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Things to Do with Kids in Vero Beach and Sebastian, Florida

A complete guide to finding fun things to do with your family in Indian River County

By Alison Ellis, publisher of Macaroni KID Vero Beach January 20, 2025

I'm passionate about helping families who live in and visit Indian River County have fun locally! I've gathered all of the details on local attractions to visit with your family in Vero Beach and Sebastian. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you have a toddler or teen, or whether you prefer heading outdoors or staying inside. 

Check business hours before you head out, and don't forget to check our events calendar and local guides for more ideas! 


Looking for nearby trampoline parks, children's museums, and more? Check out our Family-Friendly Day Trips Guide!


Please note: All information is accurate at the time of publishing. Hours and openings can change without notice to Macaroni KID Vero Beach. We recommend verifying details with businesses before heading out. 


Play Inside with Little Ones

Small Wonders Gymnastics Center

2746 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 539-7400

This gym, set up specifically for kids 7 and under, has open gym times where kids can play on the bounce house, trampoline track, foam pit, balance beams, bars, and more. It's a great way for kids to get out all their energy while staying indoors! Open gym costs $10 per child and $7 per sibling or you can purchase a punchcard. Check their website for the most up-to-date open gym times. 


Simply Play Vero Beach

1275 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 492-8818

This indoor play space has themed areas for imaginative play and a café area for caregivers. Check their website for current hours. 


The Buggy Bunch

 1450 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 226-0066

This nonprofit serves Indian River County moms and their families. Their Family Center has an indoor play space. They have free programming such as open play time, moms' groups, educational playgroups, and more. Check our their current schedule on their website. You will need to create an account to view their calendar. We also include their current programming on our events calendar. 


Art Zone at Vero Beach Museum of Art 

3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

This hands-on space inside the VBMA includes an awesome interactive art wall, fun toys, books, a chalk wall, and a magnet wall. It's a relaxing space that your kids will enjoy playing in. The Museum also offers family programming, such as Museum Stories every Wednesday. Admission is free on the Second Saturday of each month! Check their website for their upcoming programs and special events. 


Enjoy a Classic Family Activity 

Big Shots

3456 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 979-4653

Take a swing in one of 30 climate-controlled tee boxes while enjoying drinks and food from their full-service restaurant and two sports bars. Boxes fit up to six people and are rented by the hour. There is also a LittleShots putting course where kids can practice while waiting for the tee box. 


Escape Room Vero Beach 

836 S U.S. 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 

Test your abilities and see if you can escape from one of the three rooms available. Each room lasts an hour and is recommended for ages 8 and up. The cost is $35 per person, and you can reserve your spot online. 


Painted Frog

1906 14th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 999-3763

Paint-you-own pottery at this studio. There are hundreds of ceramic shapes to choose from, and any skill level can have fun. The price varies depending on the ceramic piece chosen. 


Pocket Change Arcade in the Indian River Mall

6200 20th Street #460, Vero Beach, FL 32966 | (772) 770-5931

Enjoy playing a variety of games at this small arcade in the food court of the Indian River Mall. Please check the mall hours before you head out! 


Safari Golf and Games

455 9th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 | (772) 562-6492

You can enjoy two 18-hole mini golf courses, an arcade room, and batting cages. They also serve ice cream if you've worked up an appetite with all that fun!


Skate Factory 

485 27th Avenue SW #3269, Vero Beach, FL 32968 | (772) 794-3373

Get active while staying indoors at this skating rink. There is special programming on certain days, so be sure to check their schedule! There is also an arcade area and concessions. 


Vero Bowl

929 14th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 

Bowling can be made accessible for young kids with the use of the ball ramps and bumpers, and older kids can get competitive! Vero Bowl participates in the Kids Bowl Free program during the summer. Click here to read more about registering for Kids Bowl Free. 


Explore Nature 

Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | (772) 589-5050

The ELC is a 64-acre lagoon island nature center. There is an indoor space kids will enjoy with exhibits, a touch tank, and aquariums, as well as an outdoor play space. You can explore natural Florida by using the walking trails, going on a pontoon boat eco-tour, taking a kayak tour, or renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. They have special programming and camps, so make sure to check their calendar!


McKee Botanical Garden 

350 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 | (772) 794-0601

View our highlight reel here! 

Your family will enjoy exploring the botanical gardens, completing the Explorer Backpack, and playing in the Children's Garden. There is a naturalistic splash pad that kids will love cooling off in as well! McKee offers fun family programming, so be sure to check their schedule for upcoming events. 


Sebastian Inlet State Park

9700 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 | (321) 984-4852

View our highlight reel here!

You can bike, bird watch, boat, camp, fish, geocache, hike, mountain bike, paddleboard, canoe, kayak, scuba dive, snorkel, surf, and swim at this state park. The inlet on the lagoon side is especially great for young kids because there are minimal waves, shallow areas, and tidal pools. Sebastian Inlet State Park is open every day, and the cost to enter is $8 per vehicle. 


