Top Ten Free Things To Do

A Space Coast Vacation on a tight budget.

No matter the time of year, you’ll find a wealth of fun activities on  Florida’s Space Coast that are easy on the budget – from exploring parks and wildlife, to watching surf contests and speed boat races from the beach, or simply waving to cruise passengers as they leave for open waters. The choice is yours!

Check out our top 10 suggestions for free things to do here on the Space Coast, and get the most out of your next vacation.

1. Watch a launch

Rocket launches are jaw-dropping events that demonstrate the power and glory of America’s space program. The best viewing spots are Canaveral National Seashore, Space View Park in Titusville, Jetty Park at Port Canaveral and anywhere on the South Beaches. For launch updates, click here.

2. Get in touch with the “Real” Florida

Visit area refuges and protected lands. The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in Titusville, Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are popular with families because of their free admissions, excellent interpretive centers, and guided nature tours.

3. Pay homage to astronauts 

The Space Walk of Fame Museum and the Space View Park in Titusville honor the men and women who participated in the first space missions. Walk among Mercury, Gemini and Apollo monuments and enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of the Indian River Lagoon and the Vehicle Assembly Building in the distance. Call the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation at (321) 264-0434 or visit SpaceWalkOfFame.com .

4. Explore art

Every Thursday, admission is free at the Foosaner Art Museum in the Eau Gallie Arts District. And admission is always free to the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts on the FIT campus. There are also lots of art galleries on the Space Coast; checking out local art costs nothing.

5. View a distant planet

Join the Brevard Astronomical Society on Friday and Saturday nights from dusk until 10:15 p.m. at the largest public telescope in the Southeastern U.S. to see craters on the moon, Mars, Saturn or whichever heavenly body is present in the night’s sky. Call the Eastern Florida State College Planetarium & Observatory at (321) 433-7373 or visit EasternFlorida.edu/planet.

6. Get festive

The Space Coast hosts numerous street festivals and fairs. The Melbourne Art Festival (held in April of each year) and Friday Fest (held the second Friday of each month) are popular downtown Melbourne events. Cocoa Village hosts multiple craft fairs throughout the year, and Downtown Titusville hosts street parties, food truck bazaars and classic car shows.

7. Go on a treasure hunt

Geocaching is a family-friendly outdoor activity that combines hiking and navigating with a treasure hunt. The use of a handheld GPS or GPS-enabled smartphone enables you to find a hidden “cache”, a container that holds a logbook and trinkets to share. Visit geocaching.com to sign up for a free account. The Space Coast even has its own Geocaching Association and store! Check out spacecoastgeocachers.com. If you forgot trinkets or need GPS equipment, stop by the Space Coast Geocaching Store in Merritt Island, www.store.spacecoastgeocachers.com.

8. Marvel in music

Almost any month of the year at least one free concert is presented by Space Coast music organizations, such as the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, usually held in an area park. Families can bring their own blankets, chairs and coolers and enjoy free entertainment by some of the area’s best musicians. Call the Brevard Cultural Alliance at (321) 690-6819 or visit ArtsBrevard.org.

9. Search for treasures

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon while perusing beaches for sea glass and shells. Walking with the objective of finding treasures adds an element of family fun!

10. Park it here

Visit one or more of the Space Coast’s 108 beachfront, riverfront and inland area parks. Many feature amenities such as playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, running/ walking trails and nature trails. There’s something for everyone. Call Brevard County Parks & Recreation at (321) 633-2046 or visit BrevardParks.com for an up-to-date calendar of events and programs.