Florida’s Space Coast is the ideal family-friendly destination. The most affordable beach destination in Florida, there are tons of activities for kids and parents to do. With 72 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of beach space to build sandcastles, hunt for seashells, splash in the water and picnic on the beach.
(Get more great ideas for your Florida vacation or staycation at our sister sites www.FloridaBeachBreak.com, www.TheFloridaOutdoors.com, www.BeachsideDirectory.com and www.FlBoutiqueHotels.com)
When not playing on the beach, here are our top 5 favorite family activities on the Space Coast (double check on costs and hours ... things change fast lately)
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See Manatee in their natural habitat.
The Florida Manatee, a sub-species of the West Indian Manatee and often called a “sea cow,” is an endangered aquatic mammal native to Florida. They are slow and lumbering herbivores who graze on seagrass and aquatic plants. They are found in the rivers and canals along the Space Coast. FREE
Space Related Activities.
The Space Coast is so nick-named as an homage to the influence NASA’s Kennedy Space Center has had on the development of this area of Florida.
Visit Kennedy Space Center.
For those fascinated by space travel and technology, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of the largest collections of space-flown vehicles in the United States. Adult (age 12+) $57 Child (age 3-11) $47
Visit American Space Museum & Space View Park
This museum houses items, some of which have flown in space, donated by individuals, astronauts, space workers, NASA, and NASA contractor companies. The Park is home to the U.S. Space Walk of Fame. The museum is $10 for adults/ $5 for children
Rocket Launch
With Space X, United Launch Alliance, Boeing all actively engaged in space exploration, there are many rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. Watching a rocket launch is a pretty spectacular event; especially from a beach. The most popular place to watch a rocket launch is at Jetty Park. However, wherever you are on the Space Coast, you’ll be able to witness this amazing feat. Free.
#1 Zoo in South East U.S.
The Brevard Zoo was named the 5th Best Zoo in North America by Readers of USA Today and it was the highest-ranked zoo in the Southeastern U.S. The Brevard Zoo epitomizes that “great things come in small packages.” Spanning only 50 acres, Brevard Zoo is home to more than 900 animals from over 195 species. The zoo focuses on species from South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and our own backyard in Florida. $24.70 adults $15.70 ages 3-11.
Kayak trip.
Choose from a trip through the Mangrove Tunnels or to see dolphins and manatee in their natural habitat. July-September is a magical time for kayaking and delighting kids. It’s bioluminescence season where comb jellies GLOW in the dark. Tandem kayaks allow kids to be in the same kayak as a parent. Ages 16+ $50-$60 / Ages 5-15 $40-$50 / Ages 4 and under Free
Airboat ride.
Kids are delighted and fascinated by an airboat ride through the Florida swamps. Witness alligators in their natural habitat - from a safe distance. Though not located directly on the Space Coast, there are several Airboat providers just a short drive away. $29 adults / $17 ages 12 and younger.
(Get more great ideas for your Florida vacation at out sister sites, www.FloridaBeachBreak.com, www.TheFloridaOutdoors.com, www.FlBoutiqueHotels.com and www.BeachsideDirectory.com)