Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

I've lived in Central Florida for almost 20 years but I haven't been back to the Space Center in years. My family used to take me a lot as a kid and I remember how much I used to enjoy the family outings out to the Cape. Some family friends were back in town and we decided to do a two-family trip to KSC. As I said, it had been years for the adults and we thought the kids would love a trip out there. We met at the Space Center and were pleased with the free parking but fairly horrified at the cost. $38 per adult and $28 per child does not make for an inexpensive day out -- especially when you count the fact our children were 6, 4, 3 and 16 months (thankfully, he was free). Now, before you jump all over me about the cost... I remember when the KSC was really, really inexpensive (think... almost free)... and that isn't counting any sort of guided tour (which is a ridiculous $21 extra per adult). I wouldn't have that much issue with the cost (as I do go to Disney often)... but there really wasn't anything to do there (especially for the kids). The shuttle mock up was pretty cool, as was the Rocket Garden. The Robots Scouter exhibit was lame (I remember it being lame the last time I went there... it has not improved) and had the kids antsy to get the heck out of there. We, apparently, were not the only ones as many families were walking past us just to get out of the show. The play area for the children was nice, but nothing better than you can find at any of the local parks (for free). The "Early Space" exhibit was nice, but it's essentially a museum. Great for adults interested in cool facts, boring for kids. The Mad Mission to Mars was closed. We saw an Imax show (which had technical difficulties at the beginning) and it was really cool with the exception that it is the same show (building the space station) that's been there for a decade. We couldn't find the Apollo exhibit that used to be there -- it's still on the KSC website but is not featured on the map... neither is the elevated platform that gives great views of the shuttle launching pad. We would have liked to have gone on the Shuttle Launch Experience, but they don't have a "Parent Swap" policy (that allows one parent to ride while the other watches the children, then allows them to switch places without having to wait in line again)... so only one person got to go on. She said it was pretty good -- there is a 48" height requirement, though, so most children will not be able to ride. All in all, the Space Center is pretty neat for adults but it's still expensive at $38. I don't really feel there is $38 worth of interest here, honestly, especially considering that quite a few exhibits are old and outdated. However, I do feel charging $28 for children as young as three is nothing short of highway robbery. There was nothing for our three youngest to do except the play area, which can be found for free elsewhere. If the cost was less, the exhibits better maintained or if there was more to do, I'd recommend it... but I just can't (and that kills me). It was so disappointing that we weren't even willing to pay the additional $36 it would cost to upgrade all three passes to annual tickets.... and that's saying a lot.

We visited during the Blue Angels air show. This was my 4 year old son's first visit to KSC. We have the a blast. Thanks to all at KSC who made the day so special!!!

driving around and being told what was in the buildings, nothing was up close and me and the wife paid 120 dollars...what a ripe am so glad the kids were not with us. The Disney people need to go there and make it exciting... on the positive if you like to ride a bus around this is great

