Kennedy Space Center -- 3 days of activities?
 

We're thinking about going to Kennedy Space Center in February, with our two boys, ages 11 and 16. My parents --who are elderly and somewhat disabled-- will be joining us. Due to flight costs, will be arriving on a Sunday evening and leaving on a Thursday afternoon. Other than a full day at the space center, any good suggestions for what we could reasonably do with our other 2 full free days? (We did Disney last year and want to avoid a hectic theme park experience.) Also, any suggestions about where to stay? Thanks!

Definitely plan to spend a day at the beach. We especially enjoyed Cocoa Beach, right off 520 and A1A. Granted, the beach in February is not the same as in August, when we were there, but if you're from the North, like we are, it hardly matters! There's a rental shack on the beach where you can get chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, etc., by the hour or by the day.

There's a beach shower right at the parking lot to clean up, and right next door is Captain J's Ocean Deck, 211 E Cocoa Beach Cswy, for dinner after a long day in the surf. It doesn't look like much, but we ate outside on the rooftop deck, and had the best crab legs during our entire stay in Orlando (of a total of 3 different crab leg meals; our kids are fanatics)!

...And, if your kids are into it, Ron Jon surf shop is a block away (as MANY billboards along 520 will remind you!)

Just off the 528 Causway is the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. In there is a little known museum that is sad that so many people miss. It is the original launch pads and huts where the very first shots went up. It's where Shepard was launched to circle the earth. It's an extremely moving museum and very interesting. You will stand there and not believe the astronauts allowed themselves to be shot into space on large firecrackers. You have to realize that NOTHING was there within many many miles.

Also, Seaworld is a wonderful relaxing theme park to wander around.

On the 520 Causway between 528 and 95 are airboat rides through the swamps.

Just north of Titusville is Daytona Beach.

Melbourne has the Brevard Zoo.

These are all a short distance to the Space Center.

Thank you for all these great suggestions. I've never been to Cocoa Beach.
A few more questions: What is the water temperature likely to be in February? Is it a good wave/surfing beach?

Let me suggest an alternate water activity since you'll be in the area in February (too cold in the ocean for me!) Brevard Zoo (I-95 at Wickham Rd exit) has on-site kayaking. You can go on kayak tours of their Florida wetlands or around their Africa exhibit (you can feed the giraffes there, too).

Also, if you're interested in history, St. Augustine is approximately 2 hours away by car.

If you're a shopoholic, Cocoa Village is a few minutes drive over 520 on the mainland. Very pretty area with lots of shops and good places to eat.

There are many good places to stay depending on your budget. Take a look at http://www.visitcocoabeach.com/Index.asp

My favorite place to eat (I work in Cocoa Beach) is Roberto's - great Cuban food.

Have a great time.

Looking up water temps, I found this at www.brevardnow.com:

"The Brevard County coastal area has many spots suitable for surfing, and you'll find the best swells just north of Cocoa Beach at . Both the north and south sides are favorites with the locals. In Daytona, the waves average 3 feet in height. Just remember that surfing is not allowed within 300 feet of any pier at any time.

You can surf here year round. In the summer, surf temperatures range from 75 - 82 degrees. Between December and February, the water temperature seldom dips below 58 degrees."

So it sounds as though you can surf, but, wow! 58 degrees?

Another place you can go with elderly and young alike is the Peabody Hotel on International Drive in Orlando. It is the same company as the Peabody in Memphis. They have ducks that swim in a fountain in their lounge. In the morning they walk from the elevator (I'm not sure what time) then in the evening the walk back at 5pm on a red carpet. It's really cute. They make a really big deal of it and a crowd always gathers.
http://www.peabodyorlando.com/

Thank you Ann1 for the information on the ducks! We were in Memphis a couple of years ago but didn't know about the ducks until we read about it after we arrived home! We go to Florida for Christmas this year and definitely want to see those ducks!

If you are staying in Brevard County you may also enjoy going to the historic district of Cocoa "Cocoa Village", which has many shops, nice restaurants, etc along the Indian River.

raphaekg, if your boys are surfers you can get them some wet suits and they will have fun. I would definitely find a spot on the Atlantic. Staying Sunday through Thursday, you should look into a condo or house rental, it might be cheaper. Try VacationRentals.com or VRBO.com.

I think a day at the Space Center is waaay plenty. One thing to check out -- the manatees come inshore to the streams and tributaries when it's cold. Blue Spring is not too far away (north of Daytona) and it is easy to see them there. But you'll need to do some research when you go to figure out where they're hanging out.

speaking of zoos...The Central Florida zoo is right in east Orlando...great zoo :)

I don't think you will need a "full day" at Kennedy Space Center. Half day at best. Also, they've closed off one building to the public since 9/11 (the huge building with the US flag).

I would think the boys will be interested in visiting the Daytona International Speedway. They have tours and shows there.

www.daytonausa.com

May have to drop off parents somewhere else first.

Most people think Feb. is a bit too chilly for water sports on the central FL coast, but I guess you and your sons will decide that for yourselves, or they'll take their chances with wetsuits. You, however, may catch some days when it's nice to just sit on the beach.

Another spot to consider is Sebastian Inlet, which is very pretty, has a nice beach and surfing opportunities. You can rent a boat there and cruise the area or just picnic in the state park if the weather cooperates. Try to be there at sunset -- can be spectacular with the dolphins and birds appearing.

Having lived in that area for many years, I personally used to go elsewhere for my entertainment. But the space center should not be missed. You might consider a fairly short drive down to Vero Beach, which has lots of shops and restaurants. And the surf is a couple of degrees warmer. Vero is generally considered to be the northern boundary of "tropical" Florida, where freezing temperatures are never seen (well, almost never).

If I were staying in that area with two boys, I'd check out www.ronjonresort.com. They have their own waterpark and if your folks are somewhat disabled, you could still visit and find a shady spot by the pool. Ron Jon's Surf Shop www.ronjons.com, in Cocoa Beach is very popular with that age group, and just to see the store is a neat experience. They also rent kayaks, and surfboards.

Having always lived in FL, I think Feb is way too cold for beaching - it can be really windy, too. St A is a good destination, although a bit of a drive if you aren't staying at least one night. You might also look into the Daytona actitivy - the lighthouse at Ponce Inlet has a museum with several handicapped accessible outbuildings (and a good casual seafood fish camp across the street). Also, the Museum of Arts & Sciences is worth a visit, kids and grandparents alike should find something of interest. If you want to stay farther south, New Smyrna has an interesting sugar mill ruin, and the Canaveral National Sea Shore has a ramp up an Indian mound and also a house museum in an old homestead property. Have lunch at JBs fish camp just north of the park entrance.