Kennedy Space Center: Shuttle Launch, Astronaut Meet & Bus Tour

Summary

Walk under Saturn V, try the shuttle launch simulator, meet astronauts and explore Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center

You’ll stand beneath Saturn V at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, try out a real shuttle launch simulator, and meet a veteran NASA astronaut face-to-face. Touch an actual moon rock, explore interactive exhibits in Atlantis, and ride the bus tour past legendary NASA sites. Expect laughter, awe, and maybe a quiet moment or two as history comes alive all around you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Kennedy Space Center was this faint metallic tang in the air — maybe it was the Florida humidity mixing with all that old machinery, or just my nerves. We’d barely stepped inside when our guide, James (retired engineer, still wore his NASA badge on his lanyard), pointed out the Rocket Garden. I didn’t expect to feel small standing next to those rockets — they look almost gentle from a distance but up close? You can see the scorch marks and faded paint. Some kids were climbing around pretending to be astronauts; I caught myself grinning like an idiot.

We made our way to the Apollo/Saturn V Center by bus — windows fogged up from everyone’s breath and outside heat. There’s this moment where you walk under Saturn V itself. I actually stopped talking mid-sentence; you just have to look up for a while. The guide told us it’s the largest rocket ever flown, and there’s this bit where you can touch a piece of moon rock. It’s colder than I thought it’d be — smooth but somehow rough at the same time? Hard to explain. My nephew tried to sneak back for another go but got caught by one of the staff who just winked at him.

I nearly skipped the Shuttle Launch Experience because simulators usually make me queasy (motion sickness is my nemesis), but everyone kept saying “just do it.” So I did. The rumble in your chest is wild — not quite real but close enough that my palms were sweating when we “launched.” Afterward, we wandered through Atlantis, staring at all these interactive exhibits and actual space suits. There was an astronaut giving autographs upstairs in the shop; he laughed when someone asked if freeze-dried ice cream tastes any good (“It doesn’t,” he said).

The whole day felt like slipping between history and tomorrow at once. There were moments of quiet too — like standing in front of Heroes and Legends, reading names I’d only seen in textbooks before. Funny how a place so full of noise and movement can leave you with this weird sense of calm by sunset. I still think about that view under Saturn V sometimes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kennedy Space Center exhibits

• Visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Watch IMAX films and Science on a Sphere
• Play at Children’s Play Dome playground
• See Space Shuttle Atlantis and exhibits
• Experience Shuttle Launch simulator
• Ride bus tour to Apollo/Saturn V Center
• Walk under Saturn V rocket
• Touch moon rock and see launch simulation
• Meet astronaut at Astronaut Encounter Show
• Visit Rocket Garden and Heroes and Legends exhibit
• Learn about Mars exploration at Journey to Mars
• Shop at space-themed gift store

Top questions

How far is Kennedy Space Center from Orlando?

It's about 45 minutes by car from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Is there a bus tour included at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour through restricted NASA property to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

Can you meet an astronaut during your visit?

Yes, there's an Astronaut Encounter featuring a veteran NASA astronaut included with admission.

Are wheelchairs or strollers available for rent?

Yes, wheelchairs are available for $10 plus tax and strollers for $5 plus tax at the Space Shop.

Is Kennedy Space Center suitable for young children?

Yes, it's suitable for all ages with attractions like the Children's Play Dome designed especially for kids.

Can visitors touch a real moon rock?

Yes, you can touch and feel an actual piece of moon rock at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout Kennedy Space Center.

What is included with admission?

Your ticket includes entry to all main attractions: bus tour, IMAX films, Atlantis exhibit, Shuttle Launch Experience simulator, Astronaut Encounter show, Rocket Garden, Heroes & Legends Hall of Fame.

What’s included

Your day includes full admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral with access to all main exhibits like Atlantis and Heroes & Legends Hall of Fame; bus tour through NASA property to Apollo/Saturn V Center; Shuttle Launch Experience simulator; live Astronaut Encounter show; IMAX theater presentations; entry fees and taxes covered—plus wheelchair or stroller rental options onsite if needed.