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The Ultimate Parent Guide to St. Johns County, FL

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The Ultimate Parent Guide to St. Johns County, FL

Hey, fellow parents! As someone who has raised six kids here in beautiful St. Johns County for the last 20 years, I know the ins and outs of this area like the back of my hand. From birthday party planning to finding the best parks and events, this guide will help you navigate parenting in St. Johns like a pro. Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover. So, buckle up, because we’ve got a lot to cover!

Places to Go with Kids in St. Johns County

St. Johns County is packed with family-friendly places to explore, whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure or a quick outing after school. Here are some of my family’s favorite spots.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

You can’t live in St. Johns County and not visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm! With hundreds of alligators, crocodiles, and even a zip line over the zoo, this place is a hit with kids of all ages. Pro tip: Get a season pass—it pays for itself after two visits!
Visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm

The St. Johns River Ferry

Want a fun (and cheap!) day out with the family? Take the St. Johns River Ferry from Mayport to Fort George Island. The kids will love the ride, and you can explore the beaches or picnic afterward. It’s a peaceful escape and a bit of an adventure.
Learn more about the St. Johns River Ferry

Castillo de San Marcos

A visit to Castillo de San Marcos is a must! This 17th-century Spanish fort in St. Augustine offers amazing history lessons and a chance for kids to explore. They love climbing on the walls and pretending to be soldiers defending the fort. The view of the bay is stunning, and it’s a perfect place for a family photo.
Check out the Castillo de San Marcos

Birthday Party Ideas in St. Johns County

As a mom of six, I’ve thrown my fair share of birthday parties. Here are some tried-and-true spots where you can celebrate stress-free.

Adventure Landing

For high-energy kids, Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach is a winner. They’ve got mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, and a water park. The party packages make it easy to book, and the staff takes care of the setup. The kids love it, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after!
Plan your party at Adventure Landing

The Discovery House

For younger kids, The Discovery House in St. Augustine offers fun, educational birthday parties with science experiments and hands-on activities. It’s perfect for curious little minds and gives them a chance to play while learning.
Learn about The Discovery House

Bravoz Entertainment Center

If you’re looking for indoor fun (especially during the hot summer), Bravoz Entertainment Center in Jacksonville is ideal. With a trampoline park, ninja warrior course, laser tag, and arcade games, the kids will have a blast. They also have a café for parents to relax while the kids burn off energy.
Check out Bravoz Entertainment Center

Parks and Recreation in St. Johns County

We are blessed with some amazing parks and outdoor spaces in St. Johns. Whether your family is into sports, hiking, or just enjoying the sunshine, there’s a park for you.

Nocatee Splash Water Park

If you live in or near Nocatee, you’re probably already familiar with the Nocatee Splash Water Park. This is one of our go-to spots in the summer. With a lazy river, water slides, and plenty of play areas for younger kids, it’s perfect for a family day out.
Visit Nocatee Splash Water Park

Treaty Park

Treaty Park is a hidden gem in St. Augustine. It has something for everyone: tennis courts, a skate park, nature trails, and a fantastic playground. There’s also a dog park, so bring your furry friend along!
Learn more about Treaty Park

Veterans Park

Veterans Park in St. Johns is another family favorite. The playground is massive, with separate areas for toddlers and older kids. There are also baseball fields, basketball courts, and a lovely walking trail around the pond. It’s a great place for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon.
Check out Veterans Park

Events in St. Johns County

St. Johns County has so many family-friendly events that it’s hard to keep track! Here are some of the top annual events you don’t want to miss.

Nights of Lights

Every holiday season, Nights of Lights transforms downtown St. Augustine into a magical winter wonderland. Millions of tiny lights illuminate the city, and there are tons of events like trolley rides, boat tours, and holiday markets. It’s one of the most festive times of the year.
Learn more about Nights of Lights

St. Augustine Celtic Festival

For something a bit different, the St. Augustine Celtic Festival is a blast. Celebrate all things Irish and Scottish with music, dancing, and a parade. Bring the whole family—there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Find out more about the Celtic Festival

Ancient City Kids Day

One of the best family-friendly events is Ancient City Kids Day. It’s a free festival held in October at Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine, featuring games, arts and crafts, food, and live entertainment. It’s a great way to get out, meet other families, and have fun with the kids.
Details on Ancient City Kids Day

Camps in St. Johns County

After the dog days of sending the kiddos to St Johns schools – summer camp is a parents dream. When summer rolls around, it’s time to find the perfect camp for your kids. Luckily, St. Johns has some excellent options.

YMCA Summer Camps

The YMCA offers affordable, fun-filled summer camps that focus on sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and more. They have several locations in St. Johns County, making it convenient no matter where you live. The staff is excellent, and the kids always come home happy and exhausted.
Find YMCA camps near you

Camp I Am Special

For children with special needs, Camp I Am Special offers an inclusive, nurturing environment where they can enjoy summer camp activities just like their peers. It’s a weeklong overnight camp that provides a safe space for children with disabilities to have fun and make friends.
Learn more about Camp I Am Special

Flagler College Sports Camps

For the sports enthusiasts, Flagler College offers summer camps for soccer, basketball, and volleyball. These camps are great for keeping the kids active and helping them improve their skills in a positive environment.
Check out Flagler College camps

Tutoring Facilities in St. Johns County

Sometimes, our kids need a little extra help with schoolwork. St. Johns County has excellent tutoring centers to keep your child on track.

Huntington Learning Center

The Huntington Learning Center in St. Augustine offers personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, math, and more. They also provide SAT and ACT prep for high schoolers. My older kids went here for help with math, and it made a world of difference.
Learn more about Huntington Learning Center

Sylvan Learning Center

The Sylvan Learning Center in Jacksonville provides tutoring in a variety of subjects and helps with homework, study skills, and test prep. Their flexible schedules and personalized plans make it a great option for busy families.
Check out Sylvan Learning

Conclusion

Raising a family in St. Johns County has been an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful for all the amazing resources we have here. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do with the kids, planning a birthday party, or need help with tutoring, St. Johns has you covered. I hope this guide helps you make the most of all our wonderful community has to offer!