Cocoa Beach is a great place to visit with kids, plus it's the closest beach to Orlando!

There is so much to do in Orlando, which is why so many families make it their vacation destination. Orlando is home to every theme park, water park, and shopping center you could ever want, but it lacks one thing - the beach!

(If you’re spending time at Disney, be sure to check out my tips for making your trip easier, cheaper, and more magical!)

Luckily there are plenty of coastal destinations within an hour or two of Orlando. Cocoa Beach is the closest one, making it the best budget day trip from Orlando.

Cocoa Beach sits just 60 miles east of Orlando on Florida's Space Coast, making it easy to hop in a rental car and spend a day soaking up the sun and sand.

But there's actually plenty more to experience than just the beach. And the best news? Many of these options are free or cheap! That's a win in my book.

Here are some of the best things my family did in Cocoa Beach that I think you'll like, too! We have very young kids, and it can sometimes be hard to find activities that both the adults and the kids enjoy. I think we found a great mix of family-friendly activities here!

(Be sure to check out my Family Travel Planner which will help organize your research and trip details so that you don’t constantly feel like you’re forgetting something.)

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Things to Do in Cocoa Beach with Kids

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Our first stop when we arrived in Cocoa Beach was the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop. Though neither my husband nor I are actually surfers, it was fun to dive into surf culture and pretend we were living that laid-back life on the beach.

This iconic store is so much more than just surfboards and wetsuits. There are t-shirts, souvenirs, jewelry, home decor, coffee mugs, and more.

The store is two stories tall but the middle of the store is open and airy. Our kids were just as enthralled as we were, and we easily spent over an hour browsing. For those headed to the beach, there are plenty of beach essentials to buy there, and you can even rent surfboards, paddleboards, bikes, and other beach gear next door.

If your kids are little older than our were during our visit, you could sign up for lessons at Ron Jon Surf School for an experience your family would never forget.

Historic Cocoa Village

The Historic Cocoa Village Main Street is the perfect place to window shop, grab lunch or dinner, or even catch a show at the Cocoa Village Playhouse.

We are big fans of cheap and free things to do, and strolling down this thoroughfare on Florida Avenue really gives you a taste of Cocoa Beach's history, too! Its story stretches back to the mid-1800s and has become one of the best spots in Brevard County for strolling, shopping, and dining.

The Beach

The Atlantic Ocean water was too cold for us to go to the beach when we visited, but if you're visiting when the weather is nice, this is definitely a top activity. Check out Cocoa Beach Pier where you can rent fishing or beach gear, or grab a bite to eat.

This stretch on the east coast is a really popular spot for surfers, so it would be really fun to relax in the sand while watching them "hang ten."

The best beach in Cocoa Beach for families is Alan Shephard Park. Parking is $15, but you don't have to deal with meters, and you have access to picnic tables, pavilions, showers, and restrooms.

Another great option is Lori Wilson Park which has less in the way of facilities but offers free parking and access to the beach. Plus it has a sand volleyball court, so bring a volleyball along and get some exercise!

While we were driving in, we passed Cape Canaveral where all the cruise ships were coming in. I could see that being a fun option if you have little kids who love transportation. I've heard Jetty Park is the perfect option for that. Parking is $15 for the day, but there are concessions, pavilions, beach rentals, and a playground in addition to beach access.

MANATEE SANCTUARY PARK

If you need a break from the beach, you can head over to Manatee Sanctuary Park in nearby Cape Canaveral. Parking and entrance are free, and you have access to a playground, a mile-long walking trail, and a small boardwalk where you can spot manatees gathering during the winter months.

We didn't happen to see any manatees during our visit, but the walk was still very scenic, and a good way to stretch our legs and let the kids get some energy out.

Golf N Gator Mini Golf

On the way back into town you can hit up Golf N Gator, a mini golf experience with live gators (fenced off, of course). There are 2 18-hole courses to choose from, and after you're done golfing you can meet and hold live gators, snakes, birds, and turtles.

It was an awesome experience, and even though our kids were a little young for mini-golf, they still talk about how it was one of the most fun things we did on our trip.

Museum of Dinosaurs & Ancient Cultures

You can also check out the Dinosaur Store and the Museum of Dinosaurs if your kids love prehistoric creatures. The Museum of Dinosaurs costs $14 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3-11. This is one of the best places to go if you have a dino lover in the family like us!

Stroll through the Hall of Dinosaurs to catch a glimpse of the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Triassic Periods, or peruse the collection of fossils and skeletons on the second floor.

You can also add Aventure Zone to your ticket, which gives you access to a few rides and arcade games for some extra fun. I feel like this is a great indoor activity if you run into a classic Florida rainstorm or cold weather during your visit.

Don't forget to check out the gift shop for some fossils, minerals, and jewelry.

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island just outside of Cocoa Beach. You could easily spend an entire day there learning about the Space Shuttle Atlantis, having lunch with an astronaut, and taking a bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V center where you can see a real launch pad and vehicle assembly center.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes the Rocket Garden, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Saturn V Rocket Center, an IMAX theater, a playground for kids, restaurants, a bust tour, and more! Space exploration has never been more fun or more accessible for the whole family!

You can still enjoy this with very young kids, as there is a gigantic playground with a section for even the smallest astronauts. Definitely pack snacks for your time there, but know that you can also get meals at one of the restaurants located on-property.

