Plan Your Visit to Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center Opening Hours

plan your visit kennedy space center | hours

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Last Admission: The last admission to the Visitor Complex is at 4 PM.

Closed: The Kennedy Space Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Duration of Visit: We suggest spending about 6 to 8 hours at the Kennedy Space Center. This will give you enough time to explore all the attractions at a leisurely pace.

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Best Time to Visit the Kennedy Space Center

plan your visit kennedy space center | best time to visit

Weekday vs Weekend: If you want to avoid large crowds, your best bet is to visit the Kennedy Space Center on a weekday. Try and plan your visit around 9 or 10 AM so you have the whole day to explore the attractions at your own pace.

Peak Season vs Low Season: The peak tourist season falls during the months between November and February, as well as March and April. However, the weather is cooler during this time as compared to the rest of the year. The best months to plan your visit to the Kennedy Space Center is either the first half of May or October. The weather is pleasant and the crowds are lesser. June to September is usually hot and humid, which could make it an uncomfortable experience for you.

Where is the Kennedy Space Center?

Plan Your Visit Kennedy Space Center | location

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA | Find on maps

The Kennedy Space Center is located extremely close to Orlando and Daytona Beach. It is located on federal property, so all visitors must adhere to speed limits as traffic violations will result in heavy fines. Follow the rules to ensure that you have a hassle-free visit to the Kennedy Space Center.

Closest landmark: Blue Origin Rocket Factory

Directions to the Kennedy Space Center

Getting to the Kennedy Space Center

No public transportation is available to the Visitor Complex at the Kennedy Space Center.

By Car

The best way to visit the Kennedy Space Center is to drive down there. You can drive to the Visitor Complex in a private vehicle. The Visitor Complex is about 51-minutes away from the nearest airport which is Melbourne (MLB) Airport. Alternatively, you can hail a local taxi from Orlando or Miami to get to the Kennedy Space Center.

GPS Coordinates:

The exact GPS coordinates to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are 28o30'56.0"N and 80o40'54"W.
Use your GPS device to search for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and not just the 'Kennedy Space Center,' which will lead you to the incorrect location.

Nearby locations:

Cocoa Beach (21.4 miles away)
Daytona Beach (63.7 miles away)
Orlando (52.1 miles away)

Parking Facilities

The Visitor Complex at Kennedy Space Center allows motorcycles, automobiles, and oversized vehicles such as RVs.
The parking fees will be collected at the entrance to the lot.
Visitors with disabilities can park their vehicles in Lot 2 with a valid parking permit.
Rideshare and taxi drop offs are permitted in Lot 4 with the appropriate proof of fare.
If you are an annual passholder, you will receive complimentary parking.
Those with multi-day tickets will receive one complimentary parking voucher.
You can access parking 30 minutes before the complex opens.

Parking Rates

Motorcycles: $5
Automobiles: $15
Oversized vehicles, motor homes, and RVs: $20

Round trip transfers

KSC admission tickets with round-trip transfers offer a hassle-free way to visit the Kennedy Space Center, eliminating the need to arrange transportation and parking.
This option is ideal for those staying in Orlando or nearby areas who want a seamless journey to and from the space center.
Pick up options often include ICON Park, Orlando, Kissimmee and the Disney Area. Check individual tickets for the exact location.

Recommended tickets:

Kennedy Space Center Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
Tickets to Kennedy Space Center with Explore Tour
Small Group VIP Tour of Kennedy Space Center

Your guide to getting to KSC >

Know Before You Go

plan your visit kennedy space center | facilities

The information desk at the main entrance offers a map of the complex and provides any other assistance needed. It also holds any lost and found items. You can also rent smart-guides, strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters from here.
There is a first-aid center at the Visitor Complex for anyone who may need medical assistance.
Designated smoking areas can be found throughout the complex.
The Visitor Complex has a free kennel for pets, which is accessible during its operational hours. Pet owners are encouraged to provide food, snacks, toys, and blankets for their pets.
Restrooms and baby-changing facilities can be located at various points across the Visitor Complex.

