Whether you’ve got a free day to fill, or are looking for a vacation destination, St. Augustine is a fantastic choice no matter what age your kids are.
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Every family member can find something of interest in this historical Florida site.
There is ample space for toddlers to run around, and most areas of the park are quite stroller-friendly! A family can meander the grounds at their own pace, picking and choosing the educational exhibits they want to see.
Some highlights for older kids include the Navigators’ Planetarium show, the hourly cannon firing and climbing to the top of a lookout tower. Little ones will love sifting for treasure and spotting the peacocks that wander the grounds. Culminate your experience with a drink from the legendary Fountain of Youth, (though your toddler may not love the spring water flavored with minerals).
Castillo de San Marcos
If your kids have even a slight interest in history, this fort is a must-see. It’s fascinating to view where the soldiers used to live, how they would fend off attackers and where the townspeople would gather in the event of an attack.
Though my toddler and preschooler didn’t care about the history or architecture, they couldn’t get enough of the cannons on top of the fort, and we all enjoyed the beautiful ocean vistas. (Bonus: if you have a national parks pass, entry to this monument is free!)
St. George Street
As a parent of young children, this might be my all-time favorite spot in St. Augustine. This pedestrian-only area is a haven for toddlers who are squirming to get out of their strollers. I love letting them stretch their little legs while we duck in and out of the quaint shops and boutiques along the way.
We like to get an early start when the day is still cool and the crowds of tourists have yet to appear. If it does start to get too hot though, it’s a good excuse to duck into the Hyppo, a local shop that boasts all-natural ice pops in the style of Mexican paletas. They are made with fresh fruit and cane sugar, and couldn’t be more refreshing on a hot Florida day.
Trolley Tour
The trolley tour might be tough if you’re toting strollers with you, but for slightly older children who might get tired of walking everywhere, the trolley is a great way to see as much of St. Augustine as possible in a short period of time.
It’s a hop-on, hop-off tour, so your family can pick the sights you want to see, and skip the rest. (Adults: Just know that there is a stop at the winery and the distillery, with free samples.)
Pirate and Treasure Museum
While this museum has plenty of kid-friendly activities, make no mistake, adults will find plenty to love here, too. I had a hard time not ignoring my kids because I wanted to stop and read every placard about how pirates roamed the very streets I was walking.
Meanwhile, the kids got to fill out their treasure maps, and there was a prize waiting for them at the end!
There are plenty of interactive exhibits where you and your kids can learn to tie a knot, fire a cannon or steer a boat.
Whetstone Chocolate Tasting Tour
I think everyone in the family can agree on chocolate!
Duck into Whetstone Chocolates of St. Augustine for a tour of the factory to learn the history behind the shop and see how the sweets are made. You sample some of the artisan chocolate throughout the tour and get a $2 coupon toward your purchase with every adult ticket.
Water Fun
When your squirmy kids need a break from all of the history and walking, head over to St. Augustine Beach for some relaxation. Start with the free splash pad which overlooks the ocean, then head down to the sand and waves for some boogie boarding and sand castle building. You can also bring a picnic lunch, or take an evening stroll in the sand as the sun sets.
