TRAVEL
AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD FAMILY DAY OUT :
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX
5 . 4 . 3 . 2 . 1 . BLAST OFF ! FOR A FAMILY-FUN ADVENTURE TO SPACE , WHERE YOU CAN BECOME AN ASTRONAUT FOR THE DAY COURTESY OF NASA ’ S VISITOR CENTRE ON MERRITT ISLAND . THE EPICENTRE OF HUMANKIND ’ S GREATEST ADVENTURES , KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX IS YOUR LAUNCH PAD TO EXPERIENCING AND EXPLORING THE NASA STORY . BLENDING EDUCATION WITH EXCITEMENT , IT OFFERS AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR THE VERY LITTLEST ASTRONAUT EXPLORERS TO OLDER ADVENTURERS ALIKE .
The launch site for every human spaceflight from the United States since 1968 , Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a diverse exploration of history , engineering and wonder , and covering some 144,000 acres it ’ s also one of the largest tourist attractions in Florida , so planning your day in advance will ensure that you don ’ t miss the must-sees of this wondrous place .
Like us , aim to arrive early to beat the crowds and utilise every spare second to take in as much as possible . Dressed in his own NASA suit , my littlest sixyear-old astronaut led the way , straight to the Rocket Garden , where towering rockets stand as silent witnesses to humanity ’ s conquest of space . Here , you can take a stroll through history as you marvel at the Mercury , Gemini and Apollo rockets , each with its own tale of space exploration , while some clever climbaboard capsules offer the perfect play downtime to intersperse the educational facts and figures .
Next , hop aboard the bus tour which will take you to the spaceport where you ’ ll see where launches are held , shuttles are tested and astronauts depart for space . Part museum , part STEAM educational journey , you ’ ll find various exhibits , displays and artefacts from space missions , educational learning such as
THE BEST WAY TO GET TO FLORIDA the Lego ® Build To Launch immersive experience , before ending at the Atlantis Space Shuttle . Showcasing the retired orbiter up close , enjoy interactive displays , experience simulated launches and learn about the shuttle ’ s crucial role in space missions .
Want to immerse yourself in the wonders of space in a virtual way ? Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex ’ s IMAX Theater ( sic ) shows breathtaking documentaries that capture the beauty and challenges of space exploration on a giant screen on a rolling daily schedule , providing an educational and visually stunning experience ; Journey To Mars : Launched by United Launch Alliance , offers a virtual reality thrill ride available with four different levels of intensity ; and then ‘ go for launch ’ and experience the sights , sounds and g-force , gravity defying sensations of blasting off into space with the Shuttle Launch Experience ® - which all proved to be trip highlights !
For a true once-in-a-lifetime experience you must sign up for the Astronaut Encounter ! Housed in a specially designated function room , you ’ ll get to meet a real life veteran astronaut who will share their experiences through a hosted Q & A . It was a real wonder moment for our mini astronaut to meet engineer , Wendy B Lawrence , who had taken part in five space missions
including missions to Mir and the International Space Station ( ISS ); it was a privilege to listen to her experience and to see each of my children having the opportunity to ask the most pressing questions from “ how did she overcome being one of so few women in space ?” - “ I was in the Navy first and this was never really an issue for me ”. To “ where do you pee ?” ( They wear giant nappies for takeoff / landing before hitting zero gravity and the ability to use the space shuttle ’ s adapted facilities if you must know - thanks Jaxon !).
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ( sic ) brings to life the epic story of the US space programme , offering a full day or more of fun , inspiration , and educational activities .
Single-day admission is $ 75 per adult /$ 65 per child plus tax , and the two-day ticket is $ 89 per adult /$ 79 per child . Astronaut Encounters and Training Experiences are available for an additional cost .
Located just 45 minutes from Orlando , Florida , Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ( sic ) is open daily at 9am , with closing times varying by season .
www . kennedyspacecenter . com
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