Things to do in Darien with Kids
Georgia’s second oldest city, Darien, is a quaint waterfront town just a half-hour North of the Golden Isles. There are plenty of things to do with kids in Darien, GA, including visiting Fort King George, taking the ferry to Sapelo Island for a tour, and great restaurants to enjoy the beautiful view!
Kid-Friendly Activities in Darien
Sign up for a public tour of Sapelo Island. You will see the marine research center, Sapelo Lighthouse, Reynolds Plantation, and more. Although Sapelo and the tour are family-friendly, the public tour may be a lot of information for younger children. The Sapelo Visitor’s Center has nature trails and a picnic area that would be great for all ages. Sapelo Island can only be accessed by ferry boat to pre-registered visitors, by sure the make your reservation!
Sign up for a nature tour by boat (or a wine tour if you're without kids). Georgia Tidewater Outfitters also offers private charters.
Fort King George is a great place for kids to run around and explore. In addition to the fully reconstructed fort, there is a nature trail and picnic area to enjoy. The Fort regularly offers living history programs on colonial life and military science.
Darien Lion’s Club Park
905 E Broad Street
Darien, GA 31305
Darien Lion's Club Park has two playgrounds, one of which is nicely shaded.
Webster’s Christmas Tree Farm
1394 Websters Christmas Tree Farm Road S.E
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 266-4546
Webster’s Christmas Tree Farm is a fun excursion where you can select and cut your own Christmas tree during the Christmas season. They have a great gift shop and a fun kid’s play area with lights and blow-up lawn decorations. And, of course, just running through the rows of trees can provide great entertainment! Webster’s provides a great backdrop for photo opportunities for guests. Although the farm is only open to the public seasonally, they offer year-round availability if you’re interested in using Webster’s as a destination for a family photo shoot.
The Studio
111 Walton Street
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 437-5979
In the heart of downtown Darien is The Studio, a unique space offering art and fitness. The Studio has weekly classes for adults and children and a gallery space featuring local art and gift items reflective of beautiful Coastal Georgia.
Darien’s Blessing of the Fleet Festival
If you really want a taste of Darien at its best, mark your calendar for its most noteworthy annual event, Darien's Blessing of the Fleet Festival, and boat parade held in April each year. Watch the shrimp boats parade under the bridge and accept blessings from local religious leaders for a safe and prosperous shrimping season. For this festival, Downtown Darien hosts a carnival atmosphere with live music, food vendors, a 5K, and other fun activities for the whole family.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Darien
Skipper's Fish Camp
85 Screven Street
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 437-3474
Casual waterfront dining with a big deck and ponds where you can watch turtles and fish.
B & J's Steaks & Seafood
901 North Way
Darien, GA, 31305
(912) 437-2122
You can eat like a local off their seafood buffet.
Keys North Market and Grill
103 Fort King George Drive
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 437-2938
Casual waterfront dining offering salads, sandwiches, and pizzas for lunch and dinner.
Blue Bay Mexican Grill
110 Screven Street
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 574-8016
Delicious Mexican food in a kid-friendly atmosphere.
The Oaks Club Restaurant & Cedar Bar
205 Fort King George Drive
Darien, GA 31305
(833) 550-6257
Located in the newly constructed Oaks on the River Luxury Boutique Hotel, you may want to clean up before checking out this eatery. This gorgeous waterfront hotel has beautiful views and a pool overlooking the river. The hotel also boasts a spa offering services, including facials, massages, and other treatments.
Waterfront Wine & Gourmet
107 Broad Street
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 437-3410
Not just a wine bar! Waterfront Wine & Gourmet also serves craft beer, specialty cheeses, and meats. Follow them on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter for information on wine tastings and other special features. Waterfront Wine & Gourmet allows children, but the atmosphere is tailored to those over 21.
We hope you enjoy discovering all the things to do in Darien, GA with kids. Click here if you're looking for more day trip ideas from the Golden Isles.
Contributed by Amanda Walker, a local mom of two young boys. Want to be a guest contributor? Click here to partner with us!
