Brevard County, which covers a good portion of the Atlantic Coast in Central Florida, provides an extraordinary amount activities for children. Lazy coastal cities like Melbourne, Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach offer the opportunity for beach picnics and water sports. The county offers kids lessons in science as well as parks for exploring the outdoors. Whether your are visiting or a local resident, Brevard County provides plenty of kid-friendly activities.
A string of protected seashores, rivers and wilderness areas stretch from the northern to southern borders of Brevard County. Canaveral National Seashore, located on a barrier island, provides activities for kids year round. The area provides pristine beaches, nature trails, canoeing, biking, a campground, historical sites and an abundance of wildlife, including designation as a sea turtle nesting ground. Other outdoor experiences for kids is the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, St. John's National Wildlife Refuge, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park and three scenic lakes -- Poinsett, Washington and Blue Cypress.
Cape Canaveral, home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, is a must-visit for children. Science, technology and imagination are needed to take in the massive facility. Kids can explore the launch facilities, flight simulators, massive rockets and space ships. The center also features an IMAX theater, meetings with astronauts and plenty of dining outlets. Another Brevard County favorite is Mad Science of Brevard County, located in Melbourne. Mad Science is a hands-on science experience offering birthday parties, shows, after-school programs and summer camps.
Kids can build sandcastles, bury parents and swim while visiting one of Brevard County's beaches. The county occupies 70 miles of Atlantic coastline, from Canaveral National Seashore in the North to Palm Bay in the South. In between is some uncrowded stretches of beaches suited for families and kids. Brevard's beaches are noticeably quieter than its Southern sisters -- West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Cocoa Beach, blessed with wide white sand beaches, is great for the day, providing consistent waves for kids wanting to learn how to surf. Satellite Beach is a quiet, family-friendly beach with restaurants, small shops and quiet streets.
Brevard Zoo, located in Melbourne, is a "small zoo that does big things." And one of those big things is catering to kids. Kid's can choose from a toddler, junior zookeeper, nighttime, overnight, scouting, camp and education programs. Animals at the zoo include alligators, ostriches, cheetahs and rhinoceros. The zoo hosts community events, and plays a vital role in conservation. Brevard Zoo is open year round.