Tour a Museum 

McLarty Treasure Museum 

13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | (772) 589-2147

This museum is located where one of the ships from the Spanish Fleet sank in 1715. View exhibits and watch a video of the history of the shipwreck. Admission is $2 and children under 6 are free. 


Mel Fisher's Treasures 

1322 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958 | (772) 589-9875

This museum also houses exhibits of the 1715 Spanish fleet salvaged by the world-famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher. Click here for a coupon for admission. 


Indian River Citrus Museum

2140 14th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 770-2263

Learn about the history of the Indian River citrus industry and view artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. Suggested donation is $5 per person and $10 for families. Children under 5 are free. 


Vero Beach Museum of Art 

3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Peruse the galleries and sculpture garden and enjoy the latest exhibition. Kids will love playing in the Art Zone, whose highlight is an interactive art wall. Admission is free on the Second Saturday of each month. Check their website for the latest upcoming kids' programming, special events, exhibitions, and more! 


Watch a Movie

AMC Indian River 24 

6200 20th Street #600, Vero Beach, FL 32966 | (772) 563-2933

This movie theater is located in the Indian River Mall. Click here to check showtimes. 


The Majestic 11

940 14th Lane #4733, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 770-0774

The Majestic 11 typically has free kids' movies during the summer. Click here to check showtimes and special events. 


See A Show

Riverside Theatre

3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | (772) 231-6990

Take in a live show at this professional theatre. You can enjoy musicals, plays, kids' performances, comedians, and live music at this venue. Check their website for the current schedule of shows. 


Vero Beach Theatre Guild

2020 San Juan Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 562-8300

This community theater puts on a range of productions year-round, including some family-friendly shows! Check their website for their current show. 


Swim & Splash

Beach

Various locations

Some of our favorite beaches are Humiston Beach, Jaycee Beach, South Beach, Round Island Beach, and Golden Sands Beach. Visit our Parks Guide to find a beach that also has a playground.


North County Aquatic Center

9450 Co Rd 512, Sebastian, FL 32958 | (772) 226-1752  

View our highlight reel here!

This aquatic center has a zero-depth entry activity pool, dueling slides, a water tree, and a play structure with a small slide, tunnel, and water cannons. There is also a lap pool and diving boards. Daily rates are $6.43 or less, and memberships are available. 


Royal Palm Pointe Fountains 

2 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | (772) 567-2144

Enjoy this large fountain play area located along the Indian River Lagoon. There are lots of grassy areas to lay out or picnic, along with picnic tables, restrooms, and a pier. Admission is free. For more detailed seasonal information, view our Pools & Splash Pads Guide.  


Sebastian Splash Pad at Riverview Park

710 Harrison Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 | (772) 228-7054

This free splash pad is open every day from 8 am - 8 pm. The splash pad has sprayers, small fountains, and other water features for kids to play in. It is ideal for young children. It is fully fenced with restrooms and benches under awnings. 


Gifford Aquatic Center 

4895 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32967 | (772) 226-1175

This aquatic center has a zero-depth entry pool with a deep end of 4'6", two enclosed dueling slides, and a splash pad area. There are also six lanes for lap swimming. Daily rates are $4 or less, and memberships are available. For more detailed seasonal information, view our Pools & Splash Pads Guide.  


Other Ideas

Library

IRC Main Library | 1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 400-6335

North IRC Library |1001 Sebastian Boulevard, Sebastian, FL 32958 | (772) 400-6360

Brackett Library | 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32966 | (772) 400-6385

We love books, but the library is more than just books! STEM Carts are available at the Main and Brackett Libraries, there is a Makerspace at the North IRC Library, and computers and children's play spaces are at each of these branches. Read more about what the libraries offer


Local Park

Various locations 

Check out our detailed Parks Guide to find a fun park in Indian River County or the surrounding areas. 


LaPorte Farms

7700 129th Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 | (772) 633-0813

View our highlight reel here!

This nonprofit farm has a variety of animals that kids will enjoy observing and interacting with. There is no set admission cost (donations are encouraged), but you might want to bring some extra cash to feed the animals, take a pony ride, or ride the "train". 


Schacht Groves U-Pick

6200 12th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32966 | (772) 562-5858

Get outside and pick your own fresh Indian River citrus! There is a cute children's play area with a sandbox and outdoor kitchen, along with a fun citrus slingshot. Enjoy the market filled with local and artisan goods while you're there. U-pick is typically available Fridays - Sundays from November through the spring, but please check their current hours before heading out. 


Vero Beach Farmers Market

3000 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Situated on beautiful Ocean Drive just a short walk from the beach, this farmers market offers a range of fresh foods. They are open on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm.