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Indoor & Outdoor Adventures
Many adventures are launched daily at the Space Coast, where residents and visitors can discover everything from mighty rockets and magnificent wild spaces to surfing history and dinosaurs.
The Space Coast’s greatest attraction is the sprawling Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island, where visitors can stand in awe of the mighty Space Shuttle Atlantis, visit the launch pads where space history took off, meet veteran astronauts, train in a flight simulator, explore the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, catch amazing films at the IMAX theater and view space artifacts, such as the Moon dust still visible on Alan Shepard’s spacesuit.
While it does not receive as much press as the visitor complex, the American Space Museum & Walk of Fame is equally fascinating, thanks to a vast collection that tells the story of the workers who helped shape space exploration.
The Space Coast has also been blessed with plenty of green spaces, such as Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a neighbor of the space center. This is wild Florida: A place to unplug and reconnect with nature through a diversity of recreational and educational opportunities, including birdwatching, kayaking, nature photography and hiking.
Located within the limits of the City of Titusville, the 470-acre Enchanted Forest Sanctuary also preserves a diversity of natural habitats. Miles of hiking trails invite visitors to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. The sanctuary’s education center offers interpretive programs for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Also in North Brevard are two unique museums. The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, at Space Coast Regional Airport, displays a major collection of vintage aircraft, including the D-Day veteran C-47,Tico Belle. The Police Hall of Fame and Museum, the nation’s first museum dedicated to the history and courage of law enforcement and first responders, offers visitors the opportunity to explore a collection of historical and futuristic police cars, discover forensic investigation and even try their aim at a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range with firearms rentals, training and target practice.
One of the few zoos built by volunteers, Brevard Zoo is now recognized as one of the top small zoos in the country and a leader in conservation efforts. It features plenty of interactive experiences that include kayaking near majestic giraffes, ziplining high above zoo residents and feeding adorable sloths.
While Brevard’s 72 miles of beaches are a major draw for both tourists and residents, beachside attractions don’t stop at the sand and sea. The Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach is the place to learn about the fascinating sea turtles that use the area as a major nesting site. Located in the Archie Carr National Refuge, the 34-acre facility showcases the diverse habitats of the Space Coast’s barrier islands through trails, exhibits and special events.
Cocoa Beach’s Ron Jon Surf Shop is a destination. It is also home to the Florida Surf Museum, which highlights Florida’s surfing history and culture, as well as the Space Coast’s critical role in the development of the sport.
Located at the Cocoa Beach Causeway, the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures is a 20,000-square-foot showcase of the mighty creatures of yore. The connected Dinosaur Store offers 4,000 square feet of dinosaur-themed merchandise, including authentic dinosaur teeth and claws. 
Traveling along the beachside leads to the Yellow Brick Road at the Wizard of Oz Museum. In addition to a comprehensive display of memorabilia from books and film, the Cape Canaveral attraction uses immersive technology so visitors can join Dorothy and friends on their journey to the enchanted land. A permanent immersive Vincent Van Gogh experience adds an unforgettable way to experience the Impressionist artist’s works. As if that was not enough, the Oz Museum also offers the Immersive Universe experience that transports guests on a journey into space, using the latest imagery from the James Webb telescope.
McLarty Treasure Museum at Sebastian Inlet State Park paints the story of the ill-fated 1715 fleet of 11 Spanish galleons laden with gold, silver, copper and riches headed to Spain. A fierce storm sank the ships close to Florida’s shoreline, where the “Queen’s Jewels” remain to tantalize treasure hunters still searching for them more than 300 years later. The museum is at the location of the campsite where some survivors of the disaster awaited rescue.
History buffs can explore the history of Brevard County, from the Ice Age to the Space Age, at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Two wings of indoor exhibits include a re-creation of the Windover Dig, a world-famous archaeological site in Titusville. The museum’s most famous resident is “Windover Woman,” the oldest human remains found in North America. A network of trails invites visitors to recharge among green spaces.
The Space Coast’s historical homes and homesteads — Pritchard House, Rossetter House, Green Gables, Lawndale, Sams House at Pine Island, Grant Historic House and Field Manor — make for a fascinating look at the very different lives of Brevard’s pioneering families.
Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks at Andretti Thrill Park’s spinning coaster, mini-golf, seven-story Drop ‘N Twist Tower, go-kart tracks, Andretti 306 ride, plus laser tag, rock climbing wall, batting cages, bumper boats, mini-golf, “slime buckets” and arcade.
Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse in Rockledge has go-karts, zip line, laser tag, the XD Dark Ride Theater experience, ropes course, mini bowling, Ninja Warrior course, and the Go Ballistic three-story interactive play experience.
DEFY Palm Bay, Sky Zone in Rockledge and Urban Air Adventure and Trampoline Park in Melbourne offer indoor adventures where kids of all ages can jump, soar, race, climb and play.
Axe throwing aficionados have their pick of Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Cocoa Village or The Backyard in Palm Shores. Both attractions also offer a wealth of other games, too.
Fun is always at the ready in Brevard.
