A tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is one of the most unique travel experiences in America.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Something about the endless possibilities of our Universe, and the fact that it pushes us to the edge of our capabilities as a species, is utterly captivating. Located on Florida’s Merritt Island, the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station are within easy reach of downtown Orlando. Tours from the city’s hotels to the space station are the ideal way to relax and let somebody else take care of the organization so that you can experience it properly. Which leaves us nothing left but to say five (five), four (four), three (three), two (two), one (one)…
Kennedy Space Center Day Trip from Orlando
For a region of the United States that is famed for its larger-than-life family experiences, Kennedy Space Center is one of the most exhilarating, especially if you’re traveling with children and want to visit something other than a theme park. Starting out early (7.30am) with pickup from various central locations in Orlando and Kissimmee, your tour will begin with the chance to see various rockets from different eras of the space race, including a walk beneath the huge Saturn V. You’ll have around seven or eight hours at the Kennedy Space Center before your return transport. From $70 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Orlando Kennedy Space Center Ticket with Bus Transfer
One thing to note about the KSC is that there are a series of additional experiences available, beyond the general admission ticket. This tour, with bus transportation to and from a handful of locations in central Orlando, includes full access to the space center, including the Shuttle Launch Experience where you can feel, first-hand, what the astronauts go through when the shuttle blasts off. Some of the 60 other interactive experiences include the Hubble Telescope exhibit and the Rocket Garden, including two IMAX movies: Hubble 3D IMAX and Space Station 3D. From $159 per person.
Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Tour
Florida is packed with experiences and although the Kennedy Space Center could easily swallow up an entire day, there is some incredible nature near the Kennedy Space Center. Particularly useful to visiting families who don’t have a lot of time, this tour combines the KSC with an airboat ride. First, you’ll head over to the NASA site with a full access ticket to experience the Moon landing and Shuttle Launch Experience. Follow this up with a thrilling 30-minute airboat ride on St Johns River, with a chance to spot alligators and fascinating water birds. From $189 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Chat with an Astronaut at Kennedy Space Center
Another unique experience available at the KSC, but one that isn’t included in the basic or full access tickets, is the chance to chat with a retired astronaut. During a 45-minute group meeting on this tour option, you’ll be able to ask a veteran member of NASA’s astronaut team what being in space is really like, and any other pressing questions you may have. This tour also includes hotel pick up and drop off at selected hotels, making it the perfect door to door tour. From $209 per person.
Kennedy Space Center Small Group VIP Experience
If your hotel is on Orlando International Drive, or in the Universal, Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee or Disney environs, then you can get hotel pick up as part of this transport and KSC entry ticket tour. Get a 3D immersive moon walk experience at the IMAX theater, leave plenty of time for Space Shuttle Atlantis’ 60 different exhibits, and then learn all about the ingenious engineering used to construct the shuttles and the International Space Station. Like the other tours, you’ll have the chance on arrival to explore at your leisure. From $219 per person.