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Mortgage Broker in Cocoa, FL

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Classic Home Mortgage Providing Trustworthy Mortgage Guidance for Over 30 Years

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments that you will ever make. Like most good things, finding the perfect home comes with a lot of work. From your initial search online to your home tour and finally closing, there are many difficult decisions to make along the way. The bottom line is that the entire home buying process can be very stressful, especially when it comes to finding the right mortgage broker and loan for your new home. Since market conditions and mortgage programs change frequently, you have a lot riding on your broker's ability to provide quick and accurate financial advice. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or own several residential properties, you need a mortgage broker in Cocoa, FL, who can educate you on mortgage rates and provide trustworthy guidance to help you make an informed decision.

My name is Dan Crance - Cocoa's most trusted mortgage loan officer with more than 30 years in the mortgage industry. I bring unparalleled insight and decades of experience into your home loan process. If you're looking for a new home loan, are interested in refinancing your current mortgage, or need information regarding FHA, VA, or other types of loans, Dan Crance is Your Mortgage Man.

Unlike some mortgage loan officers in Cocoa, my primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage choice for you and your family. Mortgage lenders have a horrible reputation for turning over clients quickly to expedite cash flow and make the most money possible. While some mortgage brokers come off as pushy and impatient, I encourage my clients to take as much time as they need to ask questions and review their mortgage agreements. I'm here to help answer those questions and provide you with easy-to-understand advice so that you can rest easy knowing you made the right choice. I could say that I strive to provide service that exceeds your expectations, but I'd rather show you. In the end, I want you to leave feeling confident in the loan you've selected, as well as in your choice of broker.

Service Areas
Mortgage Broker Cocoa, FL
 Refinance Cocoa, FL

Why Choose Dan Crance As Your Mortgage Lender in Cocoa, FL?

Clients choose my mortgage company because I truly care about helping them navigate the often-confusing landscape of the mortgage process. I am fiercely dedicated to my clients and make every effort to provide them with trustworthy advice and an open line of communication.

In my business, I work for two different customers. On one hand, I have the buyer: the person entrusting me with the responsibility of guiding them through one of the most important decisions ever. Serving homebuyers is not a task that I take lightly. I work with them daily to help them through the process and provide timely updates and news on their mortgage status. On the other hand, I have the realtor: the person who works with my client to find their dream home. Since their commission is in my hands, working with realtors is also a very important task. I update these agents on the status of their customers weekly. Only when I take care of both parties can I say my job as a mortgage loan officer is complete.

As a mortgage broker with more than 30 years of experience, I pledge to give you the highest level of customer service while providing you with the most competitive loan products available. That way, you can buy the home of your dreams without second-guessing your decision.

 Conventional Mortgage Cocoa, FL

Home Financing in Cocoa, FL

At Classic Home Mortgage, our team works diligently to close on time without stress or hassle. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or are buying your new home in Cocoa, we understand how much stress is involved. Our goal is to help take that stress off of your plate by walking you through every step of the home loan process. Because every one of our clients is different, we examine each loan with fresh eyes and a personalized approach, to find you the options and programs you need.

With over 30 years as a mortgage professional in Cocoa, Dan Crance will help you choose the home loan, interest rate, term options, and payment plans that fit your unique situation.

 FHA Mortgages Cocoa, FL

When you work with Classic Home Mortgage, you can always count on our team to:

  • Put your needs first.
  • Work efficiently and quickly. Many of our home loans close in 30 days or less.
  • Offer you a variety of home loans to choose from, and help you make an informed decision.
  • Provide you with competitive rates that make sense for your budget and lifestyle.

While no two loan terms are the same, a few of the most common loan types include:

30-Year Loan - This loan is often considered the most secure option to choose. With a 30-year loan, you can lock in a low payment amount and rest easy knowing your rate won't change.

FHA Loan - If you're not able to make a large down payment, an FHA loan could be the right choice for you. With an FHA loan, many of our clients have successfully purchased a home with less than 4% down.

