Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: Little ones may get a little bored here. Best for kids over 5 years.

School-Age Kids: Your science nut will also get a kick out of lunch with an astronaut, which brings space-age imagination into across-the-table reality.

Pre-Teens & Teens: If you have an aspiring Buzz Armstrong at home, consider the Family ATX Astronaut Training Program, a two-day experience where your clan learns to be astronauts. The program costs $625 for two, plus $275 for each additional guest (includes hotel accommodations).

Planning Notes

• Get a lift. Located about 45 minutes from Orlando, this excursion requires a car.
• Blast off. If your visit to the area happens to coincide with a NASA shuttle launch, plan to be somewhere nearby to see this spectacular event up close. TV doesn't do it justice -- there's nothing like the earth quaking as a shuttle lifts up, up, up, and away. Log onto the Web site for a launch schedule and to buy launch tickets.
• Small and safe. Coolers and large bags are not allowed, and backpacks are not allowed on launch days. Security is strictly enforced so plan accordingly.

Just the Facts

Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. except Dec. 25 and other specified days.

Fees: $30 - $40

Recommended Time: Half day