Plan Your Visit Kennedy Space Center | accessibility

The Kennedy Space Center is wheelchair accessible and you can rent a wheelchair on the premises for $10.
All tour buses are equipped with wheelchair and scooter-accessible lifts.
Theater access to IMAX has wheelchair-accessible lifts to upper seating locations.
Guests with autism and/or hearing sensitivity can access noise reduction earmuffs.
Restrooms for visitors with disabilities are located across the park.
Service animals are permitted inside the premises.

plan your visit kennedy space center | visiting with family

The Kennedy Space Center is a great place to spend the day with your family, with lots of kid-friendly activities.
Baby-changing facilities and restrooms and available throughout the park.
Strollers are available for rent from the information desk at the main entrance to the Visitor Complex.
Planet Play is an indoor play area designed for children between the ages of 2 to 12.

plan your visit kennedy space center | rules

Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking areas.
Large coolers, large bags, and suitcases are not permitted inside the premises.
All guests are required to wear proper attire (shirts and shoes) to enter the Visitor Complex. Clothing with obscene and objectionable material, or those that expose tattoos with obscene content, are not permitted. Costume masks of any kind are not allowed.
Glass bottles and containers are not allowed inside the premises, however, food and beverages packed in small and soft-sided bags can be carried inside. Alcoholic beverages from outside cannot be carried inside the Visitor Complex.
Weapons of any kind are not permitted inside the premises.

Visit Cocoa Beach, which is just a few miles away, towards the South of the Kennedy Space Center.
Go on a cruise at Port Canaveral which is just minutes from the Kennedy Space Center. Ships set sail from this bustling port offering many oceanic adventures.
Head to Daytona Beach where you can leisurely explore the Daytona Beach Pier and the Daytona Lagoon Water Park.
Go shopping for antiques that are famous in this part of Florida at stores like 'The Vintage Thistle' in Cocoa and the 'Vintage Venue' in Rockledge.
A short drive away, Orlando offers some great attractions including Madame Tussauds, Icon Park and WonderWorks.

Things to do at the Kennedy Space Center

Attractions

The Kennedy Space Center has a range of top attractions that are both exciting and educational. Some of the major attractions at the Visitor Complex include the Rocket Garden, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, among many others.

Attractions at the Kennedy Space Center

Shopping

If you're looking to collect some space memorabilia to keep as souvenirs during your unforgettable trip, you can head to the 'The Space Shop', and 'The Right Stuff,' at the Kennedy Space Center or visit their online store.

Shop at the Kennedy Space Center

visit kennedy space center | restaurants

Dining

Indulge in some delicious meals during your visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It is home to a variety of restaurants like the Orbit Café, the Moon Rock Café, and Planet Play Lounge among others, and offers a range of food options for visitors to try out.

Kennedy Space Center Restaurants

Visitor Tips

Arrive early for the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center since they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Download the KSC Official Guide App before your visit for real-time schedules of astronaut encounters, presentations, and showtimes, helping you plan your visit efficiently.
Keep the Visitor Center map to navigate the vast complex.
Tours like the Behind the Gates or Astronaut Training Experience have limited slots and sell out quickly. Book your spot ahead of time to avoid missing out.
Check here to see if a rocket launch is scheduled during your visit and arrive extra early for a good viewing spot.
Many exhibits, like the Rocket Garden, are outdoors. Wear breathable clothing, bring a hat, and apply sunscreen. Don’t forget your walking shoes since you’re going to be walking a lot.
Save the gift shop for the end. Shopping at the end means you don’t have to carry your purchases around all day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Kennedy Space Center

What are some must-see attractions?

Don't miss the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour including the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the Rocket Garden. Other highlights include Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® and the Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®.

Are there any special experiences available?

Yes, the Kennedy Space Center offers unique experiences such as the Chat With An Astronaut program, where you can enjoy a group conversation with a veteran NASA astronaut. Book your admission ticket with the add-on to enjoy this experience.

What dining options are available?

The Visitor Complex offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes. From quick bites at Red Rock Grill, to sit-down meals at Orbit Café, there's something for everyone.

Are there any height restrictions for attractions?

Yes, some attractions have height requirements. For instance, the Shuttle Launch Experience® requires a minimum height of 44 inches, and the Spaceport KSC in the Gateway complex requires a minimum height of 39 inches.

Is transportation within KSC provided?

While you will have to walk to the attractions within the Visitor Complex, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour included with your admission ticket will transport you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Can I watch rocket launches?

The Kennedy Space Center hosts various rocket launches throughout the year. Check the launch schedule and plan ahead to coincide your visit with a rocket launch.

Is there a recommended itinerary for families with children?

If you’re bringing along your little ones, head straight to Planet Play first because they will love it! Other kid friendly attractions at KSC are Space Shuttle Atlantis®, the Rocket Garden, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, and Journey to Mars. Here are some curated itineraries to suit your interest.

Is there a lot of walking at the Kennedy Space Center?

There is a significant amount of walking involved during your visit to the Kennedy Space Center so it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes.

What should I bring for my visit?

The most important thing to remember is to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, since there is a whole lot of walking involved. Pack up on sunscreen, bring your shades and stay hydrated for some respite from the sun.

Can I bring a backpack with me?

Yes, you can carry a small backpack to the Kennedy Space Center. Anything larger than a backpack will not be permitted.