Top Things to Do in St. Augustine With Kids

As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida, is rich in fun historical attractions, like the Colonial Quarter, a neighborhood that transports you to Florida’s past, and cool outdoor activities, like the famous Nights of Lights tradition that lights the city up for the Holidays. It’s a great family-vacation destination for these and many more reasons. Here are the top things to do in St. Augustine with kids.

Family-Friendly Attractions in St. Augustine

1. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

You can climb up the lighthouse at this museum, and check out its hands-on activities, exhibits, and nature walks. Your kids can also watch volunteers build boats in the Heritage Boatworks section of the museum. Open Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: $10.95, ages 12 and under; $12.95, adults. Read reviews of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

2. Colonial Quarter

This is the historic neighborhood of St. Augustine, known as the oldest city in the United States. It features colonial style buildings. You can wander around the neighborhood and soak it in, or learn about blacksmithing, climb the watchtower, or witness a live musket demonstration. Your kids will not want to leave. Read reviews of the Colonial Quarter.

3. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

This is another fun historic attraction for families looking to learn more about the city’s history. You can see a realistic guillotine along with going 200 years back in time to Port Royal, Jamaica. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: prices vary. Read reviews of the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.

4. Castillo de San Marcos

Explore over 340 years of history in North America at this fort, a national monument. It encompasses 20.5 acres and has a section walled defense line surrounding the city of St. Augustine, with pieces of the original city gate. Open daily, 9 to 5 p.m. Admission: free, ages 15 and under; $15, adults. Read reviews of the Castillo de San Marcos.

5. Potter’s Wax Museum

This is a fun, quirky attraction that has wax figures of characters including Britney Spears and Star Wars characters. Remember to tell the kids that— the people are not real! Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: prices vary.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a great city for foodies of all ages. You will find plenty of family-friendly restaurants serving seafood and other cuisine.

6. Gas Full Service Restaurant

This restaurant has a retro vibe and an extensive menu, with items including classic diner fare like meatloaf and a series of signature burgers, like the Jalapeno Popper Burger, which was once featured on the Food Network. It also has a great kids menu! Open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Open Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1o p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Read reviews of Gas Full Service.

7. The Hyppo

Cool off in the Floridian heat with one of the varieties of ice pops this place offers. There are inventive flavors — from Blueberry Cinnamon to Banilla Vanilla — that will appeal to everyone in the family. Open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Read reviews of the Hyppo.

8. Sunset Grille

The menu at this restaurant is absolutely fantastic—from the decadent Peanut Butter Pie to Dang Datil Shrimp. It’s known for its great clam chowder and other seafood soups and appetizers. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Open Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Read reviews of the Sunset Grille.

9. Salt Life Food Shack

Come for the seafood and stay for the view. This casual restaurant has a great kids menu, and is perfect for a lunch or dinner overlooking the water. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Open Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Read reviews of the Salt Life Food Shack.

Best Family-Friendly Resorts in St. Augustine

From beachfront resorts to classic hotels, there is something in St. Augustine for every family’s needs.

10. La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites

This is a great resort, right on the beach, that offers awesome family packages along with several different types of rooms for rent. You can even build your own with activities like Miniature Golf with soft-serve ice cream. Read reviews of La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites.

11. Hampton Inn & Suites St. Augustine-Vilano Beach

This hotel offers a free breakfast, is a few minutes away from the beach and shops and restaurants of St. Augustine. Read reviews of the Hampton Inn & Suites St. Augustine-Vilano Beach.

12. Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort

Located right near the water and near the beautiful Anastasia State Park, this fairly new resort offers kid-friendly accommodations. There are fire pits and other outdoor amenities activities, including a free daily yoga class for momma. Read reviews of the Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Best Outdoor Activities in St. Augustine for Kids

13. Nights of Lights

St. Augustine Drapes itself in lights every winter for a tradition called Nights of Lights. It’s so beautiful it’s been listed among the top-10 holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic. It usually begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and continues through January 31. If you’re here during the winter, your kids will be absolutely enchanted. Read reviews of Nights of Lights.

14. St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Zoological Park

In the United States’ oldest city, this is one of the oldest attractions, originally opened in 1893. It has not lost its charm! Your kids will love exploring the park and seeing every living species of crocodilian. Free, age 3 and under. $14.99, ages 3-13; $25.99, adults. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; summer, 9 a.m. to 6p.m. Read reviews of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Zoological Park.

15. Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park

This was the oldest continuous European settlement in the United States. It’s a huge park with a ton of exhibitions, each showcasing a fascinating, fun part of history. You can spend a full day here getting lost in time. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read reviews of Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park.

16. Black Raven Pirate Ship

All aboard, mates! Watch actors simulate pirates in battle on the ship, as you sit and look out onto the water. Hours and rates vary. Read reviews of the Black Raven Pirate Ship.

Best Beaches in St. Augustine for Kids

17. Vilano Beach

Located right next to St. Augustine, Vilano Beach has a large pier along with other attractions. The water can be a bit rough at times, due to its location near an inlet, so definitely keep watch on the littles one. Otherwise, it’s a gorgeous stretch of sand!Read reviews of Vilano Beach.

18. Anastasia State Park

This park has more than 1,600 acres of beaches, marshes and dunes. You can spend a full day here, laying out in the sand and bird-watching, or even camp out at one of its 139 campsites. Read reviews of Anastasia State Park.

19. St. Augustine Beach

Reviewers rave about this lively beach. One called it the “perfect beach for everyone.” Walk out onto St. Johns County Ocean Pier or check out the Splash Park for kids. Read reviews of St. Augustine Beach.

20. Crescent Beach

Named for its shape, Crescent Beach is a bit more secluded and offers a classic beach going experience. Read reviews of Crescent Beach.

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