Little Explorers’ Guide to St. Augustine

Did you know that St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States? It's more than 450 years old! But don't worry — even though it's super old, there's tons of fun stuff to do, see, and explore. You'll love our beaches and tasty treats, and you'll also enjoy learning about our history, seeing our animals, and having fun at every corner. We've put together this city guide just for you and your parents. Soon, you'll know the coolest kid-friendly spots in town!

Below, you'll find amazing things to do, fun games to play, and even your very own pirate name. As you read, click or tap on any of the pictures or red words and show your parents your favorite places and activities.

The Coolest Places in St. Augustine for Kids

1. Castillo de San Marcos

Explore a Real Fort

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a soldier from a long time ago? Head to the Castillo de San Marcos (Kah-stee-yo Day San Mar-kos), a huge fort made of coquina (koh-kee-nah) — a type of shellstone. This fort was built to protect St. Augustine from pirates and other enemies. You can explore the fort and walk around its thick walls, stand next to real cannons, and watch reenactors show you what life at the fort was like back in the 1600s. You might even get to see and hear the cannons fire! Make sure your parents bring a camera, so you'll remember this amazing fort and how much fun you had exploring it.

2. St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Meet the Gators

If you love animals, you'll love the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. This is where you can see lots of alligators, crocodiles, and awesome birds and snakes. There's a gator lagoon where you can see alligators swimming. There's also a treetop zipline where you can soar over the animals. And guess what? You can watch live shows and learn about how these incredible animals live in the wild.

3. Pirate & Treasure Museum 

Ahoy, Matey

Do you like pirates? Of course, you do. Check out the Pirate & Treasure Museum. It's full of real swords, maps, pirate treasures, and all kinds of stories about life on the sea. You'll learn about famous pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack. Don't forget about the treasure hunt! Look for hidden clues and secrets in the museum to receive your very own pirate prize. Bring a pirate hat and eye patch (or have your parents buy one from the museum's gift shop), take a swashbuckling selfie, and let the rest of the world know there's a new pirate in town.

4. Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Drink the Magic Water

A long time ago, a Spanish explorer named Ponce de León (Pon-say Day Leh-on) came to Florida searching for a magical fountain that could keep people young forever. Now, you can visit that very spot at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological (ar-kee-oh-lah-jee-kal) Park. You can drink from the famous spring—like the explorers did centuries ago. Who knows? Maybe it really does have magic powers! (Better ask your parents first). You'll also explore an early village, watch a blacksmith heat and hammer metal into shape, gaze up at the stars in the planetarium, climb the Spanish watchtower, and take part in your very own excavation dig. While you’re walking through the park, keep your eyes open—colorful peacocks roam the grounds, and you might just catch one showing off its giant, feathery tail!

5. Colonial Quarter

Become A Time Traveler

Ever wondered what it was like to live in St. Augustine hundreds of years ago? At Colonial Quarter, you can watch a real musket demonstration, climb the lookout tower, and explore historic homes just like the ones from the 1700s! Walk through a blacksmith shop, see how people cooked over open fires, and try your hand at some colonial-era skills. It’s history you can touch, hear, and experience — just like a real explorer!

6. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum

Explore the Wild & Wacky

Have you ever seen the world's tiniest car or the world's tallest man? How about portraits made from jelly beans or a spiraling tunnel that makes you feel like you're walking sideways? You can at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. It's filled with wild facts and strange things that will make you say, "No way!" Don't forget to ask your parents about the Red Train Tour for more fun after you finish exploring the museum.

7. Anastasia State Park

Adventures in Nature

If you love being outside, Anastasia State Park is the place for you. It's a huge park with miles of beaches, a playground, and plenty of open space to run and play. You can build sandcastles, throw a frisbee, have a picnic, and even spot wild animals. It's a great place for biking, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding, and it's a fun place to explore.

8. St. George Street

Candy Shops, Toy Stores, and More

No trip to St. Augustine is complete without a walk down St. George Street. The walking-only street is filled with old shops, fun stores, and delicious restaurants. Don't worry, the shopping isn't just for your parents; there are plenty of places just for you. You’ll find handmade toys, local candy, and souvenirs to bring home. As you walk, you can see really cool old buildings and hear the sounds of horse-drawn carriages passing by. It’s a fun spot to explore and spend time with your family. Be sure to stop by one of the ice cream shops for a cool treat.

9. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

Learn Like a Kid From the Past

Step back in time and visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the United States! This little schoolhouse was built in the 1700s, and you can see what classrooms were like hundreds of years ago. It’s a fun stop where you can imagine being a student in St. Augustine’s early days. There's also a cool gift shop to buy toys and gifts.

10. Black Raven Adventures

Set Sail Like a Real Pirate

Ever wanted to sail the high seas like a real pirate? Now’s your chance. Black Raven Adventures is a pirate-themed boat ride where you can join the crew, watch pirate battles, and even sing sea shanties. You’ll meet pirates, learn how to talk like one, and maybe even see a sword fight. Keep an eye out for enemy ships — you never know when you’ll need to defend your ship.

Game Ideas for Your St. Augustine Adventure

History I Spy

How to Play: Create a list of things of things about history that you might see in St. Augustine. As you explore, keep an eye out for special landmarks and objects on your list. When you find one, call out “I Spy!” and check it off. Get your parents to help make a list before your trip. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

• A cannon guarding a fort
• A pirate flag waving in the wind
• A wooden ship or boat docked in the bay
• A brick-paved street
• A tower with a bell

Time Traveler’s Challenge

How to Play: Pretend you’re a time traveler visiting St. Augustine from the past! As you explore, complete fun missions that test your knowledge of history.

Challenges to Complete:

• Find something built before 1800 and guess what it was used for.
• Spot a flag from another country and try to name it.
• Look for a street sign with an unusual name and make up a story about why it’s called that.
• Try speaking only like a pirate in one of the stores or fun places you visit during your stay.
• Add more challenges with your parents before your visit. 

At the end of the day, whoever completes the most challenges wins, or completes all of them first, wins.

St. Augustine Bingo

How to Play: Create and decorate your very own Bingo boards before your visit. Fill with cards with things you might see while exploring. As you walk around town, mark off each square when you spot something. Get five in a row — or challenge yourself to find them all!

Here are some suggestions: A horse-drawn carriage, cannon or musket, pirate flag, lighthouse, dolphin, fountain or well, wooden door with iron hinges, historic plaque, someone dressed in old-time clothing, boat in Matanzas Bay, or lion statue.

What’s Your Pirate Name?

Ahoy, matey! Every great pirate needs a legendary name. Use the charts below to find yours, then use it during your visit to St. Augustine.

Step 1: Add your first name to a pirate adjective (based on your birth month).
(Example: If your name is Alex and you were born in January, your pirate name starts as “Stormy Alex”)

Step Two: Add your pirate nickname (based on the first letter of your middle name).

Step 3: Add your pirate origin (Based on your eye color).

Have a Blast Exploring St. Augustine!

St. Augustine is a special place with tons of history, adventure, and fun. Whether you love exploring forts, meeting cool animals, or searching for treasure, there’s always something exciting to do. There's too much to do around town for us to include everything, but we hope you found some exciting things to do during your visit. So grab your family and start your own adventure in the oldest city in the United States.

Parents, check out more family-friendly fun here.