A new, fully-immersive multiple-story play experience is now open at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which Delaware North operates for NASA.
Designed for a younger generation of space explorers ages 2-12, Planet Play is an indoor interactive area where children play on the planets. Numerous interactive gaming and artistic components are designed to create a memorable learning experience including opportunities to map a constellation, climb a wormhole, walk on Saturn’s rings, and slide through an asteroid field.
“We are over the Moon to bring an offering to our visitors that will interest an even younger generation in space exploration and interplanetary travel,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “This area will educate kids about technologies used in space exploration and the planets, in a fun, playful environment that we cannot wait to see come to life.”
While kids play, parents can enjoy a coffee, beer and wine bar in a comfortable lounge while watching their tiny explorers learn about space.
Highlights of Planet Play include:
- Gravity Sink: A rope and netting structure for climbing.
- Storm of Neptune: Projection and lighting that will make use of theatrical equipment to accentuate the storms on Neptune, featuring sudden changes in intensity and location.
- Nebulas: Scenic and lighting element will create a physical manifestation of a celestial Nebula.
- Black Hole Portal: A net climber tube with UV treated fabric woven to create a helix effect.
- The Sun: Play and climbing area lit to mimic the texture and movement of the surface of the sun.
- Rover Racers: Race one of NASA’s Rovers on Mars, avoiding obstacles and collecting samples
- Toddler Play Area: With soft play and seating area for parents.
- Multiple climbing towers, slides, climbing wall, interactive video games, and much more.
PHOTO CAPTION (top): On January 4, NASA’s Bob Cabana (center) joined Therrin Protze (right), chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, as well as Tim Ferris (left) and Chele Francisco (left center), of NASA Kennedy Space Center, to officially open Planet Play.