RINGSIDE SEATS TO A ROCKET

Go See a Rocket Launch:

A Florida Bucket List MUST

story and photos by Laura Byrne

Sure, we can sometimes spot a rocket launch from here at home in Tampa Bay, but why not experience a rocket launch from miles away at least once before the kids grow up? This has been a bucket list activity for me, and we finally went on June 3 to see the Space X Falcon 9 CRS-22 launch at the Kennedy Space Center. While there are so many different viewing locations along the Space Coast—some popular spots are beaches like the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier and parks like Space View Park in Titusville—there’s nothing quite like being at the Kennedy Space Center on launch day. Admission for launch days often sells out, so buy your admission for the day at least a couple of weeks in advance to be safe.

WHAT TO KNOW:

Depending on the launch, you can upgrade your visit to get even closer to the launch pad with a reserved spot at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, but this prime viewing experience requires a lot of pre-planning since reserved bleacher seating often sells out.

You can also try to book free bus transport to view from the Apollo/Saturn V Center lawn. You’ll not only need to arrive early, but be quick to book your timed bus reservation. You can only book the bus the day of launch and only when on property, so make sure to have the location services enabled on your phone so the Kennedy Space Center app or website knows you’re there. (I didn’t and didn’t figure it out until it was too late.) The Apollo/Saturn V Center viewing area puts you as close as 3.9 miles away to 8 miles away, depending on the launch pad.

Still, viewing from the lawn at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex was a pretty cool experience. For the Space X Falcon 9 CRS-22 launch, the launch pad was about 7.5 miles away. We were close enough that we could feel the launch as it got a bit higher in the sky which was pretty awesome.

WHAT TO BRING:

Be sure to bring a blanket and umbrella (to seek shade while you wait for the launch). You can also pack a small soft-sided cooler with snacks and water and folding camp chairs to relax in while you wait. Don’t worry—all umbrellas come down at launch time. The other Florida basics like sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant and wipes to wipe down hot, sweaty kids are other must-haves.

Viewing from the Kennedy Space Center lawn actually turned out to be the best option for us because it allowed us more time to play—yes, we said PLAY! There are so many interactive exhibits for little kids and kids at heart. The NEW indoor Planet Play area was a family favorite. It’s a three-story immersive, space-themed playground that also has a mini bar and adult lounge area. Yes, please!

We recommend visiting KennedySpaceCenter.com to learn more about each launch mission and to see if special viewing locations are available. It’s a fun research project for kids and adults…and who knows, it just might inspire your little ones to one day aim for the stars.

VIEW THE LAUNCH BY WATER:

Book a boat or kayak tour on launch day! A Day Away Kayak Tours, Space Coast River Tours and Sail Cocoa Beach are just a few that offer launch day tours.

Laura Byrne and sons at the Kennedy Space Center

American Space Museum

Rocket Launch

MORE WAYS TO PLAY WHILE ON THE SPACE COAST:

Bioluminescence Kayaking BREVARD ZOO: This Melbourne zoo has a beautiful winding boardwalk and sidewalks that take you through the different habitats. We loved feeding the giraffe and the birds in the aviary, and getting up close to the kangaroos. The kiddos can enjoy cooling down in the splash pad. There’s also a zip-line, but call ahead to see if they require bookings. Brevardzoo.org

Ron Jon Surf Shop SEA TURTLE WALK TOUR: This is a unique summertime activity where you can book a tour to see the many sea turtle nests along the beaches and maybe even catch baby sea turtles making their journey to the sea. Visitspacecoast.com

BIOLUMINESCENCE KAYAKING TOUR:

Another unique nighttime summer experience is a bioluminescence tour on the

Indian River Lagoon. There are several companies that offer the experience like Get Up and Go Kayaking. July and August are prime time viewing months.

AMERICAN SPACE MUSEUM: If you didn’t get your fill of space, head over to the American Space Museum in Titusville where kids can get hands-on with actual shuttle launch controllers and view pretty cool artifacts from the space program. You can get through this museum in a couple of hours, tops. Spacewalkoffame.org

MUSEUM OF DINOSAURS AND ANCIENT CULTURES: This is another quick indoor trip. If your kids love dinosaurs, they’ll love this place. While most of the dinosaur bones are replicas of real bones, there are real fossils on display. There is even a large store on the first floor. Dinosaurstore.com

FLORIDA SURF MUSEUM: Right next door to the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, this museum will walk you through the history of surfing in Florida. Floridasurfmuseum.org

GET PLANNING:

Upcoming 2021 launches are scheduled for July 30 and Oct. 16. There will also be a manned mission Oct. 31. To stay up to date on future launches and find more viewing spots, check out KennedySpaceCenter.com, SpaceCoastLaunches.com or VisitSpaceCoast.com.