The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit destination for science lovers, future explorers, and anyone fascinated by what lies beyond our planet. Packed with incredible attractions, fascinating historical exhibits, and thrilling experiences, it offers a truly out-of-this-world day out.
Surprisingly, many visitors don’t realise just how much there is to see and do, or where to even begin. That’s why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide for a one-day or two-day visit to Kennedy Space Center that takes you on a journey through the past, present, and future of space travel. Whether you're a first-timer or a return visitor, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your day.
Getting to Kennedy Space Center from Orlando
A visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is easily doable as a day trip from the Orlando area. Whether you're based in Kissimmee, International Drive, or staying at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, the drive to the Space Coast takes around 50 to 70 minutes. Here's a quick guide on when to leave so you arrive in time for the 9:00 AM opening:
- From Kissimmee: 70–80 minutes — Leave by 7:30 AM
- From International Drive: 60–70 minutes — Leave by 7:45 AM
- From Walt Disney World Resort Hotels: 70 minutes — Leave by 7:30 AM
- From Universal Orlando Resort Hotels: 60 minutes — Leave by 7:45 AM
Hiring a car is the most convenient option and gives you full control over your schedule, though several tour companies also offer round-trip shuttle services. Be sure to check schedules and book in advance if opting for a guided tour. Parking is just $15.00, and is payable on the gate.
1-Day Itinerary at Kennedy Space Center
9:00 AM – Arrival & Rocket Garden
Start your space adventure by walking through the Rocket Garden, where towering, historic rockets from NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programmes surround you. It's a great photo opportunity and the perfect place to begin your journey through the history of human spaceflight.
9:20 AM – Bus Tour to Saturn V Center
Hop aboard the complimentary Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which takes you behind the gates of NASA’s working facilities to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Here, you’ll:
- Witness a powerful recreation of the Apollo launch in the Firing Room
- Stand beneath the real Saturn V rocket, the largest ever flown
- Touch an actual moon rock
- Watch the Lunar Theatre presentation, bringing the Apollo missions to life
After exploring, take the bus back to the main complex.
11:15 AM – Space Shuttle Atlantis & Shuttle Launch Experience
Gaze in awe at the Space Shuttle Atlantis, suspended in mid-air with its payload doors open. Learn about its 33 missions to space, including transporting parts of the International Space Station.
Then, climb aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience, a thrilling simulator ride that replicates the feeling of blasting off into orbit!
Don’t miss the Forever Remembered exhibit, a moving tribute to the astronauts lost during the Challenger and Columbia missions.
12:30 PM – Lunch Break
Refuel with a tasty meal at one of Kennedy Space Center’s restaurants, such as Orbit Café or Moon Rock Café. There are plenty of kid-friendly options, along with some hearty meals for grown-ups in need of rocket fuel.
1:15 PM – Journey to Mars
Explore the red planet in the Journey to Mars exhibit. Check out full-scale models of Mars rovers, learn how NASA plans to send humans to Mars, and interact with hands-on displays showing what life on the red planet might be like.
1:45 PM – Planet Play or IMAX Theatre
If you’ve got younger kids (aged 2–12), head to Planet Play, a multi-level, space-themed play zone with slides, interactive walls, and educational games, all infused with STEM learning.
For older kids and adults, unwind at the IMAX Theatre and watch a spectacular film on the universe, space missions, or Earth from orbit (films typically run around 40 minutes). Titles rotate, so check the schedule on arrival!
3:30 PM – Heroes & Legends / Astronaut Hall of Fame
Walk among legends in the Astronaut Hall of Fame, where you’ll learn about the brave men and women who’ve ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Through interactive exhibits and memorabilia, this area honours the innovative pioneers who made space travel possible.
4:35 PM – Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex
End your day at Gateway, a future-focused exhibit showcasing the cutting edge of space exploration.
- See actual spacecraft, including SpaceX Dragon and Boeing CST-100 Starliner
- Board one of four immersive ride simulators, including Mars and Explore Deep Space
4:50 PM – Final Stop: Gift Shop
Wrap up your intergalactic adventure by browsing the official NASA gift shop. Pick up a souvenir patch, astronaut ice cream, a space shuttle toy, or even a NASA T-shirt, because let’s face it, we all secretly want to be Sheldon Cooper.
Summary
- Rocket Garden
- Saturn V Center
- Firing room
- Saturn V rocket
- Moon sample
- Lunar Theatre show
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
- Forever Remembered
- Shuttle Launch Experience
- Journey to Mars
- Planet Play
- IMAX
- Heroes and Legends
- Gateway
2-Day Kennedy Space Center Itinerary
Think one day is enough to conquer the cosmos? Think again! A 2-day visit to Kennedy Space Center gives you time to fully immerse yourself in the incredible stories, jaw-dropping exhibits, and hands-on fun that make this place out of this world (literally).
With no need to rush from rocket to rover, this extended itinerary is ideal for space lovers who want to experience every launch, lab, and lunar module at their own pace, and maybe even sneak in a second ride or snack break!
