St. Simons Island is a small, beautiful island located on the coast of Georgia, also known as the Golden Isles. While it is vastly known for the expansive beaches and rich culture, it is also a great place for kids for a tropical getaway. From exploring historic sites to spending the day soaking up the sun, Saint Simons Island is a place where the whole family will have a great time.
Check out our favorite spots to visit even with young children.
Neptune Park Fun Zone
Neptune Park is a one-stop-shop for all-day fun. The park is equipped with a large waterpark , playground, and even mini golf. Enjoy the winding waterslides or splash around in the wading pool. No matter what you choose to do at the park, you can assure that the kids will have a great time and wear themselves out.
Location: 550 Beachview Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Phone: (912) 279-2836
Brunswick Adventures
Although located off of the island in Brunswick, it’s only a quick 15-minute drive from most of our vacation rental homes. If you’re looking for a great place for your kids to have some fun and come back home tired, this is the place for you!
Ideal for a rainy day activity or on a winter day when it’s a bit too chilly to play on the beach, Brunswick Adventures has bounce houses, a trampoline park, a toddler area, concession stands, and a comfortable lounge for adults to hang out while they’re kids play.
Location: 5581 Habersham St, Brunswick, GA 31520, USA
Phone: (912) 342-7427
Pinball Palace
Another option for a great day out with your kids is to Pinball Palace, also in Brunswick. Not only do they have nearly 100 pinball games, they have plenty of other classic arcade games for your older kids and a bounce room for your younger ones. This is the perfect spot for your children to enjoy, regardless of their age. Plus, pinball is pretty fun for us parents, too!
Location: 3303 Hopkins Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 265-9275
Fishing Pier
There is nothing like exploring the beautiful beaches from a higher point. The St. Simons Island fishing pier is the perfect place to teach and show kids marine life. From daily anglers to visitors, there is always something going on at the pier. Enjoy a nice walk over the ocean or cast your net out and catch a few blue crabs.
Location: Mallery Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island
Spend an afternoon searching for the nine different tree spirits encased in trees throughout the island. This unique scavenger hunt is a lot of fun for your entire family.
If you hit a roadblock, head over to the welcome center where you will find a map showing where all nine are hidden. This scavenger like game is great for when the weather is a little less than perfect. Children of all ages will have a great time searching for different spirits.
Location: Throughout St. Simons
Christ Church
As one of the most photographed places on the island, this historic church has been a part of the area since 1820. Partially destroyed by Union Troops during the Civil War, the scenic church offers old architecture and huge live oak trees. Your older kids can come by and learn about the history of the church, or attend a real service and see how the modern-day church works.
Location: 6329 Frederica Rd St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Phone: (912) 638-8683
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
The St. Simons Island Lighthouse is on the southern tip of St. Simons Island. Explore the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum in the Keeper’s Dwelling and discover the fascinating history of Coastal Georgia through colorful exhibits of rare artifacts, historical photographs, and interactives designed for the whole family. The development of lighthouse technology is also traced.
Location: 610 Beachview Dr, St Simons, GA 31522
Phone: (912) 634-7090
Fort Frederica National Monument
Deciding Georgia’s fate in 1742, St. Simons Island was the grounds where the forces originally clashed between the Spanish and British. Fort Frederica’s troops defeated the Spanish, ensuring Georgia’s future as a British colony. Today, the archeological remnants of Frederica are protected by the National Park Service. This park embodies a historic victory yet beauty at the same time.
Location: 6515 Frederica Rd. St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Phone: (912) 638-3639
East Beach
East Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the area and it is perfect for families. While many tourists love Driftwood Beach, East Beach is the safer place for young kids to play in the sand. Children can build a sandcastle or learn how to stand-up paddleboard. They can enjoy bike riding, hiking, kayaking, or even just taking a short walk on the white sand. If you are lucky you can even come across some sea turtles.
There are many close-by bike paths so you can take a break from the beach and explore more of the great outdoors on 2 wheels.
Location: 4202 1st St, St Simons, GA 31522
Phone: (800) 933-2627
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Explore the lives of sea turtles and other native animals through daily education programs and gallery exhibits. Glimpse into the hospital where sea turtles are treated, see our turtle patients in the rehabilitation pavilion, and learn how our research is helping sea turtles in Georgia and throughout the world! The center will be the perfect way to spend a day exploring Jekyll Island and learning how to help save the sea turtles.
Location: 214 Stable Road, Corner Of Hopkins & Stable Rd. Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Phone: (912) 635-4444
Golf Cart, Kayak and Bike Rentals
A few of the best ways to get around the island are golf carts, bikes, and even kayaks. Explore the ocean, road, or forest by renting a bike, golf cart, or kayak. The Ocean Motion Surf Co rents many things like golf carts, beach cruisers, and bikes for the duration of your stay. Smell the salty, warm air while you pedal through beautiful terrain for a day of family fun.
Explore Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is a natural barrier island off of the Georgia coast. It is home to the Dungeness ruins. Enjoy the serene island, or catch up with the feral horses that run free along the beach. You can spend the day with your family doing fun things like hiking, biking, or even shelling.
Tour Fort King George
Located 15 miles north of Brunswick, Fort King George is a reconstructed British fort and old sawmill ruins that offer the perfect stop for history buffs and kids. You can tour the plantation house, learn about life on rice plantations, or even have a picnic.
Address: 302 McIntosh Rd, Darien, GA 31305
Phone: (912) 437-4770
Enjoy Your Beach Trip with Your Kids
There are many things to do while exploring the golden isles of Georgia. Only an hour drive from the bigger cities of Jacksonville, Florida, 4.5 hours from Atlanta, or an hour from Savannah, you’ll have plenty of great things to do with your kids on St. Simons Island.
From learning about the culture and history to adventuring into the great outdoors, a little St. Simons Island vacation is perfect for family travel. For a day without kids, look
