The Only Guide You Need to Plan Your Visit to the Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center in Florida is one of the most exciting places to visit for children and adults alike. One of the ten field centers of NASA, the Kennedy Space Center is crucial to the USA's space program and is also a highlight tourist attraction. The Visitor Complex at the Kennedy Space Center has a range of educational and entertaining attractions that offer you a rare glimpse into the world of space, science and technology. Read on to find the best ways to plan your visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
Kennedy Space Center Opening 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.
More About the Kennedy Space Center HoursBest Time to Visit the Kennedy Space Center
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?
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 CenterGetting 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 - $5.00
- Automobiles - $10.00
- Oversized vehicles, motor homes, or RVs - $15.00
Know Before You Go
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Although masks are not mandatory at the moment, guests are encouraged to keep them on during bus rides and inside closed spaces.
- Social distancing is encouraged whenever possible.
- The Kennedy Space Center undergoes regular cleaning and sanitation practices to ensure the safety of all guests.
- Kindly do not visit the space center if you are feeling ill or have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms.
- Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the park.
- 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.
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
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 RestaurantsVisitor Tips
- Buy your tickets to the Kennedy Space Center online and in advance to ensure that you don't miss out on the experience.
- Wear comfortable footwear while visiting Kennedy Space Center because you’re going to be walking around a lot.
- All guests, including those vaccinated against COVID-19, are required to wear face coverings in all indoor locations while visiting Kennedy Space Center.
- Large coolers, luggage and other large bags are not permitted through the front gate.
- Proper attire, which includes a shirt and shoes, is required for admittance.
- Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics is prohibited.
- Costume masks of any kind are not permitted during your visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
- Food and beverages packed in small, soft-sided coolers are permitted. Glass bottles or containers are not permitted.
- Take a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center for a more meaningful experience on your visit.
Book Your Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Kennedy Space Center
A. Yes, guests can purchase a ticket to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and indulge in a range of exciting and interactive space exhibits.
A. No, you need to purchase a ticket to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
A. Visiting the Kennedy Space Center is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the journey of human space exploration. Aside from the many exciting attractions, you also get to marvel at original rockets and space shuttles like the Apollo and Saturn V, among many others.
A. Food and beverages packed in small, soft-sided bags are permitted. Glass bottles and containers cannot be carried inside.
A. Yes, you can carry a small backpack to the Kennedy Space Center. Anything larger than a backpack will not be permitted.
A. The Kennedy Space Center is a family-friendly destination so ensure you dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.
A. You can bring food and drinks into the Kennedy Space Center but larger coolers are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages cannot be carried inside.
A. 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.
A. The Kennedy Space Center is best enjoyed as a full-day experience so set aside at least 6 hours to immerse yourself in the destination.
A. Yes, you can take photos inside the Kennedy Space Center but flash photography is restricted.
A. The Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, Florida.
A. Driving to Kennedy Space Center is usually the best option since no direct public transportation is available.
A. The Kennedy Space Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
