Indian River County for Kids! 
Indian River County for Kids! 
Indian River for Kids was created by two grandparents who live in Grand Harbor, Vero Beach, FL. It is intended as a resource to parents and grandparents with children who are visiting the Indian River County area. There are an endless number of activities in the region for children, but we have tried to carefully select those that seemed unique or special, particularly those that provided educational value. Of course, we also wanted to identify places that are fun and would hold the interest of children of varying ages. By inclusion in this resource guide, there is no intent to either promote or discriminate against other comparable vendors or facilities.
If anyone has any comments, additions, or subtractions, please reach out to the Visit Indian River County team! 
Page Outline 
Recreation 
Public Beaches 
Parks 
Animals, Nature, Environment 
Boating 
Fishing 
 
Museums 
Food 
Other 
Books 
Theatre and Entertainment 
Water Sports and Bike Rentals 
Golf 
Bowling 
Misc 
Baby Equipment  
 
When it Rains 
Recreation Illustration by Celine Elefson Werner
Public Beaches  
Indian River County and neighboring counties operate an extensive network of public beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, most of which have lifeguards, restrooms, and often outdoor showers. A good resource for beaches can be found at: Public Beaches in Vero Beach, FL | VeroBeach.com .  Only those beaches that have lifeguards are included below. Other unguarded beaches can be found on the above-referenced website.
South Beach . 
1704 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach. 
772-231-4700
 
Jaycee Beach . 
4200 Ocean Blvd., Vero Beach. 
772-231-0578
 
 
Humiston Beach 
3000 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach. 
772-231-5790
Lifeguards on duty 
Has picnic areas and a children’s playground; restrooms, outdoor showers, and water 
Food (Nino’s Pizza, 1006 Easter Lily Lane) and ice cream (Kilwins, 3001 Ocean Drive; Cravings, 3149 Ocean Drive) can be found within a short walk of the beach 
Public Beaches in Vero Beach, FL | VeroBeach.com  
 
Golden Sands 
10350 N. Highway A1A, Vero Beach. 
772-581-4995.
Located at the entrance to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area for loggerhead and green turtles 
Lifeguards on duty 
Has a playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and showers 
Public Beaches in Vero Beach, FL | VeroBeach.com  
 
 
Tracking Station Beachfront Park 
800 46th Street Pl., Vero Beach.
772-492-2411
Lifeguards are on duty and popular with local surfers 
Has picnic tables, restrooms, and showers 
For added convenience, you can buy your beach drinks, snacks, towels, and beach gear at the nearby 7-11 or CVS 
Public Beaches in Vero Beach, FL | VeroBeach.com  
 
Wabasso Beach 
1820 County Rd 510 and Highway A1A, Vero Beach.
772-581-4998
 
 
Sebastian Inlet State Park . 
9700 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach. 
321-984-4852
Parks  
Nearly all of the parks listed below are owned and operated by the City of Vero Beach or Indian River County. Both have websites that describe each park. For Vero Beach, see Recreation Department | Vero Beach, FL (covb.org) . For Indian River County see Parks and Conservation Resources (ircgov.com) 
Humiston Beach Park 
3000 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach.
772-226-1875
 
Round Island Riverview Park 
2201 S. Highway A1A, Vero Beach.
772-226-1875
Two boat ramps, a canoe launch, a picnic pavilion with a grill, and a 400′ boardwalk to observe the many manatees. 
Cross over the footbridge to a small island with trails that take you to an observation tower and a fishing pier 
Round Island Riverside Park (ircgov.com)  
 
 
Riverside Park. 
3280 Riverside Park, Vero Beach.
772-567-2144
 
A.W. Young Park 
212 Park Avenue, Vero Beach.
772-567-2144
 
 
MacWilliam Park 
3341 Bridge Plaza Drive, Vero Beach. 
772-567-2144
 
Pocahontas Park .
2199 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
772-567-2144
 
 
Sebastian Inlet State Park . 
9700 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne. 
321-984-4852.
Extending over three miles of barrier island, the park encompasses 1,000 acres 
Offers surfing, swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, and fishing 
Contains fifty-one campsites with water, electricity, a fire ring, and picnic tables 
The park hosts two museums, the McLarty Treasure Museum and the Sebastian Fishing Museum 
Sebastian Inlet State Park | Florida State Park  
Animals, Nature & Environment 
Environmental Learning Center 
255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach. 
772-589-5050
On the Indian River Lagoon 
64-acre nature center with trails, aquarium, guided kayaking, and pontoon tours 
www.discoverelc.org  
 
