Hi, fellow kid explorers! If you’re heading to Amelia Island, grab your backpack and sense of adventure because I’m about to give you the Top 10 coolest things for kids to do here. I’ve tested them all and can confirm: this island is a blast!

1. The Nature Center at Omni Amelia Island Resort

You’re gonna want to visit Amelia Island Nature Center and find out all the “wild” stuff about Amelia Island. You can meet rescued animals (some are kinda slimy, but in a fun way), ask crazy questions like “Do turtles yawn?” (They kinda do.), and even rent a fishing pole. They also have explorer gear like binoculars and books with animals in them. 

2. Duck Pinz Bowling

Okay, picture this: regular bowling, but the balls are smaller, and so are the pins. It’s like bowling for people under 5 feet tall! Duck Pinz has music, snacks, kid drinks, and gross drinks that grown-ups like, so it’s basically a party. Best of all… nobody has to wear weird shoes.

3. Amelia Island Pirate Voyages

ARRR you ready to become a pirate? This will be the most fun you’ve ever had. You get a pirate name (mine was Two Toes Patch O’Malley), wear cool gear, hang out with real pirates (Captain Jack and Graybeard), and sail on a real pirate ship! It’s 100% awesome. Sometimes, there are special voyages especially for kids that include photos, games, and special guests.

4. Mini Golf Mania

There are FOUR mini golf courses on Amelia Island! Who doesn’t love putt putt? Check out Gregor MacGregor Mini Links & Drinks, Putt Putt Amelia Island, Island Falls Adventure Golf, and Heron’s Cove Adventure Golf. Some have waterfalls and tunnels, others have rocks and sand traps. You can pretend you’re on an adventure, or just try to beat your family members.

5. Ice Cream Parlors Galore

The hardest thing to do on Amelia Island is pick a favorite ice cream spot. Fantastic Fudge has waffle cones that smell like happiness (maybe that’s the homemade fudge). DeNucci’s has the best banana split. Island Time has 24 yummy flavors and crazy toppings (think gummy bears, fruit loops, and colorful sprinkles). And, Mellow Yellow lets you create your own frozen yogurt masterpiece. You might just have to try them all. You’re welcome!

6. Beach Time + Beach Store & More

The beach is basically a giant sandbox with salty water and shells. You can boogie board, build castles, and dig huge holes just because (remember to fill them back up before you leave though). At The Beach Store & More, they have all the stuff you forgot to pack—like buckets, floaties, and sunscreen that smells like coconut.

7. Story Time at Story & Song Bookstore (Saturdays at 10:30am)

Books come to life at Story & Song! Every Saturday morning, you can listen to stories read by Ms. Dearsha (or a guest speaker) who uses funny voices. Sometimes there are songs and snacks. Moms like it because we actually sit still for a little bit, and listen. Which is rare.

8. Amelia Island Museum of History

History sounds boring until you see it here. They’ve got kid tours, summer camps, and you get to learn about pirates, old-timey stuff, and how people lived way back when. Sometimes there are scavenger hunts. It’s like school, but way better.

9. Playgrounds

If you’ve got tons of energy like me, Amelia Island has awesome places to play! Pirate Playground has cool stuff to climb on. Central Park has a big playground, tennis courts (and pickleball), and you can play tag forever. Little kids love Kids Can Be Kids—it’s an indoor playground just for kids 7 and under, with soft stuff to bounce on. And Main Beach Park is HUGE! There’s a playground, a giant field to run wild in, and even a skateboard park to shred.

10. Vintage Donuts

I could eat from Vintage Donuts every day. It starts with a plain vanilla doughnut and then you get to choose your icing (pick from caramel, chocolate, maple, vanilla, or glaze) and then your topping (choose from bacon, cinnamon sugar, fruity pebbles, and chocoate chips, just to name a few). The best part is you can get a dozen and try one of each. Trust me, you’re gonna want to take some home with you.

So there you go…Amelia Island, kid-approved! Tell your parents to pack the car, and don’t forget your swimsuit and stretchy pants (for all the ice cream and donuts). See you out there, adventurers!