, but I think the exhibits at the Saturn V center (which is the stop on the bus tour) are better, and the lunch spot there is not bad either. There are a lot of giftshops for a relatively small place, but the merchandise is good quality and fun/unique.

With your admission you also get admission to the Astronaut Hall of Fame which is just down the road from KSC. My husband and I have never had time to do both in a day but I think it might be interesting too.

 

[DCTooTall]

With 6,6, and 9, You are probably going to enjoy the free bus tour much more than the Up Close tour which costs extra.

The Free tour basically uses video's on the buses between stops, and has a few stops which you can take your time at. It's last stop is at the Saturn V center which is very cool.


The Up Close tour is a bit more indepth and takes you behind the scenes a bit more. It also includes an actual guide which can make it a much more interesting experience for those who have questions. When I went in November it including a stop at the VAB and we were even able to go inside the VAB (not allowed since the mid-70's) where we were able to see one of the shuttles getting refurbished and readied for Museum duty. It also included up-close drive-bys of both Apollo/Shuttle launchpads, which is much closer than the stop the free tour makes. It ends at the Saturn V center, which then allows you to catch the regular bus back to the main vistor's complex.


I loved both the Up Close Tour, and the Then&Now tours I took in November, but with the 3 kids and the extra costs, I'm not sure if the kids would enjoy those tours nearly as much to make the extra cost above the included one worth it for you.