Day One (2-Day Kennedy Space Center Itinerary)
9:00 AM – Welcome to Space Central
Step through the gates and head straight into the Rocket Garden, where real rockets tower overhead like sci-fi skyscrapers. These aren’t replicas, they’re the real deal, once launched out of Earth’s atmosphere and now enjoying their retirement the way we all dream of, relaxing peacefully in the Florida sun.
10:00 AM – Explore Tour (VAB & Launch Sites)
Hop on the KSC Explore Tour for VIP-level access to NASA's behind-the-scenes secrets. You'll cruise past the legendary Vehicle Assembly Building, a cavernous giant where rockets are prepped for take-off. Then climb the LC-39 Observation Gantry for panoramic launch pad views, and venture to the Launch Pad Viewing Area where history (and a whole lot of flames) blasted into the sky.
The Explore Tour is an optional extra cost, $25 per adult and $19 per child (+ tax). Make sure to be lenient with the timing of this tour, as it can take longer than expected!
11:30 AM – Apollo/Saturn V Center
Brace yourself, the Saturn V rocket is longer than a football field and just as jaw-dropping. See where astronauts launched to the moon, touch an authentic lunar rock, and relive the tension of a 1960s moon launch in the Firing Room experience. This is NASA nostalgia at its finest.
1:30 PM – Atlantis & Launch Simulation
Meet Space Shuttle Atlantis, floating mid-air in all her glory, as though she just landed from orbit. Learn about her incredible 33 missions and the astronauts who called her home. Then strap in and count down for the Shuttle Launch Experience, a wild, jostling ride that mimics the thunderous climb to orbit (minus the G-forces and space suits).
3:00 PM – Mars Mission Briefing
Over at Journey to Mars, explore high-tech rovers and discover why this rusty red rock might just be humanity’s next big move. It’s hands-on, eye-opening, and full of cool tech that feels straight out of The Martian.
3:45 PM – Planet Play & IMAX Chill-Out
If you’ve got curious kids, Planet Play is where they can bounce, build, and climb their way through interactive exhibits, tunnels, and slides. It’s educational, but they won’t even notice. Prefer something more cinematic? Catch a screening at the IMAX Theatre, where Earth and space come to life on a screen bigger than your living room wall.
Day Two (2-Day Kennedy Space Center Itinerary)
9:00 AM – Launch into the Future at Gateway
Begin your second day in the sleek, glowing world of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. It’s like stepping into a futuristic spaceport, complete with actual spacecraft like the SpaceX Dragon, Orion Crew Vehicle, and Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule. Best of all? Pick one of four simulated space rides; we chose the Blue Origin flight, and let’s just say... experiencing zero gravity is not for the weak.
10:30 AM – Astronaut Encounter
If the stars align (pun intended), catch a live Q&A with a real astronaut at the Astronaut Encounter. Hear incredible true stories from people who’ve lived your sci-fi dreams, floating in zero gravity, gazing at Earth from space, and using a space toilet (always a crowd-pleaser with the kids).
If you’re looking for an extra exclusive discussion with these outer-space experts, reserve a space on the Chat with an Astronaut experience. Sit in a room with the Astronaut of the Day, who will sit down in a casual, small setting to answer your most pressing questions. This costs $50 per adult and $35 per child.
11:30 AM – Hyperdeck VR: Strap In
Think you’ve done VR? Not like this. Hyperdeck launches you into a full-body virtual space mission with moving floors, wind effects, and action-packed scenarios. You’ll dodge asteroids, battle bots, and get your pulse racing, all in the name of science.
12:15 PM – Space Swag & Snack Break
Before your final explorations, grab lunch and hit the Space Shop, one of the largest NASA stores in the world. You’ll find mission patches, mini rockets, astronaut ice cream, and enough NASA gear to outfit your whole crew.
1:30 PM – Heroes & Legends + Astronaut Hall of Fame
End your mission with a walk through Heroes and Legends, where immersive exhibits and dramatic storytelling honour those who’ve risked it all for discovery. Step into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, where each space suit tells a unique story of bravery, science, and sheer human grit. It’s emotional, inspiring, and the perfect way to reflect on the cosmic achievements you've just spent two days exploring.
Summary Day 1/2
- Rocket Garden
- Explore Tour
- Vehicle Assembly Building
- Launch Pad Viewing area
- Saturn V Center
- Firing room
- Saturn V rocket
- Moon sample
- Lunar Theatre show
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
- Forever Remembered
- Shuttle Launch Experience
- Journey to Mars
- Planet Play
- IMAX
Summary Day 2/2
- Gateway
- Astronaut Encounter
- Chat with an Astronaut (optional extra)
- Gift shop
- Hyperdeck VR
- Heroes and Legends & Astronaut Hall of Fame
With these one-day or two-day Kennedy Space Center itineraries, you’ll go beyond rockets and space shuttles and discover the people, technology, and wild dreams that made space travel a reality. Whether you're 6 or 60, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has a way of making you believe that reaching for the stars isn’t just for astronauts, it’s for all of us.
