1 Day Trip at Kennedy Space Center. My itinerary

Only 45 minutes by car from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is the perfect place for an outing to have fun and also learn about history.

As I normally do, I planned a bit ahead, reading about what to see and do, in which order, and I have downloaded the app to have the map on my phone to better and easily navigate the park. There is a lot to see, so I definitely recommend a bit of planning.

It took us around 5 hours to visit this park, but we got lucky as we went off-season, so there was not much queue, and basically zero waiting time. Otherwise, I think it is best to plan for a full day there.

First things first - purchase your ticket online to avoid the line at the entrance. It is a better deal if you buy a 2-day pass, but I do not suggest going for it as I don't think there is enough to see for 2 days. With the C company discount, we paid around 69 dollars for each ticket; the full price is 75 USD, and you can purchase it by clicking here. There are several discounts, so try to find one before paying the full price, either discount codes, company discounts, FL residences, etc.

There are also add-ons for tours, a chat with an astronaut session, and an astronaut training experience.

Now that you have your entrance ticket, remember there is a 10 USD parking fee to add on - and there are no real alternatives, and there is nothing nearby.

Here is the map of the center:

Here is in order what we did see.

I would suggest you to enter and go directly to take the bus to reach the Apollo Saturn V Center. It is the part where we spent more time as there is a bus ride of 20+ minutes back and forth plus the visit to the museum and what you will see here below.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes bus tour to explore launch pads, the colossal Vehicle Assembly Building, and the iconic crawler-transporters (that you might see along the road); plus get a firsthand look at the infrastructure that makes space exploration possible.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

Here is where you'll discover the historical narrative of the United States' venture into space exploration, culminating in the iconic moon landing. This part is the one I liked the most - from here you will access the Lunar Module and Moon Rock, the Apollo 8 Firing Room where you will see the actual consoles used in the 1960’s, and experience a simulation of the Apollo 8 launch, the Journey to Mars and the Lunar Theater.

We then took the bus back to the main complex. The bus will stop exactly outside the Shuttle Bus Atlantis and you definitely can't miss it.

Here, you will go up a ramp, and then there are some activities, exhibits, flight simulators, and the Shuttle Launch Experience. This is an immersive and thrilling simulation ride, and you will actually feel like you have been launched into orbit. It is not for everyone, so if you fear motion sickness, I would recommend skipping it, but you can still watch the experience from the screen. It has been the most thrilling experience that the park has to offer for me.

Next is NASA Now, where you can discover NASA's plans to explore deep space and Mars exploration. In this area, there is also Planet Play, a fully immersive multiple-story indoor play area where children ages 2-12 can climb through a wormhole, and walk on Saturn's rings.

To take a break, you can watch IMAX movies, including Journey to Space and Asteroid Hunters. It is a good break for your legs; you might need it.

The last part to visit is the Rocket Garden, where vintage rockets stand tall, showcasing the evolution of space exploration, and the Heroes and Legends Exhibit, where the stories of America's space heroes come to life. From the early days of Mercury to the modern era of space travel, this exhibit pays tribute to the brave men and women who pushed the boundaries of human achievement.

If you are wondering when and how to see a rocket launch, you will need to plan ahead. You might want to check when the next launch is and plan your visit to the Kennedy Space Center accordingly. Here is where you can see the schedule.

I think a visit at the Kennedy Space Center is a must, and if you have kids, I am sure they will enjoy and they can learn something new. A bit pricey but very worth it!