Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center with small kids?

[Anonymous]

Thinking of taking my 5 year old to see the space shuttle launch. He's very into rockets... kind of a budding science geek. We would, of course, also have to drag his 3.5 year old brother. Is this crazy?

Has anyone been to Kennedy Space Center and/or seen a launch? Any tips? Thoughts? Are the kids old enough to enjoy the visitor center?

[Anonymous]

From what i've heard, I think you have to plan ahead big time. They are specialized tickets. They also close the main space center visitors area (and beach area) during a launch.

We went last year with a five year old to the visitors center which is basically like a theme park now. Our older kids enjoyed it more to be honest. I think the perfect ages are 4th grade thru high school although they do have some shows etc for younger kids. Movies too. I really enjoyed it too! The apollo 11 launch show / stage is super cool. Read up on it before you go because some of it is way too much (the 5 hr tour part - you want to bail after the first 2 stops). For a three year old it will be tough.

Also the beach near by (cape canerval national seashore) is wonderful. Your children might like that better!