VA Loan - This loan is reserved for military veterans and active-duty men and women. Those who qualify may be able to purchase a home with no down payment and no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

Choosing a home loan is an important step in the home buying process. At Classic Home Mortgage, we are here to make choosing a loan as easy as possible, so you can focus on the joys of being a homeowner. Contact our team of experts today and ask how you can get pre-qualified for your home loan in Cocoa, FL.

Refinancing in
Cocoa, FL

Because home mortgage rates in the U.S. have been so low over the last year, many current homeowners are opting to refinance their home loans. Simply put, refinancing is replacing your existing mortgage with a different mortgage under new terms. Homeowners who refinance their homes enjoy lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, and even turn their home's equity into cash. If you're interested in refinancing your home, it all begins with a call to your mortgage broker in Cocoa, FL - Dan Crance.

Here are just a few reasons why more homeowners in the U.S. are taking advantage of lower rates and refinancing their homes:
 Home Ready Mortgages Cocoa, FL
Shorter Term Loan

Shorter Term Loan

Refinancing from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage might seem counterproductive on the surface because your monthly payment usually goes up. However, interest rates on 15-year mortgages are lower. And when you shave off years of your previous mortgage, you will pay less interest over time. These savings can be very beneficial if you are not taking the mortgage interest deduction on your tax returns.

Do Away with FHA

Do Away with FHA

FHA loans are notorious for paying premiums for the life of the loan. Mortgage insurance premiums for FHA loans can cost borrowers as much as $1,050 a year for every $100k borrowed. The only way to get rid of mortgage insurance premiums is to refinance to a new loan that the Federal Housing Authority does not back.

Switch to Fixed Rate or Adjustable-Rate Home Loan

Switch to Fixed Rate or Adjustable-Rate Home Loan

Sometimes, borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages refinance so they can switch to a fixed rate, which lets them lock in an interest rate. Doing so is beneficial for some homeowners who like to know exactly how much their monthly payment is each month. Conversely, some homeowners with fixed rates prefer to refinance to an adjustable-rate mortgage. Homeowners often go this route if they plan on selling in a few years and don't mind risking a higher rate if their plans fall through.

 Mortgage Banker Cocoa, FL

Common Questions About Home Loans

Finding the right loan can be a difficult proposition, even if you have been through the process before. This is especially true since mortgage rates and market conditions change frequently. If you're like most of my clients, you probably have questions about interest rates, refinancing options, and a litany of other topics. To help alleviate some of your stress, here are just a few common questions with answers so that you can better educate yourself as we work our way to securing your loan.

Generally speaking, you should consider refinancing when mortgage rates are 2% lower than the current rate on your home loan. For some homeowners, refinancing makes sense when there is only a 1% difference. Reducing your mortgage rate is a great way to save money or apply your savings to a home upgrade. The money you save on your refinanced loan depends on your loan amount, budget, income, and charges from interest rates. It's crucial that you work with a trusted mortgage loan officer in Cocoa, FL, to help calculate your refinancing options.
This is one of our most frequently asked questions at Classic Home Mortgage. In simple terms, points let you make a tradeoff between the upfront costs of your loan and your monthly payment amount. Points are essentially costs that you have to pay to your mortgage lender to get financing under specific terms. A point is defined as a percentage on your loan amount. 1-point is equal to 1% of the loan. So, 1 point on a loan worth $100,000 is equivalent to $1,000. When you pay some of the interest on your home loan upfront, you use discount points to lower your interest rate.
If you plan to live in the property for a few years, it makes a lot of sense to pay points to lower your interest rate. Doing so will help lower your monthly loan payment, which you can use to save money. Paying points may also increase the amount of money that you can borrow. If you do not plan on living in the property for at least a few years, this strategy might not make financial sense because you might not be able to make up the amount of the discount points you paid up-front.
In short, yes, your mortgage lender will need to know your credit score. Credit scoring is a system that creditors use to decide whether they will give you credit. Your credit score helps creditors decide how creditworthy you are or how likely you will repay your loan. In most circumstances, creditors will use your FICO scores during the loan process. Your score will fall between high risk (350) and low risk (850). Your credit score plays a big role in the loan process, and as such, your score must be accurate before submitting a credit report when applying for a loan.
The answer to this question depends on how money you choose to put as a down payment on your home. On a conventional loan, if your down payment is less than 20% of the price of your home, your mortgage broker in Cocoa may require you to get Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI for short. This insurance protects your lender in the event you default on your mortgage. The best way to avoid paying for this insurance is to make a down payment of 20% or more of the purchase price of your home.
 Mortgage Company Cocoa, FL

