Family-Friendly Things to Do in St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra Beach

Planning a family vacation in Florida? St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach offer plenty of things to do with kids, including historic attractions, beaches, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, interactive museums and family-friendly tours.

Families can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, meet alligators and exotic animals, climb a lighthouse, ride a sightseeing train or trolley, spend the day at the beach or discover more than 460 years of history together.

Know Before You Go

What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids in St. Augustine?

Some of the best family-friendly things to do in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach include exploring historic attractions, meeting wildlife, taking a sightseeing tour, getting out on the water and spending a day at the beach.

Start with some of the area's family favorites:

For even more ideas, visit the existing Ultimate Guide to Family Vacations on Florida's Historic Coast.

a child reaches up to pet a sloth with a park employee at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
PicturedSt. Augustine Alligator Farm

Explore History Together

St. Augustine turns a history lesson into an experience.

Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, explore centuries of life in the Nation’s oldest city or discover local stories inside the Lightner Museum, Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center, Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and The Oldest House Museum Complex and Gardens.

Families can also tour the historic campus of Flagler College or ride through downtown aboard Old Town Trolley Tours or Red Train Tours—an easy way to see more of the city while giving little legs a break.

St. Augustine Beach named a Top 15 Best Family Beach Vacation in the U.S.
Trips to Discover (April 2022)

Get Outside: Beaches, Kayaking & Wildlife

Some of the best family experiences on Florida's Historic Coast happen outdoors.

At Anastasia State Park, families can combine a beach day with hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking, kayaking and paddleboarding. Anastasia Watersports offers water recreation within the park.

There are plenty of other ways to explore together. Get Up and Go Kayaking St. Augustine, GeoTrippin Adventure Company, Deep Creek Paddles and Genung's Fish Camp offer opportunities to experience the area's waterways, while Drifter's Beach Services can help families gear up for a day at St. Augustine Beach.

In Ponte Vedra Beach, the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center introduces families to the plants, animals and estuarine environments of Northeast Florida.

Explore More Outdoor Activities

PicturedGTM Research Reserve

See St. Augustine from the Water

See Florida’s Historic Coast from a different perspective on a family-friendly boat tour.

Cruise the waterways with St. Augustine Scenic Cruise, Florida Water Tours, St. Augustine Eco Tours, St. Augustine Boat Tours, Red Boat Tours, Schooner Freedom Charters, Fury Water Adventures St. Augustine, Cruisin Tikis St. Augustine, Sea Serpent Tours or Adventure Boat Tours.

Depending on the adventure, families can look for dolphins and wildlife, learn about local history, sail along the bayfront or explore the St. Johns River.

a child plays in the water at a splash park on a sunny day in st. augustine florida
PicturedSplash Park on St. Augustine Beach

Find Free & Budget-Friendly Family Fun

A memorable family day doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.

Hit the beach, walk St. George Street, enjoy the Splash Park at St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, play at Project SWING or picnic near the Castillo de San Marcos.

Nature lovers can explore the GTM Research Reserve, while parks and public spaces throughout Florida’s Historic Coast offer even more room to play.

Discover Free & Budget-Friendly Things to Do

Family running and playing on St. Augustine Beach.

Spend a Family Day at the Beach

With 42 miles of coastline, there’s a beach for every kind of family day.

St. Augustine Beach puts families close to the pier, Splash Park, restaurants and recreation. Crescent Beach offers a quieter stretch of coastline, while Vilano Beach combines beach time with easy access to historic downtown. Farther north, Ponte Vedra Beach is known for beautiful shoreline and outdoor recreation.

Discover the Best Beaches for Families

PicturedPonce de le Rollin' Skating Rink

Try Something Different

Mix things up with an experience the kids may not expect.

Go roller skating at Ponce de le Rollin’, play a round at Old Coast Pickleball, explore classic automobiles at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine or discover local creativity at the St. Augustine Art Association.

Families with older kids can add horseback riding with Equestrian Adventures of Florida, kayaking, zip lining or other outdoor adventures to the itinerary.

Stop for a Sweet Treat

PicturedPhoto Credit @Wesley Wells Farms

Find Seasonal Family Fun

Family fun changes with the seasons.

Fall brings pumpkin patches, harvest activities and Halloween events. During the holidays, St. Augustine shines during Nights of Lights, with special tours, events and experiences throughout the season.

Spring and summer bring festivals, outdoor concerts, beach days and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Florida’s Historic Coast together.

See Upcoming Events

Ponte Vedra Inn and Club pool kids

Where Should Families Stay?

Choosing where to stay depends on how your family wants to spend its time.

Choose from hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, condos and campgrounds throughout Florida’s Historic Coast.

Find Places to Stay

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting St. Augustine with Kids

Is St. Augustine good for a family vacation?
Yes. St. Augustine combines beaches, historic attractions, wildlife experiences, museums, outdoor recreation and family-friendly tours, making it easy to find activities for different ages and interests.

What are the best things to do in St. Augustine with young children?
Popular choices include the beach, Splash Park, Project SWING Playground, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine Aquarium, sightseeing trains and trolleys, pirate adventures and interactive historic attractions.

What can teenagers do in St. Augustine?
Teens can kayak, paddleboard, zip line, take eco-tours, go horseback riding, explore historic attractions, visit museums, take a boat tour or spend the day at the beach.

Are there free things to do with kids in St. Augustine?
Yes. Families can visit area beaches, explore St. George Street and historic downtown, enjoy parks and playgrounds, picnic near the Castillo de San Marcos and discover a variety of other free and low-cost experiences.

How many days should families spend in St. Augustine?
Three to four days gives families time to explore historic St. Augustine, visit several attractions and enjoy the beach. A longer stay leaves more time for outdoor adventures, Ponte Vedra Beach and other areas of Florida’s Historic Coast.

What is the best area to stay in St. Augustine with kids?
Historic downtown is convenient for walking to attractions and restaurants. St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach and Vilano Beach are good choices for families who want more time near the ocean, while Ponte Vedra Beach offers a resort-style experience.

Plan Your Trip

A woman looks over her shoulder by the beach on the cover of a St. Augustine travel guide that lies on top of a faded image of the beach in Florida.
family walking on beach

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