Spring and fall are ideal thanks to cooler temperatures, lower humidity and fewer crowds. These seasons make it easier to enjoy outdoor adventures, from the beaches at Anastasia State Park to walking tours and historical sites. Plus, many seasonal events and festivals pop up during these months, adding extra options to your itinerary. If your family prefers fewer tourists and more flexibility, aim for midweek travel in late spring or early fall. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll find no shortage of St. Augustine things to do with kids.
Things To Do in St. Augustine With Family and Kids
Planning a family trip to America’s oldest city? St. Augustine is a one-of-a-kind destination for families, blending centuries of fascinating history with fun and kid-friendly outdoor attractions. The city’s walkable layout, coastal views and rich history make it easy to keep little ones entertained. With so many fun spots to explore and stories to discover, St. Augustine things to do with kids turn every outing into a memorable experience.
What Historical Sites Are Best for Kids?
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Towering above the bayfront, the Castillo de San Marcos gives families a real sense of what it took to defend a colonial city. Kids can walk the ramparts, explore soldier barracks and hear stories about centuries of battles from park rangers. On weekends, historical reenactors in full costume share the sights and sounds of the past through cannon firings and live demos. This is one of the most iconic things to do with kids in St. Augustine and a favorite stop for children who enjoy exploring forts and pretending they’re part of the action. Don’t forget to check out the drawbridge entrance and coquina stone walls. These details often inspire fun questions and spark conversations with curious young visitors.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climbing 219 steps might sound like a big task, but the view from the top is more than worth it. At the base, families will find interactive exhibits that explore shipwrecks, coastal navigation and what life was like for lighthouse keepers. The restored keeper’s home includes STEM-based learning stations and seasonal scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged. Outside, a ship-themed playground gives little ones a chance to burn off energy. Ghost legends and preserved boatyard tools add extra layers of intrigue. If you’re looking for St. Augustine things to do with kids that combine adventure with education, this is a top pick.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Pirate fans in your family will love this high-energy, hands-on museum. The museum holds over 800 artifacts, including real treasure, swords, and even a Disney-designed animatronic pirate. Kids can try lifting a cannonball or firing a cannon simulation, then dig through Discovery Drawers to find more surprises. With storytelling stations and interactive exhibits, it’s one of the most exciting things to do with kids in St. Augustine. Every corner sparks a new adventure while teaching about the Golden Age of Piracy in a way that feels playful but never gimmicky.
Colonial Quarter
Step into a recreated colonial village and meet blacksmiths, soldiers and merchants from the past. The Colonial Quarter spans three centuries of history, and its costumed interpreters make it feel like you’ve walked into a time machine. Kids can try on armor, handle replica tools or climb a Spanish watchtower to see how colonists once watched over the coast. The whole space is outdoors and shaded, which makes it a great fit for curious minds and younger children. There’s also a tavern with snacks and seating, so families can take a break while still staying close to the action. It’s one of the more relaxed St. Augustine things to do with kids and lets them explore history at their own pace.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
This historic site marks where Spanish explorers arrived in 1513. Families can drink from the famous spring, feed the resident peacocks and explore a planetarium that dives into early navigation techniques. Archaeological exhibits highlight the Timucua people who lived here long before the Spanish arrived, offering deeper insight into Florida’s early history. Cannon firings, watchtower climbs and recreations of early Native American dwellings give kids a tactile connection to the past. With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise this park is high on the list of St. Augustine things to do with kids, especially for families who want to combine natural beauty with educational value.
What Museums Are Great for Younger Kids?
Old Jail Museum
A visit to the Old Jail blends eerie fun with historical learning. Tours are led by costumed “deputies” who bring stories from the late 1800s to life. Families can walk through the original cellblocks, peek at the old gallows and learn how inmates once lived behind bars. The combination of suspense, humor and real history makes it especially appealing for older kids who enjoy something a little different from the usual museum visit.
Oldest Wooden School House
This charming little schoolhouse has stood for over two centuries and offers a glimpse into early education in Florida. Life-sized figures of a teacher and students help kids imagine what classroom life was like in the 1800s. There are old textbooks, slates, writing tools and a small garden outside. A short audio narration enhances the experience with fun historical facts. It’s a great stop for families looking for things to do with kids in St. Augustine that are quick, engaging and educational.
Old Town Trolley Tours®
Exploring the city with kids can be easy and fun when you hop aboard the Old Town Trolley. These fully narrated tours are led by expert guides who share fun facts, legends and local history in a way that keeps both kids and adults interested. The ride offers a relaxing break from walking, and with multiple stops and unlimited reboarding, families can explore at their own pace. Friendly and knowledgeable guides make each tour memorable, sharing stories that entertain while you ride in comfort. This is one of the top things to do with kids in St. Augustine. See more while avoiding tired feet, all while experiencing the city through the eyes of those who know it best.
