John F. Kennedy Space Center

I have very mixed feelings about the Center. On the one hand, the Atlantis shuttle exhibition was genuinely fantastic — beautifully done, engaging, and absolutely worth the visit. It was also great to see the rover and spacecraft models up close. However, the whole “bus tour” experience felt more like a way to funnel crowds around the premises than something that actually offered meaningful content. The Gantry 39 platform was honestly a letdown — the supposed “launch simulator” boiled down to some steam and red lighting. The Apollo pavilion didn’t help much either. First, a large group of people was herded into a room for an obligatory multi-screen presentation you had no option to skip. And because everyone is released at the same time afterward, the entire crowd spills into the exhibit simultaneously, which makes the whole thing feel even less thoughtfully designed. The second part — the room with real mission consoles — was definitely interesting, but still not enough to compensate for the overall format. One thing that really stood out to me was how heavily the place leans toward entertainment rather than science. It has the vibe of a family attraction more than a space center meant to teach or explain anything in depth. As someone who genuinely enjoys the science and the engineering behind spaceflight, I left surprised by how little I had actually learned. The Atlantis exhibition proves they can do a content-rich, informative experience — they just don’t do it consistently elsewhere. There’s also the issue of authenticity: either you already know most of the material and end up looking at it mainly for historical value (which is tricky, because there aren’t that many real artifacts outside of Atlantis itself — it’s mostly models), or you come with small children and treat it like an educational theme park. There’s not much in between. Overall, I think I would advise skipping the bus tour (tempting as the “Apollo pavilion” may sound), staying on the main site, and spending that time exploring the parts that are actually well designed.

A few hours is NOT enough time here. The exhibits are impressive and well put together. The staff is friendly. Hop a bus to the satellite locations (pun intended). It appeals to people of all ages. Teachers can obtain an educator study pass for complimentary admission to the visitor's complex. There is way too much to do in a few hours. Plan for an entire day or more.

Awe-inspiring. Connecting history with space and science. Worth a trip to Orlando and the main reason we came. Feel like an awesome parent afterwards. And feel proud to be an American.

I went back in November, and it was astronomical. I had a fun time learning about the history of space. The simulations were really cool as well (though some of them you had to wait awhile). You could definitely spend multiple days here. I only spent one, but I did stay an additional night to see a shuttle fly off from our hotel. Keep in mind that the space shuttle blast offs (or whatever they are called) are highly unpredictable. The blast off canceled the first night, so we stayed a second night, and it got delayed but went off. That was really the icing on the cake for me with this trip. Everything else was great with learning about history, watching the space history videos, seeing the spaceships and gear, and riding simulations. And you really can not beat getting in for free as a teacher. It was such a unique trip that was out of this world.

I’d say the experience was fine, but not necessarily a must-do unless you’re really passionate about space or have kids who would enjoy it. The exhibits are fairly basic, and tickets plus the $15 parking fee make it a bit expensive for what you get. On the positive side, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the place wasn’t anywhere near as crowded as big attractions like Universal Studios, which made it more relaxing to walk around. Overall, it was an okay visit, worth it if you’re a space enthusiast, but probably not something I’d recommend for everyone.

The John F. Kennedy Space Center is an amazing and educational destination for all ages. Visitors can explore real spacecraft, see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and experience interactive exhibits about NASA missions. The bus tour to launch sites and the Apollo/Saturn V Center is fascinating. Staff are friendly and informative, and there are plenty of dining and shopping options. Perfect for families, students, and space enthusiasts looking for a hands-on experience of space history.

What a fantastic family destination! We truly learned so much about its rich history, the brave astronauts, and the wonders of space travel. Most of the attractions were captivating to explore. Getting there requires a bit of planning, as direct public transportation isn't available. We opted for a rented car, and parking was surprisingly affordable compared to other major parks, costing around $15 USD + tax per day. A huge recommendation: check the rocket launch schedule beforehand! We sadly missed one, but imagine how incredible it would be to witness a launch live. Their website provides a handy countdown for upcoming launches. For food, we found the entry + food package to be super convenient. This gives you a $20 credit per person (on an individual ticket) to use at two internal cafes. While we had to add a few extra cents, it was more than enough for a satisfying lunch, drink, and dessert. Definitely a great value!

Purchased two adult tickets in Feb 2025 but unfortunately, we couldn’t use them, so we planned to visit in Oct 2025. Tickets were good for a year and that was GREAT. We also chose a Monday and were very happy that we avoided the weekend rush. The longest we waited for an event was 8 minutes. We didn’t try any of the eateries but we did get popcorn and a drink at the IMAX. Had a great time, learned a lot, and wish we had gotten the two day tickets as we didn’t get to see everything because we had to get back to our RV and dogs. For those visiting with pets, there is a free kennel on site that is climate controlled.