McKee Botanical Garden 
350 U.S. Highway 1, Vero Beach
772-794-0601
18-acre tropical garden that is on the National Registry of Historic Places 
Regularly showcases internationally renowned special exhibits as well as other educational programs, often oriented toward children 
Children’s Garden, established in 2020, contains a splash pad, a pirate ship treehouse, and a climbing 
Sculptures 
www.mckeegarden.org  
 
 
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. 
4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach.
772-581-5557
 
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge .
8385 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach.
772-581-5557
Encompasses nearly 21 miles of beach and shoreline habitat between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach 
The refuge was designated to protect habitat at the most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the world, and the most significant area for green turtle nesting in North America. 
Barrier Island Center contains interactive exhibits, nature films, and is the start of a 1-mile dune-to-lagoon nature trail 
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge | Visit Us | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)  
 
 
Oslo River Front Conservation Area . 
150 9th Street SW (Oslo Road), Vero Beach. 
772-226-1780
Nearly 300 acres of mature coastal hammock, scrubby flatwoods, and estuarine wetlands 
Designated a Great Florida Birding Trail 
Has boardwalks, an observation tower, a canoe launch, and a 1-mile walking trail 
For information about general services check here.  
Boating 
Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures. 
Blue Cypress Recreation Area off County Road 512/Lake Garcia, Vero Beach
772-633-7849.
Advance reservations are a must 
Offers one-hour highly entertaining, narrated airboat tours on Blue Cypress Conservation marshland 
See exotic birds, plants, turtles, and alligators 
AirboatAdventures.com  
 
River Explorer Boat Tour. 
3341 Bridge Plaza Dr., Vero Beach. 
772-713-7132
Narrated pontoon boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon 
See dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife 
RiverTour.co m  
 
 
Treasure Coast Cruises.  
41 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach. 
772-321-5955
Fishing 
A few popular fishing spots in the Vero Beach area are noted below.
Pier Under Barber Bridge. 
Located along the eastern end of the Merrill P. Barber Bridge. 
Access is through the Riverside Café property, 3341 Bridge Plaza Drive, Vero Beach. 
 
 
Riverview Park. 
U.S. Highway 1 and CR512, Sebastian.
772-228-7054
Riverview Park is on the Indian River Lagoon in the heart of Sebastian 
Has two fishing piers 
RiverViewPark.org  
 
 
Sebastian Inlet State Park. 
9700 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne. 
321-984-4852.
State of Florida Park. Fee for access to the park. 
Sebastian Inlet and the surrounding waters provide fishing from the beach, river, and inlet. The 
Two jetties extending into the Atlantic Ocean are available for fishing. Both jetties and bridge 
Boat launch facilities provide access to nearby offshore fishing and diving. 
Has a concession area that sells bait 
Sebastian Inlet State Park | Florida State Parks  
Museums Illustration by Celine Elefson Werner
Vero Beach Museum of Art .
3001 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach.
772-231-0707
Children under 17 are free 
Monthly program for babies and toddlers 
Regular art classes 
Virtual aquarium for children 
www.vbmuseum.org  
 
Sebastian Fishing Museum .
9700 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne.
321-984-4852.
Located within the Sebastian Inlet State Park (admission fee per car) 
Celebrates the Sebastian fishing industry and contains exhibits of the local fishing industry and its influence on the area. 
It contains equipment used in commercial fishing, a replica of a vintage fishing house, and a dock. 
The museum also displays the history of three local families involved in the fishing industry during its formative years in Sebastian. 
SebastianFishingMuseum.com  
 
 
Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum . 
1322 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian. 
772-589-9875.
Displays of treasures salvaged from Spanish and English ships that sunk along the Treasure Coast in the 17th and 18th centuries. 
Museum shop 
www.melfisher.com  
 
Indian River Citrus Museum .
2140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. 
772-770-2263.
 
 
McLarty Treasure Museum .
13180 N. Highway A1A, Vero Beach.
772-589-2147
$2 admission for those 6 years of age and over. 
Located within the Sebastian Inlet State Park. 
Contains exhibits recounting the history of the eleven-ship Spanish treasure fleet that went down in the 1715 hurricane 
Video on the history and salvaging efforts 
Displays feature artifacts, replicas for sale, and an observation deck on the Atlantic Ocean. 
www.verobeach.com/vero-beach-community/mclarty-treasure-museum  
 
National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum .
3300 N. Highway A1A, Fort Pierce.
772-595-5845.
5 years old and under Free 
The only museum dedicated to preserving the history of the U.S. Navy SEALS and its predecessors 
Interactive exhibits plus airplanes, boats, and other vehicles used by the SEALS 
 Obstacle course 
www.navysealmuseum.org  
 
