Note: Jekyll Island is a state park, so all vehicles entering are required to purchase a parking pass.

Top Things to Do on Jekyll Island with Kids

1. Driftwood Beach

The beloved Driftwood Beach is a natural playground of driftwood trees and branches covering the shoreline. It's a fabulous beach for photo ops. Great Dunes Beach Park provides plenty of parking, easy access to the beach, picnic pavilions, sand volleyball courts, and bocce ball. St. Andrew's Beach on the southern part of the island is quieter and visitors often spot dolphins. Don't miss the Wanderer Memory Trail, an interactive exhibit which tells the story of a young boy's experience on a slave ship. 

2. Jekyll Island Trail System

Families can explore the island through the Jekyll Island Trail System by bikes. You can bring your own, but there are also several places on the island where guests can rent them.

Visit the residents of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. 

3. Georgia Sea Turtle Center

The state's only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a cool, interactive experience for all ages. 

4. Summer Waves Water Park

Put on your bathing suits and sunscreen for a family fun day at the Summer Waves Water Park, complete with water slides, splash zone, wave pool, and lazy river. The water park is open seasonally each summer.

5. 4-H Tidelands Nature Center 

The 4-H Tidelands Nature Center features a live exhibit gallery with coastal species such as fish, snakes, sea turtles, and more. It also offers kayak tours, canoe rentals, island nature walks, and interactive, hands-on ecology programs.

6. Jekyll Island Mini Golf

At Jekyll Island Mini Golf, families can choose between two 18-hole courses (beginner and advanced). After playing a round, parents can relax while kids play on the two adjacent playgrounds.

7. Dolphin Cruises

Tour the scenic waterways around Jekyll Island to catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

8. St. Andrews Beach

Located near the west side of the parking lot at St. Andrews Beach, you’ll find a small clearing, which, after a short hike, leads visitors to this hidden gem that kids are sure to love.

9. Gatorology at Horton Pond

Guests of all ages can take an interactive Gatorology program to learn about the American Alligator, from its history to conservation, as well as common misconceptions about these crocodilians.

10. Horseback Rides at Three Oaks Farm

Three Oaks Farm offers horseback rides through the Maritime Forest and along Driftwood Beach. Historic district carriage tours are also available.

11. Historic Landmark District

On an island so rich with history, it’s no surprise that there are several historic sites to visit, including the Horton House and the Historic Landmark District.

Day trip to another nearby island, Little Raccoon Key. Photo by Brooke Roberts

12. Little Raccoon Key

Just a 15-minute boat ride from Jekyll Island sits Little Raccoon Key, an unspoiled reef island with ample marine and birdlife. The perfect place for glamping!

13. Electric Golf Carting 

Red Bug Motors offers 4- and 6-person electric golf carts that are legal to drive all over Jekyll Island. It's an easy and fun way to explore, and also feel that ocean breeze. 

14. Ghost Tours

Take a nighttime trolley tour to learn about the "dark secrets" of Jekyll Island.

15. Mosaic Museum

Stroll the Mosaic Museum to learn all about the history of Jekyll Island through visuals and interactive exhibits.

16. Horton Pond

Horton Pond is an inland nature area with an observation deck and nature trail. Guests are likely to spot the resident alligators, turtles, and birds.

Family-friendly Jekyll Island Restaurants

17. Driftwood Bistro

Driftwood Bistro offers casual "low country" foods such as Georgia Wild Shrimp, Blue Ribbon Meatloaf, OG’s Fried Okra, and more. Kids' favorites at this Jekyll Island restaurant are also available such as fish fingers, pizza bites, and hot dogs.

18. Jekyll Market

This gourmet grocery store located near Great Dunes Park includes several onsite eateries offering a variety of options, including deli sandwiches, BBQ, burritos, and a sweets shop.

19. Tortuga Jack's

Dine under a tiki bar at Jekyll Island’s only oceanfront restaurant. Tortuga Jack's serves up a variety of Baja Mexican cuisine, including fajitas, enchiladas, and a taco factory menu.

20. Beach House Restaurant & Tap Room

With beachy decor, fresh local seafood and a popular kids' menu (mac and cheese, please!), Beach House is a great place for the whole family to dine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island offers pools, a Kids Club, and spacious rooms or suites.

Jekyll Island Hotels & Campground

21. Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

This beachfront resort offers hotel rooms and suites, most of which provide unobstructed views of the Atlantic. Guests staying at this Jekyll Island hotel enjoy private beach access, a large pool area with kiddie pool, Kids Club, playground, onsite dining, bike rentals, outdoor firepit, and cabanas.

22. Jekyll Island Campground

Bring your RV or tent and stay at this canopy-covered Jekyll Island campground situated in the maritime forest. Amenities include bike rentals, a bird sanctuary, and a general store. The campground is just half a mile from Driftwood Beach.

23. Villas by the Sea Resort

Set among 16 acres, this large resort features one, two, and three-bedroom condo-style hotel rooms with full kitchens. Resort amenities include a large shaded swimming pool, basketball, bicycle rentals, volleyball, and playground area.

24. Beachview Club and Hotel 

This popular boutique hotel has just 38 guest rooms and is right on the beach. Families love the setting of centuries-old live oaks, plenty of porch swings and a resort-style pool. Bonus: the paved bike path right by the hotel that is part of the Jekyll Island Trail System. (see No. 2). 

Unless noted, photos by the author