Things to Do with Kids in St. Augustine

Family fun in America’s Oldest City, history that actually holds their attention.

St. Augustine is genuinely one of the best family destinations in Florida, and not just because of the beach. The city has a way of making history interactive and exciting for kids, real castles, alligators, pirates, and ghost stories delivered in ways that hold even the shortest attention spans. Here is what actually works for families with children of all ages.

Start at the Castillo de San Marcos

The 17th-century Spanish fort on the waterfront is the single best stop for families in St. Augustine. Kids can walk the cannon deck, explore the dark interior rooms, and watch park rangers in period costume explain how the fort was defended. The coquina walls, the moat, and the sheer scale of it capture imaginations in a way that no museum exhibit can. Admission is free for children under 15, and the National Park Access Pass covers adults with permanent disabilities at no charge. Get there early, the fort fills up by mid-morning on weekends.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

One of Florida’s oldest and most respected zoological attractions, the Alligator Farm is genuinely impressive. Every species of crocodilian in the world lives here, plus exotic birds, komodo dragons, and the famous albino alligator. The boardwalk over the lagoon puts you right above hundreds of alligators. Kids are transfixed. There is also a zip line over the alligator lagoon for older children and brave adults. This is a full half-day easily.

💡 Local Insider Tip

The St. Johns County Ocean Pier on St. Augustine Beach has a splash pad right next to the fishing pier. When kids hit their limit of sand and sun, the splash pad gives everyone a second wind without leaving the beach area. Free to use, operates seasonally.

St. George Street

The pedestrian-only historic street is perfectly set up for families, no cars, plenty of space to wander, candy shops, ice cream, street performers, and enough quirky shops to keep everyone interested. The Oldest Wooden School House is a quick stop that kids genuinely find fascinating. The Colonial Quarter, a living history attraction just off St. George Street, has hands-on colonial demonstrations including musket firing that children love. Plan an hour or two here mid-morning before the crowds peak.

Family Tours Worth Booking

Pirate and Scavenger Hunt Tours

Several operators run interactive scavenger hunts and pirate adventure tours through the historic district. Kids follow clues, solve puzzles, and collect rewards while walking through actual historic streets. These tours are designed specifically for families and keep children engaged the entire time.

✓ Best for: Kids 5 and up, groups with mixed ages

Book on Viator →
Book on GetYourGuide →

Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tours

A one-hour boat tour on the Matanzas River delivers dolphin sightings, waterfront views of the Castillo, and a genuinely fun time on the water. Most operators offer family-friendly daytime tours with knowledgeable guides. Dolphins are spotted on the vast majority of tours.

✓ Best for: All ages, great for toddlers who struggle with walking tours

Book on Viator →
Book on GetYourGuide →

Golf Cart Tours

When little legs give out, a golf cart tour covers the entire historic district without anyone having to walk. Several companies offer shared and private tours with guides who tailor the commentary to the ages in the group. Private carts are worth the upgrade for families with young children.

✓ Best for: Families with toddlers or children under 6

Book on Viator →
Book on GetYourGuide →

The Beach

St. Augustine Beach on Anastasia Island is 10 minutes from downtown via the Bridge of Lions. The beach is wide, the surf is generally gentle, and the pier area has restrooms, a splash pad, and a bait shop. Crescent Beach a few miles south is quieter and excellent for families who want more space. Beach wheelchairs are available free with advance reservation for families with members who have mobility needs.

📋 Family Planning Tips

Ripley’s Believe It or Not on San Marco Avenue is a reliable rainy day backup, climate controlled and genuinely entertaining for kids
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park has peacocks roaming freely, toddlers go wild for this
Pack water and snacks, the historic district has limited shaded seating during peak hours
St. Augustine has no amusement parks, this is a history and nature city, set expectations accordingly
First Choice Florida Vacation Rentals offers family-sized properties with kitchens, which saves significantly on dining costs