Trust Dan Crance

Your Mortgage Lender in Cocoa, FL

Whether you're selling, buying, refinancing, or building the home of your dreams, you have a lot riding on your home loan specialist. When you need a mortgage broker who works tirelessly for you, answers your questions, provides guidance, and does so with a genuine smile, Dan Crance is your mortgage man. Contact Dan today at 843-478-5612 to get pre-approved and discover why Cocoa loves Classic Home Mortgage.

After hours by appointment only. CONTACT DAN

Latest News in Cocoa, FL

WATCH: Willie Nelson Plays to a Sold-Out Crowd at Cocoa Riverfront Park, Presented By Space Coast Daily

WATCH REPLAY: A huge enthusiastic sold-out crowd cheered on legend Willie Nelson who was in concert in Cocoa Village on Florida’s Space Coast on Sunday night. Space Coast Daily presented the concert to 4,700 fans, despite the rainy and windy weather.WATCH: Willie Nelson concert is on tonight rain or shine in Cocoa Village on Florida’s Space Coast. Big turnout of fans showing up in the rain to see the legend. BREVARD COUNTY, COCOA, FLORIDA – Space Coas...

WATCH REPLAY: A huge enthusiastic sold-out crowd cheered on legend Willie Nelson who was in concert in Cocoa Village on Florida’s Space Coast on Sunday night. Space Coast Daily presented the concert to 4,700 fans, despite the rainy and windy weather.

WATCH: Willie Nelson concert is on tonight rain or shine in Cocoa Village on Florida’s Space Coast. Big turnout of fans showing up in the rain to see the legend.

BREVARD COUNTY, COCOA, FLORIDA – Space Coast Daily was a partner in bringing Country singer-songwriter superstar Willie Nelson back to Brevard for a live concert at the Riverfront Park in historic Cocoa Village on Sunday, February 18.

A huge enthusiastic sold-out crowd cheered on the legend who was in concert in Cocoa Village on Florida’s Space Coast on Sunday night. Space Coast Daily presented the concert to more than 4,700 fans, despite the rainy and windy weather.

“We are delighted to be a part of another Willie Nelson concert here in Brevard County,” said Giles Malone, Partner with Space Coast Daily.

“We started with Willie at the old Cocoa Expo back in the 1990s, then it was at our Space Coast Daily Park in Viera for our Seafood Festival and now in the middle of Brevard in Historic Cocoa Village. It’s been an honor to present these Willie Nelson concerts over the past 35 years with perhaps the most iconic country music performer of all time.”

Nelson, 90, rose to prominence at the end of the 1960s and contributed to the “outlaw country” subgenre, which challenged the music industry conservatism of Nashville at the time. During his lengthy, award-winning career, he has written some of the most popular and memorable country songs of all time, many of which have been covered by a wide range of artists over the last half-century.

“During the course of his 70 year-long career, Willie Nelson has been awarded every conceivable accolade as a musician,” said Tom Palermo, Space Coast Daily President and Publisher.

“Willie Nelson is truly a living jewel of American history, who seemingly doesn’t intend stopping in adding to his incredible legacy, after recently releasing “Bluegrass,” his 74th album, at 90 years old. We are very proud to be a part of bringing Willie Nelson back to Brevard.”

Nelson, one of the most successful country music singer-songwriters in history, has released 68 studio albums and 10 live albums. He wrote his first song at the age of seven and joined his first band at ten, playing concerts as a lead singer and guitar player while still in high school.

