Research-driven article written for a client about St. Augustine, FL.

15 Activities to Do With Kids In St. Augustine, Fla.

Brimming with culture and history, St. Augustine, Fla. is a must-visit. As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine features numerous historical sights and buildings. Museums, tours, ghost tales, mini-golf, and dolphin adventures are just some of the activities to be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you bring your littlest ones, or your kids coming home from college, there’s something to enrapture the interest of those exploring the brick-lined streets. A trip to St. Augustine is educational and fascinating for all to enjoy.

Explore a Centuries-Old Fort
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

For many, the Castillo de San Marcos is one of the main draws of a trip to St. Augustine, Fla. Originally built in 1672, the Spanish fortress is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Visitors can walk through the various rooms that once were home to soldiers and prisoners as they learn about the occupants and the history of how the oldest city began. Admission includes live cannon firings, weaponry demonstrations, and ranger-led tours. It is an open walk-through park, making it easy to push smaller children with a stroller. Children 15 and under gain entry for free but must have an adult present. Those with a National Parks pass also get in for free.

Ghost Stories After Dark
http://www.ghosttoursofstaugustine.net/tours—booking.html

The nighttime ghost tours provide a fun way to learn about the various historical spots and the residents who roamed St. Augustine hundreds of years ago and may or may not be roaming around today. Two touring options are available. There is a lantern-led option, where a tour guide leads the group on foot. The other option is a trolley by Ghosts and Gravestones. After a long day walking around the Oldest City, you and your kids may enjoy sitting back to take in the city at night.

Traverse the Town by Trolley
https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine#home-section

Take a ride through St. Augustine with a guided trolley tour. Guests can stay on the entire time or get off and re-board at any of the 22 stops. A live narrator provides background information and interesting facts about the various spots the trolley will take you through, such as the Old Jail, Colonial Quarter, and Whetstone Chocolates. Trolley tickets include free admission to the St. Augustine Museum and a free shuttle to the beach and the Alligator Farm. The covered trolley provides a great way to get out of the afternoon sun. Even if it begins to rain, as it often does in Florida, tour guides will provide rain ponchos.

Walk Around St. George Street 
https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/st-augustine-st-george-street/

St. George Street is a pedestrian-only zone founded in 1565. The walking-friendly area is home to sites like the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and the Old City Gate. St. George Street also offers numerous shops and restaurants for a quick bite to eat. Unique offerings like those at Hyppo, a gourmet popsicle shop, and Florida Cracker Café, a family-friendly restaurant, are found amongst the historic buildings and narrow streets. An additional bonus: walking St. George Street is a free activity – the only price you’ll have to pay is parking.

Unearth Treasure
https://www.thepiratemuseum.com/

The Pirate and Treasure Museum provides an educational experience taking museum guests on a journey to the Golden Age of Piracy. Over 800 authentic artifacts are on display, and a crew member supplies a comprehensive narration. Kids will love the interactive activities such as canon firings, knot tying, hoisting the Jolly Roger flag, and hunting for treasure.

Take a Picture With Your Favorite Celebrity
https://www.potterswaxmuseum.com/

Home to over 160 wax figures, Potter’s Wax Museum is located in the United States’ oldest pharmacy. Take a picture with realistic-looking historical and fictional wax figures. Captain Jack Sparrow, Harry Potter, and Frankenstein are some of the fan favorites found in America’s oldest wax museum.

Hangout With the Gators
https://www.alligatorfarm.com/

Founded in 1893, the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is the only place in the world where every living species of crocodilian can be seen. The exhibits extend to lemurs, rare birds, sloths, and more. After exploring the exhibits, guests can go to Crocodile Crossing for a zip-line aerial adventure. Multiple demonstrations and wildlife shows are available every day. Guests can bring in snacks – consider this as there is only one concession stand, and the line is often a long wait.

Go Swimming With Dolphins:
https://marineland.net/

Marineland is one of Florida’s oldest marine mammal parks, having first opened in 1938. One of the main appeals of the oceanarium is the opportunity to swim with dolphins. There are also sea turtle and tortoise exhibits and sailboat and kayaking tours.

