Things to Do at Kennedy Space Center

Make sure to reserve a shuttle bus to the Apollo/Saturn V complex as soon as you arrive at the Kennedy Space Center. The complex is located several miles from the main visitor complex and the shuttle bus reservations are first-come-first-served, and they book out quickly. Once you arrive at the complex, you can explore the exhibits of the Apollo moon landing missions, walk on a simulated dusty lunar surface, and even touch an actual moon rock. Plan to spend around an hour and a half at the complex, including the drive time.

As you enter the Kennedy Space Center, the Rocket Garden is an exciting must-visit. It showcases models of rockets that NASA has used over the years, and you can't help but marvel at their size. The highlight is the Saturn, which sent astronauts to the moon during the Apollo program in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Walk around the garden and witness the history of space exploration through these magnificent models.

Adjacent to the Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center, you will find the Heroes and Legends exhibit and the Astronauts Hall of Fame in the same building. The exhibit offers an interactive and multimedia presentation that highlights the early NASA manned space efforts, followed by the Hall of Fame that showcases the profiles and achievements of prominent American astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle missions. You can also explore a replica of the original Mercury program Mission Control center, which may seem outdated compared to modern control centers, but it is a fascinating look at the beginnings of space exploration over 60 years ago.

The Journey To Mars exhibit is a must-see for space enthusiasts. With a multi-media presentation on the missions to the Red planet, this exhibit is timely and informative. Visitors can see mock-ups of the Mars rovers and a prototype model of what a future manned rover may look like. The exhibit also features interactive games and simulators where you can test your skills to become a Mars explorer. It's a great opportunity to learn about the current and future missions to Mars at the Kennedy Space Center.

If you're looking for things to do at Kennedy Space Center, the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is a must-see. Start at the entrance with a full-scale model of the rocket and external fuel tank that launched shuttles into space. Inside, watch a giant screen video about the shuttle program, including the sonic booms it made on landing. Then, the doors open to an exhibit room that holds the actual retired Atlantis shuttle. Kids can even sit in a mock-up of an actual Space Shuttle cockpit for a photo op. There are also interactive games and Planet Play, a high-tech arcade with space-themed video games.

If you want to experience a simulated shuttle launch, the Shuttle Launch Experience is a must-try thing to do at Kennedy Space Center. It's a thrilling ride that simulates an actual lift-off, complete with shaking and g-forces that astronauts experience during a launch. You'll feel like you're really taking off into space. However, if you're prone to motion sickness, the simulator warns you to be cautious. Nonetheless, the experience is enjoyable, providing some shaking and baking for everyone.

At the Kennedy Space Center, kids can get their photos taken with an astronaut in a spacesuit, which is a fun and memorable experience. The astronaut is available every hour for photos at the entrance of the Space Shop. The official gift shop of the complex, the Space Shop offers a variety of items, such as t-shirts, jackets, models of rockets and shuttles, and coffee mugs. With two floors, the shop has plenty of choices for people of all ages, and it's best to make it your last stop of the day to avoid carrying packages around all day.

One of the must-visit places in the Kennedy Space Center is the IMAX theater. The theater features 3D movies on a giant screen, making the viewing experience more immersive. The main IMAX movie is rotated periodically. During a recent visit, the featured movie was "Asteroid Hunters," which runs for approximately 40 minutes and boasts a remarkable surround sound system. Additionally, there is a permanent film called "Journey to Space," which is also shown in the IMAX theater.

Among the many activities to do at Kennedy Space Center, take a moment to visit the Space Mirror Memorial. The memorial is a tall mirror that displays the names of all NASA astronauts who have lost their lives during mission-related accidents. The memorial includes brass plaques engraved with the images and names of the deceased astronaut crews. It's a solemn place that pays tribute to the bravery of the fallen astronauts, including those who were involved in the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia accidents and the Apollo 1 launchpad fire.

At Kennedy Space Center, there's a must-visit attraction for space enthusiasts - the Universe Theater by Northrop Grumman. This immersive experience takes you on a journey through the history of the universe, showcasing stunning 3D 4K resolution images from the Hubble Space Telescope. You'll also have the chance to meet a veteran astronaut and hear about their first-hand experiences in space. Additionally, the theater has an exhibit for the upcoming NASA James Webb Telescope, which will replace the Hubble. Don't miss out on these incredible things to do at Kennedy Space Center.

When it comes to Kennedy Space Center things to do, you won't go hungry! The complex offers various food options for all tastes. Orbit Cafe is the main cafeteria serving pizza, burgers, and salads. For adults, there's Planet Play Lounge with beer and wine, while The Milky Way offers hand-dipped ice cream. Kids can also enjoy Space Dots with novelty cream and sprinkles. With a range of dining options available, visitors can refuel and keep exploring Kennedy Space Center.

Reframe the content and make it in 70 words please make sure to add my keyword "kennedy space center things to do" in content: The Constellation Plaza is centrally located near the Atlantis exhibit. It features a heavy revolving globe with diagrams of the constellations. The globe floats on water and revolves with the water pressure, which is no more than the pressure you get from a garden hose.

If you're looking for unique Kennedy Space Center things to do, the Astronauts Training Experience is a must-try. This experience offers guests the chance to train, work, and live in a simulation of what the real experience would be like on Mars. The 4-5 hour training sessions include realistic simulations of launching, landing, and walking on Mars, providing an immersive experience that's sure to be unforgettable.

When planning your Kennedy Space Center things to do, don't forget about your furry friend! The complex offers lodging for Fido with free air-conditioned pet kennels located near the parking lot as you enter. It's a great option for visitors traveling with their pets and wanting to ensure their comfort while exploring the space center. With this convenient service, you won't have to worry about leaving your furry friend behind or making arrangements elsewhere..