Articles,
Family Friendly

Twelve Family Friendly Things to do in Indian River County

Nestled just an hour north of Palm Beach, Indian River County is the Treasure Coast's best-kept secret. Boasting the unique charm of Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere, this region offers families an authentic Florida escape. As one of the most biodiverse environments in North America, our county is a natural playground where outdoor learning and coastal adventure go hand-in-hand.

Here are twelve of the best ways to explore the area on your next visit:

Discover the Indian River Lagoon: The Indian river lagoon us a world-class estuary teeming with life. Families can spend the day dolphin and manatee spotting or birdwatching, as the area serves as a critical habitat for thousands of species. It is widely considered one of the most biodiverse environments in North America.
Visit the Vero Beach Art of Museum: Located in Riverside Park, the museum features stunning national exhibits and beautiful sculpture grounds. With the dedicated interactive spaces for children, the art-zone, it is a perfect blend of culture and family fun. They are in the process of a renovation, but the museum remains open and ready to welcome you into their facility.
Go Paddle-boarding: One of the most peaceful and fun ways to experience the lagoon is on a paddleboard. Paddles by the Sea offers rentals and guided tours from their convenient location behind Riverside Cafe nearby the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Its the perfect launch point to explore the scenic waterways and enjoy the coastal breeze.
Go Kayaking: So amazing! Don’t miss this. This will be one of your favorite experiences while staying in the area. It provides you a front row seat to the regions incredible manatees and marine life. Along with Paddles by the Sea, you can book excursions Kickin Kayaks, Get up and Go Vero Beach, and the Environmental Learning Center!
Do A Sea Turtle Nesting Walk: Indian River county is one of the most significant nesting grounds for sea turtles in the world. During the summer, you can book a sanctioned, guided walk to observe these ancient mariners in a safe and educational environment. If you would like to learn more, visit our sea turtle nesting season blog!
Take a River Cruise: For a relaxed afternoon, book a spot on a River King Cruise departing from Captain Hiram's Resort. It's an effortless way to see the river, shoot photos of the shoreline, and spot wildlife under the guidance of a local captain. You can also set sail with Treasure Coast Cruises, Vero Tackle & Watersports, Middleton's Fish Camp and more!
Ride an Airboat: Discover the wild side of the county with a high-speed tour of Blue Cypress Lake or the historic St. Johns River headwaters. Tour guides to choose from including Gator Bair Airboat Adventures, Marsh Beast Airboat Tours, Capt. Bob's Airboat Adventures, Middleton's Fish Camp, and more! If you want more options, search "Airboat Tours" in our websites search bar!
Visit our Treasure Museums: Learn the reason why this area is called the Treasure Coast at two iconic Sebastian locations. The McLarty Treasure Museum, located near the Sebastian Inlet, sits on the actual site of the 1715 Spanish Fleet survivors' camp. Just short of the drive away on US-1, Mel Fishers Treasure Museum offers a deep dive into the legacy of the world's most famous treasure hunter. Both museums showcase authentic gold, silver, and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks right off our shores.
Discover Pelican Island Nature Wildlife Refuge: As the first federal bird reservation in the U.S, this refuge is known for its birdwatching. Hike the miles of trails and see why this area has been protected for over a century. If you want to learn more and discover more eco friendly adventures click here!
McKee Botanical Garden: Known for its world-class waterlily collection and the whimsical Children's Garden, McKee Botanical Garden is a stunning example of "Old Florida" beauty.
Go Fishing: Sebastian and Indian River County make for some of the best fishing in this area of Florida. Whether you are learning, or a diehard angler, this is one of the best reasons to visit. The fish are jumping all the time.
Visit the Environmental Learning Center: This is such a gorgeous space and it is wheelchair accessible. From touch tanks and day camps to serene yoga spaces, it is a hub for interactive experiences with nature. There are day camps and corporate retreats and a gift shop here too.

Indian River County has much to offer for families:

Indian River County is a gem on the Treasure Coast of Florida. From paddle boarding to eco tourism and fun interactive experiences with nature, families will find something that appeals to every traveler here.