Hello, Island Pineapple Realty community!

 

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity for endless fun and adventure. But what makes a community truly special is not just the properties that we transact but the life we build within them. As your trusted local realty experts, we're here to help you explore Brevard County and all the fantastic family-friendly activities it offers.

 

To us, buying or selling a home is more than acquiring a new address, it’s falling in love with where you live. So, we’ve put together a great list of things our family LOVES to do during our Space Coast Summers! 

 

 

A visit to the Brevard Zoo is more than just a day out; it's an adventure that brings families closer to nature and each other. This community-built zoo is renowned for its interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to have up-close and personal encounters with a variety of animals. One of the highlights is the Giraffe Platform, where guests can hand-feed these gentle giants. The Kayak Tours offer a unique way to explore the zoo from the water, paddling through the wetlands past animal exhibits. Check out their schedule of events here! https://brevardzoo.org/

 

For thrill-seekers, Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures offers ziplining and obstacle courses at various heights, providing stunning views of the animals and surroundings. The zoo is also committed to conservation and education, with numerous programs that educate visitors about wildlife and their habitats. With something for everyone, the Brevard Zoo ensures an unforgettable day full of fun and learning for the whole family.

 

 

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an out-of-this-world experience that will captivate the entire family. Offering a unique blend of education and entertainment, it's a place where space exploration comes alive. The complex is home to a variety of exhibits, including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden featuring rockets from NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where guests can see a real space shuttle up close.

 

The center also offers the chance to meet a veteran astronaut, an experience that could inspire the astronauts of tomorrow. The highlight for many is the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of a live rocket launch, making a visit here not just a day out, but a lifelong memory. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides a unique perspective into the past, present, and future of space exploration, igniting the imagination and inspiring the next generation of explorers. Learn more by visiting their website. https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

 

 

This museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of our region's past. The museum offers an in-depth look at the history, culture, and natural environment of Brevard County. Exhibits take visitors on a journey from prehistoric times to the space age, including a 14-foot-tall skeleton of a Giant Ground Sloth that once roamed our area.

 

Children can enjoy the interactive Children's Science Center with hands-on exhibits, making learning fun and engaging. The museum is also the gateway to the 22-acre Helen and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary, where you can take a tranquil walk through the nature trails, making it the perfect combination of education and outdoor adventure. Check out their website here. https://www.brevard-museum.com/

 

 

This state park is a jewel of Brevard County, offering some of the best fishing on the East Coast and a surf break that is renowned worldwide. The park straddles the mouth of the Sebastian Inlet, which connects the Indian River Lagoon with the Atlantic Ocean, providing a diverse habitat for a variety of aquatic wildlife. Anglers can fish from the jetties, the shore, or even take a boat out into the inlet or ocean.

 

The park also offers some great camping opportunities, with beautiful waterfront campsites that provide stunning views. For surfers, the consistent break at the inlet is known as one of the best surf spots in Florida. Families can enjoy swimming in the calm waters of the inlet, exploring the park's nature trails, or visiting the McLarty Treasure Museum and the Sebastian Fishing Museum located within the park. This park truly offers a unique experience that combines the beauty of natural Florida with the thrill of outdoor activities. Visit their website for hours and location. https://www.floridastateparks.org/Sebastian-Inlet

 

 

The Cocoa Beach Pier is an iconic part of Brevard County, offering miles of beautiful beaches and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. As the home of the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach has a rich surfing heritage and is a great place to catch a wave, learn to surf, or just enjoy watching the surfers.

 

The pier itself is a hub of activity, with shops, restaurants, and bars. Families can spend the day building sandcastles, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, or simply soaking up the Florida sun. As the day draws to a close, the pier is the perfect place to enjoy a stunning Cocoa Beach sunset. Get more info and sneak a peek at their live pier webcam here! https://www.cocoabeachpier.com/

 

 

Nestled in the heart of West Melbourne, this community park is a haven for outdoor recreation. With a range of facilities including sports fields, a playground, pavilions, and walking trails, it offers something for every family member. It's the ideal setting for a picnic, a friendly game of soccer, or a leisurely stroll amidst the natural beauty.

