Things to Do in Palm Bay

Skydive Sebastian’s planes fly far above the Atlantic, affording their passengers a chance to drop into Florida's eastern edge near the picturesque swimming cove of Sebastian Inlet. The company's hangar and flock of professional skydivers—some of whom boast more than 16,000 jumps––await flights at a 7-acre facility, where they host first-time tandem skydivers and operate a skydiving school for beginners interested in learning to skydive on their own through the Accelerated Freefall course. Meanwhile, experienced skydivers with a passion for the sport of skydiving can receive independent coaching to keep free-fall skills sharp.

Although the 1960s was an era of change, children were still not allowed to pick their own produce at Milwaukee-area farms. This seemingly minor policy was the spark that began Green Meadows Farm, Kissimmee's family-oriented petting farm populated by 300 animals. Bob and Coni Keyes started with a hog and cattle farm in Waterford, Wisconsin. Believing farms were places where kids could learn and interact with animals, the couple converted their 80 acres into a raspberry and veggie patch that also featured a handful of friendly farm animals to welcome kids. The petting farm was born in 1965 when a local teacher asked if her youngsters could drop by to visit the animals and give the roosters mop-top haircuts.

More than 40 years later, the Keyes are still at it. Over the years, their quest to enrich the education of children with a "low-tech" farm experience has taken shape in Texas, Illinois, and Florida. The owners live right on the Green Meadows acreage with their small village of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other barnyard citizens. Bob and Coni lead hands-on daily tours for visitors and facilitate pony rides, along with a host of other seasonally varied activities offered 363 days a year.

Sister ships Orlando Princess and Canaveral Star II disembark from Cape Canaveral for daily fishing trips. The 80- and 85-foot vessels set sail with an experienced crewmember and soon-to-be seafarers equipped with fishing licenses, rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Full- and half-day excursions let fisherpeople hunt for mangrove snapper, grouper, and sea bass, and nighttime shark-fishing trips give them the opportunity to seek out bigger game. After catching a respectable haul, patrons can relax on the sun deck or in air-conditioned cabins and indulge in included hot meals. They’ll also get unlimited beer or soda that tastes better than seawater, which is mostly made up of mermaid spit.

Cocoa Beach locals know that it's rare to spot Bill Kowalik on dry land. The Puerto Rico–born seafarer is at home on the water, constantly surfing, kayaking, or leading tours across the Florida Space Coast. Bill’s as passionate about the environment as he is about watersports, enthusiastically exploring the area's diverse waterways while taking pains to leave the least impact on the protected waters. Along with his team of trained instructors, he leads individuals, groups, and families on kayak tours through lush mangroves and island channels, pointing out dolphins, manatees, and exotic birds.

Space Coast Segway Tours' battery-operated two-wheeled segway machines turn palm-tree-lined pavement into a playground during guided trips through Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Starting at the Ron Jon Cape Caribe resort, experienced segway savants lead upright wheelers on a voyage that explores the Port Canaveral cove, passing scores of envious segwayless humans along the way. Manatees and dolphins cheer on riders from the water as the group makes its way to Bluepoints Marina, stopping at Auddino’s Italian Bakery for a quick cookie refuel. Cocoa Beach trips leave from the Hilton and meander across the boardwalk, testing out wheel-legs as they pass by the Ron Jon Surf Shop and make the trek off the beaten path in Lori Wilson Park. Additionally, mini segway tours offer 20-minute footless treks that can be scheduled during your lunch hour or your boss's naptime.

The Indian River Queen is a 99-foot boat that can comfortably take on up to 230 people. It has played host to every kind of event, from weddings, field trips, cocktail parties, and eco-tours to the filming of the movie Out of Time starring Denzel Washington, as mentioned by PRWeb. After the boat’s film debut, Penny Sheridan Flaherty recognized the Southern-style paddle-wheel boat’s star power and took over ownership. Since then, both owner and boat have celebrated an array of special occasions from the Indian River Queen's decks.

The plush riverboat’s main deck comes equipped with all the amenities, including air conditioning and a full-service bar complete with Beck's Dark beer, Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, and Patrón tequila. Live music and the ship's second full-service bar are tucked onto the second deck. Though both the main and second deck are outfitted with large viewing windows, the top-level deck is where guests can truly soak in idyllic views of the Indian River and the Indian River Lagoon, along with their manatee and dolphin inhabitants.

On Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, public cruises ferry passengers lazily down the river as they dine on catered food from Black Tulip Restaurant. If needed, owner Penny is also the boat's party planner, and she can provide a comprehensive list of party services including videographers, fresh flower arrangements, and live music performed by steel-drum bands or the crew harmonizing on water jugs.