PB Travels: Kennedy Space Center
Last year, PB Parenting didn’t get to travel as much as we used to, and even 2021 looks like it may be quiet. We have enjoyed some day and weekend trips exploring our state that so many people come to visit. A couple of weeks ago, we made the short drive up the coast to the Kennedy Space Center during winter break.
PB Parenting was able to check out the Space Center’s new experience, Planet Play! Planet Play is a new, fully-immersive multiple-story play experience. Designed for a younger generation of space explorers ages 2 – 12, Planet Play is an indoor, interactive activity and learning area that will bring space right here to earth. Children enjoy learning fun facts as they play among replicas of the planets in our solar system. There is numerous interactive gaming, including opportunities to map a constellation, slide through a wormhole, walk on Saturn’s rings, and slide through an asteroid field. And, while kids play, parents can enjoy a coffee, beer, and wine bar in a comfortable lounge while watching their tiny explorers learn about space.
Highlights include:
• Gravity Sink: A rope and netting structure for climbing
• Storm of Neptune: Projection and lighting use theatrical equipment to accentuate Neptune’s storms, featuring sudden changes in intensity and location.
• Nebulas: Scenic and lighting element will create a physical manifestation of a celestial Nebula
• Black Hole Portal: A net climber tube with UV treated fabric woven to create a helix effect
• The Sun: Play and climbing area lit to mimic the texture and movement of the surface of the sun
• Rover Racers: Race one of NASA’s Rovers on Mars, avoiding obstacles and collecting samples
• Toddler Play Area: With soft play and seating area for parents
• Multiple climbing towers, slides, climbing wall, interactive video games, and much more.
After Planet Play, we explored the other exhibits around the complex. The kids enjoyed seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It is housed in its own building where you can get an up-close view and includes more than 60 interactive exhibits, including astronaut training simulators. It is incredible to learn about our space program and see the rockets and shuttle up close and in person.
During our visit to the Kennedy Space Center, we observed COVID-19 safety protocols in place. All guests were temperature screened upon arrival through security. We observed masks in all spaces by guests and employees, social distancing measures were in place, and many hand sanitizing stations throughout the park and always next to any interactive exhibits. The center is at limited capacity, and we never felt crowded during our visit. There was always a lot of space between us and others. Additional details about their protocols are available at: www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/coronavirus
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration, and educational activities. Currently open with limited capacity and attractions due to COVID-19, included with admission are Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, presented by Boeing, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, space films, and the Rocket Garden. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 10 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $57 + tax for adults and $47 + tax for children ages 3 – 11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit
www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Twitter: @ExploreSpaceKSC
facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex