St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in North America. Founded by the Spanish and Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, it is located below the city of Jacksonville on the east coast of Florida. With four hundred years of history resting between its perimeters, St. Augustine is overflowing with educational activities and experiences. Not only are there museums, colonies, and historical homes to visit, but the wildlife of Florida lends itself to zoos and eco tours. St. Augustine's reasonable lodging rates, variety of learning opportunities, and rich history make it the perfect destination for an educational vacation.
Educational Activities
- Bargain Trolley Tours I'm placing this with the bargain activities even though, initially, the pricing may seem a bit pricey. This is why. The trolley tour offers free parking at their establishment. Parking in St. Augustine is difficult to navigate. Riding the trolley will save you many unneeded headaches and possibly a few family arguments. Secondly, the pass is good for three days. Lastly, if you are able to lodge outside of St. Augustine and drive a short distance into the city, you will most likely save on hotel accommodations. Staying within the historic district can get expensive and much of the lodging is bed and breakfast style accommodations that may or may not be child friendly. Riding the trolley will allow you to have a historic tour of the city (It's a great tour that is full of information.) and will allow you to have transportation throughout the historic district. The trolley offers 23 stops throughout the city with unlimited reboarding. Children under 6 ride free, and you can save a few bucks by buying ahead of time via the internet.
- Bargain Castillo de San Marcos Castillo de San Marcos is a coquina constructed Spanish military fortress. Children ages 15 and under are free. Sixteen and up are $7. Passes are good for seven days. Parking is $1.50 per hour. Because the monument is a national park, there are free admission days throughout the year. Free Admission Days
- Bargain Concerts in the Plaza. Free concerts are offered from May 29-August 28 at the Plaza de la Constitucion between Cathedral and King Streets. Concerts are on Thursdays between the hours of 7 and 9.
- Bargain St. Augustine Lighthouse. Special rates apply for school groups and homeschool groups of twenty or more students. Pre and Post visit activities are also available online.Lighthouse Educational Materials. Those using the Trolley Tours may board a free beach bus to the lighthouse.
- Bargain Ximenez-Fatio Museum House. Ximenez-Fatio House is a lifestyle museum complex including a visitors center with interactive exhibits. Families may visit for $15 and groups of 10 or more are charged $4.50 per person for admission. Educational materials are available online. Ximenez-Fatio Educational Materials
- Old Jail The old jail is reasonably priced and a fun stop. My family have been to this destination and enjoyed the informative tour. There are also some great props outside the jail for fun photos.
- Alligator Farm The alligator farm is also a great activity but more pricey. The farm does offer school group rates for 10 or more students. Educational materials can also be found on their website. Alligator Farm Educational Resources
- Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park This park is reasonably priced and offers living historical exhibits that include: cannon firing, weapons demonstrations, and blacksmith forging. School rates are also available.
- St. Augustine Eco Tours This destination is more expensive than the places listed above, but receives high reviews and offers a tour, via walking, boating, kayaking, or sailing, of the animal habitats surrounding St. Augustine. If the price is workable, it is a great learning opportunity.
- Hampton Inn Hotel and Suites Vilano Beach This hotel is located 2.1 miles from the historic district of St. Augustine. One positive about the hotel is that it is located within walking distance of the beach.
- Southern Oaks Inn St. Augustine Southern Oaks Inn is located 1.8 miles from historic St. Augustine. I found rates for as low as $85 a night on a discount travel webpage. For those who like to travel with pets, this hotel is pet friendly with a $15 per night fee.
- Jaybird Inn St Augustine Located 1.8 miles from historic St. Augustine.
- Lesson Planet This is a pay-for-use sight, but because a ten day free trial offer is available, I included it in the resources list.
- University of Florida Digital Collections
- Webquest Explore Past and Present St Augustine
- Enchanted Learning The sight requires a $20 per year membership, but lots of information can be viewed from the website and images can be saved.
- Florida Everglades
- Banana Spider Video
- Florida Bird Video
- Florida Reading Passage
- Florida Manatee Reading Selection and Comprehension Questions
