33 Things to Do in Cape Canaveral

There are so many things to do in Cape Canaveral. Whether you’re planning an Orlando vacation and looking to get away from the theme parks for a few days, or looking for things to do before a cruise out of Port Canaveral, this list of 33 things to do in Cape Canaveral will have something for you!

So let’s get started with all the fun things to do on the Space Coast.

Rent a car in Cape Canaveral.

If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. If you’re flying into Orlando or most other destinations in Florida, you can pick up a car and explore. Discount USA Car Rental offers the lowest rates through all the major companies, and you don’t pay anything until you pick up your car.

Things to Do in Cape Canaveral

Here are the best things to do in Cape Canaveral, in no particular order.

Visit Kennedy Space Center

The most popular thing to do in Cape Canaveral is visting Kennedy Space Center.

You can take a guided tour of the space center, where you can even talk to a real astronaut. You can also do a VIP tour, which comes highly recommended by my parents.

 

There are so many things to experience at the Space Center; you’ll have to check it out for yourselves!

Attend Surfing School at Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach is the only place in Cape Canaveral with a surfing school. If your family wants to learn how to surf, they are open every day of the week. You can learn all the basics before heading out in the water to catch a few bigger waves.

Check Out the Wildlife at the Banana River Aquatic Preserve

This 30,000-acre Banana River aquatic preserve is the perfect place to spot the native wildlife in Cape Canaveral. I recommend renting kayaks or canoes. Then, head out in the water to see the manatees , sea turtles, and gators. Remember that seeing manatees may be seasonal, so check out the 12 best places to see manatees in Florida to learn more.

Enjoy the Views at the Canaveral Lock

At Canaveral Lock, you can watch boats travel between the Banana River and Port Canaveral. If you are patient enough, you may also spot dolphins and manatees in the water.

Visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was constructed in 1848. The lighthouse is 151 feet tall and is currently the only working lighthouse that the US Space Force owns.

A guided tour will allow you to learn the lighthouse’s history. If you like lighthouses, we have a blog post with the Ultimate List of Florida Lighthouses.

Hang Out with the Manatees at the Manatee Sanctuary Park

One of the free things to do in Cape Canaveral is to visit the Manatee Sanctuary Park. You will find this 10-acre park on the Banana River.

You can walk the paved trails or boardwalk and look for manatees at the observation points.

Have Fun at Cherie Down Park

Visitinng Cherie Down Park is one of the best things to do on the Space Coast for families. Everyone can swim, surf, or boogie board in the ocean or enjoy the 200-foot boardwalk.

Visit the US Air Force Space & Missile Museum

This museum opened back in 1966.  A trip to the US Air Force Space & Missile Museum is a must if you want educational things to do in Cape Canaveral.. You can take a guided tour to learn all about rockets, missiles, and satellites.

Explore the Exploration Tower

The Exploration Tower is a museum that has seven floors. Those seven floors are filled with interactive exhibits. It also has an observation deck which is perfect if you want to see views of the surrounding area.

Have Fun at Jetty Park

There are quite a few family-friendly things to do at Jetty Park. You can all go swimming, kayaking, or surfing. There is also a playground for little kid. The best feature is the 1,200-foot pier where you might spot marine life.

Watch the Sunset from Center Street Park

Center Street Park is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Cape Canaveral.

Experience History at The Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens

Visiting this museum and gardens will allow your family to learn about life during the 19th and 20th centuries. You’ll learn more with the guided tour, so we recommend that.

This is one of the best things to do in Cape Canaveral for history buffs.

Take a Tour on the water

I recommend taking a SUP paddleboard tour or a kayaking tour.

If you prefer to stay on land, your family can rent beach bikes.

Visit the Wizard of Oz Museum

All Dorothy and Toto fans can now experience the best of the Wizard of Oz inside this museum. During your visit, you can wander through Poppy Fields, Munchkin Land, and the Dark Forest. This is sure to be more popular now that Wicked is out!

Have a Few Thrills at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

There are 49 obstacles amongst the 100-year-old oak trees at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures.

