The nation’s oldest city is famous for its museums, historic reenactments, and a treasure trove of entertainment hot spots for the whole family. If you’re visiting this historic Florida gem with kids, get ready to play on the beach, have close-up encounters with zoo animals, and practice your swing on magical mini golf courses alongside the traditional St. Augustine fare. Step out of your beach-view St. Augustine vacation rental to experience this nine fun, family-friendly activities. Here’s a list of Things to Do in St. Augustine to surely enjoy and celebrate the moment!
1. Travel Back in Time at Castillo de San Marcos
Kids love exploring the sprawling halls and chambers of this Spanish fortress filled with old artifacts. Younger children are sure to enjoy seeing the volunteers decked out in historic dress. Be sure to gather in the courtyard for the cannon firing, and snap a few photos at the top of the castle while you’re enjoying the beautiful ocean views.
2. Tour the St. Augustine Wild Reserve
This rescue center for exotic animals is a favorite among kids of all ages, housing animals such as mountain lions, tigers, and arctic wolves. You can stand within feet of a majestic African lion or watch tigers enjoy a bubble bath. During the tour, the staff members educate visitors about the importance of proper care for exotic animals, providing a positive learning experience to take home from your St. Augustine vacation.
3. Have Fun in the Sun at St. Augustine Beach
This secluded beach is the perfect place to kick back and relax on a sunny afternoon. It offers clean stretches of sand, a fishing pier where families can cast a line, and some nice waves for older kids who want to try surfing. Of course, younger kids are just as happy building castles in the soft sand. Be sure to bring a few beach toys for playing in the water. If you get a chance, climb to the top of the nearby St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for unbeatable views.
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4. Play a Game of Mini Golf
The whole family can always get behind playing a round at one of the city’s exciting mini golf courses. While Anastasia Miniature Golf includes courses that go through tunnels and a pirate ship as well as past a koi pond, Fiesta Falls Mini Golf takes you past waterfalls and caves. You can also find a fun mini golf course at Adventure Landing, which also features go-karts and laser tag for a full day of family-friendly fun.
5. Explore St. Augustine Alligator Farm
People of all ages have a blast exploring this unique zoo – the only facility in the world housing all 24 known crocodilian species. If alligators make your little ones uneasy, you can also view Komodo dragons, tortoises, lemurs, and toucans. Catch the daily wildlife shows and demonstrations, and give older kids the adrenaline rush of a lifetime on the Crocodile Crossing Zip Line so they can soar over crocodile exhibits. The truly brave can appreciate the reptiles in all their power during the alligator feedings.
6. Stroll Through the Colonial Quarter
The Spanish colonial era is brought back to life at this open-air museum along St. George Street. Kids of all ages can talk to blacksmiths, ship builders, and other craftsmen in full costume during the adventure tour detailing the rich history of St. Augustine through the centuries. You can even participate in a musket firing drill, climb up a replica of a tall watchtower, and watch the blacksmith demonstrations before you grab a bite at a classic pub or tavern, such as the Bull & Crown Publick House or the Taberna del Caballo.
7. Visit the Fountain of Youth
Explore the recreated Spanish dwellings, watch cannon firings by volunteers in costume, and sample the water at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Once you’ve seen your share of historical reenactments, walk to the top of the tower or down the 600-foot Founders Riverwalk, or just let the kids feed the beautiful peacocks that freely roam the grounds. Kids of all ages find something to enjoy at this quiet park. Check out the planetarium and embark on a guided tour to get the most out of your Fountain of Youth experience.
8. Take an Old Town Trolley Tour
If you’re looking for a fun learning experience for the whole family, set off on a trolley tour of Old Town, St. Augustine’s beautiful historic district. Trolleys stop at some of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, and your guide provides constant entertainment with funny stories and fascinating trivia. A few of the stop on the tour include the old jail, the Potter’s Wax Museum, the Ximenez-Fatio House, and the Spanish Military hospital. Consider buying a guidebook to make the most of your trolley tour experience.
9. Visit the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
People young and old love learning about the pirate history of the St. Augustine area and the high seas, and this museum is sure to provide hours of entertainment with pirate artifacts and a fun treasure hunt. Tour guides dress up in full pirate gear while they entertain and educate tourists about the history of piracy. Exhibits include everything from wanted posters and a Jolly Roger to authentic pirate treasures.
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