He spent the 1950s and 1960s writing songs for established acts such as Ray Price and Patsy Cline, as well as releasing a string of albums on Liberty and RCA beginning with his debut …And Then I Wrote in 1962.

In 1973, he signed to Atlantic Records and put out Shotgun Willie, which veered into outlaw country, a stark contrast from the mainstream Nashville sound and clean-cut country artists of the era. 1975’s Red Headed Stranger and 1978’s Stardust followed on Columbia Records, both garnering commercial and critical success.

The 1980s saw the release of No. 1 albums Honeysuckle Rose, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Always on My Mind, and The Promiseland, as well as Nelson joining Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson in the country supergroup The Highwaymen, touring and releasing three studio albums between 1985 and 1995.

Nelson continues to release a new album almost every year and delight ticket buyers in live shows.

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Cocoa outlasts Bradford to come away with Florida 2S football championship

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - When the clock hit all zeros at Friday night’s Class 2S state championship game, Cocoa head coach Ryan Schnieder seemed relieved.He could take a deep breath because his Tigers were able to overcome four turnovers the and, quite possibly, having their worst offensive showing of the season.In the end, it didn’t matter as Cocoa was able to limit Bradford to one score and hold on for a 20-6 victory at Bragg Memorial Stadium on Ken Riley Field. With the victory, Cocoa comes away wi...

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - When the clock hit all zeros at Friday night’s Class 2S state championship game, Cocoa head coach Ryan Schnieder seemed relieved.

He could take a deep breath because his Tigers were able to overcome four turnovers the and, quite possibly, having their worst offensive showing of the season.

In the end, it didn’t matter as Cocoa was able to limit Bradford to one score and hold on for a 20-6 victory at Bragg Memorial Stadium on Ken Riley Field. With the victory, Cocoa comes away with the sixth state championship in program history.

"Bradford has a really good team. A lot of athletes up front and well coached," Cocoa head coach Ryan Schnieder said. "We didn't play great. I made some crappy calls that put us in some bad spots. We talk about all the time how are we going to handle adversity. How are we going to handle the good moments and the bad moments. I think our kids did a good job handling it tonight."

Adversity for Cocoa came in the form of facing a deficit for only the second time in their last twelve games.

Bradford was labeled the away team but you wouldn't have known it based on the crowd support for the Tornadoes, who scored first in the contest. The Tornadoes, midway through the first quarter, found the end zone when quarterback Daejon Shanks hit Chalil Cummings for a 15-yard touchdown pass to go up 6-0.

Bradford's defense lived up to the billing of being one of the state's best units. The Tornadoes' defensive group had allowed only 70 points through 14 games (5.0 points per game) and proved to be up for the challenge of Cocoa's offense.

The match-up of the evening, when it came to skill players, was between Cocoa wide receiver Jayvan Boggs (Ohio State commitment) and Bradford defensive back Chalil Cummings. With Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline on hand watching, the two would jostle on every route run and Cummings' defense played a role in disrupting Cocoa's mojo on offense.

"The kid is a great football player and he did a great job," Schnieder said of Cummings' playing Boggs 1-on-1. "Other guys stepped up and that's what I'm proud of. I've always said Cocoa isn't about just one person, it's a family. Everyone stepped up when they needed to."

Cocoa got on the board at the 4:07 mark of the first when Hart connected on a 36-yard touchdown strike to give the Tigers a 7-6 lead. The Tigers had a chance to build on their lead after a Willie Pollard fumble, but a Hart fumble out of the back of the end zone eliminated that opportunity.

The Tornadoes (13-2) dialed up plenty of pressure in getting to Hart, as they forced the sophomore quarterback into uncomfortable passing situations throughout the evening.

The Tigers wouldn't score again until the 3:33 mark of the second quarter when tailback Latrison Lane reached pay-dirt on a 10-yard scamper. Leading 14-6, it looked like the best case scenario seeing that they turned over the ball twice.

