Since I moved from the Netherlands to the United States, my friends have visited me multiple times. Each time we pick a new experience, preferably in a different state, to make our reunion even more memorable.
This time the US Travel Dad met them in Florida, and one of our adventures was to spend a day at NASA's Kennedy Space Center located between Miami and Jacksonville, a little east of Orlando, on Merritt Island / Cape Canaveral along the Atlantic coast.
We all remembered the launch of the Space Shuttles on television news, and more recently the self steering and returning rockets of Space X. Time to see it all in real live, and time for me to share some of the highlights with you!
Apollo / Saturn V, Skylab, Space Shuttle, and Space X
Just to make sure you feel the significance of this place when you visit it on your next US Roadtrip; Rockets have been launched into space from Kennedy Space Center since 1968, that is for over 60 years. All the famous space projects were launched here: the Apollo / Saturn V Lunar Landing Program, Skylab, all 135 Space Shuttle launches, and now Space X. In total there have been over 3,000 launches from this space center, and there still are 3 active launch patches.
4 Must-See Highlights at the Kennedy Space Center
1. Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit:
I cannot find another word than 'spectacular'. To see the real Space Shuttle Atlantis at full scale. The same shuttle that did many space missions. It is by far the biggest exhibit in the center's world of the Space Shuttle program. This iconic spacecraft has traveled over 125 million miles in space, and now it rests in all its glory. You will also find interactive displays, immersive simulations, and an emotional tribute to the men and women who made these missions possible.
2. Saturn V Moon Rocket:
If you thought the Space Shuttle was big... the Saturn V Moon Rocket is colossal! With 363 feet/111 meters, it is the largest rocket that was ever launched. A tribute and reminder of the Apollo program's achievements, including the "One Giant Leap For Mankind" historic Apollo 11 moon landing. A total of 13 Saturn V rockets were launched between 1967 and 1972. Other exhibits alongside the rocket highlight its assembly and the more than 400,000 people who helped build the massive machine. This rocket is an engineering marvel and as impressive and mystical as anything that is related to space and landing on the moon.
3. Apollo 8 Firing Room Theater:
Our next stop was the Apollo 8 Firing Room Theater. It is a life size and authentic recreation of the room where the launch of the Apollo 8, back in 1968, was controlled and managed. It is a show with light, sound, pictures, vibrating chairs, a truly immersive experience that pretty good conveys the tension and excitement of the pivotal moments leading up to the launch of the first crewed mission to orbit the moon. We were genuinely impressed with how they recreated this piece of history.
4. Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour:
To round off our visit, we paid the extra $25 ($19 for kids) to tour the full Kennedy Space Center complex by bus; the KSC Explore Tour. This tour brings you to the operational areas, including the launch pads, the vehicle assembly building, and the Launch Control Center. Along the way, the tour guide informs you about all the sights, the science behind rocket launches, and the current missions being undertaken.
Tips and Links to Plan Your Visit
We planned and spend one day, arriving in the morning and leaving before dinner time. I can safely say you need that time. While we were with adults only, this place will be heaven for kids as well.
Where you best can stay depends of course on your roadtrip plans, but Orlando is a good base if you like the bigger city, travel by air, or plan to add Disney to the mix. Cocoa Beach was our choice. The beach, the Atlantic Ocean for a swim in the morning, a visit to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Florida is hot and humid. Especially when you do the tour, make sure to bring water.
A few useful links:
Visit the Kennedy Space Center website for general info
And to book your tickets
Check out Cocoa Beach as a possible base camp for your trip
Or Orlando if you prefer the bigger city
For a deep dive into Space History, visit the NASA website
Enjoy your trip!
