Top 9 Things to Do in Cocoa Beach Florida with Families

When I first went to Cocoa Beach with my family I didn’t realize how many fun things there were to do, especially with kids in tow. We discovered some great spots and activities that made our trip so memorable-so I’m here to save you the trial and error.

Here are nine things to do in Cocoa Beach with families that will keep everyone happy from toddlers to teens.

1. Hit the Beach (Obviously!)

Of course no trip to Cocoa Beach is complete without spending some serious time in the sand. My kids loved playing in the shallow waves and honestly I did too. The beach here is perfect for building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball or just lounging under an umbrella with a good book. And if your family is like mine you’ll end up spending most of the day here and not even realize it.

2. Visit the Cocoa Beach Pier

The Cocoa Beach Pier is more than just a place to fish-though that’s a big plus if you have little one in your family. We grabbed some ice cream and walked along the pier, took in the views and watched surfers catch waves below. There are some great little shops and restaurants to grab a casual family meal with an ocean view. Trust me, watching the sunset from the pier is one of those moments that gets etched in your memory.

3. Visit the Brevard Zoo

Okay, so technically the Brevard Zoo is a short drive from Cocoa Beach but it’s totally worth it. My kids were all about feeding the giraffes-seriously, their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. The zoo also has a really cool treetop trek for the more adventurous kiddos (and parents) in the group. It’s a great way to mix up the beach days with a bit of wildlife and adventure.

4. Take a Surf Lesson

Cocoa Beach is known for its surf so why not try it? We booked a family surf lesson and it was so much fun. I have to admit I spent more time wiping out than standing up but the kids were naturals. Even if you’ve never surfed before the instructors are super patient and make sure everyone has a great time. Plus it’s one of those experiences you’ll be talking about for years.

5. Visit the Kennedy Space Center

This was a big hit with everyone. The Kennedy Space Center is just up the road and it’s a must see if you’re in the area. My youngest was all about the rockets and my oldest couldn’t get enough of the astronaut exhibits. There’s something about standing under a real space shuttle that just blows your mind. It’s educational but in that fun “I can’t believe we’re seeing this” kind of way.

6. Lori Wilson Park

If you want a more laid back nature experience, Lori Wilson Park is the spot. We packed a picnic and spent the afternoon hiking the nature trails and wildlife watching. The park also has a dog friendly beach so if you have a furry family member, this is the place to go. It’s a nice break from the more crowded beaches and the kids loved running around in the open space.

7. Kayak the Thousand Islands

One of the best things we did was take a guided kayak tour through the Thousand Islands, which are actually just a series of mangrove islands in the Indian River Lagoon. We saw dolphins, manatees and all sorts of birds up close. The kids were excited every time we saw something new. It’s a peaceful way to experience the area and get connected to nature-plus it’s a great way to burn off some of that vacation energy.

8. Florida Surf Museum

If your family gets into surfing-or even if you just want to learn more about the sport-the Florida Surf Museum is a great stop. It’s small but full of cool stuff about the history of surfing in Florida. My kids were fascinated by the old surfboards and the stories of famous surfers. It’s a quick visit but worth it especially if you need a break from the sun.

9. Mini Golf at Golf N Gator

We ended our Cocoa Beach adventure with a round of mini golf at Golf N Gator. The course is alligator and Florida wildlife themed and honestly one of the most fun mini golf courses we’ve ever played. The kids loved the challenge of the holes and I have to admit I got pretty competitive myself. Plus they have real live gators you can feed-just be sure to keep your fingers clear!