Went on a Saturday in June 2008 with my Husband and 14 yr old son. Drive from Orlando was great... on the way we had heard a boom which sounded like the sonic boom, my husband and I both agreed that's what it sounded like...without reading newspaper or watching news before we left, we dismissed the sound as a nearby car, what are the odds as we happen to be going to the space center today. We got to the space center, about 50 mins drive from Kissimmee, parking was free and a breeze. We were informed our tickets were good for a weeks re-entry. Once inside we were informed as we boarded the tour bus, that the space shuttle had indeed landed that day, 2 hours earlier and while we were driving to our first stop along the tour, our bus was motioned off the road by NASA Security so the transport vehicle carrying the astronauts back from the just landed shuttle could go thru. It was neat to see the astronauts and them waving to the tour buses pulled off to the side, everyone was pretty impressed. I mean, your at the space center, you might as well see the real deals going on and see just landed from space astronauts. Then we started the tour, the exhibits were very informative and impressive. On our way to stop #3 on the tour, we were stuck at the front of NASA Security pulled to a stop traffic where they were slowly driving the "just landed" space shuttle back to the hanger. We were literally 30 yards from the shuttle which was followed by a parade of cars that was the different support crews. The camera crews were going nuts, the tourist were going nuts, everyone was filled with excitement to be so close to a just landed shuttle. To happen to go to the Space center on the day the shuttle lands is a great thing as so much buzz is going on from the tour bus drivers and employees, even other guests.... really just made our trip very exciting so I HIGHLY recommend going on a day when the shuttle goes up or is coming down to land at Kennedy. We got there about 11:30 am and left about 5:30pm as they close at 6pm, which in the summer I think they could stay open a bit longer for longer sun lit hours, but for $12.00 more as locals, we did decided to upgrade for a year pass as we didn't even get to see it all.... we go to Cocoa Beach often.... and we do look forward to the next trip and will certainly schedule it around a shuttle launch or landing day! I highly recommend this to science, history, space & high tech buffs. I personally wouldn't bring little kids...just lots of walking tours, movies and boring for those who are too young to understand.... waiting in line to board and re-boarding the tour bus in the heat would get tiring for little ones let alone parents, I didn't bring my 4 & 6 yrs old, day with grandma... but in a few years I think it would be a better idea! Not much for young kids to do, not even a smaller kids area. I HIGHLY suggest 10 and over! Not worth the admission price for the young little ones to be annoyed, hot and bored! Which is how I saw the majority of those 8 or so and under! Cocoa Beach Pier is not far and a great place to enjoy a great meal after the Space Center, I didnt think the food was all that great for the value, overpriced fast food. Wear good walking shoes, you will do alot of walking and bring sunscreen and cool clothing!

Spent a full day at the center and enjoyed every minute there ... If you get there early, you can see everything in one day ... The Shuttle Launch Experience was very cool, but get there early when the line is shorter ... Overall we had a great time and learned a lot ... Staff was very friendly ...

I was very reluctant to spend the $110 but so glad I did. It was a highlight of our trip to Florida and very memorable for my 3.5 year old son. The center is very accessible for all ages, even the little ones. The passes are good for two days, which we took advantage. My 3.5 year old is still talking about the Saturn 5 rockets and the Shuttle. We are thrilled with all he learned while he was there. We can't wait to visit again.

what i liked about this place???well it was the first time i was there with my friend..had a great time...we did a walk on the moon.....we saw a lot of interesting objects.........space shuttle,etc.....nice places to eat some and good shopping....bought a lot in the spaceshop....but 1 day is not enough to see all around there,so i guess i have to go back and visit it one more time in future....but we had fun and made lot of pictures.....i guess See for yourself and enjoy....

I love this place! You get to see the whole complex! It is a great value to see where the space program is stationed... there are IMAX movies and the kids love it about as much as the adults! I can't wait to take my kids back!

I pay taxes to the federal government. If I wanted to learn more about Nasa, it should be a heck of a lot cheaper or FREE. I really just wanted a good view of the space shuttle hanger and couldn't find one. The best view i found was way far away at the carnival ship yard. The hours of open are stinky too. We showed up and it was closing. amazing.

I must admit that I was a bit put off at the thought of paying to see an assortment of old rockets, but I soon discovered that the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is much more than that. I am not (or should I say...was not?) a huge fan of NASA, though I do recall a few key moments of the agency's history (i.e. the first lunar landing, Apollo 13, Apollo-Soyuz, and SkyLab), but having visited Kennedy recently I find myself becoming absorbed by the exploits of the men and women who have ushered us into the infinite frontiers of space. Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo have become a fascination for me and I find myself now buying and reading nearly everything I can find on these particular projects. Gus Grissom, Pete Conrad, James Lovell, Alan Bean, and Sally Ride are only a few of the men and women who embody the very spirit of exploration, and NASA provided them with the technology to reach further and faster than anyone could have imagined. I recommend the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to one and all, and while you're there feel free to let your imagination run wild. Who knows where it might take you?