On Amelia Island, you can choose to get away from it all, while getting back to what’s important: family. Whether it’s jumping waves in the surf, exploring nature, cruising the river, or playing a competitive round of miniature golf, Amelia Island is the ultimate kids vacation that adults will love, too.

Check out this list of amazing fun to bring out the kid in all of us.

Beachin’ It

13 miles of broad, open Atlantic coast make for a playground that is always different and always appealing. Whether it’s playing in tide pools, building sand castles, hunting for shark teeth or jumping the waves, a day on Amelia Island’s Beaches is always good for the soul. Take a surfing lesson with Amelia Surf Co. or visit The Beach Store & More for everything you might need for your day at the beach – beach chairs, umbrellas, body boards, kayaks, surf boards, and stand up paddle boards just to name a few. They also sell fishing licenses, bait and tackle for your shoreline fishing needs.

Adventures on the Water

Amelia River Cruises (pictured above) is great fun for the the whole family. Cruise offerings include Cumberland island tours, family sunset tours, special shrimping eco-tours and family cruises. View Fort Clinch from the water and look for the wild horses on Cumberland Island. Your kids will talk about this for years to come. If it’s an adenaline-pumping good time you’re seeking, Backwater Cat Adventure is the answer. Take off on a two-seater, custom-designed mini catamaran boat that are fast, stable, fun, and most importantly – safe! Kind of like a go cart on the water. To slow things down a bit, take a kayak tour from award-winning Amelia Island Kayak Excursions. This family-owned tour company will set you and your family up on an up close and personal view of nature like you’ve never seen before.

Eat & Play. Play & Eat

Lunch at Timoti’s Seafood Shak (pictured above) is always a kid favorite. Dedicated to serving fresh local and wild-caught seafood on Amelia Island, we recommend — well — everything. But, some favorite menu items include shrimp tacos, lobster rolls, seafood baskets and poke bowls. Dine family-style in a fun outdoor atmosphere. Parents can discuss what’s next on the day’s agenda while kids check out the enclosed pirate ship play area. Sliders Seaside Grill has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s smack on the ocean with an outdoor Tiki Bar for the adults and a playground for the kids. Kids love the chicken tenders or fried fish and mac & cheese while adults crave the fresh seafood, burgers, wraps and more.

I Scream, You Scream!

Ice cream brings out the kid in all of us, so it’s a good thing we have delicious ice cream shops from one end of the island to the other. Located in the center of the island is Denucci’s (pictured above) where hand-dipped and soft serve ice creams, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and Dole Whip are what’s for dinner. Sit indoors or in the shaded outdoor area with children’s playground. In downtown Fernandina Beach, delicious scents begin right about the time you reach Fantastic Fudge, where fudge and chocolates are made fresh daily. Enjoy an ice cream cone and watch the magic happen or head down to Island Time Frozen Yogurt where you can cleanse your palate with a selection of yogurts and sorbets that are all natural with no artificial flavors.

Fore!

Gregor Macgregor’s Mini Links & Drinks (pictured above) combines some of Florida’s favorite pastimes: a round of golf, a tasty drink and beautiful scenery right in the heart of historic downtown. Bring out a little family competition on this lush garden putt-putt course where you can dine on corn dogs, hot dogs, popcorn, jumbo pretzels, and novelty ice cream treats. The winner gets braggin’ rights for the rest of the trip! If you’re ready to tackle another course, you can also enjoy mini golf at Heron’s Cove Adventure Golf located at Omni Amelia Island Resort, central island’s Island Falls Mini Golf and Putt-Putt Amelia Island located at Main Beach Park.

Shop for Treasures

Villa Villekulla (pictured above) is a neighborhood toy store in downtown Fernandina Beach offering some of the very best toys on the market and for all ages. Kids love coming in the store so much, it’s hard to make them leave! Get back to nature at The Nature Center, located at Omni Amelia Island Resort. They have everything you need for a day in the wild. Stop in for field binoculers, apparel, fishing poles, a critter talk, or to visit with the local animal rescues! If it’s kids apparel you’re looking for, head into The Monkey Barrel where you can find clothing, toys and gifts with brands that include Beaufort Bonnet Company, Bailey Boys/J. Bailey, Kissy Kissy, Playmobil, Green Toys and much more.

Explore History

Even if the subject in school wasn’t your favorite, a history lesson on Amelia Island promises to not only be inspiring but also fun. Housed in the former Nassau County Jail, the Amelia Island Museum Of History offers docent-led ghost tours, walking tours of downtown, museum exhibits, an interactive children’s area, and a fascinating glimpse into our island’s storied past…pirates and all! More history can be found at Fort Clinch State Park (pictured above), a Civil War era fort and state park providing daily fort tours, trails for biking and hiking, beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. Adults and kids alike will love walking around the fort as soldiers reenact what life was like back in 1864.

Parks and Rec

Parks and playgrounds are a great place to burn up excess energy and lucky for you, we have plenty. Pirate Playground (pictured above) is located behind the Atlantic Avenue Rec Center and integrates exercise, nature, music, and imagination for children of all physical and mental abilities. The best part is you can take the path right behind it and be in Egan’s Creek Greenway where you can mix with nature and get some amazing photos as well. You may even see an alligator or two! If you want to get your toes in the sand and be where all the action is, Main Beach Park is waiting for you. Amelia Island’s most well-known beachfront park offers visitors sand volleyball courts, playground, picnic shelters, restroom facilities, outdoor showers, beach access, and a skate park! Take a look at all the island parks and make your decision.

This is just a small sampling of all the activities and things that kids will love about Amelia Island. There are also 99 holes of golf and award-winning tennis programs as well as cool water sports, beach rentals and horseback riding. Start planning your visit today!