We enjoyed our visit, but definitely want to come back when the kids are older and can understand more!

Florida Surf Museum

The Florida Surf Museum is located at Ron Jon Surf Shop and showcases Florida's unique surf culture and history. Exhibits highlight famous surfers, showcase surfboards and the evolution of the shortboard, and capture snapshots of different phases in surf history.

If your family has any interest in learning about the legends that shaped surf culture on the Atlantic Coast, be sure to check out this museum!

Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral

This visually impressive building combines all of Brevard County's industries: cruising, beaches, the space coast, and nature. It's 7 stories tall, and inside you'll find interactive exhibits, observation decks, a theater, a cafe, and a gift shop.

This is a great spot to watch cruise ships come in and to learn more about the Cocoa Beach area. It's currently closed for maintenance, but is scheduled to reopen in February of 2023!

Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier

Whether you're looking for live music, souvenir shopping, drinks with a view, or surf lessons, Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is the perfect spot to stop along Florida's Space Coast.

The iconic pier is certainly a landmark, but the fun atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. There's something for everyone at the Pier, so make sure to add this to your Cocoa Beach Itinerary.

Where to Eat in Cocoa Beach

I'm always a fan of packing PB&Js, apple slices, protein bars, and crackers for lunch on-the-go. If you're like me, a picnic at the beach will do just fine.

If you don't have food packed, here are a few great options for dining in Cocoa Beach.

Pelican's Bar & Grill

Located at the Cocoa Beach pier, this is a perfect option for casual dining and fresh seafood. Who doesn't love eating seafood tacos or sipping a cocktail with an ocean view?

Sea Dogs

If you don't even want to change out of your swimsuits, just head to Sea Dogs for hot dogs or ice cream. Super affordable, super laid-back beach food.

Florida Key Lime Pie Company

Perfect spot for a classic Floridian dessert - authentic key lime pie is served here, along with key lime yogurt pretzels, key lime milkshakes, and gator jerky. Plus the inside of the store is super cute - you feel like you've been transported to an island tiki bar!

Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach

If you're making a day trip from Orlando, you might just be driving back in the evening to your accommodations there. There are tons of Cocoa Beach Hotels to choose from, but if you want to make a longer side trip out of Cocoa Beach, I would absolutely recommend Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort right on North Atlantic Avenue.

The two-bedroom villas are a great option for families with multiple children, as they feature a king bed in one bedroom, and a double bed and twin bed in the other. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave to save some money by preparing your own meals. An ideal place to rest after long days on the beach.

You can also check for family-friendly Airbnbs. We always love having extra bedrooms where we can put the babies and toddlers to sleep, a kitchen for cooking meals and saving money, and a common area where we can gather.

Booking.com

When to Visit Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is beautiful all year round, but if you're looking for swimming weather, April through October is probably your best bet. Cocoa Beach is almost always busy because of its proximity to Cape Canaveral, a huge port for cruise ships.

Cocoa Beach is really the quintessential Florida beach town that's perfect for families with young children.

Destinations Near Cocoa Beach

Flagler Beach is an underrated destination along Florida's East Coast. There are beautiful beaches with cinnamon-colored coquina sand, free parking, and legendary seafood restaurants (we love The Golden Lion). You'll also find Washington Oaks Gardens State Park with plenty of nature trail options and a hauntingly beautiful rocky shoreline. It's honestly the perfect spot for nature lovers! Flagler Beach is just 1 hr 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach, and one of my favorite places in Florida! Here's more about what to do in Flagler Beach with kids.

Daytona Beach is another destination along A1A that's great for a visit! Slightly more touristy than Flagler or Cocoa Beach, Daytona has all of the kitschy Old Florida charm you could want! Get saltwater taffy from candy stores, drive your car onto the beach for a $20 fee, visit Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory for a tour, or attend a Daytona Tortugas minor league baseball game! Check out what to do in Daytona Beach with kids here!

New Smyrna Beach is a must-see destination that's even closer to Cocoa Beach. We found Smyrna Dunes Park to be the perfect beach for families, and you'll see tons of different ecosystems as you walk along the boardwalk system to get to the beach. Be aware that it can be quite the walk from the parking lot to the beach, so bring a wagon if you can! Stroll Flagler Avenue, the main thoroughfare full of shops and restaurants, visit the Sugar Mill Ruins for some history, or play at Riverside Park along the Indian River.

Orlando is only 45 minutes from Cocoa Beach, and is where you can find exciting theme parks, tons of family-friendly hotels and resorts, aquariums, the Crayola Experience, and more! Whether you're planning a magical Disney vacation or heading to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I've got some great guides for you for enjoying Orlando with kids!

TRAVELING SOON? TRY THESE VACATION PLANNING TIPS:

STEP 1: How to Budget and Save for Your Dream Vacation

STEP 2: How to Choose the Perfect Destination for Your Family Vacation

STEP 3: Tips for Finding Affordable Flights for Traveling Families

STEP 4: How the Find the Perfect Accommodations on Your Next Trip

STEP 5: Tips for Planning your Family Travel Itinerary

I’ve also created a Family Travel Planner that will help organize your research and trip details so that you don’t constantly feel like you’re forgetting something.