Climb a Real-Working Lighthouse
https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/

St. Augustine’s lighthouse is an active working lighthouse that stands at the north end of Anastasia Island. Guests can make their way to the top of the 165-foot lighthouse and learn about over 500 years of maritime history. The venture to the top is 219 steps. Note that the climb is not handicap accessible, so if someone in your party cannot make it up the steps, there is a video in the lighthouse keeper’s house that reveals the views from the top.

Dine at the Bottom of a Swimming Pool
https://lightnermuseum.org/

Housed in the historic Hotel Alcazar building, the Lightner Museum boasts a variety of antiques. The museum was commissioned by Henry Flagler, a key developer of Florida’s east coast. Exhibits in the museum range from animals, glassware, and beer labels, but many American Gilded Age pieces are displayed. What was once the former hotel’s indoor swimming pool is now a restaurant where visitors can sit down for a bite to eat at the café.

Decide If You “Believe It or Not!”
https://www.ripleys.com/staugustine/

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a self-guided museum where an expansive collection of oddities are displayed across three floors. Shrunken heads, wax figures, the world’s smallest production car, and more are to be found amongst the first Ripley’s museum exhibits. Throughout the space are several interactive activities for the entire family to enjoy. Tickets to Ripley’s museum include free parking, and there is an option to add on a tour of the city with the Red Trolley Tours. If you are considering a trolley tour as part of your St. Augustine activities, the bundled package of Ripley’s tickets and Red Trolley tours is less costly than many of the stand-alone trolley tours.

Aim for a Hole-In-One: 
http://lafiestainn.com/area-attractions/#fiestafalls
https://www.anastasiaminigolf.com/

Amongst the many sight-seeing and museum activities, St. Augustine offers fun mini-golf courses for all ages. Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf is an award-winning golf course showcasing waterfalls, a 65-foot ship, and ocean views. At night, a lighted course is offered as a more challenging option. Anastasia Miniature Golf boasts an 18-hole course with a pirate ship. Both golf courses’ admission fees are under $15 per person, making them some of the more affordable activities for larger groups of
people.

Sip From the Fountain of Youth
https://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/

First explored in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is the original site of America’s oldest city. The park boasts 15 waterfront acres and exhibits that inform visitors about the Spanish settlers who came to St. Augustine hundreds of years ago. There are a variety of living history reenactments, shows, and peacocks on-site, and visitors get to take a drink from the Fountain of Youth. Parking is free of charge.

Explore Exotic Creatures 
https://www.sawildreserve.org/

Home to many exotic animals, the St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a sanctuary for abused and unwanted exotic animals where guests can see the amazing creatures up close. The reserve houses several large cat breeds, wolves, bears, and others. Tour guides navigate guests through the reserve, informing attendees about the different creatures along the way. The sanctuary is not a typical zoo experience, as tours must be reserved in advance. Be sure to show up 10-15 minutes early to fill out the required paperwork.

Take a Bite of Something Sweet
https://www.whetstonechocolates.com/Default.asp

End your travels around the city on a sweet note with a tour of the Whetstone Chocolate Factory. The 45-minute tour takes attendees on an adventure of learning about the different types of chocolate and the secrets of chocolate making. Of course, samples are part of the experience. Groups of up to 15 people are allowed, making it an ideal activity to bring the entire family.

Extra Tips: 

When planning a trip to the Oldest City, you may want to consider a wintertime experience. Kicking off in November and running through January, St. Augustine becomes clothed in an award-winning holiday light display, Night of Lights. The festival of lights is rated amongst National Geographic’s top ten light displays in the world.

Parking in St. Augustine can quickly rack up costs if you’re not careful. While many metered parking spots vary in price per hour, flat-rate parking lots are also available. If you’re arranging a full day of activities, seek out one of the flat-rate lots for the day. The cost is often cheaper, and you can leave your car and easily get around on foot as most of the sought-out activities are within walking distance.

In addition to walking around St. George Street, St. Augustine beach on Anastasia Island is a free activity. The pier includes a splash zone that kids also enjoy.

Where to Eat:

Anastasia Diner: Serves locally inspired breakfast and lunch cuisine.
Athena Greek Restaurant: An authentic Greek restaurant located in the heart of the historic district.
Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Baked fresh Amish-inspired pretzels.
GAS – Full Service Restaurant: A retro-themed eatery specializing in quality comfort food. 
The Spanish Bakery & Café: Serving up homemade Spanish cuisine, including empanadas and sausage rolls.