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. Therefore, 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 spectacular 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. Frolic on the Beach

13 miles of sandy seashore makes for the best playground. Wade in tide pools, build sandcastles, hunt for shark’s 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… surf boards, body boards, kids beach toys, beach towels and chairs, bathing suits, snacks, drinks, and much more! You name it. If it goes 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 and pinball! The Amelia Island Museum of History also has an interactive children’s area.

4. Get Back to Nature

If your kids love everything to do with the outdoors, wildlife and nature, a stop at The Nature Center at Omni Amelia Island Resort is a must. They have everything you need for a wildlife excursion like field binoculers, apparel, and fishing poles. Listen to a naturalists “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 like 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 water falls, 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

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Amelia Island was a safe harbor for pirates. Our port is among the deepest on the southeast coast of the United States allowing pirate galleons to enter even at low tide. Although we don’t condone pirate behavior, we have sort of adopted them as the island’s mascot. You may even run into some real pirates, courtesy of the Fernandina Beach Pirates Club (they’re nice though). If your kids want to be a pirate for a day, head downtown to Corner Copia, the pirate store specializing in hats, swords, eye patches, and all things pirate. Arghh!

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 from 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 Island Time Frozen Yogurt for a selection of yogurts and sorbets that are all natural with no artificial flavors.

10. Make Your Own Toy Story

Villa Villekulla is a neighborhood toy store in downtown Fernandina Beach featuring room to play and an array of hand-picked quality fun, educational, open-minded, outdoor, and eco-friendly toys. Your kids will love this store so much, you’ll have trouble getting them to leave.

Note: If you don’t recognize the name, Villa Villekula is a fictional house that is the home of Pippi Longstocking, a character in a series of books. It just so happens that The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking was filmed right here on Amelia Island and the real Villa Villekula is located in Old Town.