Things to do with Kids on St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island is a gem of a destination off the coast of Georgia. We’re lucky enough to call this little island home and have compiled a list of activities and things to do with kids on St. Simons Island. The list has been shared many times with friends visiting the island, and we are thrilled to share it on our little corner of the internet.
Spend a Day at the Beach
With three miles of continuous beaches, nature's best playground (ahem, the beach) is a big deal around here. Whether you're looking to view the sunrise, have an evening picnic, or spend a long summer day in the sun, a beautiful St. Simons Island beach is the perfect place to do that.
Check out our Parent's Guide to Golden Isles Beaches, where we list the pros and cons for each one, here.
Play at the Neptune Park Fun Zone
We highly recommend visiting the Neptune Park Fun Zone which includes a new playground (see photo below), a public swimming pool that's open during the summer (tickets are required to enter), and a mini-golf course. Located right on the St. Simons Sound and in between the lighthouse and Pier Village, you can spend hours exploring this area.
Burn Some Energy at a Playground
There are a few playgrounds on the island that are great for letting the kids run off some energy. You can check out our full guide to playgrounds on St. Simons Island here.
Go On a Bike Ride
With over 20 miles of paved bike paths, St. Simons Island is fun to explore via bike. If you can't bring your own, there are plenty of bike rental options on the island, which we've listed here.
Click here to view a map of St. Simons Island Biking Trails.
Rent a Golf Cart
Getting around by golf cart is very popular if you stay on the island's south end. Click here for a list of golf cart rentals on St. Simons Island.
Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse
St. Simon's 104 ft. tall lighthouse is one of only five lighthouses in Georgia. Still active, its beam casts 23 miles out to sea. You can climb 129 steps to the top for panoramic views of the coast. The keeper’s dwelling is now a museum.
Click here for hours and admission prices.
Visit the Farm at Oatland North
The Farm at Oatland North is an animal sanctuary on the island's north end. It’s typically open from 2-4 pm on Sundays, and events are held throughout the year. Check their website for more information here. Don’t forget your bug spray, as it's located off a tiny dirt road and among the trees.
Discover the Island’s History at Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Frederica is on the island's north end and is worth visiting. The park is stunning, and kids will love exploring the ruins and can even complete activities to become a Junior Ranger with a badge! Stop by the visitor's center desk to request a junior ranger booklet.
The visitor center, restrooms, trails, and park grounds are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Ranger-led town tours are offered daily, depending on weather and staff availability. Tours are conducted at 11:15 AM and 2:15 PM and last approximately 30 minutes. If guided tours aren't your thing, tour the park at your leisure.
Grab a Bite to Eat at a Family-Friendly Restaurant
St. Simons Island has no shortage of family-friendly restaurants - and we're not talking about chain restaurants, either. We have many amazing, locally-owned restaurants for a small island where you can get fresh-from-the-boat seafood, mouth-watering barbeque and everything in between. Discover our complete list here.
Get a Treat at One of St. Simons Local Sweet Shops
- Frosty’s Griddle and Shake - diner with milkshakes, soft-serve, floats, and sundaes.
- Dulce Dough - some of the best donuts you'll ever have (also, try the cathead biscuit).
- St Simons Sweets - an old-fashioned candy store with fresh baked goods and ice cream.
- Fuse Frozen Yogurt - Self-serve froyo where you add your own toppings.
- Smallcakes: A Cupcakery - delicious gourmet cupcakes.
- King and Prince’s The Cottage Custard + Coffee (there's an outdoor play area on-site!).
See the Turtles (and Maybe an Alligator) at Harrington Park
This park is tucked away off South Harrington and is an excellent spot for a shaded walk and checking out the two ponds. The ponds are home to many turtles, fish, and ducks; you might get lucky to see an alligator. Although there is no playground, if you’re staying on the mid to North end of the island, this is an excellent place to stretch your legs.
Harrington Park is adjacent to the Historic Harrington Schoolhouse, built in the 1920s, and served as the primary educational structure for three African American communities on St. Simons Island.
Feed the Horses at the Stables at Frederica
Feeding the horses at the Stables at Frederica is a great activity on the island's north end (plus the grounds are beautiful). Stop at Harris Teeter on the way for carrots or apples. Just park in the small lots on the right or left before the roundabout.
Take a Hike at Cannon's Point Preserve
A 608-acre greenspace on the north end of the island, Cannon's Point Preserve is an excellent place to view wildlife while also letting the kids burn off some energy. A few things to note:
- On days when Cannon's Point is open to the public (make sure to check it's open before you head out), there's a volunteer on-site that will provide information.
- View the historic ruins of John Couper's plantation (note that it's 5 miles roundtrip to the ruins and then back to the parking lot).
- Be sure to check out the marsh from the boat launch.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Only biking and walking are permitted after you park at Taylor's Fish Camp.
- Bring bug spray.
- Restrooms are located near the parking area.
Go on a Tree Spirit Scavenger Hunt
According to this article, artist Keith Jennings decided to make his mark on St. Simons Island in the ’80s, carving about 20 faces on the island's oak trees. Each unique face is hand-carved, taking 2-4 days to complete. In recent years, Jennings has brought his son Devon to the Island to collaborate on the newest Tree Spirits. Embark on a Tree Spirit scavenger hunt! Click here for a map of the Tree Spirits located on public property.
Take a Tour of St. Simons Island by Land
Trolley tours are a popular way to see all the best sights on St. Simons Island. You’re bound to see several trolleys as you’re out and about exploring the island. There are a couple of different companies that offer trolley tours:
Take a Tour of St. Simons Island by Sea
Dolphin Tour or Sunset Cruise - Cap Fendig is a lifelong island resident and operates several local businesses, including boat tours. He’s a knowledgeable guide and will take you through the marshland rivers and inland waters.
Learn How to Shrimp aboard the Lady Jane - Come aboard the Lady Jane, a retired shrimping boat that has been refurbished for eco-tourism, education, and conservation. You’ll help Captain Cameron and his crew sort through the abundant sea life retrieved from the water on each trawl. Kids LOVE this!
Coastal Backwater Adventures - This unique experience allows you to drive your Catamaran, known as a CraigCat. These boats are quick and performance-driven, like a go-cart on water. They’re easy to operate, even for inexperienced boaters. A tour guide will have you driving like a pro in just a few minutes.
Sunset Cruise Aboard the String of Pearls - Start your evening with a leisurely harbor cruise aboard the String of Pearls. Bring your cooler and snacks and enjoy a spectacular sunset aboard the classic 71 ft. yacht. You’ll often see bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, brown pelicans, and wood storks.
Find or Paint an 'SSI Rocks' Rock
SSI Rocks is a local community rock painting group whose goal is to share as much joy as possible through sharing their rock painting creations! Their mission is to spread kindness, positive vibes and happiness all over St. Simons Island. If you'd like to participate and paint rocks to hide, be sure to include the #ssirocks hashtag.
Join the Facebook group here and follow along on Instagram here.
Explore the Island's Two Shopping Areas
Pier Village
Pier Village is located on the south end of the island. There are many things to explore in The Village and within the direct vicinity including shops, bars, restaurants, the fishing pier (where you might get lucky and see a cargo ship go by while blasting its horn), Neptune Park (which includes a playground, mini-golf and a public swimming pool (tickets must be purchased to swim), the lighthouse and a great sidewalk that winds along the water. If the kids need to get some energy out, exploring The Village is a great option.
Redfern Village
Redfern Village is just north of the St. Simons Airport. It's an outdoor restaurant and shopping district and is great for walking around and popping in and out of all the shops.
Looking for more information about St. Simons Island? Click here!
