What to do (this summer) on the Space Coast
The kids are about to be out of school and you don't want to shell out $100+ each week for each child in your home just to keep them busy this summer.
Below we have 20 suggestions for you to try out during the summer (most of them you can do throughout the year). Some may have a minimal fee to gain entry, but it won't hurt too bad. If you can think of more local activities that should be added to this list please feel free to email info@destinationbrevard.com and we'll put it on here for everyone to see.
1. Hit the beach- We have over 70 miles of sand and surf bordering the Space Coast and most of that is accessible to the general public and a large portion of those beaches won't cost you a penny to park at. Build a sand castle, bring your fishing gear and try to land dinner, or just relax in the water. The key to enjoying our beaches during the summer is to hit it early in the day or after 3 p.m. as the hours from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. are going to expose your family to the worst heat, humidity and of course it is the easiest time to get yourself a nasty sunburn. ALWAYS apply sunscreen before you hit the beach and reapply after you come out of the water. Try picking up a beach umbrella to give your family a little reprieve from the sun and bring along a cooler with plenty of water and pack a lunch to extend your stay. Don't forget to check the Destination Brevard Beachcast before you head out.
2. Sebastian Inlet- Everything listed above applies to Sebastian Inlet (although there is an $8 per vehicle fee to get in, so car pool to save money). The Inlet does give you the option of spending your time in the ocean or you can relax in the tidepool while the kids chase fiddler crabs on the sand (you may have the chance to see aquatic hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, sea unchins, along with many other types of crabs and fish). Fishing can be excellent throughout the Inlet, but be very aware of the strong current that runs through the Inlet during tidal changes (as long as you stay away from the mouth of the tidepool you are okay). There is a snack bar, bait shop, bath house and plenty of picnic tables on the north side of the Inlet.
You can cross the bridge and enter the south side of Sebastian Inlet State Park to find more space to relax including; a quiet stretch of beach, many excellent fishing spots, the Sebastian Inlet Fishing Museum, a boat ramp and a playground. There is a large covered pavilion and a stretch of beach near the playground. There also is a campground if you want to extend your stay ($28 per night).
3. Jetty Park- As with Sebastian Inlet and the other beach areas please see #1 on this list. There is a $10 per vehicle fee to enter Jetty Park, but Brevard County residents can purchase an annual pass for $20 (quite a deal). Jetty Park has a very nice beach area that can get crowded as many people come over from the Orlando area to relax throughout the week. There is a snack bar, as well as a large public bathroom.
Fishing on the jetty or along the rocks lining the park can be very productive and you can catch a wide variety of fish. Jetty Park is also the BEST place to watch a rocket launch, but do not bother trying to get in there for the remaining shuttle launches. You can also watch the cruise ships leave the Port and wave to the hundreds of vacationers as they line the rails of each ship as they exit the Port.
As with Sebastian Inlet, Jetty Park has a public campground if you want to take a vacation close to home. Rates vary from $25 -47 per night.
4. Free Summer Movies- Each summer many of the local movie theaters in Brevard County offer free (or low cost) summer movies each week. We will have these listed for you as the information becomes available (by the third week of May).
5. Brevard County Parks and Recreation Nature Centers- (North) Wuesthoff Park Nature Trail & Homer Powell Nature Center- (Central/Mainland) Riverwalk Nature Center- (Central/Merritt Island) Rotary Park Nature Center, Rotary Park- (Central/Beaches) Maritime Hammock
at Lori Wilson Park- (South) Erna Nixon Park- Located in the heart of Melbourne (just north of the Melbourne Square Mall). A visit to any of these county maintained nature parks will give you family an hour or two of outdoor fun. Try visiting them early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat of mid-day. You never know what animals you may encounter at these parks (don't mess with baby raccoons espeically when the mom is growling underneath the boardwalk!)
6. Cocoa Beach Surf Company/ Ron Jon Surf Shop- We put both of these giant mega-stores together because they stand side by side along A1A in Cocoa Beach. You don't have to buy anything just to browse these multi-level giants of the surf world, but you'll end up with something by the end of your visit. While you're in Cocoa Beach, stop by The Dinosaur Store and check out all they have on display. Oh, if you are looking for something cool and refreshing on your way home, stop by Dairy Queen (it's also an Orange Julius which is the reason it is posted here. Yummy1).
7. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge- Visit the website for information about all that you can do. This can fill up a day as you drive around the refuge looking for wildlife. Make sure you stop by the visitor center.
8. Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum- Take the kids to see some vintage aircraftand take a tour of the facility. The cost of a family of four is $40. Chlidren under 5 are free.
9. Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science- Located in Cocoa and an easy drive from the beaches.
10.- Florida Institute of Technology Botanical Gardens- Stroll along meandering paths in this fifteen acre hidden gem.
11. Historic Cocoa Village- Enjoy a walk down the shady sidewalks and browse through the quaint shops that line the streets. Some of the finest dining in Brevard County can be found along these streets.
12. American Police Hall of Fame- Helicopter rides and gun range on the premises of this north Brevard attraction. It is also the country’s first national police museum and memorial dedicated to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
13. Brevard Community College Planetarium and Observatory- Take in an IMAX movie or just gaze at the stars. There is a minimal fee for the different shows.
14. Brevard Zoo- The only zoological park in east central Florida and it's in our backyard. Feed a giraffe, go kayaking through the zoo, or watch the gators eat a late lunch. The cost of a family annual pass is the average price for a single week of summer camp for one of your children. You can also go to the Zoo and enjoy extended hours during their Summer Saturday Nights promotion.
15. Downtown Melbourne- Take in the sites while strolling through downtown Melbourne.
16. Wickham Park- This large park situated in the middle of Melbourne can fill up your day with fun. Let the kids play on the large playground, bring your dogs to the dog park, try frisbee golf with the family (pick up a disk or two at Play it Again Sports to save a little money) and don't forget to pakc a lunch. With lots of trees, finding some shade to stay out of the summer heat won't be a problem.
17. Palm Bay Aquatic Center- Located beside the Palm Bay Campus of BCC. Fees can be found on the website.
18. Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center- Located beside the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Fees can be found on the website.
19. Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands- Take a drive (or better yet get out and walk) around the many paths through the Viera Wetlands and you never know what you may come across. Try early or late in the day as many of the animals will be seeking shelter from the hot summer sun during the mid-day.
20. Shore Lanes Free Summer Bowling program- Register online to receive two free games each week for every child in your home.
***If you can think of other low cost activities please send the information to info@destinationbrevard.com and we'll make sure it is posted***
More to do this summer
Yes the price of gas is ridiculous right now, but if you can afford to fill up your gas tank, here are a few options for days trips this summer.
1. A visit to Walt Disney World- You don't have to shell out the big bucks to enjoy some time at Disney (leave the summer heat and crowds to the tourists). You can drive over, park at any of the Magic Kingdom area resorts (the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or the Wilderness Lodge) and take advantage of the WDW transportation system. Spending an afternoon riding boats, buses and monorails might not seem like a grand time for you, but for young children this is always a winner.
You can also spend practically an entire day at Downtown Disney strolling through the shops and you don't have to spend a load of money eating in one of the big restaurants as there are smaller less expensive options.
**More coming soon**
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