What to do in August that's not a theme park?

Question

Hello! Family of 4 - Looking for suggestions on things to do in Orlando before a cruise mid August. Originally we were going to go to Universal but decided against (due to cost, Epic open /crowds / heat etc). We have 3.5 days.

So far we have Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach (maybe 1-2 nights there?), bioluminescence kayak tour/manatees near Cocoa beach.

Would there be enough to do to spend all 3 days at Cocoa beach? Obviously it will be hot so not sure how likely it is that we'll be spending hours at the beach.

Love to get any suggestions on things to do.

Thanks!

Answer

Orlando and the surrounding area offer plenty of activities beyond the theme parks, and mid-August can be hot and humid, so planning a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences is ideal. Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach are great choices, and you can definitely fill 3.5 days with activities if you mix in some local attractions, water-based experiences, and relaxation.

Here are some options to consider:

Kennedy Space Center: A full day activity that’s both educational and entertaining. Arrive early to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, astronaut encounters, and IMAX films.
Cocoa Beach: Spend a day or two relaxing on the beach. For variety, you can rent surfboards, paddleboards, or take a beginner surf lesson. Many cafes and restaurants along the coast provide shaded lunch spots.
Bioluminescence kayak tours: Evening tours are magical and can be combined with manatee spotting earlier in the day. Several companies operate in the Banana River and Indian River Lagoon near Cocoa Beach.

Other things to do in the area while avoiding theme parks:

Historic Downtown Cocoa Village: Walkable district with shops, galleries, and local eateries. Great for a morning or afternoon stroll.
Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral: Offers panoramic views, exhibits about the port, and is air-conditioned for a midday break from the heat.
Indoor Activities: Consider mini-golf (indoor options exist), escape rooms, or visiting the Brevard Art Museum for a cultural break.
Wildlife Encounters: Besides manatees, you could visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching or short hiking trails.

If you prefer to stay at Cocoa Beach for all three days, you’ll want to schedule some indoor or shaded activities during the hottest part of the day (roughly 12 pm–4 pm) and leave mornings and late afternoons for beach, kayaking, or nature tours. Splitting one day for a quick Orlando excursion (like ICON Park or an air-conditioned museum) could also break up the beach routine without involving theme parks.

Overall, with careful planning, 3 days at Cocoa Beach can be enjoyable, combining beach time, kayaking, wildlife, and local shopping/dining. Booking bioluminescence tours in advance is recommended, as they can fill up quickly in summer months.

What to do in August that's not a theme park?

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