Who usually decides where you go on vacation? If you have children, we’re pretty sure we know the answer. It’s a love match when it comes to kids and the beach, and let’s face it – we’ll do just about anything to make them happy. So, without further ado, here are the top-10 kid-approved activities on Amelia Island so you can just jump right into your vacation.

1. Play in a Fort

Fort Clinch is set in a state park where an amazing drive through a canopy of trees leads to one of the best-preserved Civil War era forts in the U.S. Play on the cannons that overlook the St. Marys Inlet and Amelia River, hike the park’s nature trails, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shaded playground area. Big and little kids alike will love the living history re-enactments that take place on the first weekend of each month. It’s easy to spend the day here.

2. Build Castles in the Sand

13 miles of sandy seashore make for the best playground. Wade in tide pools, build sandcastles, hunt for sharks’ teeth, jump the waves, surf, or just relax and soak up the sun. The Beach Store & More has everything you need for a great day at the beach… surfboards, body boards, kids’ beach toys, beach towels and chairs, bathing suits, snacks, drinks, and much more! If it goes in or on the beach, they’ve got it.

3. Come Face to Face with History

Amelia Island is chock full of history, and we can’t wait to tell you about it. Hop aboard Anchor Trolleys for a history lesson in Old Town Fernandina (where the home of Pippi Longstocking is), and historic downtown, where gilded-age millionaires once lived. If you’re ready to take a break from the outdoors, consider one of our historic and unique museums featuring everything from an African-American environmentalist to plundering pirates! The Amelia Island Museum of History also has an interactive children’s area.

4. Get Back to Nature

If your kids love everything about the outdoors, wildlife, and nature, a stop at The Nature Center at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa is a must. They have everything you need for a wildlife excursion, like field binoculars, apparel, and fishing poles. Listen to a naturalist’s “critter talk” or visit with the local animal rescues. Afterwards, hike or bike your way through Egans Creek Park for a day in the wild as you’ve only dreamed about. Expect to see native plants as well as possible sightings of alligators, snakes, deer, and many species of birds!

5. Putt Putt Around

Amelia Island is known for award-winning golf, but where kids are concerned, it’s the putt-putt courses that score the most with them. Gregor Macgregor’s Mini Links & Drinks combines a round of golf, tasty drinks, and snacks right in the heart of historic downtown, while Island Falls Adventure Golf offers 18 holes surrounded by waterfalls, bridges, and tunnels. Bring out a little family competition at Heron’s Cove Adventure Golf, located at Omni Amelia Island Resort, or Putt-Putt Amelia Island overlooking the ocean at Main Beach!

6. Become a Pirate for a Day

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Amelia Island served as a safe haven for pirates. Thanks to one of the deepest natural ports on the southeastern coast, pirate galleons could navigate our waters even at low tide. Today, you can experience that swashbuckling history firsthand aboard The Flying Dutchman, a family-friendly pirate cruise along the Amelia River featuring real pirates on board. While we certainly don’t condone pirate behavior, we’ve embraced these colorful characters as part of the island’s heritage. In fact, you may spot a few roaming downtown thanks to the Fernandina Beach Pirates Club—don’t worry, they’re the friendly kind. For young buccaneers eager to join the crew, make a stop at Corner Copia, the island’s pirate-themed shop stocked with hats, swords, eye patches, and everything needed for a day of adventure. Arrrgh, matey!

7. Ride the River

Whether your kids prefer a slower, relaxing cruise or an adrenaline-pumping ride of their life, we’ve got you covered! Amelia River Cruises offers family-friendly cruises of the Amelia River and the gorgeous Florida/Georgia coastline, while Backwater Cat Adventure has two-seater, custom-designed mini catamaran boats that are fast, stable, fun, and most importantly — safe for ages 5 and up. Kind of like a go-kart on the water. Whatever you decide, your kids will talk about this for years to come. Check out other land and water adventures here.

8. Hang Ten

If you wanna hang ten without hitting the waves, take a guided tour on an electric skateboard from Amelia Island Board Rentals. With the speed controlled by a wireless hand-held throttle remote and by shifting your body weight between the front of the board and rear, this isn’t your average skateboard from the 70’s. Fat tires and a longer body, allow you to easily cruise the sandy beaches of Amelia Island as well as the road! This unique tour starts with a quick lesson and then takes you to some of the best points of interest on the island.

9. I Scream. You Scream

Who doesn’t love ice cream? It brings out the kid in all of us. Enjoy hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream indoors or in the shaded outdoors at DeNucci’s, located right in the center of the island. Downtown’s Fantastic Fudge serves up ice cream and homemade fudge, made fresh daily. Indulge in an ice cream cone and watch fudge being made, or head down to the Cinnamon Bear Country Store for ice cream, unique souvenirs, and whimsical gifts for the whole family.

10. Bike the Trails

One of the best ways to see the island is on two wheels. With scenic paths and quiet streets, Amelia Island makes family biking both easy and fun. Pedal on the beach, beside shady forests, or cruise through downtown neighborhoods lined with historic homes. Hop on the Amelia Island Trail (Approx. 6–7 miles). It’s a paved, multi-use trail running parallel to Highway A1A from Amelia Island State Park to Peters Point Beachfront Park. It is part of the East Coast Greenway and offers views of marshlands and maritime forests.

These are all what family vacation memories are made of!