Family vacations can be a total pain to plan sometimes. Finding a unique location that meets the needs of young ones, teens, and adults in your group can seem like an impossibly daunting task. There are so many ways to pick wrong, but I’ve found that it’s hard to go wrong with St. Augustine, Florida.
With its crystal-clear coastline and Spanish heritage, this beautiful city is one of the oldest in the United States. The beaches in and near St. Augustine are some of the top beaches in Florida, and the city’s illustrious past speaks to history and thrill-seekers alike. But it also caters to curious families with children, making it an ideal destination for any family adventure.
When I lived in St. Augustine, I took many of the following trips on weekends and during the day. Any one of the following activities will make for a family-friendly outing. Enjoy some of my favorite family-friendly things to do in St. Augustine, whether you are visiting from out of state or just looking for a weekend getaway!
Black Raven Pirate Ship
Sail through the river on the Black Raven Pirate Ship. Beware, Matey, your treasure is ripe for the picking. St. Augustine has a checkered past with pirates. Experience the water’s most treacherous beings on The Black Raven, an enthralled escapade through a pirate’s life for the whole family.
The crew of pirates navigates the ship and is merely out to swipe riches. They battle to save their precious gold however they can. Swapping sword fights and booming canons, one pirate’s blunder could be another’s reward. Play along, but carefully. Your gems could be stolen next.
The pirate ship provides beverages and snacks for sale. In the store, hats and pirate memorabilia are available for the aspiring buccaneer. Tours occur daily. Visit the website to find a time for your family.
Castillo de San Marcos
Explore the Castillo de San Marcos and immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic St. Augustine landmark. After invasions and pirate looting destroyed wooden structures, the fort was commissioned and made from the natural resource of coquina. Records show that Native American groups were largely responsible for building the monument.
Due to various issues, including epidemics, financial struggles, and storms, the Castillo took 23 years to complete. Now, this glory among masonry tells the story of strength and survival, sharing the stories of St. Augustine’s rich and extensive history.
St. Augustine Aquarium
Meet the animals at the St. Augustine Aquarium. Operated by a local husband-and-wife team, the St. Augustine Aquarium offers a hands-on experience.
This experience is reasonably priced, with adult tickets costing $15 and child tickets costing $10. If you’re looking for an exciting add-on, you can hop into the tanks themselves and snorkel with the fish! It’s a great way to teach your little ones how to snorkel, all while learning about the ocean.
Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf
It’s time to swing into fun! Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf is an 18-hole course a mile south of the St. Augustine Pier. Navigate around the Spanish ship and steer clear of the waterfalls. You’ll enjoy the ocean view once you’ve reached the gazebo.
After a victorious game, indulge in some soft-serve ice cream or another sweet treat. The course opens daily at 9 a.m.
St. Augustine Surf School
St. Augustine’s sands beckon surfers to try out their skills. Rent surfboards to conquer the tides from St. Augustine Surf School, or try out some SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) and glide along the coastline.
In addition to SUP and surfboards, Surf Station also offers skimboard rentals. Get a running start, throw the board down, and coast over the shallow waters. If you’re new to surfing and want a challenge, these businesses also offer private surf lessons.
Alligator Farm
Learn about reptiles and more at the Alligator Farm. Gators galore! As the foremost facility in the world, the Alligator Farm is home to the most species of crocodiles. The foundation of the farm dates back 125 years, to its 1983 inception. The zoo is home to a diverse array of creatures, including reptiles, lemurs, snakes, and the formidable Komodo dragon.
Wildlife shows are scheduled daily. These informative talks introduce various species to guests and discuss their habitats, diets, and lives in the wild. Some even allow for hands-on engagement. If someone in your family is a critter lover, the Alligator Farm offers private animal encounters for an additional cost.
Get up close to the Galapagos tortoise or watch the slow motions of a two-toed. Best yet, you can take part in the Maximo encounter and witness the largest saltie on the farm devour his food. Feeling brave? Get a bird’s eye view of the entire zoo when you swing over the exhibits on a zipline path. It’s a thrill that’ll make you shrill.
The Alligator Farm is also dedicated to research, conservation efforts, and community education. Whether you are a fan of these prehistoric beasts or afraid to look them in the eye, the awe and excitement of the Alligator Farm is something to experience when you visit St. Augustine.
Florida Water Tours
Spot wild dolphins on a boat tour. Eager onlookers peer into the waters, full of hope, to catch a glimpse of some of the most popular marine creatures, Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Instead of struggling for the shorelines, hop on a boat tour for some up-close and personal access.
The 90-minute boat ride highlights the dolphin’s habitat while also explaining the history behind various buildings dotting the city’s horizon. You may even spot turtles, fish, or the ultra-elusive manatee on this ride.
