A few weeks ago Midge and I had the pleasure of joining a handful of other amazing bloggers for a weekend at Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral, Florida. Growing up in Florida I always wanted to be an astronaut… right up until I realized I was deathly afraid of heights… but we watched every shuttle launch like it was a national holiday. I remember being a child on the swingset and pretending to be astronauts being launched in to space as we swung higher and higher. So when I was offered the opportunity to take Midge and go to Kennedy Space Center and actually meet real astronauts, I actually squealed. And cheered. And talked about it for weeks ad nauseum.
The weekend was absolutely everything I thought it would be.
The first part of our trip included Midge's first airplane ride. She was stoked. I silently said a prayer as we boarded the tiny little plane – that had PROPELLERS…
Two hours later though we landed in beautiful Orlando and quickly got a ride directly to Kennedy Space Center – about a 40 minute ride from the airport. We grabbed a bite to eat and then met up with the other Bloggers and kids for a private tour around NASA – including the viewing deck for the launch pad where every.single.person who has walked on the moon has left from… how cool is that?!
We also got to check out the Vehicle Assembly Building – where they put together the shuttles. At the time that the VAB was built in 1966 it was the largest building in existence. It still has the largest doors of any building with huge grey doors measuring 460 feet tall. For me this was the most iconic part of the trip because I remember watching the shuttles roll out of that enormous building. It was so surreal to actually be standing in front of it.
John was our tour guide – and absolutely one of the coolest people I have ever met. He was funny, kept the kids (and adults!) engaged and hanging on his every word, and knew so much I actually began recording him because he was rattling off facts so quickly. When you go on this tour – you must ask for John. He really made the entire tour amazing.
Our last stop was the Apollo/Saturn V Center where they have a Saturn Moon Rocket on display. The very size of this thing is hard to even wrap your brain around. The Saturn V Moon Rocket is the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three rockets in existence. It spans 363 feet long…
We finished our evening in the most spectacular way possible – watching the rocket launch while dining with an astronaut. YES.I'M.SERIOUS. Honestly, I am still pinching myself and wondering if it was a dream. But here's Midge… just hanging out with Astronaut Robert Springer.
And then this happened….
And that was only the first day! I will share Day Two with you soon! One thing is for sure – if you are looking for a fun place to take your kids this Summer that is as educational as it is entertaining – you should totally consider going to Kennedy Space Center. And if you go between now and May 31, 2015, use the promo code VISITKSC for $5 off admission tickets! I promise it is a vacation you will never forget!
diane says
Its sad that I live so close to Florida and have never been here! What an amazing and educational experience!
Ronda Ogilvie says
WOW!! What an awesome opportunity! Thanks for sharing!
rachel young says
I grew up in Orlando and have LOADS of fun memories at KSC!! It was always fun to tour the space shuttle and see the giant rockets. Def a cool vacation must see!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
SO STINKIN’ COOL!!! I bet my boys would LOVE the Kennedy Space Center!
Melissa says
My husband and I went here years ago. I’d love to visit with the family now!
Andrea Kruse says
We live on the opposite side of the country, so I haven’t gone yet but it is on my bucket list of things to take my kids to see before they leave the house. So many great things as the Kennedy Space Center to see!
HilLesha says
How cool! I’d definitely love to visit this with my family someday. I know that my son would really enjoy it! 🙂
Liz Mays says
What a super cool adventure! I’ve been near the area but whoa, you hit it at the right time!
Maria says
What an amazing adventure! Your daughter will remember this forever! So glad you were both able to experience it together!
Cat @ TOTS says
We went to Florida this year, but didnt get a chance to check out the space centre. Next year when we go in november it will be on my list! Thanks!
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
So so soooo cool! Totally want to go someday. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid 😉
Kelly Stilwell says
What a great experience for you and Midge. We keep saying we are going to visit. Maybe in the fall.
Mommy Has A Life says
Our family went on a visit to KSC in January it was a BLAST. Definitely a cool day for us and a great learning experience. We even got to see a night time rocket launch 🙂
Rebekah {McMama} says
What a neat place to visit! I’ll bet my husband would love it!
Ericka Chatman says
It sounds like you all had a wonderful time at the Kennedy Space Center. I know I probably would have been super excited to meet real astronauts.
Kimberly Grabinski says
I am not often overly jealous of trips people take but this one has me a bit green with envy. How cool! At one point in my life I was so intrigued with space travel and astronauts. Apollo 13 is still one my favorite all-time movies.
trisha says
Wow, what an amazing experience. I would love to meet an astronaut!!
Melinda says
What a cute little plane! Looks like a really cool place to visit.
Shell Feis says
I’m way too scared of heights too {and of being stuck places} to be an astronaut but I would have loved to have that experience! You got to do some fun stuff!
Lee Mckeon says
This Looks like a amazing place! I want to plan a trip there this summer!