[mijewell]

My family and I will be visiting Melbourne for a week around Christmas time and I'm looking for family friendly things to do OTHER than Disney and NASA.

By 'family friendly' I mean not too expensive, something my little monsters don't have to sit still for, and either within a 2 hour drive from Melbourne or with inexpensive family hotels available for an overnight.

I see several islands, lakes, and bays that look promising and I'm curious about Pelican Island Nat'l Wildlife Refuge. I also wonder if there are parks with battleships, subs, airplanes to explore. Maybe there are Christmas things planned actually in Melbourne as well?

[Denise in Fla]

There is always the zoo to see in Melbourne.

[BioAdoptMom3]

We have a nice children's museum in Daytona Beach as well as the Nascar museum. We are about an hour north of Melbourne. St. Augustine is a little less than two hours north of there and their downtown Christmas lights and decorations are very beautiful and unique. The whole family would probably enjoy that.

Nancy

[Nomadicus]

Sebastian State Park due south on A1A. Fantasy of Flight on I-4 near Lakeland.

[mijewell]

The lights in St. Augustine and Fantasy of Flight are definitely added to our itinerary. Even the disgruntled teenager should enjoy the planes, so thanks!

Does anyone know what's to do at any of the local lakes? Any bird migrations or just a couple that are especially scenic for walking and a picnic?

[Denise in Fla]

You might want to go here if you are interested in seeing some wild life and Fl birds-

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Titusville Florida

[mijewell]

Thanks a lot!!!! My mom has recently moved there and doesn't know what's good yet so hasn't been able to recommend much for our Christmas invasion plan.

FYI, on the list for our week long stay is 1 day at Disney, the rest for kicking around the beach/hanging in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Flight of Fantasy, and I hope Mom and I might convince the bah-humbug crowd to do Christmas lights in St Augustine.

Thanks so much for your help and recommendations. This morning I was able to give Mom a coherent plan so she isn't stressing over how to keep us all happy and occupied.

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by mijewell

Thanks a lot!!!! My mom has recently moved there and doesn't know what's good yet so hasn't been able to recommend much for our Christmas invasion plan.

FYI, on the list for our week long stay is 1 day at Disney, the rest for kicking around the beach/hanging in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Flight of Fantasy, and I hope Mom and I might convince the bah-humbug crowd to do Christmas lights in St Augustine.

Thanks so much for your help and recommendations. This morning I was able to give Mom a coherent plan so she isn't stressing over how to keep us all happy and occupied.

There are lots of fun things to do here in Melbourne area.

You could do the nature walk in Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay. There are a few trails/boardwalks to walk , a beautiful creek full of turtles with a chance to see a manatee or gator. There is a small nature center where the little ones might enjoy the hands on exhibits. You can canoe on the creek, but they don't rent them.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Also in Palm Bay go to the boat dock in Goode park and you can usually see manatees that come right up to the dock.

We also have Andretti theme Park .

Welcome to Andretti Thrill Park

You could go on an airboat ride on the St. John's river.

For a unique adventure head out to the small park at the Stick marsh for a picnic, go bass fishing( catch and release), watch the boats and airboats, and gator watch.

Stick Marsh/FARM 13

Go to the Brevard Zoo- it is actually pretty cool. There is a train, you can kayak and even feed the giraffes for penny's compared to what you have to pay at Busch Gardens.

Brevard Zoo | Melbourne, Florida

[ashhill20]

I agree, the brevard zoo is fantastic!!!! In my mid 20's and I still enjoy it every time I go! You can even feed the giraffe!

[jdoty]

You can usually see a bunch of manatees that time of year at the C-54 dam in the San Sebastian River Preserve State Park. Go South on Babcock St to the far southern part of Brevard County. There's a park sign and a visitor center to the left just before you cross the C-54 canal into Indian River County. Drive east past the visitor center down the dirt road, under I-95, until it ends at the dam. There's a bunch of good hiking back there too if that's your thing, the visitor center has maps. And unlike most state parks, it's free to get in.

Here's a map of the entrance to the park.

I've heard that Manatees also hang out at the warm water discharge areas of the power plants up in Pt. St. John, but I've never been there personally.