If you're bringing your family to Orlando you will no doubt visit Disney World and the other theme parks in the area, but why limit yourself to theme parks, when you can also visit the fascinating and educative Kennedy Space Center located at historic Cape Canaveral? Here is a brief guide to some of the attractions currently on offer at the Kennedy Space Center.
Meet an Astronaut
The center has arranged for various astronauts to meet visitors and talk about their missions in space. Astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programs are scheduled to take part throughout the year.
Simulated Shuttle Launch
If you want to get an idea of what an astronaut feels during liftoff, then the Space Center's launch simulator is the best way to do it. The room vibrates and roars and when the engines shutdown participants get to view the earth, as astronauts see it when they reach their orbit.
Early Space History
This is a walk through exhibit showing the background of today's space program. One of the highlights is the actual control panel which was used to guide the astronauts of the Mercury and Gemini space programs. Mercury and Gemini capsules are also on display.
Viking Mars Mission
In 1976 a U.S. unmanned craft landed on Mars and took the first pictures of the red planet's surface. This exhibit takes you on that journey and visitors also can see and touch a piece of Mars as well (in the form of meteorite that fell to earth many years ago).
IMAX 3D Theater
With the help of giant screens, five stories high, you are taken on an awesome journey into space. The films contain dramatic footage taken by astronauts during their space missions and you get a feeling that you are right there with them.
Saturn 5 Center
The Saturn 5 was the huge rocket that took astronauts to the moon and back in the early 1970s. Featuring an actual 363-foot, 6.2 million pound Saturn V moon rocket, this exhibit takes you on a trip to the moon with a recreation of the first Apollo mission to the moon. There is also a hands-on exhibit.
LC 39 Observation Gantry
This is a 60 foot tower which will give you a great view of the space shuttle launch pads. There is also an on-the-ground exhibition which includes films of the Shuttle program, showing the actual process used to launch a Shuttle into space.
Space Center Guided Tour
This is a bus ride all around the Kennedy Space Center. It stops at the important places and the bus tours depart each day (except Christmas Day and certain launch days) beginning at 9:30 a.m., and leave continuously throughout the day, with the last bus leaving approximately four hours before closing.
The Space Shop
Are you fascinated by space memorabilia? Then this is the place for you. The Center's gift shop has more than 8,000 space-related items that make perfect souvenirs or additions to your serious space collection.
This is only just a small part of what you can see at the Kennedy Space Center, so if you want to treat your kids to an out of this world experience be sure to add it to your list of "must-see" places when you make your next Florida Vacation.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- The Kennedy Space Center: A Must-See Destination For Orlando Visitors
- Visit The Kennedy Space Center During Your Orlando Vacation
- Kennedy Space Center a "Must-See" Location in Central Florida
- Attractions at Cape Kennedy Space Center
- Top 10 Orlando Day Trips
- Wildlife And Outer Space In Orlando
- Planning Your Orlando Vacation
- Go Orlando Cards – the New Definition of Fun




1000s of Venues in London
By: Mandy Chagger | 06/07/2009Once an online search yields a handful of finalists, an event organiser should head to potential venues for firsthand visits. Each visit should follow the same script with questions asked to every venue operator in equal measure. Event organisers should look at the responsiveness of staff, the quality of meeting spaces and the premium services offered by the venue operator.
Service your boat engine
By: Simon White | 06/07/2009Regular engine servicing is essential for all boat owners, and winter is the ideal time to prepare your boat for summer 2009. You should check regularly throughout the season for collected water. It will be clearly visible and will require occasional draining.
The Advantages of an Orlando Vacation Villa for your Golf Trip
By: Mark Whichard | 04/07/2009If you are planning a golf trip to Florida an Orlando vacation villa can offer you several advantages over a hotel room. However, before discussing these
Choosing a New Luggage Set
By: Caitlina Fuller | 04/07/2009If you have scheduled a trip and recently pulled out your luggage and found that it is not in traveling shape you need to get yourself a new luggage set! If you start shopping around you may be shocked to see just how many different luggage sets are on the market.
USA Ambulance Services
By: baji | 04/07/2009This has been a challenging target for Ambulance Trusts, but one that is important in improving the care provided to patients, as faster response times can save lives. These targets are tougher but we make no apologies for that. The air transport system provides the critical link between local health care facilities and regional referral centers.
