Free and Inexpensive Entertainment for Toddlers to Young Tweens in Cocoa, Florida

Having a toddler and a young tween, I am always on the search for fun that we can do as a family near Cocoa, Florida. It is too hard to take one here and the other there. Trying to spend time with them both after separating them is nearly impossible. I have found some free entertainment that they both enjoy.

How many times can you take your child to the playground before they get bored of going to the same playground? Even spicing it up a little and rotating playgrounds can get to be boring if you do not do anything else with them. Here are a few free and inexpensive ideas for amusement for your children in Cocoa, Florida.

Playgrounds - The playground off of Fay across from the Kangaroo in Port St. John has a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball court and even an inside racquetball court. The playground area is one of the bigger areas with slides and swing sets. The play area is for kids from five to twelve, but it is nice for younger children as well. There are toddler swings as well as swings for bigger kids. This is one of my personal favorites because there is shade.

US 1 has several playgrounds along the main highway from Cocoa to Titusville. In Titusville, on US 1 beside of McDonald's, there happens to be a playground in front of the river. This playground is for older children, but being beside of McDonald's you can split your time between the inside play area and the park.

At the end of Fay Boulevard you will find a park area as well. The playground is next to a lake. In Florida, this is not always a good place for a play area because of alligators. However, they keep watch to make sure no alligators come into this lake. (So far, so good). It is a nice size park, but I thought the parking was a little limited.

Water park - If you are looking for great entertainment that is free and all in one stop, you need to go to Cocoa Village. The last street before the 520 bridge to Meritt Island takes you by the river and takes you to the water fountains. There is a playground on one end of the block. A walkway around the area will take you to the water fountains. The water shoots up from the ground going up to different levels and then back to the ground. Younger children stand over the holes waiting for the water to start again. Most children wear their swimsuits and rightly so. It is fun for everyone, and totally free.

Beach - The beach is still free! Free parking for the beach can be found at Lori Wilson Park. There is a playground area before you get to the parking lot and beach. This is a great place to go for all ages.

McDonald's - McDonald's still serves two purposes. It has fun and food. Two of the McDonald's with inside play areas are the Titusville McDonald's on US 1 and the McDonald's on 524 in Cocoa. Both have play areas for the kids but you do need to buy something off of the menu.

Libraries - Do not forget about the libraries for entertaining the children. The only library that truly has a play area for the children is the Port St. John Library. Merritt Island and Titusville libraries are also a little more lenient than the other Brevard County Libraries. The other libraries want the children to be quiet. Anyone with children knows that when a child is playing, he or she will get excited and at some point become loud.

For fun that is inexpensive or free, you have your choice of indoor or outdoor activities. Enjoy your playtime.