5 Free Things to do in Port Canaveral

Do you have a few days to kill in Port Canaveral before embarking on your cruise but you’re not sure what to do? You can easily entertain yourself in Port Canaveral without having to spend much at all. After all, you want to hold onto that extra cash for some cruise induced splurging. Check out this list of activities that are absolutely free!

1. Get in Touch with Nature

Manatee Sanctuary Park in Cape Canaveral is a great place to view Florida wildlife. This 10-acre park borders a section of the Banana River, serving as a protected manatee habitat. Manatees enjoy warmer temperatures and these colossal creatures have been known to feed off the sea grass along the boardwalk. There are open grassy areas with plenty of space for the little ones to run around, covered pavilion perfect for picnics and even has a paved fitness trail and exercise stations scattered throughout the park. This hidden treasure is one of the top free things to do in Port Canaveral if you’re looking to spot some wildlife, fit in some outdoor exercise, or just relax enjoy the scenery.

2. Watch a Launch

Rocket launches happen year-round on Florida’s Space Coast. While most rocket launches are visible throughout the area, a handful of locations have optimum views. Some public spots include Kennedy Point Park, Marina Park, Rotary Riverfront Park, Sand Point Park and Lori Wilson Park. All of these locations offer free parking. Tip: Make sure to arrive early as popular viewing sites tend to fill up prior to launch time. Check out the Space Coast Launch Schedule for more information and dates.

3. Enjoy the Arts

The Foosaner Art Museum and Ruth Funk Center For Textile Arts both offer free admission. Throughout the year, the Foosaner Art Museum showcases a selection of exhibitions and educational programming for both children and adults. Their rotating schedule highlights nationally and internationally recognized artists and historical movements. The Ruth Funk Center For Textile Arts displays and preserves an international collection of textiles. You can also occasionally find a free concert hosted by Space Coast music organizations such as the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. These concerts are usually held in a local park so families can get comfortable with their own blankets, chairs, and coolers while they enjoy being entertained by some of the area’s most talented musicians.

4. Hunt for Treasure

The Space Coast is one of Florida’s best geocaching hotspots. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants use a GPS (or smartphone) to find hidden treasures called “geocaches”. These small, typically waterproof containers hold a logbook. When you find a geocache, you are supposed to sign the logbook with your established code name and the date you found it. If you take a souvenir, be sure to leave something of equal or greater value. When you are done, don’t forget to place the geocache exactly where it was found. s a great family-friendly activity sure to get anyone interested in searching for treasure.

5. Hit the Beach

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family vacation beaches in Florida. Stretch out on the sand and soak up some sun, toss out a fishing line, play beach volleyball or simply people-watch on the pier. It’s safe to say there’s never a lack of things to do or see around Cocoa Beach. This iconic beach town is also known for it’s surfing. If you’re lucky you’ll get to watch some pros catch a wave.

Want to take advantage of all these fun and absolutely free activities? Make sure you book a Go Port hotel package. Whether you’re driving or flying in, Go Port can take care of your pre and post cruise accommodations so you can spend a day in Port Canaveral before setting sail.

Photos by: Banana Bay Tour Company, Hawks Head