Guide to St. Simons Island Parks
Whether you are visiting St. Simons Island with your family or are local and need some greenspace to let the kids run, there are several beautiful parks in the Golden Isles to explore. We’ve rounded up all of the St. Simons Island parks, including tips and information for each so you can have a successful day with your kids.
St. Simons Island Parks
The following St. Simons Island parks don't have playground but are still worth visiting as there are things for kids to explore at each one.
Epworth Park
108 Lady Huntington Dr.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Although this park doesn't include a playground, Epworth Park has a dog park, newly renovated tennis and pickleball courts, picnic tables, and a ball field. This park does have restroom facilities.
Gascoigne Bluff
1000 Arthur J. Moore Dr.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
This park would be good for older children who enjoy playing disc golf as Gascoigne Bluff contains the only disc golf course in Glynn County. Other amenities include a waterfront picnic pavilion, dock with covered pavilion and bench seating, and restrooms.
Postell Park
532 Beachview Dr.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Postell Park is located next to Neptune Park in the Pier Village area. It's the location for many craft shows and festivals hosted by Glynn Visual Arts and is available to rent. Within the park is also the Casino building that houses the St. Simons Island Public Library and the Island Players Theater. Check the library's schedule for story time and make your way to The Village or the Neptune Park playground afterward, or grab a bite to eat at one of many eateries within walking distance.
Wesley Memorial Gardens is a beautiful place to explore, especially around late February through early April (depending on the year) when the azaleas are in full bloom. It's located adjacent to Christ Church and Fort Frederica. You could park at Christ Church and walk to all of them if you wanted to, although this may be too much walking for younger children.
The Wesley Gardens are named the Methodist Church founders, John and Charles Wesley. With over two acres of flowers, trees, plants (and plenty of benches to stop and admire its beauty), the gardens are as beautiful as they are peaceful.
Note it will only take around 20 minutes to walk around the gardens and there are no restrooms available.
Fort Frederica is on the island's north end and is worth a visit. The park itself is stunning, and kids will love exploring the ruins and can even complete activities to become a Junior Ranger, complete with a badge! Stop by the visitor's center desk to request a junior ranger booklet.
Cannon's Point Preserve
560 Cannon's Point Rd.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
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.
Harrington Park
275 S Harrington Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
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.
St. Simons Island Parks with Playgrounds
There are several parks with playgrounds on St. Simons Island. A few of them are brand new or have recently been renovated.
Neptune Park
550 Beachview Drive
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
The Neptune Park Playground is one of our favorite playgrounds in the Golden Isles. It's nestled between beautiful oaks that shade several picnic tables and the St. Simons Sound. A full renovation was completed in December 2022. The new playground is pirate ship themed and is a big improvement from what was there before.
Pros:
- Benches surround the playground for parents to sit.
- Infant and regular swings.
- Bathrooms nearby.
- Picnic tables under the oaks next to the playground. This is the perfect location for a picnic lunch or an outdoor birthday party.
- Views of the Sound for dolphin sightings and watching the ships go by.
- Walk to nearby Pier Village and grab a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, or do some shopping in the many shops that line Mallery Street.
- In the summer, the Neptune Park Fun Zone is next door and features a pool, a water playground/splash area for kids, and a mini-golf course. Both require a fee:
- $8 per person per round of mini golf
- $8 per person per day for access to the pool
Cons:
- Parking in the summer can be difficult.
- No shade on the playground itself so it can get HOT in the summer.
Mallery Park
601 Mallery Street
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Mallery Park on St. Simons Island is a short distance from bustling Pier Village. This playground caters more to kids three and older and isn’t the best option for kids under two.
Pros:
- Shaded for the most part.
- Bathrooms nearby.
- Swings.
- Located within walking distance of Frosty’s Griddle and Shakes. Treat the kids (and yourself!) to lunch and a milkshake after playing.
Cons
- Parking can be difficult during soccer and baseball season as ball fields surround the park.
- A limited number of tables and benches
- It’s a very tall play structure with very tall and fast slides. Great for kids at least three years of age, but anxiety-inducing for parents of those two and under.
Massengale Park
1350 Ocean Blvd.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Massengale Park is located in the East Beach area of St. Simons Island. The playground is located near the park entrance, and the beach is a short walk away at the back end of the park.
Pros:
- Shaded.
- Plenty of benches and picnic tables.
- Bathrooms are a five-minute walk towards the back of the park.
- Swings, including one infant swing.
- Walking distance to the beach makes it very easy to do both activities.
Cons:
- Parking can be challenging in the summer. Get there early.
Demere Park
1219 Demere Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Demere Park is the smallest park on St. Simons Island. One of the unique features of this park is that it has a skate park on-site - the only skate park on St. Simons.
Pros:
- On-site skate park.
- There’s a butterfly garden within the park.
- Restrooms on site.
Cons:
- The playground is tiny, and kids might get bored quickly.
Frederica Park
2201 Lawrence Rd.
St Simons Island, GA 31522
Frederica Park on St. Simons Island is a great option for those living on the north end of the island.
Pros:
- New playground as of March 2023.
- There is a dog park within the park if you have a pup that wants to get out.
- There’s a nice sidewalk loop around the soccer fields. Have your kids bring their scooters or bikes and get your steps in.
- The Alice Richards Botanical Trail is a flat hiking trail within the park. One area of the path has several fairy houses that our kids love exploring.
- Bathrooms are located near the parking lot.
- Two covered picnic pavilions if you want to pack a lunch.
Cons:
- Bugs! Beware of bugs at this park: ticks, gnats, mosquitos, and chiggers. Bring bug spray and check your kids and pets for ticks when you leave.
Glynn Haven Park
Corner of Atlantic Dr. & Third Ave.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Those living or staying mid-island will be happy to hear a new park was completed in the Glynn Haven neighborhood. The park includes green space and a playground that's on the smaller side. Read more here.
Pros:
- Mid-island location
- New as of December 2022
- Green space adjacent to the playground (psst... bring a soccer ball to kick around)
- Mommy-and-me swing
- Walking distance to Frederica Pharmacy for soft serve ice cream, Brogens North, and La Plancha.
Cons:
- No bathrooms
- The playground is on the smaller side, so older kids might get bored
- Lack of shade
Along with these St. Simons Island parks, we have access to nature's best playground: the beach! Check out our Parent's Guide to Golden Isles beaches here.