 

This park embodies the sense of community that makes Brevard County so special, offering a place where families can come together, have fun, and make lasting memories. Check out their calendar of events here. https://www.westmelbourne.gov/facilities/facility/details/West-Melbourne-Community-Park-11

 

 

For families seeking an adrenaline rush, The Edge Rock Gym in Melbourne provides an exciting and safe indoor climbing experience. With a variety of climbing walls catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers, it's a fun way to challenge yourself physically and mentally.

 

The gym offers instruction and equipment, ensuring a fun and safe experience for everyone. It's a unique way to spend a day, fostering teamwork and building confidence as you conquer new heights together. Check out rates and classes here. https://ontheedgerockclimbing.com/

 

 

An Enchanting Nighttime Adventure: Few experiences can compare to gliding across the waters of the Indian River Lagoon amidst a mesmerizing display of natural lights. Brevard County offers the rare phenomenon of bioluminescence, where warm summer waters host tiny organisms that illuminate when disturbed, turning the waves into a sea of stars.

 

Bioluminescent kayak tours give you a front-row seat to this breathtaking spectacle, a bucket-list-worthy experience for both residents and visitors. Check out the link below for more information on these magical tours. As you paddle through the night, let every stroke of your oar paint a trail of radiant blue-green light on the canvas of the lagoon. It's an unforgettable way to interact with nature and create lifelong memories with your family. https://www.visitspacecoast.com/blog/post/experience-bioluminescence-on-floridas-space-coast

 

 

Summer on the Space Coast also signals the beginning of sea turtle nesting season. Several organizations, including the Sea Turtle Preservation Society and Stella Maris Environmental Research, offer guided sea turtle walks that are both educational and inspiring. These walks present a unique opportunity to observe these ancient creatures as they return to the beach to lay their eggs, a process largely unchanged for over a hundred million years.

 

These guided walks are a great way to learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, the threats they face, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. They're an excellent option for families, fostering a sense of respect for nature and its creatures among children and adults alike. Remember, in all these activities, we have a responsibility to these amazing creatures and their habitat, so always follow the guides' instructions and regulations to ensure a respectful and non-disturbing experience.

 

For more information about walks led by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, visit their website. https://seaturtlespacecoast.org/

 

Alternatively, you can also experience turtle walks with Stella Maris Environmental Research through their website. https://www.stellamarisenvironmentalresearch.org/

 

 

This expansive wildlife refuge is a paradise for nature lovers. Home to a diverse range of Florida wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a vast array of bird species, the refuge offers an unrivaled opportunity to connect with nature. With numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and viewing platforms, families can immerse themselves in the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes.

 

Whether you're spotting wildlife, walking the trails, or simply soaking in the serene views, a visit to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Get refuge passes here. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/merritt-island

 

 

Step back in time at this unique museum located in Cocoa Beach. The Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures offers an engaging journey through prehistoric times and ancient civilizations. With life-size dinosaur exhibits and artifacts from ancient cultures, it provides an immersive educational experience that fascinates both kids and adults.

 

It's not every day that you can come face-to-face with a dinosaur or explore ancient civilizations, making a visit to this museum an adventure into the past. Check out pricing and plan your visit here. https://www.dinosaurstore.com/museum/

 

 

Lastly, don't forget to check out the local festivals and events happening around Brevard County this summer. From the Space Coast Comic Con to the Cape Canaveral Friday Fest and the Thunder Over the Indian River Fireworks, there's always something fun and exciting happening in our vibrant community.

 

These attractions highlight the diverse experiences and the natural beauty that Brevard County and the surrounding areas have to offer. From the sunny shores of Cocoa Beach to the prehistoric wonders at the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures, there's an adventure awaiting every family.

 

More than just a place to live, Brevard County is a place to love, offering a community and lifestyle that makes every day feel like a vacation. At Island Pineapple Realty, we believe that finding your dream home means falling in love with your community too. We're here to help you make that connection, creating the life you envision in a place you're proud to call home.