Family Friendly Activities in St. Augustine

Home to the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” it’s no shock that families hone in on Florida for their annual getaways. Even beyond Orlando, the Sunshine State is brimming with fun for all ages, from the coastal delights of St. Petersburg to the natural wonders of the Everglades. Even St. Augustine, a city known best for its historical importance to both Florida and the United States, is not light on activities for adults and children. 

Though the infamous lighthouse and the Castillo de San Marcos Spanish fort are the big attractions for St. Augustine’s visitors, there’s plenty to add to a family-friendly itinerary that will be sure to keep even the youngest of travelers entertained. Activities ranging from the adventurous (such as a haunted ghost tour) to the relaxing (such as a dolphin cruise) await in Florida’s aptly named Old City.

Old City World of Pirates Experience

Who doesn’t love pirates? The high-seas tales of one-legged buccaneers and eye-patched scoundrels appeal to the young and the old. Though there are ways to approach stories of piracy through a more lighthearted and fantastical lens, the Old City World of Pirates Experience explores what really happened during the Golden Age of Piracy. 

This experience visits several locations in St. Augustine that have strong ties to piracy in the Atlantic. Whether it’s the Old City Gate, a relic that preserves the legends of scandalous pirates, or the historic sea wall, groups are introduced to the real buccaneers that inspired the whimsical characters known by parents and children alike. 

Though some of the tour’s subject matter may be more adult in nature, like the raids on Castillo de San Marcos and epic battles fought across the Atlantic and Caribbean, it remains age-appropriate so everyone can enjoy the lore of swashbuckling scalawags. 

Airboat Tours of St. Augustine’s Waterways

Water is a common element among many of the fun activities available in Florida. Between water parks and access to the coast, you’re almost guaranteed to get wet in the Sunshine State. From St. Augustine, you can launch a high-speed thrill ride that will have the mist of local creeks spraying in your face. 

Airboat adventures take full advantage of the waterways that snake through Florida. Watery paths like Trout Creek and Six Mile Creek offer winding channels that hide secrets like scenic vegetation and freshwater wildlife. Spot manatees, bald eagles, herons, and egrets while admiring rows of cypress trees and blankets of lily pads. 

It’s an excursion that’s sure to become a memory the family will bring up for years to come.

Dolphin Cruises

If an airboat tour is a little too fast and bumpy, consider a far tamer experience – dolphin sightseeing. Though known as “dolphin cruises,” there’s plenty of aquatic life to watch for on these smooth rides through marshes and wetlands. Unlike with an airboat, dolphin cruises take their time, giving riders plenty of opportunity to soak in the scenery and any playful wildlife. 

Boats launch from St. Augustine and typically follow the Intracoastal River, where birds, manatees, and, of course, dolphins thrive. Bring a camera, as these aquatic wonders love to show off, making for stunning photos that will preserve this family memory for a lifetime. 

Most dolphin cruises embark on a larger pontoon boat, some equipped with a bar for the adults in your group. Expect these experiences to run from an hour to an hour and a half, which is more than enough time to admire Mother Nature’s incredible creatures.

Wraiths of the Watchtower Ghost Tour

Being the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine has a long history that’s spurred tales of the unknown and the otherworldly. Those brave enough to explore the city’s darker side can do so on the Wraiths of the Watchtower Ghost Tour. Spend an evening getting to know the ethereal residents of Old City, the apparitions and phantoms who predate Florida’s sale to the United States. 

You’ll visit many eerie sites on this evening walk, hearing the haunting and tragic tales behind lost souls and wandering spirits. From the heartbroken lover of Casa de Suenos to the exploding corpses of Tolomato Cemetery, the ghost tour is overflowing with spooky stories and, for lucky travelers, spectral activity. 

Some of the ghost stories can get a little mature and dark, and may be intense for younger children prone to nightmares. However, it is the perfect activity for families who go overboard on Halloween or sit down together for every new horror movie.

Spend the Day at the Beach

Of course, if all else has been checked off or doesn’t fit into your itinerary, you always have St. Augustine’s pristine beaches. Even during the winter, you may be able to take advantage of these golden shores, at least for a relaxing stroll. The water will be a bit too cold, but Florida’s mild and pleasant winters allow you to enjoy the coastline year-round in some way.

During a more seasonally appropriate trip, though, St. Augustine offers 42 miles of beach, which stretches across St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach. At the city’s namesake shoreline, there’s plenty for the family, including a fishing pier, splash park, and restaurants. 

If you’ve already embarked on the ghost tour, listened to the gripping tales of piracy, and visited some of Florida’s aquatic wildlife, then you can easily spend the remainder of your trip lounging on the sand.