Top 4 Must-Do Activities with Kids
Short on time? These are the experiences families rave about most.
Beach Horseback Riding
Only place in Florida's state parks! Ages 6+ ride along the shore at sunrise or sunset.
Fort Clinch State Park
Explore a real Civil War fort with rangers in costume. Kids become junior historians!
Dolphin & Nature Tour
Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees on a family-friendly boat adventure.
Main Beach Park
Playground, splash pad, mini golf, and restaurants—everything in one spot!
Outdoor Adventures for Families
Amelia Island is a natural playground. Here's how to explore it with kids of all ages.
Fort Clinch State Park
Walk through a remarkably preserved Civil War-era fort where rangers in period costumes demonstrate soldier life. Plus miles of nature trails, gorgeous beaches, and great fishing.
Learn More →Beach Horseback Riding
The only beach horseback riding in Florida's state park system! Guided rides along the pristine shore at Amelia Island State Park. Book early—this sells out fast!
Learn More →Dolphin & Eco Tours
Kids love spotting bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and countless shorebirds. Several operators offer family-friendly boat tours through the coastal marshes.
View Tours →Bike the Island
Rent bikes (including kids' sizes and trailers) and explore the Amelia Island Trail. The paved path connects beaches, parks, and downtown—safe and scenic!
Family Fishing Charters
Book a kid-friendly charter for inshore fishing. Patient captains help little ones catch their first fish. No experience needed—gear and instruction provided.
Kayak & Paddleboard
Explore calm coastal waters and tidal creeks. Many outfitters offer tandem kayaks (adult + child) and guided eco-tours perfect for families.
Beach Activities Kids Love
Thirteen miles of beaches means plenty of room to run, splash, and explore. Here's how kids spend their beach days.
Surfing & Skim Boarding
Gentle waves are perfect for beginners. Surf lessons available for ages 5+.
Shell Collecting
Low tide reveals treasures! Best spots: Fort Clinch beach and State Park.
Sandcastle Building
Wide beaches with perfect sand. Bring buckets or rent castle kits locally.
Tide Pool Exploring
Find crabs, sea stars, and small fish in rocky areas at low tide.
Kite Flying
Steady ocean breezes make Amelia Island perfect for colorful kites.
Turtle Watch (May-Oct)
Sea turtle nesting season! Look for tracks and protected nests on morning walks.
🏖️ Best Family Beach: Main Beach Park
Main Beach has everything families need: a playground, splash pad, restrooms, outdoor showers, snack bar, and mini golf right next door. Park in the free lot and spend all day without moving the car!
🌧️ Rainy Day? No Problem!
🎳 Beach Bowl
Family bowling alley with bumper lanes, arcade games, and a snack bar. Perfect for toddlers to teens.
🚢 Maritime Museum
Hands-on exhibits about Amelia Island's shrimping and pirate history. Kids love the model boats!
🍬 Candy Shop Crawl
Downtown has multiple candy stores and Fantastic Fudge. Make a sweet scavenger hunt!
🎬 Island Cinemas
Modern movie theater with all the latest family films. Afternoon matinees are budget-friendly.
🎨 Art Classes
Island Art Association offers drop-in kids' classes. Painting, pottery, and crafts!
📚 Library Story Time
Fernandina Beach Library has free kids' programs. Check their schedule for story time and crafts.
Downtown Fernandina Beach with Kids
The 50-block Victorian historic district isn't just for adults! Here's what kids love downtown.
Ice Cream Stops
Hit Fantastic Fudge for homemade ice cream, or La Bodega for authentic gelato. Both are kid-approved favorites on Centre Street.
Candy Heaven
Amelia Island Sweets and Fernandina's Fantastic Fudge have bins of old-fashioned candy. Give kids a budget and let them choose!
Toy Shops
Explore unique toy stores with games, puzzles, and beach toys you won't find at big box stores.
Ghost Train Tours
For older kids (8+), the Amelia Island Trolley Ghost Tour is spooky fun without being too scary.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants
These spots welcome families with open arms—good food, kids' menus, and forgiving atmospheres.
Sliders Seaside Grill
Beach views, outdoor seating, kids' menu with all the classics. Walk right in from the sand!
Kids Menu + Beach AccessTimoti's Seafood Shak
Casual counter-service with fresh seafood, fish tacos, and fried shrimp kids love.
Casual + QuickT-Ray's Burger Station
Retro diner with amazing burgers, shakes, and a fun atmosphere. A local favorite!
Burgers + ShakesThe Crab Trap
Waterfront dining where kids can watch boats while waiting. Fresh catch and great sunsets.
Waterfront + ViewsPablo's Mexican Cuisine
Family-run Mexican with generous portions. Kids love the quesadillas and sopapillas!
Family-Run + PortionsJoe's 2nd Street Bistro
Upscale but welcoming to families. Great for a nicer dinner out with well-behaved kids.
Nice Dinner OptionTips for Traveling with Kids
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Florida sun is strong! Apply before going out and reapply every 2 hours. Rash guards help too.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles to the beach. The combination of sun, salt, and sand dehydrates kids quickly.
Plan Around Nap Time
Schedule big activities for mornings. Beach time or pool time works great for afternoon quiet hours.
Choose the Right Hotel
Omni and Ritz-Carlton have kids' programs. Vacation rentals offer kitchens and more space.
Book Activities Early
Horseback riding and popular tours sell out weeks ahead. Reserve immediately after booking lodging.
Bring a Car
A rental car gives flexibility for beach-hopping, restaurant variety, and escaping afternoon storms.
Family Travel FAQs
What age is best for Amelia Island with kids?
Amelia Island works for all ages! Toddlers love the gentle waves and sand, elementary kids enjoy Fort Clinch and wildlife tours, and teens appreciate surfing, biking, and the laid-back beach vibe. It's particularly ideal for elementary-age kids (5-12) who can participate in horseback riding and remember the experiences.
Is the beach safe for young children?
Yes! Amelia Island beaches have gentle waves, gradual entry, and lifeguards at Main Beach during peak season. There are no big drop-offs close to shore. That said, always supervise children in the water and be aware of tidal currents.
What should I pack for kids?
Essentials: reef-safe sunscreen (lots of it!), rash guards, water shoes for rocky areas, sand toys, snacks, and plenty of water bottles. Nice to have: beach tent or umbrella, boogie boards, fishing nets for tide pools, and a change of clothes in the car.
How many days do you need with kids?
We recommend 4-5 days minimum to enjoy the beaches without rushing and fit in 2-3 activities. A full week is ideal if you want lazy beach days plus adventures. Even a long weekend works for a quick getaway focused on beach time.
Are there stroller-friendly areas?
Downtown Fernandina Beach has wide, flat sidewalks perfect for strollers. Beach access varies—Main Beach has a boardwalk, but most beach paths are sandy. Beach wagons work better than strollers on sand.
What's the closest airport?
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is just 30 minutes away—one of the shortest airport-to-beach drives in Florida. Perfect for minimizing travel time with antsy kids!
Start Planning Your Family Vacation
Find family-friendly hotels, browse vacation rentals with space to spread out, and discover more activities for your Amelia Island trip.