The Kennedy Space Center, nestled on the picturesque coast of Florida, has long been a symbol of America’s quest for the stars. For space enthusiasts of all ages, it’s a must-visit destination, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the history of space exploration and the future of mankind’s journey into the cosmos. But is Kennedy Space Center suitable for smaller kids? In this blog post, we’ll explore the family-friendliness of this iconic space hub and provide insights to help you decide if it’s the right place to bring your little astronauts.
One of the most critical factors to consider when visiting the Kennedy Space Center with younger children is the availability of age-appropriate activities. Fortunately, the center offers a variety of interactive exhibits and attractions designed to capture the imaginations of adults and children alike. And you will be surprised, there is always at least a corner in each of the center’s buildings dedicated to children, their imagination, and their easier understanding of space travel.
“All systems are go!” Show
Take your kids into space with the Peanuts crew during “All Systems Are Go!”. This 20-minute puppet theater show featuring favorite Peanuts characters will captivate and absorb your little fidgets.
In this show, the launch director calls the characters Snoopy and Woodstock to help with the next NASA mission – Artemis. During the performance, you experience everything with them from mission training to testing the Orion spacecraft to visiting other planets.
America’s favorite four-legged cartoon friend and other Peanuts characters can be seen in the transformed Universe Theater, sponsored by Northrop Grumman at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “All systems are go!” is included in the entrance fee and is suitable for all ages. However, upon arrival, you should check the daily schedule of show times so you don’t miss the show.
Planet Play
This special area of the Kennedy Space Center is specially designed for children ages 2-12. It’s the place to go if they aren’t interested in any of the other local stragglers. Planet Play is an indoor interactive space where children play on planets. Numerous interactive game and art components are designed to create an unforgettable learning experience, including opportunities to map the constellations, climb a wormhole, walk on Saturn’s rings, and glide through an asteroid field.
Plus, while the kids play and learn here, their parents can take a break, enjoy a good drink in the comfortable lounge, and watch their little explorers learn about space.
APOLLO 8 and the firing room
If you take the shuttle bus to the Apollo Center, you will experience the Apollo 8 space shuttle launch here. The experience of this place is unforgettable. All the sounds, the countdown, the firing of the rocket engines and even the shaking benches in the room give you goosebumps.
And that it is nothing for small children is a big mistake. Our four-year-old son was never interested in space and traveling to other planets, but here he watched everything in detail. And since visiting this place, rockets have been launched on the carpet at our house almost every day.
Spaceport KSC
This attraction is not exactly for the little ones, but a bigger three-four-year-old child can fit comfortably within the limit (height restriction is 39 inches or 99 centimeters). This is where you enter the spaceport of the future and embark on one of four incredible space journeys at KSC Spaceport. You can fly to previously unexplored destinations like Mars, Trappist-1, the Horsehead Nebula, Saturn, Jupiter, and more during this motion theater ride.
You can choose between four journeys Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet, and Uncharted Worlds. First, you stand in front of the departure gate and wait for your rocket. Through the digital windows, you see the world of the future outside, you observe other “passengers” boarding rockets leading to other destinations, and you watch the countdown at your gate. At the right time, you will then board and enjoy a pleasant flight through an alien landscape.
ISS Triumph Of Technology
The best exhibitions for children are those where they can try and touch things for themselves. And so is the ISS Triumph Of Technology. Be it various interactive whiteboards, telescopes, or the entire cockpit of the rocket, where you can try out all the buttons and switches. We can even find a miniature space station here. Just take off your shoes and run through their halls. Adults are also invited, but for them, it is necessary to complete this journey on all fours, because the passages here are very low.
By playing and interacting with the exhibited exhibits, not only children will learn the answers to rather tricky questions such as: “What do cosmonauts eat?”, “Where do they sleep?” or “How do they go to the bathroom to pee?”.
And there is much more in Kennedy Space Center …
Kennedy Space Center is an amazing place for everyone of any age. All the huge rockets displayed in the buildings and in the Rocket Garden will simply amaze everyone. All the attractions, accompanying music, lights or performances will stimulate children’s imagination so much that they will forget to ask about ordinary attractions such as slides or swings. The world of space literally engulfs them in this place.
So if you ever plan to visit the Kennedy Space Center when your kids are older, don’t wait any longer. Grab your little ones and head off to explore space, because this place is worth it. And believe me, one visit will not be enough for you and you will want to come back again and again.