St. Augustine Boat Tours
Another option for a water adventure is St. Augustine Boat Tours. This outing departs from the Conch House and lasts approximately an hour. On this trip, guides discuss landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos as well as the St. Augustine Lighthouse. You’ll hear all about the water’s wildlife, from pelicans to fish and more.
Don’t be surprised if you spy a seagull swooping in for some supper.
Red Boat Tour
Cruise the waters on a Red Boat Tour. Be poised to spot a dolphin as it swims through the water, and maybe it will have a baby with it in tow. You’ll experience the brackish waters on this 90-minute boat adventure and spot other animals that make this diverse river their home.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Does your family enjoy wild, wacky, unfathomable things? Ripley’s Believe it or Not is one way to witness the inexplicable. Stand in amazement at animal anomalies and incredible humans you never knew were possible. These quirky announcements began as a cartoon column created by Robert Ripley, who was fascinated by odd and rare occurrences.
The St. Augustine location, housed in a historic hotel, features 14 themed rooms, each offering a unique experience. Tours are held daily beginning at 10 a.m.
The Red Train Tours
Catch The Red Train Tours from Ripley’s mansion museum. These rides are packed with tales from the past and local insights from the train drivers. As they weave through the heart of St. Augustine, you’ll learn the history and heritage of the Oldest City in America. See where the Spaniards first came ashore.
Be mesmerized by the exquisite structure of Flagler College and learn about its history as the Ponce de Leon Hotel. Pass by the Old Senator, then travel down Magnolia Avenue to see the most beautiful street. There’s much to see and admire on these train tours. It’s a great way to get familiar with fresh surroundings and make a plan for all you want to do.
Colonial Quarter
Experience the Colonial Quarter. Muskets, blacksmiths, old houses, oh my! Get a feel for the real life of colonial settlers at the Quarter. Kids can watch demonstrations from experienced professionals to get a better understanding and witness the grueling tasks of daily life. Four tours are available daily.
Check out the concert lineup and plan your visit to take in a live show on the stage. Group ticket sales are also available.
Marineland
Discover the first oceanarium of Marineland. With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, this historic oceanarium is only thirty minutes from downtown St. Augustine. Marineland opened as Marien Studios in 1938. It was a way for Hollywood filmmakers to capture underwater footage, and throughout the decades, it has been used as a set for various films.
Its evolution occurred in the late 1940s when it welcomed the first dolphin born into human care. The porpoise was called Spray. Thus, this water palace began its tenure as a home to aquatic life. Various species of turtles and terrapins share their habitat with moray eels, sand tiger sharks, and stingrays.
For an unforgettable experience, opt to be a trainer or aquarist for the day. Each encounter incorporates various aspects of working in the aquarium and interacting with the animals. For the dolphin enthusiast, there’s an option to be a trainer for a day to get a closer look at these personable porpoises.
Urban Youth Park
Climb the obstacles at the Urban Youth Park. North of downtown, this indoor space features multiple trampolines, mats, and monkey bars, all arranged to form a challenging course for climbing. Learn to hurdle over multiple mats or flip on the springs. Arrange the equipment to meet your difficulty level. It’s a great way to enjoy action-packed entertainment. Check out the event schedule to learn more about open gyms.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Ride around town on the Old Town Trolley Train Tour. See and learn about the Ancient City with this hop-on, hop-off trolley. Full of history, strange facts, and captivating stories, it’s both informative and entertaining. Get acquainted with the Fountain of Youth and the Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Learn about St. George Street and the oldest house in St. Augustine. Be prepared to hop off when a stop intrigues you to tour the grounds of your favorite site. Then, hop back on to complete the trolley ride. Discover all the trolley stops and reserve your spot by visiting the website.
Old Town Jail
Learn about the local rebels at the Old Town Jail. Built outside the bustle of the city square, the Old Town Jail has been renovated to reflect its origins. Henry Flagler was adamant that the jail exterior blended into the region, looking similar to the local hotels. This was so that the building wouldn’t be an unsavory sight for visitors.
During tours, actors portray former prisoners, sharing stories of their past experiences and the misfortune they endured. Be careful and mind your manners. You could be convicted of a crime and locked behind bars in a cell all your own.
Oldest Store Museum
Wander through the Oldest Store Museum. Step back in time as you tour the Oldest Store to discover artifacts and necessities from the 19th and 20th centuries and learn about the innovations of the era.
The general store was opened to support the needs of Henry Flagler. It ensured goods were stocked for his many business ventures. Today, thousands of items lined on the shelves tell the story of St. Augustine’s dynamic history, paying tribute to humble beginnings.
No reservations are required for this self-guided wander. You’ll encounter some friendly help along the way to teach you about all the memorabilia. Store hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily, with exceptions on holidays.
The Ghosts and Gravestones
Get Spooked! Ready for some unworldly tales and ghostly haunts? As the nation’s oldest city, there are plenty of spirits lurking about.
