The beauty in and around Brevard County, Florida is indisputable. Returning here to find our forever home for the second time did not dull my memories. In 2010 we first unloaded our truck and looked around wide-eyed at our surroundings.
The area has grown and become even more fulfilling.
On May 24, 2024, the final bell rang at my 6-year-old grandson's elementary school. The last day of school brings a swell of conflicting emotions.
No more morning rush to the bus stop, with all the fixin's like his bus pass, folder, backpack, and a half-decent packed lunch. Relief.
The anxiety starts to grow by the second or third day of freedom. Planning what to do to break up the days takes preparation. Thankfully, it's only the two of us so places like Brevard Zoo are affordable in moderation.
I do enjoy no-cost ventures. Here are a few winners that have secured a place in our rotation of activities.
The Avenue Viera Pop Jet Splash Pad
2261 Town Center Avenue Suite 113 Melbourne, FL 32940 Website
The pop jet fountains are near the rear of the Avenue shopping area and right in front of the AMC Theaters. The fountains run every day and follow The Avenue opening and closing hours of operation.
It's a decent-sized area of giant sprinklers, surrounded by a seating wall to keep the kids contained. Kids splash, play, squeal, and make friends.
Proper swimwear is required.
Center Management reserves the right to turn the Fountain on or off, at its discretion without notice. Inappropriate attire or behavior by participants, operations and mechanical difficulties, weather-related conditions, and special events in front of AMC Theater can affect fountain operations.
I packed snacks and drinks. My grandson chased the fountain jets as they lowered and blasted of their own timed accord. Parents can relax at the tables and chairs or stretch out on the surrounding wall like I did.
Time spent: 2 hours Cost: $0.00
Hangar's Beach
745 S Atlantic Ave Patrick Air Force Base, Satellite Beach, FL 32937-2503
Hangar's Beach is roughly a half-mile long, and right at Patrick Air Force Base. Take A1A and as you near the base, you'll find the beach access entrance.
Brevard County has a ton of beach choices. However, if you're like me and haven't gotten your county beach parking sticker yet, you may be a little tweaked about the high cost of parking. No more freebies.
Unless, of course, you choose Hangar's Beach. We went on Memorial Day weekend for a couple of reasons. I refuse to pay for parking when I don't know if we'll last 3 hours or 10 minutes. Six-year-olds are sketchy like that.
I also like the subdued and secluded beach that has a much less tourist feel and caters to a more natural preserve feel. We were not disappointed.
The grade is tricky and steep at the water's edge. There were no visible lifeguards or stands. The trade-off was less mayhem, elbow room, and the only beach where I didn't see strewn trash. They also have a rinse-off station in the parking lot.
I packed snacks and my grandson didn't want to leave.
Okay, there's a lot here at Wickham Park. We always bring his bike, a soccer ball, snacks, and beverages.
The regional park is 391 acres containing a wide variety of recreational opportunities. "Recreational amenities include 2 unguarded swimming lakes, disc golf course, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, archery area, playground, multi-purpose and soccer fields (home of Space Coast United Soccer), and the Wickham Park Senior Center."
There are trails galore. Horse trails, exercise, and nature trails, a dog park, and an equestrian area are marked and easy to find. They have several pavilions. Picnic tables are dispersed throughout the park, and Wickham has an amphitheater centrally located.
Wickham Park: Wide enough to ride bikes safelyPhoto byauthor screenshot
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