McKee Botanical Garden

Indian River County for Kids!

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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!

Recreation

Museums

Food

Other

When it Rains

Illustration by Celine Elefson Werner

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 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

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, canoe launch, 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.

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, pirate ship treehouse, and 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, and 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

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 on-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.com

Treasure Coast Cruises.

41 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach.

772-321-5955

A few popular fishing spots in the Vero Beach area are noted below.

Pier Under Barber Bridge.

  • Located along the easterly 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.

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.

772-595-5845.

  • 5 years old and under Free
  • 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

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.

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. 

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.

772-584-3281

  • Ice cream and other delicious confections
  • Rated No. 1 by Trip Advisor
  • 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.

Illustration by Celine Elefson Werner

Indian River County Library (Main)

1600 21st St., Vero Beach

772-400-6335.

  • 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
  • Non-resident library card costs $10 for three months
  • Indian River County Library (ircgov.com)

Vero Beach Book Center

772-569-2050.

  • Independent bookstore
  • The second floor is dedicated to children and includes books and educational toys
  • theverobeachbookcenter.com

Riverside Theatre for Kids! 

3280 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach.

772-234-8052

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

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

772-563-3933

Wabasso Beach & Surf Shop.

4880 87th Street and U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian. 

772-388-4077

  • Sells swimwear, tee shirts, snorkel gear, surfboards, etc.
  • Rentals available for beach and paddleboards, beach accessories
  • WabassoBeach&Surf.com

Orchid Outfitters.

772-617-1804

  • Sales and rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes
  • Will deliver and pick up
  • orchidoutfitters.com

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.

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

Vero Beach Polo Club.

7635 N. Polo Grounds Lane, Vero Beach.

772-321-3082

Peterson’s Grove and Nursery.

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

La Porte Farm

7700 129th Street, Sebastian. 

772-633-0813. 

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

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, 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.

Sea Horse

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 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. 

772-770-2263.

Indian River County Library (Main)

1600 21st St., Vero Beach.

772-400-6335.

  • 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
  • Non-resident library card costs $10 for three months
  • Indian River County Library (ircgov.com)

Vero Beach Book Center.

772-569-2050. 

  • Independent book store
  • 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.

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.

772-299-7467

Skate Factory. 

485 27th Street, SW. Vero Beach. 

772-794-3373

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.

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 sunk 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.