How to Spend 1 Full Day with Kids Under 10 at Kennedy Space Center

FEATURING THE U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

A full day at the visitor complex means you will cover most of NASA’s past, present, and future. So, start at the beginning with Heroes and Legends. Young explorers will be inspired, hearing first-hand tales from the heroes who dared to launch first. The whole family will gain an appreciation of where it all began.

A large portion of your day will be spent on the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, but it is well worth the time. This guided tour shows you around NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and makes two stops: the all-new The Gantry at LC-39 and the legendary Apollo/Saturn V Center. Explore each location on your own time but make sure you budget about 4 hours round trip. Parents will want to know that food and restrooms are available at both stops.

NOTE: The bus tour ends earlier than other attractions. Check the daily schedule upon arrival to make sure you don’t miss out.

For families, Planet Play is a must-do! Designed for children aged 2 to 12, this vibrant play area is filled with thrilling, space-themed activities like climbing wormholes and gliding through asteroid fields. Parents, you can relax in the cozy second-floor lounge, sipping on their favorite drinks while keeping a watchful eye on the little explorers.

No trip to Kennedy Space Center is complete without visiting the real Atlantis space shuttle orbiter. Stand nose-to-nose with this icon and try your hand at more than 60 interactive simulators. Plus, we know kids like to ask how astronauts use the bathroom in space. Find the answer inside.

TIP: Take the slide down to the first floor. Yes, adults can too. Not only is it an adrenaline rush, but it’s related to the shuttles’ return to Earth.

Get excited for what’s next in space exploration at Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex! Here, get up close to spacecraft that has traveled beyond our planet, and see futuristic technology designed for the next steps in deep space missions.

• Children 2 and younger are free at the visitor complex, and children ages 3-11 are eligible for a Child admission ticket.
• You are welcome to bring the snacks and beverages your kids need for the day.
• Double-wide strollers may be rented upon arrival.
• Large strollers are not permitted on the buses, but you can borrow a visitor complex stroller at the Apollo/Saturn V Center once you arrive.
• Nursing rooms can be found inside Space Shuttle Atlantis near the elevator on the top floor, and inside Planet Play near the lounge.
• Quiet rooms can be found inside Space Shuttle Atlantis, The Gantry at LC-39 and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Ask a crewmember if you would like to use the room.
• If you are traveling with family members who have sensory sensitivities, you may find our Sensory Guide helpful when you are planning your visit.