We're taking the family to Orlando for a week, and I'm wondering if KSC is a must-see attraction? It would cost my family about $300 to go. I think it's more for me than my family, but I won't go if there isn't much to see and do there.

I think it is. Lost to see, the guided tours are informative. You can spend 5-6 hours and still not see everything.

quote:

Originally posted by 4x5:
We're taking the family to Orlando for a week, and I'm wondering if KSC is a must-see attraction? It would cost my family about $300 to go.

IMO, yes. It celebrates a half-century of some of America's unique and extraordinary accomplishments.

You cannot imagine the size/scale/complexity of those achievements without seeing some of the physical artifacts in person. My 83-year-old father in law, who has seen darn near everything, was awestruck.

Have been going with my kids every two years. Yes it is well worth it.

Worth it. Not only will you see/learn a lot about the space program but you will see a lot of wildlife that roams the area.

yes, yes, and yes. After further thought, yes. I took my two daughters at least three times. Well worth the cost and then there is the Carvel Ice Cream.

It's a lot but definitely worth it.

We've been once and also went back to watch a SpaceX launch.

Yes, it's pretty cool.

I have been there several times, done all the tours and still have not seen everything

the Saturn V museum is pretty awesome but also one of the saddest places on earth

its a monument to what we were

Yes.
Many different things to see, high points are:
1) Atlantis exhibit. Space shuttle history and actual shuttle. Lot of kiddie activities, hands on displays. At least 1.5 hr.
2) Launch pad--need to board Greyhound bus to go to launch pad and Apollo exhibit. Takes couple hrs.
3) IMAX theaters--2 shows that you need to time accordingly. Look at Rocket Garden, Memorial if you have time to kill.
4) New exhibit at front-used to be the Sputnick--early history of space. Go to this last rather than 1st. Other exhibits are better.
I think you can buy online tickets--parking is then discounted. Of course there is the souvenir shops and food courts. Its a full day to see the above.

Fascinating place. I never paid to get in; I was there to do some computer-related work and teach a few courses, and I had a few behind-the-scenes impromptu tours guided by some of the computer worker folks.

quote:

Is Kennedy Space Center worth the cost of admission?

Yes!!!

No. Who wants to do see a bunch of old spacecraft, touch a rock from the moon, sit in a full-sized replica of mission control, land a shuttle in a simulator (nailed it on the first attempt, btw.), talk to an astronaut, etc.?

Who am I kidding? I'll be going for the second time as a chaperone for the fourth grade field trip. First time was when my son was in fourth grade and now it's my daughter's turn. Plus, We have a trip planned for our family this year and we'll be camping at Jetty Park Campground at Port Canaveral.

Absolutely, plan to spend an entire day there. But well worth it.

Plan to eat dinner at Dixie Crossroads on the way back to Orlando....it's an excellent seafood restaurant and the rock shrimp are amazing.

Yes. My dad spent a big portion of his Air Force time working there. Just like people here I am sure spent the time and money to tour a place where, at least one of their parents were stationed at, means something more. My dad was proud of his work there during the late 60’s early 70’s. I would have to say rightfully so.

We were there in stifling heat, but absolutely yes!!!!

Definitely.
The only thing that irked me a bit was the damn tour driver kept stopping to point out alligators. Dude, it's Florida. I don't need you to show me gators, it's not what we paid for.

Took my 9 year old daughter and I think we loved it equally. Go spend a whole day and enjoy.

I live about an hour from KSC and have gone every year for the last 11 years. It is quite good.

'Nother thing in that area: on the causeway leading to KSC, is the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Right across the parking lot is the Police Hall of Fame.

The Police Hall of Fame has the nicest indoor shooting range I have been to. Good AC, air scrubbers, programable target carriers, etc. With ex-military discount, it was ten bucks.

The day I was there, the staff people were all retired cops. Not a range nazi among them, they were friendly, helpful, etc. Nice place.