Family events in St. Johns County, FL

Set sail with Schooner Freedom Charters for a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, watching for dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, jellies, birds, and other wildlife native to Northeast Florida. The trip departs from St. Augustine Marina. Beverages are provided, and guests may bring a picnic lunch. Tickets are $55 plus tax for adults and $35 plus tax for children ages 3 to 16.

St Benedict Blues Festival brings three days of live music with sets by Ken Jensen Blues Ensemble, Mama Blue, JW Gillmore and the Blues Authority, Gitlo, Duffy Bishop Band, and Rosy Blue and the Dreamers. The weekend concludes with a gospel brunch featuring Americana Gospel Revival and Hot Club Saint Augustine. Admission is $10 and includes parking while space is available. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and relax beneath the oaks, and pets are not permitted.

Celebrate Halloween with a family friendly Trunk or Treat and a not so spooky haunted maze at The Little Gym of Fruit Cove. The festivities take place in the shopping center parking lot with participation from neighboring businesses. Children can visit creatively decorated trunks to collect candy, so a treat bag will come in handy. Guests can vote in the trunk decorating contest, and the winning entry receives a $160 TLG credit that covers one month of tuition plus the annual membership fee. Inside, kids can explore The Little Gym’s gentle Halloween maze created with young revelers in mind. Families and small businesses are invited to host a trunk, and space is limited. Advance sign up is available.

Discover Anastasia from the water on a new Salt Run outing created for explorers, families, and those looking for festive fun. This four hour experience begins with a one way guided paddle along Salt Run, with instructors sharing insights about local wildlife, area history, and coastal life. On arrival at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, climb for sweeping views, explore the Maritime Museum, and take your time with the exhibits. When you are finished, transportation back to Anastasia State Park is provided. Pricing is $55 and up with rental, or $35 if you bring your own boat. Park entry fee is not included.

West Augustine Keep Calm and Walk for Cancer brings the community together for a walk centered on hope, strength, and awareness. Participants can dedicate their effort in honor of someone special, in memory of a loved one, in faith, or in support of a cure. Pink and gold attire is encouraged to show solidarity. The focus is on uplifting survivors, remembering those lost, and raising awareness in the fight against cancer. Details on location and registration will be announced when available.

Ancient City Kids Day brings families together at Francis Field for a free festival coordinated by EPIC Behavioral Healthcare in partnership with many agencies. Children can dive into hands-on fun with games and activities, arts and crafts, and friendly contests presented by over 40 youth service organizations. Giveaways for kids, including T-shirts and goody bags, are available while supplies last, and parents can connect with information about community resources. Live entertainment continues throughout the event. Admission is free, and the only cost is for food and drinks, which helps support the festival. Recognized as one of St. Augustine’s largest youth events, it offers a full day designed for families.

It is that time again, and a community event is on the horizon. Save the date, share the news with friends, reach out to neighbors, and consider volunteering to help make it a success.