Things to Do in Palm Bay

BounceU transports kids to an inflatable, climate-controlled playground in which they can bounce from side to side in a safe, secure environment. During open-bounce sessions, kids can imagine they're Spiderman while climbing the new Spider Climb, or pretend they're synchronized leapers in Michael Flatley's Riverbounce as they carom around the inflatable stadium, expending energy with every leap. Cosmic Bounce sessions give jouncing juniors a much-deserved break from earthly leaping, allowing them to play under the violet glow of black lights and special-effect lights moving in coordination with fun music. Each cosmic bouncer receives a complimentary glow-in-the-dark accessory upon entrance, which can be used to light the way in a dark tunnel or light half the face to recreate Colonel Kurtz's monologue from Apocalypse Now. When a cause for celebration arises, parents snag party rooms and private bouncing rooms for their buoyant revelers. During summer camps, kids pair their bounce-based brand of performance arts with imaginative crafts.

The attentive BounceU staff monitor the rebounding facilities at all times, ensuring the inflatable playground is kept safe, clean, and free of spiky objects such as mohawks and sea urchins. Call ahead or check the calendar for available open-bounce times. Frolicking children must be supervised by a parent and must wear socks to play. Parents of children younger than 4 are welcome to join the vivacious youngsters in the playground.

A 200-foot man-made alligator flashes his brace-free grin as visitors pass through the gates of Jungle Adventures' lush wilderness to meet the myriad creatures that call it home. From exhibit to exhibit, rare beasts including Florida panthers, black bears, tropical birds, and wolves exchange salutations with their visitors. Knowledgeable experts navigate jungle terrain during guided tours and VIP adventure tours, and at live exhibitions, such as the Gator Jamboree Feeding Adventure, experienced handlers coax shy critters from their hiding places. The park also explores the area's human history in replicas of a 16th-century Spanish fort and Native American village, where authentic recreations of ancient artifacts, decorations, and brick-sized cell phones shed light on lifestyles from centuries ago.

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.