Best Things to do in St. Augustine with Kids
Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster
Have no idea what to do on your trip to St. Augustine with kids along? This simple guide of the best things to do might help! From zoological parks, kid-friendly gift shops, to the St. Augustine beaches, these suggestions will make your trip unforgettable!
Known as the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine offers charming cobblestone streets, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks. It’s also an amazing place to take the kids!
If you’re going on a family vacation and choose St. Augustine, you’re in luck because I listed a lot of wonderful places to visit with your younger or older kids alike.
There are lots to see and do both in St. Augustine as well as in Jacksonville, which is only a short drive away. If you’re looking for a fun family getaway, read on for some of my favorite things to do in St. Augustine with kids!
Is St. Augustine Kid Friendly?
Very much so! We decided to bring the little ones to this short excursion, and we were glad that we weren’t the only ones enjoying it. St. Augustine has plenty of attractions, they have mini golfs, wax museums, and the St. Augustine alligator farm if you’re up to it!
In this list, I’ll be showing you our favorite places, all that require short travel time and are very easy to locate if you have fussy babies with you. Let’s get started!
Vilano Beach
Located just north of downtown St. Augustine, Vilano Beach is a charming, quiet beach perfect for the kids! It’s a favorite among locals and feels like St. Augustine’s “best-kept secret.” It’s known for its sandy shoreline, a fishing pier that stretches into the Tolomato River, and some of the best sunset views around.
There are also several casual restaurants and shops to enjoy.
Old Towne St. Augustine
I recommend spending an afternoon in Old Towne St Augustine – just park and walk around! Since it’s the oldest city in the country, the historic district is alive with lots to do. St. George Street is the most popular place to take a stroll, lined with charming boutiques, restaurants, historic homes, and attractions.
Hop on a sightseeing trolley tour, or make a stop at the Oldest Wooden School House for some lessons on Colonial education.
Jacksonville Zoo
One of my favorite places to spend the day is the Jacksonville Zoo, which is only a short drive away from St. Augustine. The zoo features over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species, and is fun for toddlers and big kids alike!
Spend some time at the Play Park, which includes a hedge maze, playground area, carousel, and petting zoo. If you’re visiting in the hot summer months, there’s also a splash pad to cool off. Make sure you feed the giraffes before you leave!
St. John’s Town Center
Another favorite Jacksonville stop is St. John’s Town Center, an outdoor shopping mall plaza with over 150 stores and restaurants. This is a great drive for a day trip and there is so much to see and do here.
The beautiful outdoor setting has lots of high-end shops like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Anthropologie, Apple, Nordstrom, and Dillard’s. Take a break to grab a bite to eat at Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, or M Shack.
Eat at Ford’s Garage at St. Augustine Outlets
Hunt for some great bargains at St. Augustine Outlets, which offers savings of up to 65 percent off retail prices. In addition to tons of designer stores, there are also special sidewalk sales and seasonal events too. While you’re there, make sure to grab a meal from Ford’s Garage – yes, it’s in the middle of a Ford dealership! This fun-themed restaurant is decorated with old Ford models and car parts, which the kids will love.
The menu includes delicious prime burgers and other comfort food, along with a great selection for the kids.
St. Augustine truly is the perfect family-friendly destination! With quiet beaches, shopping fun, and my favorite zoo nearby, your kids are sure to have a blast. If you’re thinking about taking a little summer getaway, I hope you make some stops at some of my favorite places to bring the kids!
