Space Coast Vacationing on a Budget

Vacationing to the Space Coast and getting to see and do everything on your list is both a thrill and even more satisfying when you can do it on a budget. On the Space Coast of Florida, there are so many exciting things that families can do, and do on a budget that won’t leave anyone feeling like they had to make huge sacrifices. From the outdoors to one of the country’s best known attractions, there are ways to enjoy the Space Coast for free or to save dollars that you can put to other attractions or a nice dinner out.

While planning your next vacation to the Space Coast, read about these easy ways to save money and still have a great time.

Saving Money at Kennedy Space Center

Like any other huge attraction and entertainment theme park, admission to Kennedy Space Center is going to be a little steep. The price of admission is comparable, and in most cases less than other theme parks, but it is definitely worth it. To make the admission more feasible for the family, an annual pass can save you on the admission of up to six guests and get you free parking, gift store and food discounts. If you return to visit again within the year, you get special VIP admissions and guided tours by astronauts, first chances at locking in launch day tickets and a unlimited admission for up to a year. Besides saving on the admission to the park, consider packing lunch and taking a break from the park to have a picnic. A stamped hand will get you back in when you’re ready to return for more fun.

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is tucked into the small community of Sanford, Florida, a short drive from the coast but a world away in appearance. The zoo highlights the tropical landscape of the area and where there is one of the largest collections of snakes and reptiles, a children’s zoo, rides for kids, a splash park and aerial adventures course. Animal exhibits and gardens are enough to fill a whole day’s worth of activities for children that are both hands on or content just looking. Central Florida Zoo is slightly less expensive than the Space Coasts other zoo option, Brevard Zoo, saving you $5 on admission for a family of 4, plus parking.

Natural Places

For children that love getting to be up close with nature, head out for a little adventure and turn to nature to see what animals are around at this time of year. Manatees have several favorite spots around the Space Coast where they can be found eating and sunbathing. The waters around Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral National Season are a great place to start. For bird watchers, the several designated drives through Merritt Island will take you through different types of ecosystems that harbor a variety of birds. See how many children can spot. Take a walk down the shores of Cape Canaveral National Seashore, which has an admission fee of $6 per car, and not the many nesting sites of sea turtles that are marked out. At the right time of the year, you might even catch sight of the female sea turtles returning to land or the young turtles making a dash for the ocean.

U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum

Another great Space Coast tradition, is a stop at the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum and park. So many individuals in the U.S. have fond memories of this park because it is one of the most popular spots for the public to congregate for launches. The park looks out over the Banana River, towards Kennedy Space Center and hosts memorial to all the men and women that worked on making the space program what it is today. If the museum is open, head inside to see a huge and varied collection of space program history, from all levels and departments of NASA. Both of these activities are free and will give you a sense of just how big the space program is.