Where Can Families Enjoy Outdoor Animal Encounters?
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
This exciting park is home to every species of crocodilian, along with a wide variety of other animals like lemurs, snakes, birds and turtles. Elevated boardwalks offer close-up views of these ancient reptiles, and the rare albino alligators are always a highlight. Daily wildlife shows teach kids fun facts about animal behavior and conservation. For animal lovers, this is one of the most exciting St. Augustine things to do with kids.
Anastasia State Park
Families will find plenty to do at this scenic beachfront park. It’s perfect for a relaxing day outdoors, with clean sandy beaches, shallow surf for swimming and hiking trails through maritime hammocks. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, explore the natural habitat, or just spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the breeze. Kids can play, explore, and spot shorebirds and crabs along the way. It’s a peaceful, active option for family time in nature.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
At Marineland, children can interact with dolphins in safe, supervised encounters. Whether it’s a shallow-water touch experience or a swim session, these up-close moments are unforgettable. The park also houses sea turtles and tortoises and offers conservation-focused presentations. Trainers are friendly and informative, and the oceanfront setting adds to the magic. It’s one of the most memorable things to do with kids in St. Augustine for families who love marine life.
What Are Some Unique Experiences Families Should Try?
Black Raven Pirate Ship
This pirate-themed cruise sets sail from St. Augustine’s harbor and is packed with action, music and interactive fun. Kids join the crew for sword fights, treasure hunts and singing, all led by energetic pirates who keep the laughs coming. It’s perfect for younger children and adds a swashbuckling spin to your family’s day on the water.
Miniature Golf
A round of mini-golf is always a win with kids, and St. Augustine has plenty of themed courses to choose from. Jungle, pirate and dinosaur settings add extra excitement, along with water features and glow-in-the-dark effects. Most courses are open into the evening, making them a great way to unwind after sightseeing.
Ghost Tours With Ghosts & Gravestones®
Families with older kids who enjoy spooky stories will love this evening tour. Ghosts & Gravestones® takes guests to haunted landmarks like the Old Jail, where costumed guides share chilling tales based on actual events. The tour is creepy without being too scary and is carefully designed to be fun and informative. It stands out as one of the most unique things to do with kids in St. Augustine at night.
St. George Street
This pedestrian-only street in the historic district is perfect for families. You’ll find ice cream shops, toy stores, street performers and casual eateries along the way. With plenty of benches, shaded areas and photo opportunities, it’s an easygoing way to spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere and local flavor.
Conclusion
St. Augustine makes it easy to keep kids engaged thanks to its rare blend of history, outdoor adventure and hands-on fun. Families can climb historic lighthouses, meet pirates, explore haunted jails and encounter live alligators. You can enjoy all these experiences while strolling through a walkable city filled with coastal charm. The mix of historic landmarks, wildlife parks and interactive attractions turns every outing into something both educational and exciting. With so many things to do with kids in St. Augustine, each day becomes an opportunity for discovery and fun.
FAQs
A weekend works well for seeing the major highlights, but four or five days gives you room to breathe, explore unique attractions and enjoy a slower pace. With so many different things to do with kids in St. Augustine, an extended visit lets you experience a mix of museums, beaches, animal encounters and ghost tours without feeling rushed. Building in time for spontaneous fun can make the trip even more rewarding.
Yes. The park is well-maintained and built with safety in mind. Elevated boardwalks, sturdy railings and friendly staff ensure a comfortable visit. Daily shows are clearly marked by age-appropriateness, and shaded seating areas give little ones a break between exhibits. It’s one of the most popular St. Augustine things to do with kids for a reason.
Absolutely. Walking through the historic district is free and full of discoveries, from old churches to live street performers. Check out free ranger talks at Castillo de San Marcos or browse local shops and snack spots along St. George Street. Public parks and the beach at Anastasia are perfect for downtime, making it easy to find things to do with kids in St. Augustine without spending a dime. Local calendars often feature outdoor concerts, storytelling sessions and kid-friendly cultural events that are free to attend.
Rainy weather doesn’t have to slow down your trip. Head to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, the Old Jail Museum or the Oldest Wooden School House to explore history indoors. These experiences are engaging and educational, making them go-to St. Augustine things to do with kids when the weather doesn’t cooperate. You can also ride along with Old Town Trolley Tours® to stay dry while exploring the city.
