It has been a while since I visited the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, FL. The last time I was there my adult kids were in elementary school. So, I was very excited to get the opportunity to go back as a hosted guest with Miami Mom Collective. They have upgraded the Visitor Complex and Kennedy Space Center is an out-of-this-world experience! We had an incredible time with all the immersive experiences and there is so much to do.
A Trip to Space
Our stay began at the Courtyard by Marriott Titusville, a premier hotel to stay at if you are visiting the Kennedy Space Center. This hotel’s space-themed décor is so welcoming and fun. They even have a robot concierge named Cloi. She will take your photo or assist you in finding your way around the lobby. The hotel also offers a resort-style pool with a kid-friendly section. The pool has zero entry and two fountains that make it seem like a mini water park. We enjoyed breakfast at their Bistro restaurant located in the lobby. The Space Bar is their rooftop restaurant with awesome viewing areas to see rockets take off close-up. We were even able to watch the Volcano Cert-2 rocket launch from there. It is an ideal viewing location if you plan to go and see a rocket launch.
Discover Something Real
Our 2-day hosted visit at Kennedy Space Center was so eye-opening to everything about space exploration from the past, present, and future. Two-day admission is $89 for adults (12+) and $79 for children (3-11). Included in admission are over 30 experiences including Gateway™: The Deep Space Launch Complex featuring Spaceport KSC, Space Shuttle Atlantis® and the Shuttle Launch Experience®, Apollo/Saturn V Center, Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, Planet Play, Rocket Garden guided tours, Journey to Mars, character appearances and more.
Each day there is a Space Person that makes appearances and poses for photos. A highlight for kids ages 2-12 is Planet Play, a fully immersive play experience designed like you are in outer space. It is set up like an indoor playground with slides, tunnels, and lots of climbing obstacles. There is also a toddler zone for ages 0-3. The older kids and adults will love the VR experience called Hyperdeck VR and seeing the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis in person.
We were treated to some of the extra add-ons and they are well worth it. Chat with an Astronaut, the KSC Explore Tour, and the Astronaut Training Experience are a few of the enhancements you can add to your experience. The KSC Explore bus tour was unforgettable as we were driven up close to see the launch pads. The tour guide is a space expert and you learn so much about behind-the-scenes NASA.
Space Eats
Another highlight of our experience was the different dining experiences that KSC offers. While we were visiting, the Taste of Space event was kicking off. Around the Visitor Complex, you can treat your taste buds to fall bites. We enjoyed the Harvest Bowl at Space Bowl Bistro and Autumn Pizza at Moon Rock Café. Taste of Space runs between September and November with fall treats added around the complex and fun and exciting events like Marstini Shake Off, where local bars compete with their idea of a Marstini Cocktail and a panel of astronauts judge for the winner.
Going to space is a once-in-a-lifetime experience everyone should have on their bucket list. And since we all may not become astronauts, visiting Kennedy Space Center is the next best thing. A great family vacation idea that is only a 3-hour drive from Miami. It can done in one day, but I would plan for two days to see it all. Thank you to Kennedy Space Center for hosting Miami Mom Collective… we had an out-of-this-world experience!
