Fun and family-friendly restaurant in Cocoa Beach

The Space Coast is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Florida. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent vacationer, having a fun dining experience with the whole family is something you can count on.  Cocoa Beach has several family-friendly restaurants to choose from! Here are some favorites with a few dessert locations for good measure:

Long Doggers

This restaurant offers a casual, atmosphere, where you can eat inside their surf shop-themed environment or under their covered deck area so you can continue to enjoy the Space Coast’s beautiful weather year-round. Their menu, which includes wings, burgers, seafood, and their signature long dog, is not only kid-friendly but for those who eat gluten-free, there are also a few options for you as well. Long Doggers is definitely a place to check out whether there is a wait or not because you can have fun with their outdoor games as they get your table ready. You can even hop over to the Dinosaur Store and Ancient Culture Museum after your visit.

Rock the Guac

If you’re in the mood for some Mexican, then Rock the Guac is your place. They offer burritos, tacos, and salad bowls with fresh ingredients and homemade guacamole. Expect great customer service in an energetic atmosphere. Rock the Guac has a great selection of hot sauces to try out and if you are feeling extra spicy, then try their habanero sauce. But don’t worry; there is no shortage of water at the restaurant in case you need it. And if you are a fan after one bite, then take home your own “Rock the Guac” gear.

4th Street Fillin Station

Here’s a fun spot where there’s something on the menu for everyone! The kids menu is built for both picky and adventurous eaters and features favorites like PB&J as well as cheeseburger tacos & even Impossible Nuggets. The main menu for this artful gastropub is filled with exciting pub fare with a Space Coast flare that will make you want to come back for more. You’re definitely going to want to save room for dessert, at the Dessert Bar. House-made ice cream is served by the scoop or blended up into Monster Shakes and Sundaes, which the kids will love. Pro tip: you can order a boozy one for yourself for just $5 more!

Slow and Low BBQ

Now if you’re looking for some good barbecue, then Slow and Low is your spot. They are proud of their name because it describes exactly their process in how they cook their meat: Slow, so no quickly cooked meat, and Low, the temperature it’s cooked. Besides their perfectly cooked meat, they have a healthy selection of all things Southern comfort when it comes to sides and meat pairing options, as well as a few specialty items that you won’t find anywhere else. They also have several food options for the kids and some great homemade desserts, so everyone can enjoy a great meal and a sweet treat. Slow and Low has live entertainment on most evenings and a Kids’ Night on Wednesdays.

Coconuts on the Beach

What can be better than dining with the kids right on the beach with gorgeous beach views? This fun family-owned and operated restaurant is also near downtown and everything else you want in Cocoa Beach. Dine beachside where they offer live music most nights or inside in the spacious interior with its laid-back Florida vibe. Coconuts offers a great food and drink menu, complete with a section just for kids. The friendly staff makes sure your kids are enjoying themselves so that you can relax with a drink, have a great meal, and feel like you’re on vacation too!

Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill

If Cajun food is on your Space Coast bucket list, make the Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill your destination. Known for their Old-Florida-style food like crawfish, jambalaya, and red beans and rice, their menu also boasts plenty of more traditional dishes so there’s something for everyone. They offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, as well as a fun kid’s menu. Whether you dine outdoors or inside, the vibe is colorful and fun. The eclectic decor is a feast for the eyes and makes for great photo ops too. This spot is great for families because they have a game room for kids with giant checkers, pool tables, mini shuffleboard, and more. Grab tee shirts and souvenirs right on site. For even more fun before or after your meal, check out Golf N Gator, located just across the street.

Tiny Turtle

The Tiny Turtle is a must-stop spot for families. First of all, they serve breakfast. Grab some decadent waffles if you’re ready to sit down and dig in, or breakfast tacos if you’re needing something quick before surfing lessons. The lunch and dinner menu is a Puerto Rican-Caribbean fusion with plenty of Space Coast flare. Sofrito bowls, burritos, salads, and empanadas are cooked fresh the kids’ menu has adventurous and familiar options, and the tiki hut in the back provides the perfect backdrop to a wonderful family meal!

Time for a Sweet Treat?

The Fat Donkey

If you’re looking for a place to grab an unforgettable dessert with the family, then The Fat Donkey is a spot for you. From ice cream and sorbets to baked treats and root beer floats, you won’t lack in anything sweet here. They even have vegan and gluten-free options. And if you really want to #DoItForTheDonk, then plan a visit and take home your own T-shirt souvenir to commemorate your visit.

Oasis Shaved Ice

If you are on the hunt for some yummy shaved ice, then Oasis is your place. The flavors are homemade and there are plenty to choose from. Those that do stop here tend to make multiple trips to this place during their visit because the atmosphere and staff are extremely inviting, besides the shaved ice being that good. This will, for sure, be a hit with your kids, but you may just be the one who wants to go back for seconds, or thirds, or maybe even fourths. They do offer punch cards. How quickly will you fill out yours?

Junk Food Bakery

You’ll love taking the kids to this local bakery next to The Tiny Turtle.  They’re baking up your childhood favorite treats like Pop Tarts, Cosmic Brownies and Oatmeal Pies but from scratch and with a delicious attitude! Grab a coffee, a slice of pancake cake or a macaroon for the kids and take your own walk down memory lane.

Shark Pit Bar & Grill

Do you have a shark lover in your group? Then this restaurant will be a huge treat. It has several impressive tanks filled with tropical fish and yes, we’ll say it, Sharks! to keep your kids entertained during a yummy meal. If available, grab the table that faces the gigantic shark tank in the center. But, if not, don’t worry. All the tanks are entertaining and fascinating for everyone to watch. With a wide array of choices on the menu, along with a kid’s menu, this is a terrific place for a casual bite where you unwind while watching the gentle movement in the tanks. It’s also a wonderful end-of-trip stop because it’s located in the Cocoa Beach Surf Company, where you can grab a cool souvenir before heading home.

Restaurants at The Cove

For the freshest fish and seafood on the Space Coast, check out The Cove at Port Canaveral. Fishing boats come in every day with their fresh haul. Choose from one of many family-friendly restaurants with stunning views of the water. Some of the most popular include Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Grill’s Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, and Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, all of which feature delicious seafood as well as plenty of non-seafood items. If you want to take a fresh catch back home to cook at your vacation rental, be sure to visit Wild Ocean Market, which stocks plenty of local and wild-caught fish and seafood to choose from.

These are just a handful of family-friendly restaurants to choose from while you visit Cocoa Beach. For more restaurants and things to do on the Space Coast, check out our extensive list at the links below.

So, if you weren’t hungry before, we hope your stomach is screaming at you to take the family out and enjoy some of our favorite spots in Cocoa Beach. Take some pictures too and tag us on social media by using #SpaceCoast to let us know which spots you ended up going to and enjoying.