Kennedy Space Center - Free Experiences & Paid Extras That Are Totally Worth It
Kennedy Space Center: Free Experiences and Paid Extras Worth Booking
If you're even a little bit fascinated by space travel, Kennedy Space Center will bring out the geek in you. From coming face to face with real NASA astronauts and exploring the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close, to rocket launch viewings, space shuttle simulators and 3D IMAX space cinema — there's an enormous amount included with general admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
But beyond the standard ticket comes a range of paid extras that take your day to a whole new level. To help you decide what's worth adding on, here's our guide to the free experiences and their paid counterparts at Kennedy Space Center.
Meet a Real NASA Astronaut
There's something genuinely extraordinary about coming face to face with someone who has actually been into space. Hearing a first-hand account of life beyond our atmosphere is a captivating experience — and Kennedy Space Center gives you two ways to do it.
FREE: Astronaut Encounter
Included with any Kennedy Space Center general admission ticket, the Astronaut Encounter features a live presentation and Q&A session with a real NASA astronaut. Shake hands, grab a photo and pick up an autograph at the Astronaut of the Day signing at Space Shuttle Atlantis.
PAID: Chat with an Astronaut
For a more personal experience, Lunch with an Astronaut gives you the chance to sit down with a NASA veteran over a chef-prepared buffet meal, have a one-on-one conversation about life in space and get your photo taken with your new astronaut friend. An unforgettable experience for space fans of all ages.
Explore Life on Mars
Mars has become the true star of modern space exploration, and Kennedy Space Center lets you get closer to the Red Planet than anywhere else on Earth.
FREE: Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted
Included with any Kennedy Space Center general admission ticket, Journey to Mars features a live presentation on what NASA is doing right now, an exhibition with mock-ups of Mars rovers and a range of interactive games and simulators.
PAID: Kennedy Space Center Astronaut Training Experience (ATX)
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut? The Kennedy Space Center Astronaut Training Experience is as close as you'll get to the real thing. This 4 to 5 hour immersive training programme runs from 8.30am to 1.30pm and is led by Space Flight Experts and Educators who will push you to your limits and leave you with memories that are truly out of this world.
Here's what's included:
Microgravity Simulator — Train for weightlessness and conduct your own spacewalk in a frictionless environment, working as a crew to complete a series of training challenges on the path to Mars. Minimum height 48 inches / 1.22 metres.
Land & Drive on Mars — Take the Commander or Pilot seat in a full-motion simulator and navigate the rough terrain of the Martian surface. Varying degrees of motion intensity mean everyone can take part. Minimum height 51 inches / 1.3 metres.
Walk on Mars — Step onto the Red Planet through a fully immersive virtual reality experience — the only place on Earth where you can explore Mars quite like this. Minimum height 48 inches / 1.22 metres.
Mission Control Exercises — Put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test with a series of Mission Control exercises.
Astronaut Briefing & Q&A Session — Hear directly from Space Flight Experts in an exclusive briefing and Q&A session.
Snacks & Drinks — Refreshments are included throughout your training experience.
ATX Gear — Take home your very own Mission Polo Shirt and ATX gear as a memento of your training day.
Kennedy Space Center Tours
Kennedy Space Center covers 570 square kilometres and tells the story of over 60 years of space exploration history. The Visitor Complex hosts the main exhibitions, but there are plenty more historic locations to explore — including Launch Complex 39, the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
FREE: Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
Included with any Kennedy Space Center general admission ticket, this 45-minute guided bus tour takes you through the NASA grounds, past launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Complex 39 before ending at the Apollo/Saturn V Center where you can explore at your own pace.
PAID: Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour
Go beyond the standard bus tour with this 2-hour up-close NASA experience. Make several stops for once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, step off the bus for an up-close view of NASA's launch pads and end your tour at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Also included with the Kennedy Space Center Ultimate Space Experience.
Book the Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour →
Top Tip: Kennedy Space Center is an active space facility, so tour routes may be subject to change on launch days. We'd also recommend planning no more than one tour per day to leave plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the Visitor Complex.
The Gantry at LC-39
Go beyond NASA's gates and experience The Gantry at LC-39, one of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's most exciting attractions. Situated adjacent to the legendary Launch Complex 39 and the launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, The Gantry places you right in the day-to-day action of America's premier spaceport.
Themed "Off Earth, For Earth", The Gantry tells the story of NASA's relationship between nature and technology and its mission to protect Earth through space exploration. It also doubles as a premium viewing location for select rocket launches, offering awe-inspiring 360-degree views across the space coast.
The four-storey gantry houses an impressive full-scale model of a rocket engine that comes to life during a simulated static test fire. When the countdown reaches zero, the engine roars with sound, dynamic light and cooling mist in a genuinely breathtaking multi-sensory experience. Ascend the gantry's levels to explore the intricate process of designing, building and launching rockets, with interactive kiosks illustrating how each rocket is crafted to meet specific mission requirements.
The Gantry at LC-39 is also home to NASA's largest Earth Information Center, with stunning visualisations, interactive media and powerful narrations expressing a holistic view of how our planet is changing. And before you leave, discover the remarkable biodiversity of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge on which Kennedy Space Center resides — and learn how NASA goes above and beyond to protect the ecosystems and wildlife that share their home.
The Gantry at LC-39 is accessible via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, included with general admission.
Book Your Kennedy Space Center Visit Today
Whether you're happy to explore everything included with your general admission ticket or you're ready to add something truly extraordinary to your day, we've got all the tickets you need.