 
Food Illustration by Celine Elefson Werner
Oceanside Grill . 
1050 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach. 
772-231-5409.
Seafood restaurant on the beach; serving dinner only.  
Family-friendly with Kids menu 
www.ocean-grill.com  
 
C.J. Cannon’s .
3414 Cherokee Dr., Vero Beach.
772-567-7727
A Vero Beach landmark since 1984.  Located within the Vero Beach Airport 
Family-friendly with free entertainment–watch planes take off and land while you dine 
Breakfasts are legendary 
www.cjcannonsrestaurant.com  
 
 
Riverside Café . 
3341 Bridge Plaza Dr., Vero Beach. 
772-234-5550
Located on the Indian River Lagoon by the Merrill Barber Bridge. 
Has boat slips for those who access the restaurant by the lagoon 
Lunch and Dinner only, plus Sunday brunch 
Family-friendly, wide-ranging menu 
www.riversidecafe.com  
 
Fresh Market. 
526-A 21st  Street, Vero Beach.
772-794-2216
 
 
Mrs. Mac’s Fillin Station.  
951 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach. 
772-564-8400
 
Fujiyama .
5959 20th  Street, Vero Beach.
772-564-8628
Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar 
Lunch and Dinner only 
Family-style dining with entertaining chefs cooking at communal tables. 
www.fujiyamajapanese.com  
 
 
Marsh Landing Restaurant .  
44 N. Broadway Street, Fellsmere. 
772-571-8622
Experience old Florida cuisine (e.g., frog legs, catfish, gator tails, fried green tomatoes, swamp cabbage) in a historical setting.  Also serves Angus steaks, ribs, etc. 
www.marshlandingrestaurant.com/  
 
Kilwins .
3001 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach.
772-584-3281
Ice cream and other delicious confections 
Rated No. 1 by TripAdvisor 
Located directly across the street from Humiston Park playground and beach 
www.verobeach@kilwins.com  
 
 
Cravings. 
3149 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach. 
772-231-0208
 
Publix. 
Multiple locations throughout Indian River County
 
 
Other Illustration by Celine Elefson Werner
Books  
Indian River County Library (Main)  
1600 21st  St., Vero Beach
772-400-6335.
An extensive collection of children’s books in addition to CDs and DVDs 
Numerous special exhibits and programs, often geared toward children, including music and art programs 
A non-resident library card costs $10 for three months 
Indian River County Library (ircgov.com)  
 
Vero Beach Book Center . 
392 21st  St., Vero Beach.
772-569-2050.
Independent bookstore 
The second floor is dedicated to children and includes books and educational toys 
theverobeachbookcenter.com  
 
 
Theatre and Entertainment  
Riverside Theatre for Kids!  
3280 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach.
772-234-8052
 
Vero Beach Theatre Guild . 
2020 San Juan Ave, Vero Beach.
772-562-8300
Operating since 1958. Longest-running community theatre on the Treasure Coast 
198-seat theatre offering live productions, some of which may be suitable for children and young adults 
www.verobeachtheatreguild.com  
 
 
Majestic Theater 11. 
940 14th  Lane, Vero Beach.
772-770-0774
 
AMC Indian River 24 . 
6200 20th  Street, Vero Beach.
772-563-3933
 
 
Water Sports and Bike Rentals  
Wabasso Beach & Surf Shop . 
4880 87th  Street and U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian. 
772-388-4077
Sells swimwear, t-shirts, snorkel gear, surfboards, etc. 
Rentals available for beach and paddleboards, beach accessories 
WabassoBeach&Surf.com  
 
Orchid Outfitters .
1175 Commerce Ave., Vero Beach.
772-617-1804
 
 
Golf 
Safari Golf and Games.  
455 Oslo Road, Vero Beach.
772-562-6492
36 holes of miniature golf with a jungle motif 
2,000 square foot arcade and game room 
4 batting cages 
SafariGolfandGames.com  
 
Big Shots Vero Beach .
3456 U.S. Highway 1, Vero Beach.
772-979-4653
State-of-the-art golf recreation and entertainment facility 
30 climate-controlled tee boxes equipped with ball-tracking technology 
verobigshots.com  
 
 
Bowling  
Vero Bowl .
929 14th  Lane, Vero Beach.
772-299-7467
 
 
Skating 
Skate Factory.   
485 27th  Street, SW. Vero Beach.  
772-794-3373
Miscellaneous  
Vero Beach Polo Club. 
7635 N. Polo Grounds Lane, Vero Beach.
772-321-3082
 