Explore Historic Cocoa Village

Historic Cocoa Village has plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. This is when numerous live performances and other events are held on the streets.

Go Deep Sea Fishing

Fishing is always a popular activity in Florida. Check out iOutdoor Fishing Adventures for several deep-sea fishing options.. There are a few different trips to choose from. You will catch all types of fish, depending on the season.

Play Some Mini Golf

As a mini golf-loving family, we have to mention that there are a few different mini-golf options near Cape Canaveral.

Grab a Drink at Florida Beer Company

Florida Beer Company is family-friendly. You can take a tour to get a few free samples.

Spend Time at Cocoa Beach Brewing Company

This brewery is perfect for grabbing a drink and escaping the hot Florida sun.

Grab a Little Tropics Ice Cream

You can’t vacation in Cape Canaveral and not go to Tropics Ice Cream. They also have multiple flavors and place all ice cream with nuts in a separate cooler. This is perfect for families with nut allergies!

Be warned… Tropics can get busy in the late afternoons and on the weekends.

Explore Sebastian Inlet State Park

This state park is in Melbourne Beach and is easily accessible by taking Highway A1A. Don’t miss the beach, scenic trails, fishing museum, and sunken treasure museum.

Walk Along the Cocoa Beach Pier

Cocoa Beach Pier is fabulous for seeing dolphins and watching the sunset.

You can also take surf lessons at this beach!

Take an Airboat Ride

One of the best ways to see the wildlife in Cape Canaveral is by taking an airboat ride. Most of the airboat rides are short – about 15 minutes.

Visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

You may find visiting the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge one of the best things to do in Cape Canaveral. This area was established back in 1934 to protect native wildlife.

Your family can see turtles, alligators, pelicans, and snakes during your visit. One of the best ways to explore this area is by taking a boat ride.

Check Out the Ships at Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral happens to be the busiest cruise line port in the world. So, you will definitely see a few ships any time you visit.

See the Stars at the Eastern Florida State College Planetarium and Observatory

Eastern Florida College has a planetarium, observatory, and exhibition halls dedicated to space. This is a must-visit if your family is interested in stars and planets.

See the Flowers at the Florida Tech Botanical Gardens at the Florida Institute of Technology

The botanical gardens at the Florida Institute of Technology are absolutely stunning. There are also occasional education programs you can participate in.

Hang Out with Dinosaurs at the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures

Dino lovers will love seeing all the dinosaurs at this two-story museum.

Photo is property of The Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures.

If your kids love dinosaurs, check out our Dinosaur World Florida Review.

Explore the Cape Canaveral National Seashore

Cape Canaveral National Seashore is located on a barrier island and was designated as a national park in 1975.

Check Out the Adventure Zone and Eco-Park

Kayaking is a popular activity at the Adventure Zone and Eco-Park.

Kayak the Indian River Lagoon Park System

One of the best places to kayak in Cape Canaveral is the Indian River Lagoon. You can head out on your own or take a guided tour.

Relax at Kennedy Point Park at New Smyrna Beach

Kennedy Point Park is one of the best places to sit down and relax while visiting Cape Canaveral and is also the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Things to do in Cape Canaveral

These are some of the best things to do in Cape Canaveral. What is your favorite thing to do in Cape Canaveral? Make sure to leave a comment below and let us know.

More Florida Travel Tips

I hope this list helps you plan your Cape Canaveral family vacation and make it the best vacation ever. Don’t forget to check out even more of our best Florida travel ideas:

• The 25 Best East Florida Beaches
• The best place to find sharks teeth in Florida
• 35 Things to Do in Key West with Kids
• The 10 best places to see sea turtles in Florida
• 12 best places to see manatees in Florida
• Things to do in St. Augustine with Kids
• First-Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 50 free things to do in Tampa with kids
• 50 free things to do in Orlando

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here. If you want even more tips, join our mailing list. We’ll share any new tips and tricks we learn, along with Florida news and recent blog posts of our adventures.

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