Cocoa (15-0) wouldn't find the end zone again in the second half as Bradford's defense held strong despite having to play many players both ways. The Tigers' 20 points was the team's lowest point total since Week 1's 22-20 victory over Jones.

Schnieder had to settle for a pair of Gunnar Trout field goals as they helped add to Cocoa's lead in the final 24 minutes. For Bradford, the inability to score another touchdown after the first quarter loomed large, despite a valiant effort defensively.

Photos by SBLive Sports Florida photographer Matt Christopher

FHSAA 2023 CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 3M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 3S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl

Matthew’s Hope Ministries in Cocoa Will Mark World AIDS Day 35 on Friday, Dec. 1

In 1988, December 1 was recognized for the first time as World AIDS Day. Today, World AIDS Day is one of eleven official global public health campaigns recognized by the World Health Organization. Matthew’s Hope, 825 Forrest Avenue, Cocoa, FL, in conjunction with the Brevard County World AIDS Day Coalition, will be hosting an event to mark the day. On hand will be food trucks, vendors, entertainment, speakers and more.Matthew’s Hope, 825 Forrest Avenue, Cocoa, FL, in conjunction with the Brevard County World AIDS ...

In 1988, December 1 was recognized for the first time as World AIDS Day. Today, World AIDS Day is one of eleven official global public health campaigns recognized by the World Health Organization. Matthew’s Hope, 825 Forrest Avenue, Cocoa, FL, in conjunction with the Brevard County World AIDS Day Coalition, will be hosting an event to mark the day. On hand will be food trucks, vendors, entertainment, speakers and more.

Matthew’s Hope, 825 Forrest Avenue, Cocoa, FL, in conjunction with the Brevard County World AIDS Day Coalition, will be hosting an event to mark the day. On hand will be food trucks, vendors, entertainment, speakers and more.

The event is from 4 to 8 p.m., with speakers beginning in the auditorium at 5 p.m. The candle-light vigil will start at 7:30 p.m. inside the church.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020 and Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 24 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.

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Florida high school football preview: Sanford Seminole at Cocoa

COCOA, FLORIDA- One of the most heavily anticipated games of the Week 7 slate is over on the Treasure Coast when Sanford Seminole heads over to face Cocoa tonight at 7 p.m.To say this one could be close, you might be reminiscing to last year’s overtime game between the two schools.Sanford Seminole ended up edging out Cocoa 35-29, but it would be the Tigers being the club that eventually went on to win a state championship of the two. Now, both schools are on similar trajectories to making a run in their r...

COCOA, FLORIDA- One of the most heavily anticipated games of the Week 7 slate is over on the Treasure Coast when Sanford Seminole heads over to face Cocoa tonight at 7 p.m.

To say this one could be close, you might be reminiscing to last year’s overtime game between the two schools.

Sanford Seminole ended up edging out Cocoa 35-29, but it would be the Tigers being the club that eventually went on to win a state championship of the two. Now, both schools are on similar trajectories to making a run in their respective classifications.

The Seminoles (5-1) enters the game coming off a big rivalry game win over Apopka, 21-3. Sanford Seminole is now riding a 3-game winning streak since losing to Treasure Coast 14-9 back on Sep. 8th.

Penn commitment Karson Siqueiros-Lasky, who transferred over from Lake Highland Prep during the offseason, has played exceptionally for the Seminoles. Siqueiros-Lasky completed 75-of-124 passes for 936 yards and 14 touchdowns to just four picks.

The top target in the passing game is senior wide receiver Michael Key, who caught 18 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Fellow senior Marvin Brown leads the team in catches with 28 for 278 yards and three touchdowns.

Senior running back Treyvin Clark leads the tailback room with a team-high 427 yards on 75 carries and two touchdowns. Junior Rodney Grant is second on the team with 380 yards and two scores.

On defense, 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive tackle Preston Watson leads the front seven with a team-high 38 tackles, 12 for loss and four sacks. The second leading tackler for the Seminoles is defensive back Damun Allen with 37.