Peterson’s Grove and Nursery. 
3375 66th  Avenue, Vero Beach.
772-562-6900
This historic citrus packing house is one of the oldest in the county, featuring a gift shop full of local produce and products, including Florida taffy, alligator jerky, and more. 
Children will enjoy visiting farm animals and participating in a “Squirrel Treasure Hunt” amongst the trees and animals, and receiving a prize at the end.  Inside, everyone enjoys a sample of seasonal fresh fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice. 
Contact Us – Peterson Groves  
 
 
Baby Equipment  
Kids by the Sea .
616 21st  Street, Vero Beach.
772-365-4564
Consignment shop selling children’s and baby clothing 
Also sells toys & baby/toddler equipment such as strollers & used children’s books 
Kids by the Sea  
 
Got a Guest . 
601 Broadway Street, Vero Beach.
772-413-2552
Offers daily rental of a full range of baby equipment, including cribs, bassinets, high chairs, strollers, car and booster seats, portable swings, bouncy seats, baby monitors, safety gates, potty seats, toys, razor scooters, books 
Also rents beach equipment, including chairs, tents, umbrellas, boogie boards, and coolers 
Will deliver 
www.gotaguest.com  
 
 
Note:  You might also purchase baby equipment, toys, etc. at places such as Target, Wal-Mart , and other big box stores, all of which have locations in and around Vero Beach. 
When it Rains Illustration by Celine Elefson Werner
Occasionally, you may encounter a rainy day.  Besides restaurants, here are some places that you might consider during inclement weather.
Vero Beach  
Vero Beach Museum of Art .
3001 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach.
772-231-0707.
Children under 17 are free 
Monthly program for babies and toddlers 
Regular art classes 
Virtual aquarium for children 
www.vbmuseum.org  
 
Indian River Citrus Museum.  
2140 14th  Ave., Vero Beach.
772-770-2263.
 
 
Indian River County Library (Main) 
1600 21st  St., Vero Beach.
772-400-6335.
An extensive collection of children’s books in addition to CDs and DVDs 
Numerous special exhibits and programs, often geared toward children, including art and music programs 
A non-resident library card costs $10 for three months 
Indian River County Library (ircgov.com)  
 
Vero Beach Book Center .
392 21st  St., Vero Beach. 
772-569-2050. 
Independent bookstore 
The second floor is dedicated to children and includes books and educational toys 
theverobeachbookcenter.com  
 
 
Majestic Theater.  
940 14th  Lane, Vero Beach.
772-770-0774
 
AMC Indian River 24 .
6200 20th  Street, Vero Beach.
772-563-3933 
 
 
Big Shots Vero Beach .
3456 U.S. Highway 1, Vero Beach.
772-979-4653
State-of-the-art golf recreation and entertainment facility 
30 climate-controlled tee boxes equipped with ball tracking technology 
verobigshots.com  
 
Vero Bowl .
929 14th  Lane, Vero Beach.
772-299-7467
 
 
Skate Factory.   
485 27th  Street, SW. Vero Beach.  
772-794-3373
Sebastian 
Sebastian Fishing Museum .
9700 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne.
321-984-4852
Located within the Sebastian Inlet State Park (admission fee per car) 
Celebrates the Sebastian fishing industry and contains exhibits of the local fishing industry and its influence on the area. 
It contains equipment used in commercial fishing and a replica of a vintage fishing house and dock. 
The museum also displays the history of three local families involved in the fishing industry during its formative years in Sebastian. 
Sebastian Fishing Museum   
 
McLarty Treasure Museum .
13180 N. Highway A1A, Vero Beach.
772-589-2147.
Located within the Sebastian Inlet State Park. 
Contains exhibits recounting the history of the eleven-ship Spanish treasure fleet that went down in the 1715 hurricane 
Video on the history and salvaging efforts 
Displays feature artifacts, replicas for sale, and an observation deck on the Atlantic Ocean. 
www.verobeach.com/vero-beach-community/mclarty-treasure-museum  
 
 
Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum . 
1322 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian.
772-589-9875.
Free 
Displays of treasures salvaged from Spanish and English ships that sank along the Treasure Coast in the 17th  and 18th  centuries 
Museum shop 
www.melfisher.com  
 
 
 
** This page is dedicated exclusively to showcasing activities and attractions within Indian River County, FL. only. The “Vero With Kids” concept was developed by two individuals outside of our organization, so there may be relevant activities or information not included here. Please note that this was not created by Visit Indian River County, but is under agreement to be created and housed on VisitIndianRiverCounty.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the team at Visit Indian River County .
Copyright© Susan S. Werner & Halley Moriyama 2023. All Rights Reserved.