Family Fun

Amelia River Cruises

A visit to Amelia Island is incomplete without a tour of our scenic waterways. Tours from Amelia River Cruises & Charters are fully narrated as you explore the backwaters of Amelia Island, and Cumberland Island, cruise up Egan's Creek to the Amelia Island Lighthouse or spend the day in historic St. Mary's, Georgia. Guests to Cumberland Island can visit the Greyfield Inn which has been operated by Carnegie descendents since the 1960's. Watch dolphins frolic in the river, wild horses run the beach on Cumberland Island and take in the breathtaking sunsets.

Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Daily tours with period re-enactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the park’s beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six mile trail through the park and view some of the biggest sand dunes in the state of Florida. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife. A full-facility campground and a youth camping area provide overnight accommodations.

Paddle for Pleasure

Come face to face with egrets, herons and perhaps a dolphin, manatee or sea turtle with the fine folks at Kayak Amelia. Explore the tranquil salt marsh of the Talbot Islands State Park and Timucuan Preserve. The three-hour trip includes a ½ hour kayak fitting on the beach, basic safety and paddle instruction and balance drill on water. Beginners constitute more than 90 percent of Kayak Amelia's clientele, so children able to swim and stay in a kayak for two hours are welcomed guests of Ray and Jodi Hetchka, owners of Kayak Amelia. New in 2011, Kayak Amelia is offering guided Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) tours.

Saddle Up

No visit to Amelia Island is complete without a horseback ride along the pristine shore.  Visitors have two options, Kelly Seahorse Ranch and Ride the Beaches of Amelia. Kelly Seahorse Ranch is one of only a handful of beach-riding opportunities in the nation and the horses are gentle and well-trained. Enjoy the scenery of Amelia's fantastic white-sand beaches and the beauty of the ocean by horseback. Whether you just want to unwind from the hassles of everyday life or would like to soak in the beauty of the island, the guides are professionally trained to assist you. Ride the Beaches of Amelia offers personalized rides for the individual rider’s capabilities

Kids at Heart

Guests of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island can enjoy special programs designed specifically for the youngest members of the family. The Ritz Kids program is an exclusive supervised children's program designed specifically for guests ages 5 through 12. The program allows parents to play while children stay with  trained and certified counselors. Kids can spend the day playing games in Kids Camp Amelia or attend a "Just for Kids" dinner party, that includes hayrides and treasure hunts. A fabulous game room for families – Our Space boasts a cool, modern look and the latest technology featuring flat screen televisions, the latest gaming systems, and timeless favorites like air hockey and foosball. Our Space also features a private movie theater and a large collection of DVDs.  Teens can look forward to weekly outings designed especially for them.

Walking Tours of Fernandina Beach

Offered by the Amelia Island Museum of History, walking tours take groups up Historic Centre Street and into the Silk Stocking District and introduce them to the many great historical figures that influenced the architecture and business on the island. These tours can be modified for children. For those who prefer a more supernatural look at history, the museum also offers weekly ghost tours with thrilling tales of Amelia Island's legendary past.

For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.

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