Making the Most of Summer Break: Family Adventures Near You

Summer in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas offers families many opportunities to relax, explore, and create meaningful memories together. From beaches and historic sites to hands-on attractions, community events, and outdoor adventures, there is something for every age to enjoy throughout the season.

Things to Do During the Summer in St. Augustine and Nearby Areas:

1. VPS Summer Camp- A Christ centered summer experience for children ages five and older, designed to help them grow through field trips, creative activities, sports, science experiments, arts and crafts, friendships, and a powerful week of Vacation Bible School in a safe and nurturing environment.

2. Anastasia State Park and St. Augustine Beaches- Enjoy swimming, beach walks, sand play, nature trails, and beautiful ocean sunsets along some of the most scenic coastal areas in Northeast Florida.

3. St. Johns County Ocean Pier, Vilano Beach, and Frank Butler County Park West - Visit the Ocean Pier with access to splash areas and playgrounds nearby, enjoy the peaceful and less crowded beauty of Vilano Beach, or relax at Frank Butler County Park West for quiet picnics and sunset views.

4. Fort Matanzas National Monument, Fort Mose Historic State Park, and Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum- Explore local history through a ferry ride to Fort Matanzas, learn about early free settlements at Fort Mose, and experience Florida’s colonial history at the Governor’s House Museum in downtown St. Augustine.

5. Historic Downtown St. Augustine- Walk through historic cobblestone streets filled with shops, museums, tours, and sweet stops that bring history to life in an engaging way for the whole family.

6. Arts, Culture, and Community Events- Enjoy First Friday Art Walks, weekend farmers markets at the Amphitheatre, and Wednesday Pier Farmers Markets featuring local vendors, music, and family friendly activities.

7. Adventure, Learning, and Interactive Fun- Explore Adventure Landing with go karts and mini golf, indoor climbing at Stone Climbing, educational experiences at the Mosquito Museum, and sweet adventures like candy making at Sweet Pete’s in Jacksonville or chocolate tasting at Whetstone Chocolates.

These are just a few ideas, and with a little exploration, families will discover many more meaningful and exciting ways to enjoy the summer season. We also invite you to consider our VPS Summer Camp, a Christ centered program designed for children five and older. Our camp includes local field trips to exciting destinations, along with arts and crafts, science experiments, sports activities, and a full week of Vacation Bible School. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

There are many ways to make the most of summer break while keeping experiences enriching and affordable. May your summer be filled with joy, rest, unforgettable memories, and meaningful moments with your children and teens. Have a blessed summer, Warriors!