Things to do with kids in St. Augustine

Things to do with kids in St. Augustine

1. Do

   Adventure Landing

   Great for kids, this family fun park located behind the larger outlet mall off of I-95 offers miniature golf, an arcade, batting cages, go-karts, and a roller coaster simulator.

   Sun-Thu 10AM to 11PM, Fri Sat 10AM to midnight·Pay per activity

2. See

   Alligator Farm Zoological Park

   One of Florida's oldest continuously running attractions, this zoo features all 24 species of crocodile (including the American alligator) in addition to a range of other reptiles, mammals and birds. Educational demonstrations and activities like zip-lining are also offered.

   Daily 9AM to 5PM (Summer: to 6PM)·Adults $26, children (3-11) $15, guests in wheelchairs $13/$7.50, 10% off for AAA, military, and seniors

3. See

   Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

   A large coquina limestone fort constructed by the Spanish in the late 1600s to defend their small colony. Inside, certain rooms are open to the public, including the chapel, guard quarters, and the powder magazine. The top deck of the Castillo is also open to visitors and allows great views of the city and the bay, as well as up-close encounters with authentic cannons. There are living history demonstrations on weekends, including the firing of those cannons—an incredibly powerful (and loud!) experience. Lower level is handicapped accessible. Parking $2.50/hr.

   8:45AM-5PM·$15/adult, children under 16 free

4. See

   Colonial Quarter

   Spanish Quarter

   This recreated garrison town allows guests to visit with a blacksmith, learn to fire a musket, and stand watch on a lookout tower. You'll see costumed historical interpreters tell the story of everyday life when the city was a remote outpost of the Spanish Empire. The property also includes a British pub, a Spanish taverna, and a seafood restaurant, all of which do not require admission. A rustic outdoor stage set under an old oak tree hosts free weekend concerts also open to the public.

   Daily 10AM to 5PM·Adults $13, children (5-12) $7

5. See

   Flagler College

   Located on 19 acres (7.7 hectares) downtown, this college campus' Spanish Renaissance architecture is highlighted by the grand Ponce De Leon Hotel building. Built in 1885 by Henry Flagler, with an interior designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the hotel faced years of decline in the mid-20th century before being saved and converted into the liberal arts college in 1968.

   Rotunda open daily 9AM to 4PM, tours depart at 10AM and either 2PM or 3PM depending on season·Tours: adults $12, children (under 10) free, seniors $10

6. See

   Fort Mose Historic State Park

   Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose

   This park preserves the site of the first legal free black settlement in America. It was established in 1738 by the Spanish for escaped black slaves seeking asylum from the British colonies. The former site of the community, long forgotten but rediscovered in 1968, is located about two miles north of St. Augustine. Also spelled Fort Moosa or Fort Mossa.

   Grounds: Daily 9AM to 5PM; Visitor Center: Thu-Mon 9AM to 5PM·Grounds free; Visitor Center: adults $2, children (under 6) free

7. Eat

   O'Steens

   The "local" favorite and regular winner of Best Seafood Restaurant, this family restaurant features their famous fried shrimp dinner. No alcohol, cash only, long lines outside.

   Tue-Sat 11AM-8:30PM

8. See

   Oldest House Museum Complex

   A historic house just south of downtown that is believed to be the oldest house in the city, constructed under Spanish rule in 1723. The property, run by the St. Augustine Historical Society, also includes two museums, an exhibition gallery, an ornamental garden, and a store.

   10AM-5PM, tours every half hour·$13/adult, $10/senior, $4/student, $26/family

9. See

   Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth

   A 15 acre (6.1 hectares) waterfront attraction touted as the 1513 landing site of Ponce de Leon, the discoverer of Florida. Although no evidence has been found to support this, the park is the location of the first Spanish settlement in St. Augustine. Guests can explore a recreation of a Timucuan Native American village, witness a cannon firing, view archeological digs, and even drink from the supposed "Fountain of Youth", a natural spring.

   Daily 9AM to 6PM·Adults $15, children (6-12) $9, seniors $14

10. See

    Potter's Wax Museum

    A fun and educational family attraction with over 160 wax figures, including a wide range of fictional characters, famous politicians, Hollywood celebrities, sports stars, and more, both past and present. Established in 1948, Potter's is the oldest wax museum in the United States.

    Daily 9AM to 6PM·Adults $10.60, children (6-12) $7.40

11. See

    Ripley's Believe It or Not!

    The original Odditorium of the famed American purveyor of the strange and unusual was opened in the historic Castle Warden hotel in 1950. Three stories worth of exhibits include a mummified cat, a two-story scale model Ferris wheel made out of Erector sets, life and death masks of famous celebrities (including Abe Lincoln), shrunken heads, and an iron maiden. Rumored to be haunted, the opening credits and various segments of the most recent Ripley's TV series were filmed here.

    Daily 9AM-8PM·Adults $16, children (5-11) $9

12. See

    World Golf Hall of Fame

    The centerpiece of the master-planned World Golf Village, this hall of fame and museum center celebrates the greats of golf history. The expansive property located about 15 minutes north of the city also includes a hotel, convention center, an IMAX movie theater, two award-winning golf courses, and a restaurant owned by actor Bill Murray and his brothers.

    Mon-Sat 10AM to 6PM, Sun noon to 6PM·Adults $21; children (5-12) $5; seniors, military, and Florida residents $20; students (13+ with ID) $10

13. Do Not mapped

    Easter Parade

    A parade downtown of marching bands, floats, drill teams, clowns, Royal Family and the city's carriage horses wearing hats.

    Easter weekend

14. Do Not mapped

    Great Chowder Debate

    Local restaurants compete in various categories for the best chowder, with samples tasted by the public. Proceeds benefit The Shriner's Children's hospital.

    November

15. See Not mapped

    Old Jail Museum

    Restored jail with sheriff's living quarters. It also contains a display of weaponry and a pictorial history of the hangings carried out at the Old Jail, with emphasis on the time the Sheriff CJ Perry was in residence with his family. The Jail is only accessible by guided tour,

16. Do Not mapped

    Celtic Music & Heritage Festival

    Including the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

    Second weekend of March·Adult $10, children (12 and under): free, retired or active duty military: free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to St. Augustine (CC BY-SA 4.0).