Visiting St. Augustine with kids doesn’t have to drain your wallet. America’s oldest city is full of affordable attractions that mix history, adventure, and fun—all while keeping families in mind. From historic forts to hands-on museums, playgrounds, and sandy beaches, here are our top picks for family-friendly stops in the Ancient City.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos is St. Augustine’s most famous landmark and a must for families. Built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, it was designed to protect the city from pirates and rival European powers. Made from coquina, a local stone formed from seashells, the walls have stood strong for over 325 years—even withstanding British cannon fire.
For families, it’s more than just a fort—it’s a chance to step into a real-life history lesson. Kids can explore the dark chambers that once stored gunpowder, walk along the towering bastions with sweeping views of the bay, and imagine life as a soldier. On weekends, costumed re-enactors bring the past to life with musket drills and cannon firings, which are always a crowd-pleaser for children.
Time Needed: 1–2 hours
Price: $15 per adult (valid for 7 days), free for kids under 15
Discounts & Passes:
Annual National Park Pass ($35) – covers unlimited visits to Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas for one year.
America the Beautiful Pass ($80) – covers entry to all U.S. National Parks and federal recreational lands for one year.
Senior Pass ($20 annual / $80 lifetime) – available to U.S. citizens age 62+.
Military Annual Pass (Free) – available to active duty U.S. military members and their dependents.
4th Graders (Free) – through the Every Kid Outdoors program, 4th graders and their families receive free admission for one year.
What to Pack:
Hats + refillable water bottles (limited shade)
Carrier for toddlers (strollers don’t work on coquina stone + stairs)
Light snacks for the picnic area
Sunscreen for exploring the top of the walls
Family Tip: Get there early for parking and to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
The Fountain of Youth is where Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León is said to have landed in 1513 — and where legend says he searched for waters that could restore youth. Families can sip from the natural spring, watch cannon and musket demonstrations, visit a recreated Timucua Native American village, and see the famous free-roaming peacocks.
The drive into the park is an experience in itself — you’ll travel beneath a tunnel of centuries-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, one of the prettiest canopy roads in St. Augustine and a fun “wow” moment for kids before even reaching the gate.
See the full review here: BenThere Done That: Visiting the Fountain of Youth
Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
Price: $20 adults, $12 children (6–12), under 5 free. Discounts for seniors, military, and St. Johns County residents.
What to Pack:
Hats + sunscreen (lots of open areas)
Water bottles
Camera for peacocks + reenactments
Stroller-friendly (flat grounds)
Family Tip: Plan your visit in the morning when the peacocks are most active.
For our full review with photos and tips, check out our post: Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park Review
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is more than just a climb—it’s a chance for families to connect with local history and adventure. Built in 1874, this black-and-white striped lighthouse has guided sailors along the coast for nearly 150 years. Today, it’s a working lighthouse and museum where kids and adults can explore both maritime history and hands-on science.
The big draw is the 219-step spiral staircase leading to the lantern room, where families are rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Matanzas Bay, and historic downtown St. Augustine. Even if younger kids don’t make the climb, there’s plenty to do on the ground. Families can visit the shipwreck exhibit, see artifacts recovered by real archaeologists, and peek into active maritime archaeology labs where ongoing underwater research is happening. Outside, a shaded playground and nature trails give kids a chance to run off energy while parents enjoy the scenery.
Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
Price: $15 adults, $13 children (under 3 free)
Discounts & Passes:
Seniors (60+) & Military/Veterans: $13 admission
St. Johns County Residents: Discounts available with ID
Annual Memberships: Starting at $45, includes unlimited visits + discounts at the gift shop and special events
What to Pack:
Sneakers for the climb
Water + sunscreen
Picnic snacks for shaded tables
Family Tip: Even if kids don’t climb, the playground, archaeology exhibits, and shaded grounds make this an engaging stop for the whole family.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
The Pirate & Treasure Museum is a hit with kids who love adventure stories. Home to one of the largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts in the world, it makes history fun by mixing interactive exhibits with real treasures. Families can see a 1500s treasure chest, try their hand at firing a replica cannon, and step inside a recreated pirate ship deck.
Younger kids especially love the treasure hunt challenge throughout the museum, while older children enjoy learning about legendary figures like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. The museum also highlights the real history of piracy along Florida’s coast, giving parents the chance to sneak in a history lesson disguised as play.
Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
Price: $16.99 adults, $8.99 children (ages 5–12), under 5 free
Discounts & Passes:
Seniors (65+), Military, First Responders: $1–$2 off admission
St. Johns County Residents: Local discounts available with ID
Family Packs: Sometimes offered online, check website for specials
What to Pack:
Camera for fun photo ops
Pirate hats or eye patches (the gift shop sells them too!)
Small snacks for after, as there’s no food service inside
Family Tip: The treasure hunt keeps kids engaged and focused — a lifesaver for parents who want to enjoy the exhibits too.
Spanish Military Hospital Museum
For families with older kids who enjoy a little science and history, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum offers a fascinating look at 18th-century medicine. Costumed guides walk you through what it was like to be a patient or surgeon in colonial St. Augustine, complete with demonstrations of old-world surgical tools and herbal remedies.
