Florida St. Augustine Top Family Outdoor Attractions
Settled back in 1565, Florida’s St. Augustine is known as the oldest city in the U.S. The city has top-notch historic parks, pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries. With average precipitations of under five inches of rain, visitors can enjoy an uninterrupted vacation of family fun in the sun. After exploring the city’s various venues here are our St. Augustine top family outdoor attractions.
Castillo de San Marcos
1 Castillo Drive – (904) 829-6506
Castillo de San Marcos is a fascinating family outdoor attraction to explore. Built in the late 17th century by Spain, Castillo de San Marcos is full of history. In fact, in 1702 when St. Augustine was burned to the ground by England, Castillo de San Marcos is the only building that survived. And the place saw its share of battles including ones that involved pirates. Our kids loved walking across the drawbridge that overlooks the moat and cannons below.
Once inside, you will see living quarters, the church, and ammo rooms to name a few. If you feel adventurous, you are welcome to climb up the stairs and see recovered cannons that once protected Castillo de San Marcos. But the best reward for climbing those stairs are the magnificent bay views.
Autism Travel Tip
Other than the room on the first level of Castillo de San Marcos, there is no protection from the sun. So, hats or umbrellas may make the top level more comfortable for everyone. Furthermore, sunscreen is a must to protect everyone from the sun. Moreover, the area entails walking with no shade and very little seating.
The Colonial Quarter
29 St. George Street – (904) 324-2857
The Colonial Quarter is an outdoor neat place to walk around with kids. Here you and your family will see interactive demonstrations of blacksmithing, musket firing demonstrations, and boat building. One part your kids will love, is climbing up to the top of the 17th century replica of a watchtower.
Autism Travel Tip
The Colonial Quarter spread across two acres is mostly an outside experience. They have organized tours four times a day, but if your kid gets easily bored or tired, you are better off exploring the site on your own. Make sure your kids have comfortable walking shoes and bring along the water for everyone.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
9600 Oceanshore Boulevard – (904) 471-1111
Marineland Dolphin Adventure is one attraction not in the heart of historic Downtown St. Augustine, but when visiting, you should make sure this is on your itinerary. At this family outdoor attraction, your family will learn about conservation as well as the history of Marineland that dates back to 1938. Not only do they have 15 bottlenose dolphins, but they also have sand tiger sharks, and two different turtles to see. Rocky is the Loggerhead turtle that loves to interact with kids and puts on quite a show himself.
Our visit was on Mother’s Day, so they did a special presentation with mother and calf dolphins. During the show, they show how they train the dolphins and keep them busy with enrichment activities.
Autism Travel Tip
While there a little walking here, most kids will love the sand shark tanks and the turtle tanks. Make sure to bring some quarters with you so that you can look out the binocular stations.
Old Town Trolley Tours
167 San Marco Avenue – (904) 829-3800
One of the best ways to see the most of St. Augustine and save your feet is by using the Old Town Trolley Tours. Not only do the guides entertain you with a history of all the attractions, but you can hop on and off at the different attractions. You and your family can also stay on for the entire one hour and ten-minute ride, which has 23 different stops. Also, at the Trolley depot’s, you can purchase tickets to other attractions at a discounted price.
Autism Travel Tip
This attraction is a sound option for kids who can’t or won’t walk around. But be aware that the seating spaces are small and bench style. On rainy days avoid the first and last row since you are sure to get wet. On the plus side, with the trolley ticket, they will provide ponchos to wear.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
999 Anastasia Boulevard – (904) 824-3337
Another family outdoor favorite is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. Kids of all ages will love all of the exotic alligators, caimans, crocodiles, birds, and turtles. They also have snakes, lemurs, and a Komodo dragon on display. Make sure to check out the newest area of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm called the Oasis on the Nile. It features four Nile crocodiles and Egyptian style artifacts.
Autism Travel Tips
The smells of the animals here can be quite overwhelming . Especially around the bird rookery. If you have a thrill-seeking kid, then the sip line over the alligator farm is a great attraction to try.
Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Park
11 Magnolia Avenue – (904) 829-3168
Not only does Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Park, include a 3,000-year-old village from the Timucuan Indian tribe, a planetarium, a Spanish watchtower, a historic boat replica, and free-range peacocks but it also houses Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Eternal Hope. Visitors are encouraged to drink water that contains 30 minerals directly from the spring with complimentary cups provided!
Autism Travel Tip
Since the water has a strong smell and tastes; it is not suitable for those with sensory challenges. The park is filled with squirrels and peacocks all waiting to be fed. If your kid isn’t afraid of critters and birds, then bring quarters to get peanuts from the vending machines.
Have you been to St. Augustine, Florida?
If so, what are your favorite family outdoor attractions in St. Augustine?
Guest post by S. Calhoun
Stacy Calhoun is currently a stay at home mom to two amazing and beautiful girls. Her 16-year-old keeps her busy with horseback riding lessons, and her 9-year-old daughter is a quarter midget race car driver. Her biggest passion other than her family is writing. For the last four years, she has written about frugal living, product reviews, vacation round-ups as well as hotel reviews.
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Great guide, Stacy! I would preffer the dolphin trip from your list but the rest of activities will be very helpful for other people. Great job 🙂
I think that animals can sometimes be dangerous to human life. So you need to be careful in any situation!