India Tours- Explore the Wonders of India in a Delightful Way
By: mahi | 04/07/2009India the dynamic land with rich culture, warm hospitality and appealing attractions is the most traveled tourist destination of the world. It is endowed with myriad tourist attractions, rich flora and fauna, natural beauty, magnificent timeless monuments and lot more fascinating attractions. This beautiful country never fails to grab the attention of tourists with its magnetizing beauty.
Ample Choice of Hotels in Blackpool UK
By: Beth Howard | 04/07/2009Most people wish to get away from the mundane routine of everyday life and the unending tensions at home and at work so that they can soothe their pulsating nerves. Hotels in Blackpool UK provide a welcome relief to such people who wish to temporarily move to the quiet surroundings of the Promenade facing the sea and the sandy beaches so that they can rejuvenate their sagging spirits. The hotels in Blackpool offer modern accommodation with panoramic sea views and being situated right on the sea
San Miguel de Allende Images Have Their Own Special Qualities
By: Jared Pace | 03/07/2009Did you know the sky doesnt just seem bluer in San Miguel de Allende Mx but it actually is bluer and it is due to the altitude and the latitude, this is why San Miguel de Allende images are so outstounding.Have you ever been to a destination closer to the equator like San Miguel de Allende, Gto, Mexico and bought something in those terrifically charged colored of hot pinks like the famous Bugambilia blossoms…then you get home and all excited unpack and the color goes kind...
Cypress Pointe: An Exclusive Orlando Vacation Home Community
By: Mark Whichard | 09/12/2008 | TravelIf you want luxurious vacation accommodations near all of Orlando's many tourist attractions, then a rental home in the Cypress Pointe Orlando community may be just what you are looking for. Cypress Pointe Orlando is a gated community of just 69 elegant and unique homes. Cypress Pointe Vacation Homes offers 4,...
Glenbrook Resort: A Prime Location For Orlando Vacation Rentals
By: Mark Whichard | 09/12/2008 | TravelIf you are taking your whole family for a vacation in Orlando and Disney World then you would probably like spacious and comfortable accommodations, in a convenient location and at a great price. The vacation rental homes at the Glenbrook Resort, located 7.5 miles from the gates of Disney World,...
Windsor Hills: An Orlando Resort Community at the Gate of Disney World
By: Mark Whichard | 09/12/2008 | TravelDuring the past ten years there has been a surge of interest in vacation home rentals in the Orlando area and especially in the area right next to Disney World. A combination of reasonable prices and maximum amenities is the reason why many vacationers have forsaken hotel accommodations in favor...
Orlando Vacation Villas: A Classy But Economical Way to Enjoy a Disney Vacation
By: Mark Whichard | 02/11/2008 | TravelIt's rare when you can combine both economy and luxury, but when it comes to vacation accommodations in Orlando, Florida it is indeed possible. The secret of getting luxurious accommodations at a bargain price is to rent an Orlando vacation villa instead of staying in a hotel. In case you...
Orlando Vacation Condos: The Most Economical Accommodations You Can Get
By: Mark Whichard | 02/11/2008 | TravelRising costs and a weakening economy may get you wondering how on earth you can enjoy a planned vacation at Disney World. There is no reason to cancel your plans because accommodations in the Orlando area are probably much cheaper than you have imagined. The secret to getting the most...
Orlando Vacation Condos: The Perfect Accommodations Choice For a Disney World Vacation
By: Mark Whichard | 02/11/2008 | TravelA vacation in Disney World in Orlando, Florida is surely something to look forward to, but a successful vacation also requires some preparation especially when it comes to choosing accommodations. In case you are still deciding on where to stay when you visit the Orlando area, let me explain some...
Orlando Vacation Homes: Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Disney Vacation
By: Mark Whichard | 02/11/2008 | TravelIf you are traveling with a large group or a big family and want to enjoy luxurious accommodations at the best possible price, then the best way to do it is by renting one of the many Orlando vacation homes located near Disney World. During the past ten years there has...
Disney Holiday Homes: Comfort, Convenience and Economy All in One!
By: Mark Whichard | 24/09/2008 | TravelIf you are going to make Orlando your next holiday or vacation destination then you are practically guaranteed to have the time of your life. Orlando, with Disney World and countless other attractions, provides enough entertainment to keep your busy for not just one but several vacations or holidays. However,...