St. Augustine with Kids: 6 Fun Activities

Day trips from Jacksonville are fun to plan, and St. Augustine is one of our favorite destinations. If you’re planning a visit to St. Augustine with kids then there are several great activities that won’t break the bank. We are so lucky to live so close to a city that thousands of people visit each year. St Augustine has so much to do, even with small kids in tow and on a budget. Here is how we liked to enjoy a St Augustine day trip without spending a ton.

Project SWING Playground: FREE

This playground, located behind the parking garage near the Visitor’s Center, is similar to Sunshine Park in Jacksonville Beach. Renovated in 2022, it features tons of wood structures to play climb and slide, but with only one way in and out and the covered picnic tables in the center it makes it easier to keep your kiddos in sight. The park is split into two sides by the picnic area, one for smaller kiddos and one for older kids, BUT both are fun for all. Hiding, sliding, poking their faces out of the mermaid built in, all make this a stop my girls still ask for often when we visit. 

Ripley’s Believe it Or Not

This famous building is amazing to see, but the items inside can be a bit odd to the smaller child, however older kids love all the oddities you can imagine from Ripley. There is only one path through the house that ends in the gift shop, of course. A big bonus is the log tree house out in front of the building. You don’t have to pay to walk through the log house and my kiddos would have stayed longer playing some sort of game they had made up inside the house. Just across the street from the Visitor’s Center makes it an easy second stop after the playground on your day. 

St. George Street: FREE

The street itself is fun to walk down. Many dogs to pet, people to watch and just enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. Best bet is to head down earlier as there will be less people around to navigate with kids. But if both kids fit in your stroller, or are big enough to hold hands and walk with you, you can get some steps in while enjoying the sights of historic St. Augustine. 

Pizza Time Pizza: Affordable lunch, but cash only! 

Located right on St. George Street. If your kids like pizza slices as big as their head, then this is your place. An affordable and tasty lunch, just make sure to bring cash as they don’t take credit cards. 

Gelato Time: Inexpensive Tasty Treats

As you walk down St George Street dessert places surround you. From Kilwins to Hyppo, Peterbrooke to Savannah Sweets you have no problem with selection. Though we like them all, my girls always ask to go back to the Gelato at Gelato Time. You can sample flavors before you buy and the small fits in a small cup, but feels like much more. 

Visit the Castillo de San Marcos Fort

A visit to Castillo de San Marcos is a must and as a National Monument your Junior Ranger can even earn a badge while learning some Florida History. While there is a small fee to visit the Fort, you can plan a visit during one of the free National Park days and it won’t cost you anything. It’s easy for a little bit extra money to add even more stops to your day for an awesome St. Augustine day trip!

Bonus Activities: As your kiddos get older, you can visit the Old Jail and General Store or the Fountain of Youth for a taste of the water, loads of peacocks and some history. The Colonial Quarter often has deals on Local Flavor or Groupon so be sure to check there before your trip to score some deals. Planning a visit to St. Augustine with kids is easy and don’t have to cost a ton. And for an encounter on the wild side, you can always check out the sloths at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

---

Melody is a graduate of Jacksonville University, married a Jax Beach resident, moved away for 12 years, then returned to the area in 2016. Together they have two girls. Melody works as owner/photographer of Melody Coarsey Photography, she loves yoga, family, traveling, dining with a view and the ocean.