In The Know Like a Space Pro
From a former space reporter and current dad, here are my top ten secrets of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:
Just an hour from Orlando, it’s a family adventure that can keep your crew of space cadets engaged for two full days.
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1. Moon masterpiece
Alan Bean, an astronaut and artist, sprinkled real Moon dust into his paintings, including a towering two-story tall one in the Apollo-Saturn V Center (our featured image).
2. From Big Screen to Big Fun
The enormous Planet Play indoor play area is built inside a converted IMAX giant screen movie theater.
3. Watch for Wildlife
On the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, I have personally seen alligators, armadillos, wild pigs and bald eagles.
4. Astronaut on Duty
A real astronaut is here every day. Inside the Universe Theatre, they give a talk that’s included with admission.
5. Messages from Above
Inside a new exhibit, The Gantry at LC39, a mesmerizing Earth Pulse sculpture lights up each time a signal is sent to a satellite or comes down to Earth.
6. Science up Close
The STEAM team puts on a fascinating science show in the Universe Theater, but sometimes you can spot them in other places like Gateway doing smaller demonstrations of science just for you.
7. Sensory Signs
At every attraction, you’ll find signs that break down the sensory impact so you know what to expect before you go in.
8. Up in Front
On the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator, sit closest to the front if you want to feel the motion the most. There’s also a separate room where you can just watch if you don’t want to ride.
9. Shrink-Wrapped Shuttle
When Space Shuttle Atlantis first arrived to be put on display, the building wasn’t finished yet. So they wrapped the entire space shuttle in plastic wrap to keep it clean while they finished constructing its new home around it.
10. Missing Moon Boots
When you see the spacesuit Alan Shepard wore on the moon in the Apollo-Saturn V Center, look down. Something is missing. Where are the boots that made those iconic footprints on the surface of the moon? Well, they’re still up there! NASA told all the Apollo mission crews to leave their boots behind on the moon to save weight for the trip home to Earth.
BONUS!
Where to Stay: Courtyard Titusville Kennedy Space Center
Need extra towels? Forget your toothbrush? Here, a real robot named Luna will deliver them to your room! With a fun pool and splash area, views of launch pads in the distance, and in-room star projectors, it’s a stellar spot. And did I mention the real robot?
Where to Eat: The Space Bar
When the elevator’s countdown hits zero, the doors open to this rooftop restaurant atop the Courtyard hotel. Kids will find favorites on the menu, while adults can dig into chef-created entrees, bowls and salads. Sip a “Space Shuttle” from the custom cocktail menu and take in space center views across the peaceful Indian River Lagoon.
READ MORE ABOUT SPACE:
- New Indoor Space Coaster at LEGOLAND Florida Coming 2026!
- Summer Bucket List: Go See a Rocket Launch at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- 8 Space Attractions in Orlando and Beyond for Explorers and Families
Originally published in the Sep/Oct 2025 Issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine.