The Ghosts and Gravestones tour has been voted one of the best in the country. Listen to the harrowing tales of the deceased as you weave through the city, dodging the ghosts of years past. With over 450 years of history, this is sure to be a frightful night.
Ghost Tours of St. Augustine
Seeking more screams? Ghost Tours of St. Augustine has escorted the original spooky experience for over 30 years. Warning: This is not your average haunted tour. On an evening walking excursion, guests follow the lantern from location to location, learning of ghoulish mischief.
Dare to walk the narrow, dark pathways and discover the stories of the unseen souls still among us. Learn the secrets to their demise in the shadows of streets from locals who may have experienced their ghostly glory. Tours depart daily at 8 pm, rain or shine. Private and group tours can also be arranged.
Get frightened at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Though seemingly tranquil, this historic place holds secrets of the past on the grounds and its shores. Your guide will leave you gripping the rails as you navigate the tower and hear the tales. Then, meander through the Keeper’s house for true stories that will haunt you.
Anastasia Park Beach
Set up camp at Anastasia Park Beach. Come with a tent or RV in tow; this State Park has the rest. Boosting 136 campsites, many shaded with live oaks, there’s a space for the entire family. Here, the ocean is your neighbor, and the beach is your playground. Pack a cooler for a short trek to the beach. Hike through the park’s nature trails or cruise over the sand on a bike ride.
Kayak through the estuaries or fish for something fun. When you’re ready to relax after a day of activities, sit under the stars to gaze upon the twinkling lights of the great unknown. The memory-making possibilities are endless.
The park also features restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities — so there’s no need to overpack. Campsites are $28 and fill up fast in the spring and fall. For details about rentals and amenities, visit the State Parks website.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Be a keeper at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Standing 165 feet tall with 219 steps, the St. Augustine lighthouse towers over the landscape, capturing sweeping views of the downtown buildings and sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Tolomato River.
The maritime museum offers a glimpse into a time when keepers kept a steady eye on the sky and fueled this beacon. The grounds also provide educational activities, nature trails with butterfly gardens, and a Shipyard Play area to entice kids with adventure. (Children must be 44 inches or taller to climb the lighthouse.)
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a World War II-inspired bite from Tin Pickle, then walk around the keeper’s house to get a taste of daily life working at the lighthouse. On the grounds, Heritage Boatworks keeps the craft of ship woodworking alive. This program was formed in 2007 and has carved more than 19 handmade wooden watercraft.
The Lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the grounds are self-guided, with numerous demonstrations on-site daily. The Keeper’s Tour is hosted Tuesday through Thursday at 10 am. Advanced reservations are required to book this informative outing.
Ready, Set, Play!
Ready, Set, Play! In case a storm rolls in or the humidity has taken its toll, climb and play at this kid-approved indoor jungle gym. It’s the perfect place for all kids, from new crawlers to school-aged speedy sprinters.
Swirl around on the curly slide, then reclimb through the obstacle course. Jump around in the ball pit before you scramble over to the fast slide. Pedal through the space in one of the toy cars or be mesmerized by gadgets and gizmos stuck to the walls. Pack some snacks to enjoy in the eating area or purchase some on-site.
Socks and a waiver are required to play. This space is best for children 49 inches and under. Play is limited to two-hour time blocks. Open play hours begin at 10 a.m. except on Sundays.
Whetstone Chocolates
Try sweet treats at Whetstone Chocolates. I swear, this place was made with kids in mind. Henry and Ester Whetstone first founded an ice cream shop in 1966. The parlor soon became known as the best in town. Seeking to expand their business and create more decadent indulgences, the couple added fudge to the mix. Ultimately, the pair had perfected their dips and molds, and their truffle portfolio took off.
Today, the company remains a family affair at the hands of the Whetstone’s daughter Virginia. The business has expanded, but you can still grab a cone at Tedi’s Old Tyme Ice Cream and see the facility where the magic of making chocolate began.
Sarbez
Indulge in old-school fun at Sarbez. It may seem a bit odd to put a restaurant on the list, but this place is so much more than a food joint. Get back to classic video games and challenge the entire family. These throwback antics will keep the kids enthralled for hours. Until 8 pm, it’s a family-friendly environment. Parents can enjoy ciders, beer, and wine, while kids can savor artisanal grilled cheeses or custom creations.
Challenge your bowling skills with skeeball, or face the clock with basketball free throws. Channel your inner speed demon via a racecar game. But our favorite? The epic Pac-Man wall. It’s nostalgia at its finest. Intimate seating is available both inside and on the patio. Perfect for some rainy day fun or a way to wiggle out the pre-bed rambunctiousness.
<p>The post Family Fun in Saint Augustine: Top Activities for All Ages first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>