Holiday Information and Tips

Please expect heavier traffic and longer lines as attendance will be high. We encourage you to purchase your tickets before your visit, especially for any special tours or experiences like the KSC Explore Tour or Chat With An Astronaut, as those experiences sell out in advance.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM from December 12 – 30, 2025, closed on Christmas Day and open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM December 31, 2025 – January 4, 2026.

Parking opens daily at 8:30 AM, 3o minutes before the visitor complex. Parking rates are as follows:

• Motorcycles: $5.00
• Automobiles: $15.00
• Oversized vehicles, motor homes, or RVs: $20.00

During the holidays, upgrade to VIP Preferred Parking. Skip the line and park near the main entrance. With a limited number of spots, arriving and leaving is easier than ever.

Yes, it is encouraged to purchase your admission tickets to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ahead of time, especially if you plan on visiting December 20 – 30. Upon arrival, go directly to the turnstiles with your ticket (with a barcode on it), either printed, in our guest app, or on display on your mobile device.

Yes, it is possible that capacity may be reached during the holiday week. We will post any operational updates on our website and through our app, so please check it throughout the day.

Those with a dated ticket will still be able to visit on the date printed on their ticket, even if the visitor complex reaches capacity for that day.

The visitor complex is protected as a federal government facility. You will go through a security screening before entering the complex. Be sure you do not have any forgotten glass juice bottles, pocket knives or pepper spray in your bags or pockets. Learn about all prohibited items here, and be sure to leave them at home.

Yes, accessible equipment, including electric scooters, wheelchairs, strollers, and double strollers, is available to rent at the information building. Limited rental equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guarantee your equipment early by renting it in advance online.

Accessible equipment rental rates are:

• $30 Electric Scooter Rental, limited quantities available
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to operate
• $10 Wheelchair Rental
• $8 Stroller and $10 Double Stroller Rental

All rental items must be returned to the Information building at the visitor complex’s closing. Please note that when renting an ECV, guests must sign a rental agreement. The agreement includes contact information and the acknowledgement that the renter understands how to operate the vehicle. These are equipped with a chair for one person only, and young children may not operate the vehicle. Please note that prices do not include tax.

Information, located at the main entrance, assists with holding and locating lost and found items. You can also use this form if you are no longer on site.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has transitioned to a cashless operation. Cash will no longer be accepted at the registers throughout the visitor complex, but should you arrive with only cash, we have made it easy to convert it to a usable Mastercard on site.

We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and Diners Club credit cards and most debit cards, as well as Apple Pay. This now includes the Mastercard prepaid debit card obtained when you convert your cash to a card.

Learn More

Most of the visitor complex attractions and exhibits are included with admission. Don’t miss:

• Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex® featuring Spaceport KSC®
• Space Shuttle Atlantis® and the Shuttle Launch Experience®
• Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, including the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the all-new The Gantry at LC-39
• Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®
• Astronaut Encounter
• Planet Play®
• Rocket Garden guided tours
• Journey To Mars
• Space films inside the IMAX® theater
• Character appearances
• Other scheduled presentations and films, and simulators

Visit Explore Attractions on our website to help plan your day, including the suggested length of time needed at each attraction.

Yes. Holidays in Space is part of your admission ticket at no extra charge. Please visit the Holidays in Space event page for more information about the all-new drone show.

The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour runs regularly throughout the day, beginning at 9:30 AM and stops at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the all-new The Gantry at LC-39. Allow three (3) hours to explore on your own and to catch the bus back.

Bus tours end at 4:30 PM from December 21-30, 2025. Please note that bus tour routes and stops may change at any given time due to operational requirements on Kennedy Space Center.

Learn More

During the holidays, you can anticipate longer lines at the visitor complex. We move the lines along as quickly as capacities allow. Many of the attractions have pre-shows on a fixed schedule that allow many to enter at a time.

The length of the lines varies throughout the day. For example, Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour traditionally has longer lines in the morning, while Atlantis, which is adjacent to the Bus Tour loading, may have shorter wait times then.

Yes, recent attractions Hyperdeck VR and Blue Origin’s New Shepard simulator, and Spaceport KSC use QR code reservations to secure your spot. Availability is limited daily. Reserve your mission when you first arrive. If you miss your reservation, there may not be another time slot available.

There are multiple on-site dining options to choose from.

• Orbit Cafe offers freshly selected salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, desserts, and more. Mobile ordering is available at this location.
• Space Bowl Bistro inside Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, offers refreshing acai bowls and savory bowls.
• From December 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026, enjoy lunch at the BBQ Station.
• Red Rock Grill, Starbucks, Milky Way, and Space Dots are also available on site, as well as food trucks.
• At the Apollo/Saturn V Center, various sandwiches and grab-and-go meals are available for purchase at Moon Rock Cafe. Indoor and Outdoor seating are available.
  

  ---

Fewer Decisions, More Exploring with the Holiday Dining Package

Make planning your day a little easier with the Holiday Dining Package! Bundled for ease and savings, this dining package includes a meal, a refillable souvenir cup, a snack, and a serving of Space Dots. Available for pre-purchase on select dates.

BUY PACKAGE

You are welcome to bring your lunch and snacks to the visitor complex. Please remember to bring your items in soft-sided coolers only. Glass containers and alcohol are not permitted.