When talking about one of the state’s most prolific offenses, you can’t go far without mentioning Cocoa (4-1). Sophomore quarterback Brady Hart has completed 118-of-166 passes for 1,505 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The team has totaled 391 yards on the ground as they favor the air attack over the run. Making his name well known all over state as an emerging wideout is junior Jayvan Boggs, who has caught 41 passes for 601 yards and 12 touchdowns. Senior CJ Bragg is the team’s other lead wide receiver with 37 catches for 494 yards and three scores.

On the defensive side, the Tigers’ strength is mainly reliant on their front seven. Linebackers Samadrae Hawkins and Daiveon Parham have combined for 109 tackles and 14 going for a loss.

Defensive linemen Davi’yon Hawkins-Ingram and Loren Ward have combined for 11 sacks and 22 quarterback hurries.

ANDY’S PREDICTION: Cocoa 42, Sanford Seminole 20

Vote: Who has been the top running back in Florida so far this 2023 football season?

Vote: Who is the North Central Florida midseason Offensive Player of the Year?

Vote: Who should be the Florida Panhandle Midseason Offensive Player of the Year?

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl

Cocoa Beach with Kids: 25 Great Things to Do in Cocoa Beach, Florida

Not only is Cocoa Beach, Florida one of the top surfing cities along the east coast, it's also a prime spot to take a weekend trip for Orlando families. Located about an hour away from Orlando, Cocoa Beach welcomes kids of all ages and has remained an iconic surf destination since the 1950s! Orlando families will have a great time in Cocoa Beach, cooling off from the summer heat and making awesome memories.Here are 25 things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida with kids, including tasty Cocoa Beach restaurants and wonderful Cocoa Beach, Flo...

Not only is Cocoa Beach, Florida one of the top surfing cities along the east coast, it's also a prime spot to take a weekend trip for Orlando families. Located about an hour away from Orlando, Cocoa Beach welcomes kids of all ages and has remained an iconic surf destination since the 1950s! Orlando families will have a great time in Cocoa Beach, cooling off from the summer heat and making awesome memories.

Here are 25 things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida with kids, including tasty Cocoa Beach restaurants and wonderful Cocoa Beach, Florida hotels and resorts. If you'd like more ideas about Florida vacations, take a look at our Florida Family Travel Guide!

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Things to Do with Kids in Cocoa Beach, Florida

With over 150 businesses on or near Main Street, visitors can shop, dine, and play local. Downtown Cocoa Beach honors it's mid-century glory and hosts farmer's markets, "sip and stroll" events, and live entertainment.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier offers a range of kid-friendly activities and is a fabulous place to take a stroll.

A must-see when you are in town, Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is a great place to fish, dine, and surf! Surf lessons are available daily, from private to group settings (surfboards included with instruction).

Home to one of the largest collections of air and space vehicles and artifacts, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor Complex allows family members to train on astronaut simulators, ride the Shuttle Launch Experience, and participate in one of the many events that celebrate our nation's history in space.

Explore Cocoa Beach's waterways by kayak with Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach. Photo courtesy of the company

Explore Cocoa Beach's beautiful scenery and natural sites with tour groups like Cocoa Beach Kayaking and Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Kayaking offers nighttime tours where boaters can see bioluminescent wildlife.

Cocoa Beach has lots of family-friendly beaches for a relaxing beach day. Courtesy of Gabrielle Marie/the florida mama

There are so many great options to have a beach day in Cocoa Beach! Families love Lori Wilson Park, Sidney Fischer Park, and Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park for the playgrounds, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, and of course, access to the beach.

RELATED: Universal Orlando with Kids: Everything You Need to Know for a 2-Day Visit

Kids have a ball at this adrenaline-fueled attraction, featuring indoor karts, laser tag, and mini-bowling. Great for kids 4 years old and up.

It's always a great day for zip lining, climbing, and playing at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures. Photo courtesy of CBAA

This adventure park has seven courses with obstacles and zip lines. Minimum age to participate is 3 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult up until age 6. Buddies are available for hire if you want to enjoy the course at your own pace.

