There are only a few weeks left before school starts. And in Northeast Florida, that means it’s time to squeeze the most fun out of what’s left of the season. For children of all ages, historic St. Augustine offers several activities that won’t break the bank, including:
Historic Tours of Flagler College
Daily
Tour times vary
74 King Street, St. Augustine
Built by millionaire Henry Flagler in 1888, this campus is hailed as one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Formerly the Hotel Ponce de Leon, the campus houses the largest in-use collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. Tours are free to St. Johns County residents. The tour schedule varies, see the website for details.
Fort Matanzas State Park
Daily
9am - 5:30pm
8635 A1A South, St. Augustine
Explore this significant player in St. Augustine’s history. A free ferry will take you across to the fort housed on a wild barrier island full of wildlife. You can enjoy nature walks, reenactments with cannon firings and musket firing demonstrations. Ferry reservations are recommended, and demonstration times vary, see website for details.
Fifth Annual Nature and Wildlife Exhibit
Tuesdays through Sundays until August 31
12 to 5pm
22 Marine Street, St. Augustine
Learn about nature and its many forms in this free exhibit located at the St. Augustine Art Association. The exhibit explores the diversity of species that inhabit land and sea, as well as vast landscapes. Visit the website for more information.
Movies by the Bay
Wednesdays through August 13
8:30 to 10:30pm
111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
Ripley's St. Augustine Attractions and the St. Augustine Municipal Marina present free movies throughout the summer. Pack your lawn chairs or blankets and snacks and set out for a different family-friendly movie every week. Check Ripley’s Facebook page for upcoming movie titles.
Concerts in the Plaza
Thursdays through August 28th
7 to 9pm
Plaza de la Constitución’s Gazebo, St. Augustine
Grab some chairs and pack a picnic. This popular free concert series includes acts in a range of genres from bluegrass to jazz, country, swing, old-time and popular rock. There’s something for everyone, view the concert schedule to plan your outing.
Pet Walk Pup Crawl
Second Saturday of every month
10am
4 Granada Street, St. Augustine
Even Boomer or Fido can get into the free family fun. The Pet Walk Pup Crawl is a guided walking tour of historic St. Augustine where leashed pets are encouraged to get a dose of history along with their owners. Reservations are recommended, see website for details.
Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tours
Third Saturday of each month
11am to 3pm
16 Cordova Street, St. Augustine
Explore the darker side of St. Augustine history with a tour of the oldest planned cemetery in Florida. The Tolomato Cemetery began back in the First Spanish Period, with burials dating back to 1565. Although admission is free, donations are encouraged. Visit the website for more information.
For information on new homes available in Nocatee, visit the Nocatee Welcome Center or call 1-800-NOCATEE.
