Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center is a treat for any space enthusiast to experience. If you spend part of your time watching the NASA channel, you'll love KSC.

See the NASA rockets in the Rocket Garden. Among the rockets in the garden, you'll see the Redstone, Atlas and Titan vessels, and you can even climb aboard several rockets for a deeper glimpse into the life of an astronaut. Tours occur daily in the garden at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

The center's U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame houses artifacts and exhibits of America's most famous astronauts. At the end of the Hall of Fame, guests can try out the G-Force Trainer to get a taste of "four times the force of gravity" as well as the space shuttle landing simulator to see if you've got what it takes to land a shuttle. 

Learn about the magic of space in the IMAX theater. There's no extra fee for the movie -- it's included in your general admission price. Families also enjoy the center's bus tour. Departing every 15 minutes from the Visitor Complex, the tour takes you to the LC 39 Observation Gantry, the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the International Space Station Center. 

Let your kiddos burn some fuel at the Children's Play Dome; kids can climb rock walls, scurry through rocky tunnels and then slide to the "moon." 

For information about upcoming shuttle launches and tickets to attend these launches, visit the launch schedule.

Dining options at Kennedy Space Center include the G-Force Grill, good for light bites, Orbit Cafe, Moon Rock Cafe at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, Milky Way and Space Dots for space-themed treats. You can also have lunch with an astronaut while you hear stories about outer space; fees for the Astronaut Lunch are $23 for adults and $16 for kids.

If you brought your dog along, take advantage of the free kennel service at KSC. Pets are not allowed with you inside the center. 

HelloOrlando Tip: To fully plan your visit, examine the complete list of hours and admission prices at KSC before your visit.

- by Jessica Bates, Orlando Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.