Best Family-Friendly Things to Do on St. Simon's Island: Beaches, Activities, and Where to Stay
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Best Family- Friendly Things to do on St. Simon’s Island
Planning a family getaway to St. Simon's Island? You've picked one of Georgia's most beautiful coastal destinations. This laid-back island offers miles of sandy beaches, kid-friendly attractions, and that perfect slower pace that makes vacation feel like vacation. Whether you're chasing dolphins, building sandcastles, or hunting for tree spirits, there's something here for every age.
Let's walk through the best things to do with your family on St. Simon's Island, from sunrise beach walks to rainy-day backup plans.
Start with the Beaches (Because That's Why You Came)
East Beach is your home base. It's the island's main public beach, and families love it for good reason, long stretches of sand, gentle waves, and tide pools that turn into mini aquariums at low tide. Your kids can hunt for fiddler crabs, build sandcastles that actually stay standing, and splash in water that's calm enough for younger swimmers.
Wide view of East Beach dunes and sea oats under a clear blue sky, St. Simons Island.
Pro tip: Pack buckets, nets, and shovels. At low tide, the tide pools become the day's main event. You'll also want to bring your own chairs and towels (or rent them locally), because this isn't a resort beach, it's the real, unpolished Georgia coast, and that's part of the charm.
East Beach also works for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and biking along the shore. If you're visiting between May and October, keep your eyes open for sea turtles. They nest on these beaches, and spotting one (from a respectful distance) is a memory your kids won't forget.
Neptune Park Fun Zone: The All-in-One Stop
If you only pick one spot to visit with younger kids, make it Neptune Park. It's a mini water park, playground, mini golf course, and shaded picnic area rolled into one. The waterslides and wading pools are open during warmer months, and there's a public swimming pool that requires tickets (buy them ahead if you can).
Family-friendly pool and waterslides at Neptune Park Fun Zone, St. Simons Island waterfront.
What makes Neptune Park work so well for families? Lifeguards, clean restrooms, plenty of shade from massive oak trees, and everything's walkable. You can let the kids burn energy on the playground, grab a snack, play a round of mini golf, and still have time for the beach, all without getting back in the car.
It's also right near Pier Village, so you can easily connect the two for a full day out.
Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse (Yes, All 129 Steps)
The St. Simons Lighthouse & Museum is one of those attractions that works surprisingly well with kids. Yes, there are 129 stairs. But kids love a challenge, and the view from the top is worth every step: panoramic views of the island, the ocean, and the marshes.
Inside the lighthouse keeper's quarters, there are interactive exhibits about the lighthouse's history. It's a great spot to take a break from the sun, and you'll learn some interesting island history along the way. The lighthouse also makes for great photos (your kids will want to stand at the top and wave).
Hunt for the Tree Spirits
Here's a free activity that turns a simple walk into an adventure: the Tree Spirits Scavenger Hunt. Throughout St. Simon's Island, there are nine tree spirits carved into oak trees by a local artist. Your mission? Find them all.
You can grab a map at the welcome center if you want guidance, or just stumble upon them as you explore. It's perfect for those in-between moments: after breakfast, before dinner, or when someone's restless and needs to move. It also works great on cloudy or drizzly days when the beach isn't calling.
Climbing the 129 cast-iron steps inside the St. Simons Island Lighthouse.
Get Out on the Water
St. Simon's Island is surrounded by water, so it makes sense to actually get on it. Dolphin-watching tours run from February through Thanksgiving, and spotting bottlenose dolphins is almost guaranteed. Most tours also point out bird species and explain the island's ecosystem, which keeps older kids engaged.
If your family prefers a hands-on experience, try kayaking. The calm waters and marshes around the island are beginner-friendly, and you'll see herons, egrets, and maybe even a few dolphins from your kayak.
For something more relaxed, book a sunset cruise aboard the String of Pearls yacht. You'll watch the sun set over the water, spot dolphins, and let someone else do the steering. There's also a shrimping experience aboard the Lady Jane, where kids can learn how shrimp boats work and maybe even catch their dinner.
Explore Pier Village
Pier Village is the island's heart: a walkable area with shops, restaurants, a fishing pier, the lighthouse, and easy beach access. The fishing pier is especially fun for kids. They can drop a line, catch blue crabs, and learn about the marine life that lives under the dock.
Even if your family isn't into fishing, the pier is worth a walk. You'll see pelicans diving for fish, boats coming in and out, and the occasional dolphin cruising by.
Rainy Day Backup: FlipZone Trampoline Park
Let's be honest: sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate. If it's raining or just too cold for the beach, head to FlipZone Trampoline and Fun Park in nearby Brunswick (about 15 minutes away). It's an indoor trampoline park with arcade games, and it's exactly what you need when everyone's stir-crazy and the hotel room feels too small.
Where to Stay with Your Family on St. Simon's Island
Hotels are fine, but vacation rentals give you space to spread out, kitchens for easy breakfasts, and the kind of comfort that makes a family trip actually feel relaxing. At New Views Vacations, we manage several properties on St. Simon's Island that are designed with families in mind.
Sunrise Getaway 3BR St. Simons Island | 3mn-Pier
This three-bedroom home is just three minutes from the pier, so you're close to everything: Pier Village, the lighthouse, restaurants, and beach access. It's the kind of place where you can walk to dinner, come home for naps, and still feel like you're right in the middle of the action.
PIERSIDE RETREAT St. Simons Island | 3BR Sleeps 9
Need space for a bigger crew? This three-bedroom retreat sleeps up to nine, making it perfect for extended family trips or two families traveling together. You'll have room to breathe, a full kitchen, and easy access to the island's top attractions.
Flip Flop Paradise: St. Simons Duplex Sleeps 17
Planning a reunion or a big group getaway? Flip Flop Paradise is a duplex that sleeps up to 17 people. You get the privacy of separate units but the togetherness of shared outdoor space. It's ideal for grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins: the whole crew.
All three properties come with the basics covered: Wi-Fi, full kitchens, comfortable beds, and that "home away from home" feeling that makes traveling with kids so much easier.
A Few More Family-Friendly Ideas
Bike the island: Rent bikes and cruise King's Way or ride along the beach paths. It's flat, easy, and scenic.
Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center: Located on nearby Jekyll Island (a short drive), this center has interactive exhibits and lets you see recovering sea turtles up close.
Go beachcombing: Early morning is best. You'll find shells, sand dollars, and driftwood.
Try crabbing: Bring some chicken on a string, drop it off a dock, and see what bites. Kids love it.
Bird-watching: The marshes and beaches are full of herons, pelicans, egrets, and more.
Ready to Book Your St. Simon's Island Family Getaway?
St. Simon's Island is one of those places that feels timeless: no high-rises, no crowds, just beaches, bikes, and the kind of slow days that families actually remember. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a full week, you'll leave with sandy shoes, sun-kissed cheeks, and plans to come back.
We'd love to help you find the perfect place to stay. Browse our St. Simon's Island properties at New Views Vacations, or reach out if you have questions. We're here to make your trip easy, comfortable, and exactly what your family needs.