Kids love Cocoa Village

Historic Cocoa Village is a charming downtown district located due west of Cocoa Beach on Highway 520. It’s a great destination for families looking to explore the Space Coast’s history, take a quick park pit stop to let the kids get their wiggles out, and grab a bite to eat. Between all the parks, fun shops, and delicious food you may find yourself spending the whole day here! These are a few of our favorite things to do in Cocoa Village with kids.

Starting the Day in Cocoa Village

If you’re starting the day in Cocoa Village you’re going to want to feed those kids! Head to River Road Coffee & Popsicles for a cup of locally roasted coffee for you, and a pastry case filled with bagels, donuts, and muffins supplied by local bakeries for your munchkins. Since you are on vacation after all, let the kids pick out a freshly-frozen handmade popsicle. Simple ingredients make fun flavors like mud pie, peanut butter & jelly, creamy coconut, watermelon lime, triple berry, and so many more, it’s a treat that you won’t feel guilty about and won’t give them a regrettable sugar rush!

Popsicle selection at River Road Coffee & Popsicle image by @mothandmoonphotography

For a more traditional breakfast experience, head over to Ossorios Bakery & Cafe. The handmade croissants here will put a smile on everyone’s face. Look out for their croissant of the day, fresh flavors like bacon & cheddar, sausage & cheddar, and spinach & feta will please everyone’s tastebuds. Sandwiches, breakfast plates, and an ever-rotating menu is the perfect way to fill little bellies with wholesome, fresh food before you head out to Taylor Park!

Play in the Park + Splash Pad

Taylor Park is the jewel of Cocoa Village. This massive park is the perfect way to let the kids run free. With a large structure for older kids, a smaller one for the littles, and swingsets for all ages, everyone can have fun here. Park benches adorned with mini-murals and massive oaks providing shade let you relax in style while you watch the kids play.

You’ll also want to bring your swimsuits and some towels because across the green, past the volleyball courts and amphitheater is the splash pad! It’s the perfect way to cool down, relax, and play in Cocoa Village.

Explore Florida History

Cocoa Village was one of the first cities to be established on the Space Coast and has tons of historic buildings to show for it. As you wander the streets you’ll find 4 Historic Markers at the Porcher House, Derby Street Chapel, Travis Hardware, and the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Each of these buildings were built in the late 1800s and are still in use today! The Porcher House in particular has a very cool story. See if your kids can spot the coquina Spade, Diamond, Club, and Heart built into its facade! Learn more about these historic sites on the Space Coast here. 

Check out the Shops

While most of the shops in Historic Cocoa Village are clothing boutiques and art galleries, there are a few amazing things your kids will love! The Antilles Trading Company Maritime Museum and Pirate Store is a mini-museum filled with interesting curio and tons of pirate costumes and accessories. The Magic Dove Magic Shop is filled with fun and nostalgic magic tricks and illusions that will keep the kids occupied in the car and the perfect memento to remember their Space Coast vacation. Check out Hello Again Books for a fun collection of used children’s books in a cozy corner you’ll want to spend the whole day in! Suzy Makes Mermaids and the Selfie Shack are also great spots to let the kids get creative and go home with incredible souvenirs.

Time for Lunch

The Mac’n’Cheese at Pub Americana Imag by @VillageFoodTours

When you’re ready to eat again, there are tons of kid-friendly restaurants with tasty menu items to please the palates of your whole family. Check out Ryan’s Pizza and Pub for pizza and a waterfront-rooftop view! Pub Americana makes some of the best mac’n’cheese you’ll find here on the Space Coast, and Rec225 is a board game mecca with affordable, drool-worthy sandwiches, wraps, and fries. Of course, there are tons of dining options in Cocoa Village that are great for kids, these are just a few of our favorites!

Scream for Ice Cream

Ready for a sweet treat, check out these Cocoa Village Sweet Spots

• Village Ice Cream & Sandwich
• Ossorio’s Bakery & Cafe 
• River Road Coffee & Popsicles 
• Candy Affair Candy Boutique 

Other Activities

Don’t be surprised when you arrive at Cocoa Village and there’s a fun party in the works. Cocoa Village hosts puppy parades, craft fairs, food festivals, concerts in the amphitheater, and tons of other exciting events all year long. Check out their event calendar to see if something fun is going on while you’re in town.

See Cocoa Village Events

Lee Wenner Park is one of the Space Coast’s most accessible boat ramps as well. Here you can hop on an eco-tour with Space Coast Eco Tours, or simply access Historic Cocoa Village by boat!

If you’re looking for a fun Space Coast stop with your kids, exploring Cocoa Village is a sure way to get everyone smiling! Pop by for a quick trip to the shaded Taylor Park and the splash pad or spend the whole day eating and exploring. You’re in for a Space Coast treat when you make your way to Cocoa Village with the family.