Planning a Family-Friendly Day in St. Augustine? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide!

Looking for the best things to do in St. Augustine with kids? Whether you're a local family or visiting the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine is packed with kid-friendly activities, historical attractions, and fun outdoor adventures. From beach days to pirate encounters, there’s something for every age group.

As a family photographer in St. Augustine, I know the best spots to explore—and where to take amazing photos! Here’s my list of the top 10 family-friendly places in St. Augustine, plus some bonus photography tips to capture your trip.

1. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

📍 Location: 999 Anastasia Blvd | ⏰ Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $34.99, Kids $19.99

One of the top family attractions in St. Augustine, the Alligator Farm Zoological Park is home to every species of crocodilian in the world! Kids will love watching alligator feedings, seeing exotic birds, and even ziplining over the alligator enclosures.

🔹 Why Families Love It: Interactive exhibits, up-close animal encounters, and a playground for little ones.
📸 Photography Tip: The lush greenery makes a perfect natural backdrop for candid family photos!

2. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

📍 Location: 11 Magnolia Ave | ⏰ Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $19.95, Kids $9.95

Step into history at the Fountain of Youth, one of St. Augustine’s most iconic attractions. Kids can feed the beautiful peacocks, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, and of course, take a sip from the legendary fountain!

🔹 Why Families Love It: Open spaces for kids to explore, plus a blend of history and nature.
📸 Photography Tip: The tree-lined entrance is one of the most famous photo spots in St. Augustine—perfect for a family portrait!

3. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

📍 Location: 12 S Castillo Dr | ⏰ Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $18.99, Kids $9.99

Is your child obsessed with pirates? This museum brings pirate history to life with hands-on exhibits, real treasure chests, and an authentic Jolly Roger flag.

🔹 Why Families Love It: Interactive storytelling, treasure maps, and fun photo ops in pirate costumes!
📸 Photography Tip: Get a shot of your little pirate posing with the cannons outside the museum.

4. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

📍 Location: 100 Red Cox Dr | ⏰ Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $14.95, Kids $12.95

Climb 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for breathtaking views of the city and coastline.

🔹 Why Families Love It: Kids can explore the maritime archaeology lab, play in the shipyard, and learn about St. Augustine’s nautical history.
📸 Photography Tip: The spiral staircase makes for a cool, artistic photo!

5. St. Augustine Beach & The Pier

📍 Location: 350 A1A Beach Blvd | ⏰ Open 24/7 | 🎟️ Free

A perfect beach day destination for families! Enjoy sandy shores, a splash pad, a beachfront playground, and the famous St. Augustine Beach Pier.

🔹 Why Families Love It: Safe, clean beach with lifeguards and plenty of room for kids to run.
📸 Photography Tip: Sunrise at the pier is magical—perfect for a family beach photography session.

6. Whetstone Chocolate Factory Tour

📍 Location: 139 King St | ⏰ Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $10, Kids $8

Take a behind-the-scenes chocolate tour at Whetstone Chocolates, a local favorite. Kids will love sampling delicious handcrafted chocolates while learning about chocolate-making.

🔹 Why Families Love It: Free samples (need we say more?).

7. Marineland Dolphin Adventure

📍 Location: 9600 N Ocean Shore Blvd | ⏰ Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Starts at $19.95

Get up close with dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure! Families can watch dolphin shows, do a touch & play experience, or even swim with dolphins.

🔹 Why Families Love It: A unique hands-on animal experience.
📸 Photography Tip: Capture the joyful expressions as your kids interact with dolphins.

8. Old Town Trolley Tour (Hop-On, Hop-Off)

📍 Location: 167 San Marco Ave | ⏰ Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $36.99, Kids $19.99

Explore St. Augustine’s top attractions without the hassle of driving! This family-friendly trolley stops at all the major sights.

🔹 Why Families Love It: Stress-free sightseeing, plus entertaining guides!

9. The Colonial Quarter

📍 Location: 33 St George St | ⏰ Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM | 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $12.99, Kids $6.99

Step into 18th-century Florida with live history demonstrations, a working blacksmith shop, and an interactive Spanish watchtower.

🔹 Why Families Love It: Hands-on experiences that make history fun.

10. Fort Matanzas National Monument

📍 Location: 8635 A1A South | ⏰ Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM | 🎟️ Free

Take a free ferry ride to explore Fort Matanzas, a hidden historical gem.

🔹 Why Families Love It: A less crowded alternative to Castillo de San Marcos.
📸 Photography Tip: The fort’s backdrop is perfect for classic family portraits.