Updated April 2025
Planning a family cruise from Port Canaveral? Before setting sail, the area offers a treasure trove of kid-friendly attractions that can make your vacation even more memorable. Arrive early and ease into your cruise adventure with some fun!
When it comes to getting to your cruise, Go Port makes planning easy and seamless. Our Snooze and Cruise packages include hotel accommodations and cruise transportation for the whole family in just one booking, so you can start your vacation stress-free.
Check out these great activities to do with kids in Port Canaveral after you arrive:
#1: Jetty Park
Jetty Park boasts 4.5 acres of soft sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, or building sandcastles. Children can splash and play, with lifeguards are on duty year-round to ensure a safe experience. Then head back to your hotel to relax after a few hours playing in the sun!
Anglers and sightseers alike love the Malcolm E. McLouth Fishing Pier, which extends 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
- ADA-accessible
- No fishing license is required
- Great spot to view dolphins and sea turtles, as well as watching the large ships and cruises leaving Port Canaveral
We partner with the Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral, which is only two miles away from Jetty Park. If you’re flying into Orlando Airport, book our Fly Snooze Cruise package for this hotel, or drivers sailing on select cruise ships can book a convenient Snooze Park Cruise package.
#2: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Embark on a captivating journey into the wonders of space exploration with a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. One of the highlights is the Rocket Garden, where families can stroll among towering rockets that once launched into space. Plus, enjoy interactive exhibits, real spacecraft displays and opportunities to meet astronauts.
To make the most of your trip, check the Kennedy Space Center’s official website for current exhibits, astronaut appearance schedules and ticket information. A day at Kennedy Space Center educates and inspires visitors of any age!
Kennedy Space Center is just a short drive from Go Port’s partner hotels in Cape Canaveral and Titusville.
#3: Golf N Gator
Golf N Gator (link will open in new window to keep users on the Go Port site) offers a unique blend of mini-golf excitement and wildlife encounters, making it a must-visit destination for kids of any age. Located in Cape Canaveral, this attraction features two distinct 18-hole mini-golf courses—Gator Mountain and Swamp Cave—each weaving through lush tropical landscapes adorned with streams and waterfalls.
For extra excitement, this popular attraction is also home to a variety of live animals. Visitors have the opportunity to feed, hold, and take pictures with live alligators, providing an up-close experience with these fascinating reptiles found all over Florida.
Driving in for a Carnival Mardi Gras, Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas or Star of the Seas cruise? Book a Snooze Park Cruise package in Cocoa Beach, less than two miles away from Golf N Gator.
#4: The Wizard of Oz Museum
The Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral offers an enchanting journey into the beloved world. With over 3,000 artifacts, the museum provides an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. See original props like Dorothy’s dress from the 1939 MGM film.
Additionally, the museum offers an immersive Van Gogh experience with a unique blend of art and technology.
Cruisers flying into Orlando Airport should take advantage of a pre-cruise stay at Homewood Suites Cape Canaveral or Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral. Suites are the perfect option when traveling with kids to a Port Canaveral cruise, and the Wizard of Oz Museum is just a five-minute drive away from these hotels.
#5: The Florida Key Lime Pie Company
Treat your taste buds to a slice of authentic Florida at The Florida Key Lime Pie Company in Cocoa Beach. Known for its award-winning key lime pies, this local gem offers a variety of delectable treats that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a sweet stop that adds a flavorful twist to your Port Canaveral visit.
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Experience
Add these attractions to your pre-cruise stay and your family will create lasting memories before your cruise even begins. Go Port’s Snooze and Cruise options ensure a smooth transition from land to sea, so you can arrive early and have fun without worrying about getting the whole family to the cruise on time. Traveling with an even larger group to a cruise from Port Canaveral? We’ve got you covered with group cruise packages!
Book a Fly Snooze Cruise or Snooze Park and Cruise package with Go Port to ensure that all logistical details are handled so you can spend time creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
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