Things to Do with Kids in Cocoa Beach, Florida

1. Downtown Cocoa Beach

With over 150 businesses on or near Main Street, visitors can shop, dine, and play local. Downtown Cocoa Beach honors it's mid-century glory and hosts farmer's markets, "sip and stroll" events, and live entertainment.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier offers a range of kid-friendly activities and is a fabulous place to take a stroll. 

2. Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier

A must-see when you are in town, Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is a great place to fish, dine, and surf! Surf lessons are available daily, from private to group settings (surfboards included with instruction).

3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Home to one of the largest collections of air and space vehicles and artifacts, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor Complex allows family members to train on astronaut simulators, ride the Shuttle Launch Experience, and participate in one of the many events that celebrate our nation's history in space.

Explore Cocoa Beach's waterways by kayak with Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach. Photo courtesy of the company

4. Guided Eco Tours

Explore Cocoa Beach's beautiful scenery and natural sites with tour groups like Cocoa Beach Kayaking and Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Kayaking offers nighttime tours where boaters can see bioluminescent wildlife.

Cocoa Beach has lots of family-friendly beaches for a relaxing beach day. Courtesy of Gabrielle Marie/the florida mama

5. Beach Parks

There are so many great options to have a beach day in Cocoa Beach! Families love Lori Wilson Park, Sidney Fischer Park, and Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park for the playgrounds, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, and of course, access to the beach. 

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6. Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse

Kids have a ball at this adrenaline-fueled attraction, featuring indoor karts, laser tag, and mini-bowling. Great for kids 4 years old and up.

It's always a great day for zip lining, climbing, and playing at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures. Photo courtesy of CBAA

7. Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

This adventure park has seven courses with obstacles and zip lines. Minimum age to participate is 3 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult up until age 6. Buddies are available for hire if you want to enjoy the course at your own pace.

8. The Dinosaur Store Museum

Tour a great collection of dinosaur exhibits and ancient cultures in Cocoa Beach. Also, check out Adventure Zone, which includes science stations and arcade games, Reptile Run, the Nile Raft ride, and mineral panning. 

9. Historic Cocoa Village

Historic Cocoa Village welcomes visitors with artisan shops, boutiques, and art studios. Impress your kids with a stop in Antilles Trading Company Pirate Museum & Storey or take a food tour to enjoy local culture.

Get outfitted for sun and surfing at Ron Jon Surf Shop. Photo courtesy of of Luis F Arevalo

10. Shop 'til You Drop

Get the right gear for your Cocoa Beach adventure —from fishing necessities to water sports products to swimwear. Ron Jon Surf Shop is a must while in town, but don't overlook smaller, locally-owned shops, like Longboard House.

11. Mini Golf

Play a round of putt-putt, then hold an alligator at Golf-N-Gator! Lighthouse Cove Mini Golf boasts two courses, an ice cream shop, and an adult drink menu.

12. Canaveral National Seashore

Get close to Mother Nature with the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida. Explore the pristine barrier island, composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitat; discover ancient Timucua shell mounts; and marvel at the thousands of species of plants and animals.

13. Cocoa Beach Skate Park

Pack a skateboard or skates and show off your tricks at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park. Anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear safety helmets.

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14. Rocket Launches

Witness the power of technology and the wonder of space by planning your Cocoa Beach visit around a specific rocket launch date.

15. The Wizard of Oz Museum

Part kitsch, part history, all fun! The Wizard of Oz Museum celebrates and preserves the legacy of the beloved classic film with over 2,000 items of memorabilia. This museum is an especially good idea to hang indoors with kids.

16. Manatees

Depending on what time of year you visit Cocoa Beach, Brevard County visitors may be able to spot gentle manatees in the water. The best time to catch a glimpse of these creatures in Central Florida is November-March.

Take in the gorgeous views at the ​Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Cocoa Beach, Florida Hotels and Resorts for Families

17. Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral

Just a 7-minute walk to the beach, this Cocoa Beach hotel offers amenities for families, like connecting rooms, an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and free hot breakfast. The Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral is close to a Ron Jon Surf Shop, Dinosaur Store and Museum, and Starbuck's.

18. Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Right on the beach, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront hotel offers awesome amenities. Families will love the splash pad next to the outdoor pool, a Starbuck's inside the hotel, tiki bar, and ice cream shop.

19. Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach

This charming Cocoa Beach hotel offers a pool and hot tub, basketball court, barbeque area for grilling, and an outdoor fire pit (s'mores anyone?). This pet-friendly hotel includes breakfast.

20. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort features two- and four-bedroom suites, as well as Wakulla Water Falls Park! This awesome Central Florida water park offers a standard pool, shallow pool, lazy river, and splash pad with slides. Guests get to utilize the poolside lounge, on-property restaurants, and a trolley that shuttles to the beach.

21. Rental Houses and Condos

If you prefer more space (especially with larger groups), Cocoa Beach condos and rental houses are great options. Many of these accommodations are located on the beach and/or near the pier, restaurants, and shopping.

Coconuts on the Beach is a little slice of heaven right on the beach. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Cocoa Beach, Florida Restaurants Kids Love

22. Dixie Crossroads

Frequented by local families since 1983 for the great seafood, Dixie Crossroads is one of my family's personal favorites. Hungry patrons are welcomed with a plate of powder-dusted corn fritters (think of them as tiny donut holes). All items on the kids menu are $5.99 and include French fries and pudding.

23. Coconuts on the Beach

With beach views and live music Thursday through Saturday, Coconuts on the Beach is the place for more upscale dinners. Though the menu is on the pricier side and kids' meals don't include sides, the dining experience is worth it!

24. The Tiny Turtle

The Tiny Turtle describes its food as Puerto Rican-Caribbean fusion; I describe it as delicious! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Cocoa Beach restaurant serves many mouthwatering items, including gluten-free options. All kids items are $6.99 and include a side and drink.

25. The Fat Donkey

The Fat Donkey specializes in ice cream and desserts. Try traditional ice cream, soft serve, and sorbet, as well as baked desserts lovingly layered in glass jars (some topped with ice cream)! There is something for every sweet tooth, as well as gluten-free options.