When you’re looking for fun things to do during winter break, the options can seem endless! You might want to visit the beach or enjoy some retail therapy at your favorite stores — no matter what you decide to do, planning ahead will save you time, money, and hassle! This guide on fun winter break activities near Melbourne, Florida and around Brevard County will show you the best places to go so that your time off can be stress-free and enjoyable.
Brevard Zoo
The Brevard Zoo has a lot of fun activities you can enjoy with your family during winter break. The zoo is open from 9am – 5pm, with the last admission at 3:30pm. Don’t miss the “Bold Boards: Visions of Florida” exhibit, which features works by local artists on repurposed surfboards and is located in the Kids World section of the zoo. There are also animals to visit, like elephants and tigers, as well as a train that takes visitors around different sections of the zoo. Fun for kids and adults of all ages!
Turkey Creek Holiday Boat Parade
Bring your family to enjoy a parade of lights and boats at the Turkey Creek Holiday Boat Parade. The boat parade will take place on December 17th at 5:30pm. There will be floats and vessels decorated in beautiful lights and holiday decorations, as well as plenty of entertainment. The parade starts in front of the Palm Bay Marina and heads into Palm Bay Point to the Indian River, turning back around at the Lazy Turtle River Front Restaurant, where the floats head back to Turkey Creek and float down the creek to the open bay.
Museum of Brevard County Historic Holiday House Tours
The Museums of Brevard County Historic Holiday House Tours is a great way to explore some of Brevard County’s most beautiful historic homes this season. Join us on weekends from December 2nd through December 18th around the Space Coast. Tickets are selling fast!
Houses You’ll See on the Tour:
- Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Melbourne
- The Moore Cultural Center, Mims
- Pritchard House, Titusville
- Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Sam’s House, Merritt Island
- Field Manor Homestead, Merritt Island
- HS Williams/Lawndale 1895, Rockledge
- Historic Rossetter House Museum and Garden, Eau Gallie
Kennedy Space Center: Holidays in Space
Kennedy Space Center‘s “Holidays in Space” is a unique event that takes visitors on an incredible journey. Guests will get to experience the wonder of Christmas as they learn about how Santa delivers presents to children around the world. The celebration includes live reindeer, holiday music, and plenty of space-themed activities. Visitors can also go to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station where they will get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into launching people into space and bringing them back home safely. Located in one of America’s most fascinating locations, there are many things that families can do over winter break along the Space Coast.
Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach
If you’re in the Cocoa Beach area, be sure to stop by on Christmas Eve to see the Surfing Santas for some wet and wild family fun! Hundreds of surfers will all be dressed up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and reindeer, all riding the waves to raise money for various local charities! This is a great family-friendly event that’s free to enjoy, starting at 8:30am. Cocoa Beach is home to one of the best surfing spots in all of Florida, so you may get to see some pros out there shredding the gnar! After the Surfing Santas are done, swing by the largest surf shop in the United States, Ron Jon Surf Shop, to find all your last-minute holiday gifts.