Recently, I was invited out to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as part of their celebration for being named a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. As an autism mom, I’m always nervous taking my son to a new environment, but with being named a Certified Autism Center, we can visit with confidence and reassurance that our family will have a good time.
As part of their certification, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has taken a number of steps to ensure accessibility for visitors with autism and other sensory needs, including:
- Special training for Team Members – look on their nametags to see the icon indicating they’ve gone through specialized training
- Sensory guidance signage – buildings and attractions have sensory guidance signs to help guide visitors on what to expect
- Designated sensory break rooms – quiet, cool, and tucked away, these areas are helpful if you need to take a break throughout your visit
- Sensory guides – available via the Kennedy Space Center app, website, or hard copies on site, these guides help prepare guests with what to expect when they visit
With that, let’s get into my visit!
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is massive, with a variety of experiences for the whole family. There are exhibits, simulators, videos, and more to see here. You’ll definitely want to plan for a full day – and arrive early to beat the crowds!
My first stop was Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, where I experienced Spaceport KSC. This is a ride similar to Soarin’, with your choice of four missions. Riders must be 39” tall, but if your kiddo doesn’t measure up or may not do well with the sensory attributes on this ride, there’s an alternative viewing area called the Observation Bay where you can experience the journey without the motion.
The rest of the building contains exhibits, some of which have interactive elements. I also saw a team member engaging guests with a science experiment. In this building you’ll find one of the sensory break areas tucked away down a hallway. It is quiet and dark, and out of the hustle and bustle of the rest of the building.
Next, I checked out Planet Play! This is a multi-story, large, indoor playground with slides, tunnels, and other interactive elements. It was dark, quiet, and cool when I visited, and the staff member up front let me know that there’s only one way in and out of the facility, so if you’re worried about your child running off (like mine tends to do), you can rest assured knowing there’s a dedicated set of eyes on the entry/exit point! I can’t wait to take my kids to check this area out. I think they will love it!
Following Planet Play, I made my way over to check out the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The main entry to the exhibit includes a couple video presentations, one of which is quite loud, so if your child is sensitive to loud noises, there’s an option to bypass the presentation and exit out a side door to get to the Atlantis. This was my favorite exhibit by far, as the Atlantis was truly awe-inspiring in its scale and accomplishments. In this building, you’ll find some other exhibits like Forever Remembered, which honors the lives lost in the Challenger and Columbia tragedies, and the Shuttle Launch Experience.
The Shuttle Launch Experience is a simulator-type ride with a 44” height requirement. If your kiddo doesn’t measure up or if this may be too intense an experience for them, there’s an alternative viewing area so you can enjoy the experience without the motion. I was nervous for this one, as I tend to get a bit motion sick, but it wasn’t as intense as I was expecting. There was quite a bit of jostling though, so if you aren’t sure how your child will handle it, it may be best to preview it first on your own, or just head straight to the alternative viewing area.
The exit area of the ride is where you’ll find another sensory break room. This room is also extremely quiet and tucked away, and had fun seating options for those needing a break.
Before heading home, I checked out the menu at Orbit Cafe to see what kid-friendly options are available. My son is a picky eater, so having simple options like chicken, mac & cheese, or pizza are helpful for my family! I’m happy to report that Orbit Cafe has kid-friendly options and plenty of options for adults, too! There’s also a Starbucks and other dining options at the complex, so you’ll definitely find something for everyone in your family.
Throughout my visit, I took note of the wide outdoor spaces. When my son is on sensory overload, he needs to “run it out” and there is plenty of space to do so. There is also outdoor shaded seating, so if you need to get outside to reset and recharge, there are plentiful seating options. I also noticed that most of the buildings are quite spacious, and there is a decent amount of walking distance between each building. I would recommend bringing along a stroller if your child needs breaks throughout the day.
Overall, I had a fantastic visit and I was happy to see accessibility features that will make visiting the Kennedy Space Center smooth and easy! I am looking forward to taking my kids to check out all that the Kennedy Space Center Complex has to offer!
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open year-round in Merritt Island, Florida. For more details on visiting, visit their website at www.kennedyspacecenter.com!
