You’ve found the right place if you’re looking for the best things to do in Orlando and throughout the surrounding areas! There are so many choices to pick from to fill your days with fun, and there’s something that will get everyone in your family or group excited. For those who love space exploration and being outdoors, you’re probably already thinking about a trip from Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.
Are you curious to learn about the different kinds of tours available and how to secure admission tickets? One fantastic option is the Kennedy Space Center and Airboat ride tour for memories that will last a lifetime! Keep reading for what you need to know about what you can expect during a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando:
All About the Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Ride Tour
If you’re looking for the ultimate Florida adventure and want to get the most out of your time here, you’ll love the Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Ride! It combines an immersive experience into NASA’s world and a classic “Florida-style boat ride” (essentially an airboat safari).
If you don’t already know, the Kennedy Space Center is surrounded by wildlife refuges and some beautiful areas of conserved land. As a result, it’s the perfect place to go for a 30-minute airboat ride to discover the KSC grounds. You’ll start your day by heading out to Brevard County for an incredible ride on the longest river in Florida — St. Johns River. As you cruise down the waterways at speeds up to 45 mph, you’ll learn all about the beautiful scenery you pass by and have plenty of opportunities to see alligators, ospreys, and other native wildlife!
When the ride comes to an end, you’ll then head to the Kennedy Space Center — where you will learn all about incredible NASA space programs and take a look into the history of space exploration! While at the KSC, we highly recommend checking out the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. This exhibit will allow you to engage in an emotional tribute to an old earth orbiter and explore hands-on learning opportunities.
What about getting to Cape Canaveral from Orlando? The Kennedy Space Center tour packages you’ll find through us include:
- Admission ticket(s) into Kennedy Space Center
- Professional, Certified, and Licensed Tour Guide
- And round-trip transportation from International Drive, Disney, and Kissimmee areas
More Tours of the Kennedy Space Center
If you’re not a huge fan of boat rides, you’ll love the other tours available at Kennedy Space Center! Here are two options that we would recommend checking out:
Complete Tour With Transportation & Bonus Walking Tour
This complete tour is a great option for those who want to see as much of the KSC as possible. You’ll start with a 1-hour walking tour of the entire visitors complex, where you’ll learn more about the space center and Cape Canaveral in general.
Then, you’ll get the chance to take a bus tour around the rest of the complex. Check out sites such as Launch Complex 39B or the Saturn V rocket! When the bus tour is over, you’ll be left to spend the rest of the day exploring the visitor complex at your leisure.
Dine with an Astronaut Tour
If you (or the kiddos) have burning questions about being an astronaut, the dine with an astronaut tour might be for you! This tour gives you ample time to explore the visitor complex before sitting you down for a meet-and-greet with astronauts.
Start by participating in unique astronaut traditions such as touring crew quarters and training in the T-38 jet. Then, head over to lunch with a space veteran who provides a presentation and a Q&A session.
Plan to See a Space Launch
Speaking of getting the most out of your trip, the Kennedy Space Center offers tons of unique events, such as meet and greets with former and current astronauts. It also gives you the chance to witness a space launch!
Here are the upcoming space launches that you should be aware of:
- April 15: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4
- May 2022: ULA Atlas V Boeing CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test 2
- May 2022: NASA SLS Artemis I
There are two official launch viewing areas at the KSC and an area next to Space Shuttle Atlantis, and a space in the main visitor parking lots. That means there are four places where you can potentially see a rocket take off and leave the earth’s atmosphere! You can visit the Kennedy Space Center’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Is It from Orlando to Cape Canaveral?
The trip from Orlando to Cape Canaveral is 53 miles, so it will take about an hour to get there in good traffic. Don’t let that distance deter you, however! As we mentioned above, when you choose a tour package through us, you’ll be treated to free transportation from Orlando! That makes it easier than ever to enjoy these hands-on learning opportunities.
Kennedy Space Center Hours for Visitors
What’s great is that the Kennedy Space Center is open 7 days a week and stays open from 9am to 5pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore and discover the exhibits, displays, historic spacecraft, and memorabilia! There are even 2 IMAX theaters and special programming throughout the year. For instance, you’ll find extended hours and special holiday events during the holiday season.
Where Should I Stay in Orlando?
There are many places to stay in Orlando, including our massive selection of premiere vacation rentals! You’ll find everything from business-focused spaces to family-friendly homes for rent. Regardless of what kind of vacation you’re planning, there are plenty of options at Villakey for you to choose from.
Book Your Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Ride Tour Today
The Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Ride Tour or any other incredible tours are genuinely magical experiences that you need to add to your travel bucket list! You’ll get a chance to experience the best of both worlds as you learn about Florida’s wildlife while also checking out the home to One Small Step for Man.
Are you ready to book your perfect Florida vacation? Begin planning your next stay by browsing through our wide selection of vacation rentals or give us a call for personalized recommendations!
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