• 1
• 2

Calling all astronauts-to-be. Take-off for a visit to Florida's Space Coast and see the Kennedy Space Center and much more.

If your child prefers Discovery Kids to the Disney Channel and/or dreams of being "The Crocodile Hunter," and if when you mention 'rocket,' your child thinks Roger Chaffee instead of Roger Clemens, then you need to stop reading this and book your vacation to the Florida Space Coast now. If you have a child who does not fit the above description, have no fear, a world of adventure and excitement may just surprise you.

The Space Coast (Visitor's Center, 877/572-3224) -- consisting of area cities Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Palm Bay -- has much to offer as a destination, but it is its proximity to Orlando that makes it an excellent two-day addition to any area vacation.

There's plenty for your Tiny Traveler to experience at The Kennedy Space Center (321/449-4444). Although most under-5s will not hit the height requirement for the new Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulator developed by shuttle astronauts, my daughter, Daelyn, thoroughly enjoyed slipping on her V.I.P. pass and entering a special viewing room - your own mission control. Once in there, she got to watch her older brother on one screen experiencing the ride while simultaneously seeing what he was seeing on another screen (including some alarming master alarms that made both Daelyn and her brother jump).

Mad Mission to Mars will be very fun and exciting for the pre-school and Kindergarten set. Even the youngest will enjoy the sheer size and visual stimulation of the rocket garden. The guided bus tour is exciting for nature enthusiasts, as we saw a manatee, two alligators and a mattress-sized eagles' nest.

A stop at the Apollo/Saturn V Center is definitely worthwhile to relive the Apollo 8 launch from a mock control room. Although many people want to have lunch with an Astronaut, in my opinion this is an experience totally lost on the Tiny Traveler (save the money for the gift shop). Dine right at the café in the Apollo/Saturn V center on pizzas, wraps, and hot dogs under the massive Saturn V, the Lunar Module and the huge reproduction of the patches from the Apollo missions. After lunch, be sure to take a green screen picture of yourself "weightless" in a rocket ship at the Kodak Shooting Stars booth.

There's even more to explore, but be sure to plan for many drink breaks and to leave time at the end for the gift shop. Space ice cream, Apollo patches, and 'I need my space' bumper stickers: there's a souvenir for everyone on your list. The biggest hit of all is the orange Shuttle Launch Experience Flight Suit. No amount of heat could keep the under-5 crowd out of these jumpsuits, and even though they run $50, one mom said it was like an outfit, pajamas, and Halloween costume all in one.