Florida Daytrip is a Blast
Kennedy Space Center and Astronaut Hall of Fame

by Jackie Perrin

With the recent launch of the space shuttle Discovery, cosmonaut commander Eileen Collins became a household name. But what about equally accomplished space agency pioneers such as feminist flyer Sally Ride, maiden moon stepper Neil Armstrong and extraordinary earth orbiter John Glenn? At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the nearby Astronaut Hall of Fame, the inspiring stories of trailblazing space scouts and NASA's space exploration program come alive.

Part intellectual theme park, part science safari, the Kennedy Space Center is a blast for kids and parents alike. Located on a wildlife refuge eight times the size of Manhattan, it's a short 45-minute jaunt from bustling Orlando, and therefore a delightful addition to a Disney vacation. Here, visitors can experience the history and evolution of the U.S. Space Program first-hand.

You'll need to allow a day to do the attraction justice, but if you have small children, half a day will do. For school-age kids, the Launch Control Center - where NASA engineers have guided launches since the Apollo program of the early 1960's - is a must-see. Another highlight is the Vehicle Assembly Building, where Saturn V rockets and Space Shuttle Vehicles are assembled piece by piece, and visitors can view the Crawler Transporter, the six million pound spectacle that hauls the shuttle to its pad at the painstakingly slow speed of 1 m.p.h.

For pint-sized explorers, The Children's Play Dome--a covered space-themed playground--is a welcome escape from the midday sun.

Interactive activities throughout the park entertain as well as educate. Children can guide a replica land rover via remote control, touch an authentic moon rock, climb aboard a rocket and get a close-up view of the interior of a space shuttle. Mission to Mars, a live action stage show that explains the science of space exploration, is a crazy combination of wacky characters, high-tech humor and musical maneuvers. In short, it's a rollicking good time.

For many visitors, the Space Center's natural surroundings are as much of a spectacle as its exhibits. On the short bus ride from the main Visitor Complex to the Apollo V/Saturn Center, don't be surprised to see camera toting tourists snapping shots of one of central Florida's biggest attractions: alligators. They live in shallow waters throughout the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

At least 15 species of endangered wildlife reside on the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center, including sea turtles, manatees and bald eagles. Five active bald eagle nests have been sighted on the property; be sure to ask your bus driver if there's one on his route. Much like the rockets built nearby, the nests can reach massive proportions, averaging six feet in circumference and weigh as much as three tons.

The best part of a visit to Kennedy Space Center is the opportunity to interact with a real live astronaut. There are two opportunities for a close encounter - at one of the daily "Astronaut Encounter" shows, free with admission, or else by attending "Lunch With an Astronaut," for an additional charge. Both involve a question and answer session with one of the 271 Americans that have journeyed into space.

"Lunch with An Astronaut" also includes a "life on the space shuttle" video presentation. The humorous footage of astronaut antics (ever think about how difficult it might be to eat M&M's in space?), as well as first-rate buffet food (don't miss the scrumptious chocolate cake), make it well worth the price.

The Kennedy Space Center also offers a variety of behind the scenes experiences.

The Astronaut Hall of Fame, located in nearby Titusville, was acquired by Delaware North Parks Services, operator of the Kennedy Space Center. in 2002. Admission is free with a Maximum Access Pass. On the way, stop at Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant, a family-friendly eatery famous for its rock shrimp, a local specialty.

Links and information

Admission:

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Resources

http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/

Sally Ride Science, a non-profit science education organization for girls: http://www.sallyridescience.com/

Space Coast Office of Tourism: For information on accommodations, dining and attractions www.space-coast.com; 877-57-BEACH

Jackie Perrin (a.k.a. Moms on the Move!) is a freelance journalist residing with her family in upstate New York's apple country. She is the author of a weekly newspaper travel column, and contributes regularly to travel and parenting media.