While younger children may be squeamish, most school-aged kids are captivated by the “gross-but-cool” history. Parents will appreciate how the tour connects to larger lessons about how far medicine has come and how soldiers lived during Florida’s Spanish colonial period.
Time Needed: 45 minutes–1 hour
Price: $17.95 adults, $15.95 Seniors (60+), $7.95 children (ages 6–12), under 6 free
Discounts & Passes:
Military: Discounted admission available
Local Discounts: Offered for St. Johns County residents with ID
Group Rates: Available for larger families or homeschool groups
What to Pack:
Water bottles for after the tour (no food/drink inside)
A curious mindset — kids love asking questions during the live demos
Light sweater (the building is kept cool for preservation)
Family Tip: This stop works best with school-age kids and teens. The demonstrations are hands-on, quick, and memorable, making history feel real instead of like a textbook.
Parks & Playgrounds: Davenport Park, Main Library & Project SWING
Sometimes kids just need a break from museums and history tours, and St. Augustine has two great playground stops right in the heart of downtown.
Davenport Park & Main Library
Shaded by big old oak trees, Davenport Park is a safe and easy spot for younger children to run, climb, and swing. Families can also pop into the St. Augustine Main Library right next door, which often hosts children’s activities, story times, and has a cozy kids’ section to cool down. For traveling families, it’s a welcome “reset stop” where kids can get some playtime while parents recharge.
Project SWING Playground
Just across from the Historic Downtown Parking Facility, Project SWING is one of the largest community-built playgrounds in Florida. This massive wooden play space was designed with imagination in mind — pirate ships, towers, climbing walls, swings, and hidden nooks make it a favorite for kids of all ages. It’s also a perfect place to let children burn off energy before or after exploring the historic district.
Time Needed: 30–60 minutes at each playground
Price: Free
What to Pack:
Water bottles (no vending on-site)
Quick snacks for the benches or picnic tables
Sunscreen + hats for sunny days
Library card (if local) or curiosity for drop-in activities
Family Tip: These playgrounds are ideal for breaking up a day of sightseeing. Davenport + the Library is best for younger kids, while Project SWING’s scale and creativity make it a must-do for school-age children and older.
St. Augustine Beaches
St. Augustine isn’t just about history — its miles of sandy shoreline make it one of the most family-friendly beach towns in Florida. The beaches here are wide, flat, and easy to access, with gentle surf that’s perfect for kids.
St. Augustine Beach & Pier
The most popular spot for families, St. Augustine Beach offers soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for boogie boarding, swimming, and sandcastle building. The highlight is the St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier, where families can stroll, fish, or enjoy the views. There’s also a splash pad and playground right by the pier, making it a top choice for kids.
Pier Admission: $2 per person to walk, $6 per angler to fish. Parking is free but fills up fast in summer.
High Tide Note: At high tide, the water can reach almost up to the dunes in certain sections, reducing play space. Arrive earlier or plan for low tide if you want wide stretches of sand for games.
Vilano Beach
Just north of downtown, Vilano Beach is quieter and has a unique coquina-shell sand that glitters in the sun. Families love its laid-back vibe, picnic pavilions, and the chance to spot dolphins off the pier area. It’s a great spot for shelling or bringing a picnic while enjoying the views.
High Tide Note: Because Vilano’s beach is narrower, the water comes in quite close to the seawall at high tide. Families should plan their beach time around low tide for more space to spread out.
Time Needed: 1–3 hours (or a full day if you bring lunch)
Price: Free for both beaches (pier has small admission fee)
What to Pack:
Beach towels + sand toys
Cooler with snacks + plenty of water (no food or drink vendors directly on the beaches)
Sunscreen, hats + a shade tent if staying long
Boogie board or frisbee for active play
Family Tip: St. Augustine Beach has more amenities (showers, playground, pier) while Vilano is quieter with fewer crowds. Both are great, but timing your visit around low tide makes a big difference in beach space for kids.
Final Thoughts
St. Augustine is often seen as a historic getaway, but it’s also a budget-friendly, family-approved destination with something for every age group. From cannon blasts at the fort to playground climbs, pirate adventures, and sandy beach days, families can easily mix history with play.
For a full list of seasonal happenings, check the St. Augustine Events Calendar.
Keep Exploring St. Augustine
From the Shop: Vintage St. Augustine Tee
Made a day of it in the oldest city in America? Take a little of St. Augustine home — our Vintage St. Augustine tee is designed right here in town.
Loved learning about the fun things in St. Augustine to do with kids? Check out our other St. Augustine guides and reviews to plan your perfect trip:
Head over to our St. Augustine blog section for even more insider tips, food finds, and hidden gems.
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Ben & Nicole Mathews
We’re based in St. Augustine, Florida, sharing the places we’ve actually been — from our home turf to corners of the U.S. and abroad. Ben is an attorney and a retired Air Force JAG (22 years), and a private pilot, which is why aviation and military history shows up here too.