Top 12 Things to Do on St. Simons Island With Kids

St. Simons is a tiny island located along the coast of the state of Georgia. It is part of a series of islands known as the Golden Isles. Known for its salt marshes, expansive beaches, and towering weeping willow trees, St. Simons is a tropical haven for families.Vacation rentals on St. Simons vary from sprawling mansions on the water to cozy cottages that line the Intracoastal Waterways. Check out the 12 most popular things to do in St. Simons Island with kids during your getaway withReal Escapes Properties. 

1. Tour the St. Simons Lighthouse

Located at the southern tip of the island, theSt. Simons Island Lighthouse is a 104-foot-tall structure that was rebuilt in 1872. Said to be haunted by the ghost of the light keeper Frederick Osborne, who was killed in a duel by his assistant in 1880, this lighthouse is a fun tour for all ages. Climb the 129-step trek to the top for excellent views of the Atlantic and the island below, and then visit the museum at the bottom, which details more information about the structure. You can also tour the lighthouse and other historic sites on the island withLighthouse Trolleys Land & Sea Tours. 

2. Fish on the Pier

TheSt. Simons Island Pier is the ideal place for fishing with the kids. There are tray tables and water hoses for preparing your bait, and at night, the pier has lights, so you can stay as late as you'd like. Kids can cast their nets and go crabbing. If you need supplies, head to the local hardware store or the bait and tackle shop in Pier Village, which is just a short walk away. Afterward, pack up your bounty and head back to your vacation rental for a feast.

3. Rent Golf Carts

One of the easiest ways to get around the island is by golf cart.Coast to Coast Beach Rentals offers golf carts for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals. Golf carts are fun, eco-friendly, and offer an excellent way to get around the island and have some fun. Carts range from four-seaters to six-seaters, catering to families of all sizes. Please obey the golf cart rules when you rent!

4. Spend Time on the Beach

You can’t plan a vacation to St. Simons without spending a little time relaxing on the beach.East Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the area and one of the top things to do with kids on St. Simons Island. Kids can build a sandcastle, learn how to stand-up paddleboard, windsurf, skimboard, and look for seashells. When you are ready to escape the water and the heat, stop by The Pier Village area for shopping, souvenirs, and ice cream.

5. Play at Neptune Park Fun Zone

Located near the St. Simons Lighthouse,Neptune Park Fun Zone is the perfect place to go after dinner when you are looking for activities with the family. The park features playgrounds, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a pool with a wading area, and a water gym for the kids. The pool closes after Labor Day, but the mini golf course is open year-round. 

6. Go on a Kayaking Adventure

If you prefer calm waters over the ocean, stop bySouthEast Adventure Outfitters and sign up for a kayaking tour amidst the saltwater marshes. Before you get in the ocean, you'll learn about safety and how to traverse the waters. You'll see many animals and stop mid-way through the trip on a remote beach for birding and shelling. The trip is ideal for all ages, and young children can ride tandem with an adult.

7. Tour Fort King George

Located 30 miles north of St. Simons Island,Fort King George is the oldest fort in Georgia. This reconstructed British fort and old sawmill ruins offer the perfect stop for history buffs. There are tours of the plantation house, and you can learn about life on a rice plantation before the Civil War. Take a picnic and enjoy a bite to eat, and then visit the gift shop for mementos of your trip.

8. Explore Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is a natural barrier island off Georgia’s coast. It is home to the Dungeness ruins, a mansion built by Tom Carnegie. You’ll also find an abundance of feral horses that run free along the beach, and you may spot a loggerhead turtle as it makes its way into the water. Spend the day hiking, shelling, or touring the one-roomAfrican Baptist Church located on the north end.

9. Embark on a Family-Friendly Bike Ride

Reserve a bike rental and explore the natural beauty of St. Simons Island on wheels. Ride throughCannon’s Point Preserve and explore some of the last intact maritime forest on the island, while looking for wildlife like oysters, birds, fish, and manatees. 

10. Search for Tree Spirits

Another great way to spend an afternoon with the children is to search for the island’s tree spirits. There are nine tree spirits encased in trees throughout the island. If you find yourself stumped, grab a map at the Golden Isles Visitor Center and find out where these beautiful tree carvings are located.

11. Learn About Sea Turtles

TheGeorgia Sea Turtle Center is located next door on Jekyll Island. This sanctuary is a haven for injured sea turtles found in the area. Here, you can learn about the center's residents and learn how to protect the habitat of these beautiful creatures. Sign up for a nighttime turtle watch, and if you are lucky, you and the kids may see a batch of hatchlings as they make their way out into the Atlantic.

12. Ride Horses on the Beach

There’s nothing quite like going horseback riding on the beach. Go riding atThe Stables of Frederica. Gallop along the white sand beaches and take a dip at the edge of the water while on your faithful steed. This activity is ideal for children ten and up.

Reserve Your Georgia Family Vacation on St. Simons Island

Start planning your Georgia family vacation and enjoy all of these fantastic things to do on St. Simons Island with your kids. Find lodging for the entire family withSt. Simons Island vacation rentals available through Real Escapes Properties. Whether you are looking for a home near the beach or a rental with a private pool, we offer accommodations for everyone’s needs. Book with us today!