Location: Merritt Island
Top Things to do in Merritt Island
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Merritt Island, Florida (FL)
Merritt Island is a census-designated place in Brevard County, Florida, located on the eastern Floridian coast, along the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 34,743. It is part of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The name "Merritt Island" also refers to the extent of the former island, which is now a peninsula.
Restaurants in Merritt Island
1. Relaxed Kayaks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Relaxed Kayaks rentals and guided tours will deliver our new, well maintained kayaks and paddleboards throughout Brevard County and East Orange County. With great hourly and daily rental rates plus fun, knowledgeable guides, Relaxed kayaks is the perfect choice for fun.
2. Calema Windsurfing & Watersports
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 139 reviews
Calema offers Instruction, Rentals and a Pro for the sports of Windsurfing, Sailing, Kayaking and Stand-up Paddling (SUP). We opened our doors in 1984 and in 1998 built our facility inside Kelly Park (right on the Banana River in Merritt Island). Tinho Dornellas, owner, is one of only two Master Instructors for Windsurfing in the US - and designer of Windsurfing & SUP boards and sails for multiple brands. Calema offers instruction year round for all ages. Summertime is busy with our Kids' Camps - featuring all four sports and river exploration for ages 8=17. Easy online registration. For those who already have experience, Calema offers quality equipment for rental in all 4 sports. If you want to get out on the water and see dolphins, manatees or summer bioluminescence, we are happy to set up your gear, or we can 'skipper' a boat and you can just sit back and relax. Choose Calema for a personalized experience and let the adventures begin!
3. Space Shuttle Atlantis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 253 reviews
A ship like no other, the space shuttle launched like a rocket and landed like a glider while transporting astronauts to space and back for thirty years. Stand in awe of this American icon at Space Shuttle Atlantis®, permanent home of the orbiter. Explore shuttle missions that secured the future of Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. Learn how to dock and land the shuttle with training simulators, and then strap in for lift-off at Shuttle Launch Experience®. Discover the legacy of NASA's Space Shuttle Program.
Reviewed By 875KurtK - Largo, United States
Incredible to witness this space craft in person and up close. It is "HUGE". There is nothing like seeing the "Real McCoy" in person! ..did you know the "Real McCoy" was a Black Man who developed the first automatic oiling systems for steam locomotives? True fact!
4. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20,469 reviews
Welcome to the Greatest Space Adventure on Earth! Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the only place in the world where you can see the real space shuttle Atlantis, touch a moon rock, meet a veteran NASA astronaut, tour a NASA spaceflight facility and get an up-close view of a real Saturn V moon rocket all in the same day! Arrive early for this full-day experience to make the most of your visit. The visitor complex opens at 9 am every day.
Reviewed By SharT14 - Chicago, United States
Three generations of family members all found something they absolutely loved about the NASA Kennedy Space Center and you can feel the excitement in the air with the SPACEX launch pad and NASA's upcoming Mission to Mars. Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed coming close to the 50th anniversary of JFK's moonshot being realized, Gen X and Millennial parents and Aunts enjoyed Atlantis and the very wee ones enjoyed all of the interactive exhibits, slides and play park. A great, albeit long day with plenty for everyone. Recommend doing the bus tour first as the line gets very long.
5. Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum & Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By hdc12079 - Titusville, United States
I took my son here and he had a lot of questions, there are many that can not be fully detailed in an explanation as he is 4. I do however think that is important for him to see and hear of all that so many have fought for and died for and been left wounded for. It is a beautiful park with memorials and museum and if your on the Island you should stop by.
6. Surf & Ski Water Sport
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
We rent Jet Skis, Boats ,Kayak, Paddle Boards, Fishing Poles and we also have a full Bait and Tackle shop. We also do Jet Ski and Boat Tours. We are the only waterfront and watersports rentals in Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island area.
7. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 reviews
This wildlife conservation park is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in America.
Reviewed By BluegooseTraveler - New York Mills, United States
My my wife and I were able to visit the refuge in April. It offers miles of roads to drive as part of its wildlife auto tour. Merritt Island NWR is located on the eastern shore of Florida, the headquarters is located near the City of Titusville. This NWR was established in 1963 to primarily provide habitat for migratory birds. The day we visited was windy and rainy, so we stopped first at the Visitor Center to pick up some souvenirs, see the exhibits and talk with the volunteer staff first hand. We thoroughly enjoyed the auto tour and walking on the beach as we got to see several kinds of birds and small animals. This refuge offers fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking, great photographic opportunities and hunting. Come and bring your family (especially children), binoculars, camera, and see what this wonderful area of Florida has to offer. This is a very peaceful and tranquil place to visit. You can walk for hours along the beach, enjoying the birds circle over head and the mullet jumping hoping to avoid the predators below. Watch where you step as alligators are everywhere.
8. Space Coast River Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Notice: 1/2 capacity during pandemic and hand sanitizer at boarding. Outdoors with fresh air so masks are optional. Possibly the most fun you'll have on your vacation. Daily tours of Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Islands scenic waterways where you'll see dolphin, manatee, an occasional alligator and a huge variety of bird species. The Blue Dolphin Tour Boat is a USCG inspected vessel with a capacity of 49. She stable, safe and comfortable with a restroom on-board. Drinks (first one free) and snacks are served. Saturday tour includes lunch from Fish lips restaurant and Sunday's Bon Voyage Cruise Ship tour gets you right next to the cruise ships on their way out. We also offer rocket launch, bioluminescence, 4th of July, x-mas boat parades, alligator show and tell and other tours. Call for more info and reservations. Welcome Aboard!!
9. Busy Traveler Transportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Wlc2021
Wayne was very friendly and met us at baggage claim. Very knowledgeable about the area and local places to eat. Very budget friendly and had great communication. They contacted us the day prior to confirm.
10. Astronaut Training Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
In the all-new Astronaut Training Experience®, train like the next generation of space explorers who will travel to Mars. Practice your docking skills, navigate the unique Mars terrain and experience the sensation of performing a spacewalk in a microgravity environment. Using exciting and immersive simulation technology, you and your team will work together to solve real-world problems using authentic NASA science.
Reviewed By RayPickering
Loved the simulations especially the Mars Walk Virtual tasks, but all of the simulations are excellent and challenging. What I really loved about the experience was sharing it with my youngest son. We also enjoyed our small group briefing with Alejandro who is up and coming scientist who will be entering the astronaut program soon. He was just a motivating influence to the two students of our five person group. He talked all of us about the science and engineering challenges for the mission to mars. In the Astronaut Training Experience (ATE), you will broken down into groups of 4-5, and go through four simulation tasks, as well as a brief. These are small group sessions. We had a total 21-25 people in our class. Most of them one parent and one kids. The events are scalable if a member of your group has physical challenges. The ATE staff to student ratio is about 1 to 4. Lockers, snacks, and water are provided. During the training the people who take the Kennedy Space Tour come through and see you while your training, and almost everyone of them says, "We have to do that next." We worth the money! You do not have to wait in lines, hear kids screaming, and the training is all conducted in a climate controlled high-bay lab. The ATE lasts about five hours, and follows COVID-19 protocols, so everyone gets to wear a hair net.
