Meggsy76

We will be in DC and Orlando and was wondering what would be better to visit with kids Kennedy Space Center, Air & Space Museum DC or should we see both?? Any suggestions would be great

longhorn55

The Kennedy Space Center is cool, but it's also pretty expensive at $50 per adult and %40 per child. I might think twice about that unless my child were a real space "nut" (like I was.)

On the other hand, both of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museums are free. (There is the one on the National Mall and the Udvar-Hazy Museum near Dulles Int'l Airport.) They both have iconic spacecraft and airplanes but the Udvar-Hazy has the big stuff like the space shuttle. Both museums also have IMAX films and flight simulators (fee charged).

Meggsy76

I can't say they are real space nuts. I don't think they would really care if they went or not. We thought it might be interesting for them. As we only have 2 free days in Orlando one was to go to seaworld the other KSP. But we could always do something else there and do the air/space in DC.

NewbE

In that case, do the Air & Space in DC (because pretty much every kid can find something cool in it) and skip the Space Center.

Meggsy76

thanks. as we are doing disney/universal in California, apart from Seaworld can you offer anything else in orlando to fill in the extra day instead of doing space center

tchoiniere

How much time do you have in DC? I would recommend Udvar Hazy over the one on the Mall assuming you have a full day to spend there. The large planes and a Space Shuttle are located at Udvar Hazy so a much bigger Wow factor. I like the one on the Mall but UH is much bigger and better.

NewbE

UH is great, but it will take the entire day. If the OP's kids aren't especially interested in aviation and space, it's risky to commit that way, IMO. On the Mall, you can always bail out of one museum and try another. But UH really is great...

NewbE

Sorry, Orlando. Did you say how old the kids are? How about Legoland? It's terrific, but for younger kids.

tenthumbs

The advantage to Hazy is that it is not crowded like the Air & Space Museum on the Mall, but if you're using public transportation, it's a tedious process (Metro/bus/shuttle).

It's been a long time since I've been to KSP, but the A&S Museum on the Mall has a lot to interest kids. There are exhibits on commercial flight, aviation in war, the Spirit of St Louis, and all of the space stuff.

rizzo0904

Orlando has Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. I also wouldn't rule out Magic Kingdom. The two Disneys are so different.

Not sure when you are going, but there are water parks too.

obxgirl

One of the main halls of the A&S Museum is under renovation for the next two years. Most of the biggest hits are still available to be seen (e.g., moon rock, Spirit of St Louis) but not all are on display. Sounds like that won't diminish the experience for your crew as there will still be plenty there to see and engage. The How Things Fly exhibit is especially good for kids -- very interactive.

Orlando_Vic

Another vote for the Air & Space Museum.

"thanks. as we are doing disney/universal in California, apart from Seaworld can you offer anything else in orlando to fill in the extra day instead of doing space center"

Don't equate Disneyland with Disney World. WDW has four parks plus the waterparks and altogether they cover a lot of land. Epcot should be very interesting & enjoyable for your entire family.

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Meggsy76

Thanks again for the ideas. We have 3 nights in dc so would probably stick to the one at that mall. With orlando & Disney, my husband would prefer not to do another one!(he has never been so he may change his mind!) I thought about day trip to st Augustine? Kids are 10 & 6 too and will be there end September. If by some miracle we do Disney there, which park is recommended for one day only?

rizzo0904

Crowds should be low and weather will be hot with afternoon thunderstorms. Animal Kingdom and HS require the least amount of time IMO. Magic Kingdom is probably the best for the six year old, although mine really enjoyed the front half of Epcot.

Orlando_Vic

"I thought about day trip to st Augustine?"

From Orlando, it is a 2-hour drive each way to & from St. Augustine. There is so much to see & do, it is better done as an overnight trip.


A few links:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave.../st-augustine/
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave...2.photogallery
http://www.staugustine.com/visit/
http://www.visitflorida.com/St_Augustine
http://www.getaway4florida.com/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/ar...#ixzz2eo5AnXR7

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie