Kennedy Space Center051

For anyone who has ever studied the stars, or for those who simply watched the movie Space Camp, you'll find the Kennedy Space Center a perfect full-day experience.

Just 45 minutes from Orlando, the center offers a behind the scenes view of the past, present and future of America's space program.

There's a great deal to do and see at KSC, from live shows and exhibits to IMAX films and backstage tours

Kids will love the Mad Mission to Mars 2025, a stage show using animation and spectacular theatrical effects, to transform viewers into "astronaut trainees." Another favorite is the huge IMAX theater featuring footage that was actually shot in space by NASA Astronauts. The films immerse you in the experience, making you feel like you're an astronaut yourself.

KSC's newest attraction, Shuttle Launch Experience, takes visitors step-by-step through the launch sequence - complete with authentic sights, sounds, and sensations - and offers a breathtaking view of Earth from an orbiting shuttle. A team of astronauts and NASA experts helped to design the $60 million attraction, which is considered to be the most realistic launch simulation ever created.

The absolute "must do" at the Visitor Complex is the Space Center Tour. This bus tour takes you all over the Kennedy Space Center. You'll see the Space Shuttle launch pads, the building where the Space Shuttles are put together for launches, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center which focuses on the quest to land on the moon.

The Rocket Garden is a popular destination that houses huge rockets from the past. Kids will also enjoy the full size Space Shuttle replica that makes you feel like you're just a few rocket boosters away from really being in space.

For a unique experience, participate in the Astronaut Encounter, a half-hour meet and greet program with a real astronaut that lets kids and adults ask their burning questions about NASA and what it is really like in space.

There are plenty of places to eat, like the creatively titled Planetary Pizza and Milky Way, and you can pick up a space themed gifts and souvenirs at The Space Shop. Strollers are also available for complimentary rental inside the main entrance.

Special Programs: The center offers a number of special tours and programs. Visit the website or contact KSC for a full list and see our favorites below:

Lunch With an Astronaut: Eat a three-course lunch with an actual astronaut and ask questions about your astronaut host's experience at this once-in-a-lifetime meal. You'll have your photos taken with the astronaut, and you will also receive a souvenir autographed by the featured astronaut. Adults are $24.37, plus admission. Children (3-11) are $16.95, plus admission. Seating is limited, so make a reservation prior to your visit.

Camp Kennedy Space Center: The center offers week-long Summer Day Camps that are, well, out of this world. Campers run Space Shuttle mission simulations, take tours of Kennedy Space Center, and get to work hands-on with plenty of space related experiments. Camps are designed for kids from eight 8 to 14 years old.

Family Astronaut Training Experience: Though expensive, there might not be a better parent-child science bonding experience than this interactive two-day program that immerses families into the world of astronaut training. Participants ride simulators, build and launch a model rocket, and meet a NASA astronaut. Families train and work together to perform a shuttle mission to the International Space Station in a full-scale shuttle mock-up and mission control facility. The program also includes an overnight stay in an area hotel, a t-shirt, and more. Children must be between the ages of eight and 14; see the website for other requirements.