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. On our southern coast road trip to Orlando St. Augustine was one of our favorite stops. 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. Check out our list below of things to do in St. Augustine with kids!

Our Favorite Things to Do in St. Augustine with Kids

Explore a Centuries-Old Fort

Why You Should Go

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

Why You Should Go

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. Definitely one of the more unique and fun things to do in St. Augustine with kids.

Traverse the Town by Trolley

Why You Should Go

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.

This is one of our favorite things to do in St. Augustine with kids! 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 

Why You Should Go

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

Why You Should Go

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

Why You Should Go

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

Why You Should Go

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

Why You Should Go

If you’re going to St. Augustine with kids, Marineland is a must see. It 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

Why You Should Go

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

Why You Should Go

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.

Aim for a Hole-In-One

Why You Should Go

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. This is a fun option of things to do in St. Augustine with kids.

Decide If You “Believe It or Not!”

Why You Should Go

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.

Explore Exotic Creatures 

Why You Should Go

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.

Sip From the Fountain of Youth

Why You Should Go

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.

Take a Bite of Something Sweet

Why You Should Go

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.

Map of Things to Do in St. Augustine with Kids

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Augustine

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