15 Family Things to Do on St. Simons Island
Looking for family things to do with kids on St. Simons Island? We’ve got you covered!
St. Simons Island is a great place for families! Its one of the best beaches in Georgia, and part of the barrier islands along the coast of Georgia.
The island’s beautiful beaches are the perfect place to soak up the sun during the summer months, splash in the waves, and build sandcastles on the shore.
And, the island also has plenty of other non-summer activities for the whole family.
With its numerous historic sites, its also an excellent place for history buffs looking to include some American history into their vacation. If you’re a homeschooling family like us, you’re always looking for ways to get in a little learning for the entire family, right!?
St. Simons has all sorts of nature trails, parks, and a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. And, the island’s waters are perfect for fishing and boating.
Family Things to Do On St. Simons Island
Do a Treasure Hunt
There are more than 20 tree spirits engraved into live oak trees on St. Simons Island. Start your time on the island by stopping by the Golden Isles Welcome Center to pick up a map of the Tree Spirits. Make it a fun bike ride to find them all, or simply keep your eyes peeled while you go about your day
Play at Massengale Park
Massengale Park is both a beach and a playground for all ages. Families can take advantage of the swimming areas, picnic areas, and playground facilities.
Its a great location for a game of beach volleyball, and the calm waters make it safe for children to splash in the Atlantic coast surf.
Join a Trolley Tour
Our family loves a trolley tour. We love getting to know an area without having to do the driving, and a trolley makes the whole thing more fun. They typically cover major landmarks and share stories that bring local legends to life. Most tours board at the pier in the Pier Village.
Schedule: Tours run daily; check local listings for times.
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Highlights: Lighthouse Museum, Christ Church, historical Battle Sites
Tickets: Purchase at the pier or online in advance.
See some dolphins
Cap Fendig’s tours gets you up close and personal to the dolphins playing in the coastal waters. Families can enjoy dolphin tours as they learn about marine life and the local ecosystem.
- Experience: Over 50 years of local knowledge.
- Departures: Depart from the pier; check for seasonal schedules.
Fish at the Pier
The St. Simons Island fishing pier is an ideal destination for families looking to reel in their catch of the day. Located near the Prince Resort, the pier provides bait, tackle, and the expertise needed for both beginner and expert anglers.
- Location: Near the Prince Resort, along the waterfront
- Suitable for: All levels of anglers
Relax at East Beach
East Beach is the go-to destination for families with kids who want to soak up the sun and enjoy the serenity of the coastline. With its wide stretches of sand, it’s perfect for building sandcastles, sunbathing, or walking along the coastline. You might even get lucky and spot sea turtles during the nesting season.
Visit Neptune Park Fun Zone Pool
The Neptune Park Fun Zone is a hit with families, especially those with young children. It features a pool that’s just the right size for kids to splash around and stay cool.
Parents can relax (slightly!) as the pool has lifeguards on duty The pool area also includes a miniature golf course and a playground, making it a perfect spot for a full day of fun.
Discover the Salt Marshes
The expansive salt marshes around St. Simons Island are a must-see! You can book kayaking tours to paddle through these waters, and see all sorts of biodiversity.
You and your kids will learn about the crucial role marshes play in the ecosystem and may spot birds, fish, and maybe even a sea turtle in its natural habitat.
Visit Christ Church
Originally built in 1820, Christ Church is a beautiful landmark and a beautiful historical site. An attached cemetery holds the graves of several early settlers and famous Georgians. The cemeteries oldest tombstone is from 1803!
Tour the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum not only provides panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse, but also tells the tale of coastal Georgia’s maritime history.
With its roots stretching back to the 1800s, the Lighthouse is closely linked to the coastal defense, playing a part during the Battle of Bloody Marsh. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the lighthouse’s history and the lighthouse keeper role.
Discover Little St Simons Island
Little St. Simons Island is a nearby island accessible only by boat. You can stay on the island, or make a day trip to play with the kids on the serene beaches or explore the over 26 miles of trails.
Learn at the Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Frederica is the location where Georgia’s fate was sealed as a British colony in 1742. Older kids and history buffs will really appreciate all the history here and the guided and unguided walking tours.
Take a Bike Ride
There are several bicycle rental options on St. Simons Island. There are plenty of bike paths and even hard packed beaches. Many rental places on the island have baby seats and trailers, so the whole family can get in on the exercise and fun.
Zip around on a golf cart
If you need a break from walking or biking, rent a golf cart at one of the many rental establishments and zip around town with the little ones. If your kids are anything like ours, they’ll think this is the absolute highlight of the whole trip.
Pickup a Treat
Treat yourself and the kids to ice cream or fudge from St. Simons Sweets, or an Italian ice from one of the slushy carts. In my opinion, no vacation is complete without a sweet treat.
Key Takeaways
Saint Simons Island blends historical sites with fun family activities. The island’s beaches and natural settings provide plenty of opportunities from family quality time. It’s a family favorite Georgia vacation spot for good reason!
