Take Off to Kennedy Space Center

If you’re vacationing in Orlando and have a vehicle available, take a day trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Right next to NASA’s fully operational launch facility, the visitor complex provides a complete picture of man’s attempts to conquer the last frontier. With everything from interactive hands-on exhibits to Imax® space films, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-see for any family vacation.

Start your exploration off right with the NASA Up-Close bus tour. During the tour you’ll enjoy seeing the space shuttle launch pad from a close vantage point. Make sure you sign up early, though, because this tour sells out daily. Next, you might want to put on your moon boots and watch an incredible Imax® space film on a five-story screen with 3D special effects. You’ll feel like you’re floating through space as you watch fantastic footage shot by NASA astronauts.

There are several more attractions that you won’t want to miss. Buckle up and start counting down for the new Shuttle Launch Experience simulator, on which you’ll feel what it’s like to get launched into orbit. At the Astronaut Encounter you get to be one of the few to experience the unique opportunity of meeting a NASA astronaut. And when you get the chance, take time to visit the Astronaut Memorial, dedicated to the fallen heroes of space exploration. Then at the spectacular Rocket Garden, you can see an amazing display of historic rockets standing tall, and you’ll get to climb into the tight quarters of an Apollo capsule.

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^® is a real highlight of the facility. Here you can peruse a variety of displays and exhibits showing off rare astronaut memorabilia and artifacts. Experience the sensation of walking on the moon or feel four times the force of gravity in the G-Force Trainer. You’ll also get to experience what its like to take a rocky ride on a rover across Mars. The Hall of Heroes is a tribute to those astronauts inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.