Tour a great collection of dinosaur exhibits and ancient cultures in Cocoa Beach. Also, check out Adventure Zone, which includes science stations and arcade games, Reptile Run, the Nile Raft ride, and mineral panning.

Historic Cocoa Village welcomes visitors with artisan shops, boutiques, and art studios. Impress your kids with a stop in Antilles Trading Company Pirate Museum & Storey or take a food tour to enjoy local culture.

Get outfitted for sun and surfing at Ron Jon Surf Shop. Photo courtesy of of Luis F Arevalo

Get the right gear for your Cocoa Beach adventure —from fishing necessities to water sports products to swimwear. Ron Jon Surf Shop is a must while in town, but don't overlook smaller, locally-owned shops, like Longboard House.

Play a round of putt-putt, then hold an alligator at Golf-N-Gator! Lighthouse Cove Mini Golf boasts two courses, an ice cream shop, and an adult drink menu.

Get close to Mother Nature with the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida. Explore the pristine barrier island, composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitat; discover ancient Timucua shell mounts; and marvel at the thousands of species of plants and animals.

Pack a skateboard or skates and show off your tricks at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park. Anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear safety helmets.

RELATED: 25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love

Witness the power of technology and the wonder of space by planning your Cocoa Beach visit around a specific rocket launch date.

Part kitsch, part history, all fun! The Wizard of Oz Museum celebrates and preserves the legacy of the beloved classic film with over 2,000 items of memorabilia. This museum is an especially good idea to hang indoors with kids.

Depending on what time of year you visit Cocoa Beach, Brevard County visitors may be able to spot gentle manatees in the water. The best time to catch a glimpse of these creatures in Central Florida is November-March.

Take in the gorgeous views at the ?Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Cocoa Beach, Florida Hotels and Resorts for Families

Just a 7-minute walk to the beach, this Cocoa Beach hotel offers amenities for families, like connecting rooms, an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and free hot breakfast. The Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral is close to a Ron Jon Surf Shop, Dinosaur Store and Museum, and Starbuck's.

Right on the beach, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront hotel offers awesome amenities. Families will love the splash pad next to the outdoor pool, a Starbuck's inside the hotel, tiki bar, and ice cream shop.

This charming Cocoa Beach hotel offers a pool and hot tub, basketball court, barbeque area for grilling, and an outdoor fire pit (s'mores anyone?). This pet-friendly hotel includes breakfast.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort features two- and four-bedroom suites, as well as Wakulla Water Falls Park! This awesome Central Florida water park offers a standard pool, shallow pool, lazy river, and splash pad with slides. Guests get to utilize the poolside lounge, on-property restaurants, and a trolley that shuttles to the beach.

If you prefer more space (especially with larger groups), Cocoa Beach condos and rental houses are great options. Many of these accommodations are located on the beach and/or near the pier, restaurants, and shopping.

Coconuts on the Beach is a little slice of heaven right on the beach. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Cocoa Beach, Florida Restaurants Kids Love

Frequented by local families since 1983 for the great seafood, Dixie Crossroads is one of my family's personal favorites. Hungry patrons are welcomed with a plate of powder-dusted corn fritters (think of them as tiny donut holes). All items on the kids menu are $5.99 and include French fries and pudding.

With beach views and live music Thursday through Saturday, Coconuts on the Beach is the place for more upscale dinners. Though the menu is on the pricier side and kids' meals don't include sides, the dining experience is worth it!

The Tiny Turtle describes its food as Puerto Rican-Caribbean fusion; I describe it as delicious! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Cocoa Beach restaurant serves many mouthwatering items, including gluten-free options. All kids items are $6.99 and include a side and drink.

The Fat Donkey specializes in ice cream and desserts. Try traditional ice cream, soft serve, and sorbet, as well as baked desserts lovingly layered in glass jars (some topped with ice cream)! There is something for every sweet tooth, as well as gluten-free options.

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