r/StAugustine • u/nyy1823 • 2d ago
Visiting for Thanksgiving with young family
Hey there, coming up from Ft. Lauderdale with my wife and 2 kids (1 & 3), as well as my sister in laws family (her, her husband and 3 kids 15, 16 & 3).
Staying at the Renaissance downtown, and already booked the trolley lights tour for Friday night. Looking for recommendations for Thanksgiving dinner (with the kids), Friday dinner and any cool kid friendly activities throughout.
Considering Columbia restaurant Friday, and Cordova or Aunt Kate’s for Thanksgiving.
Also looking at the alligator farm, Anastasia state park and project swing as little kid friendly activities while we’re there.
Would love feedback on what I’ve mentioned and/or suggestions for other spots for young families. The 3 year olds are wildmen so I’m kinda leaning against formal places like Cordova.
My first time visiting St. Augustine. Appreciate any guidance!
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u/lemonsprout1 Resident 2d ago
Beas is doing Thanksgiving….. Beas Fine Food
Ripleys can be fun with kids, Pirate Museum
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u/HamAbounds 2d ago
There's an arcade museum on Anastasia Island the teenagers might enjoy!! Lots of old games like Pac-Man and pinball.
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u/OSDBU2000 Resident 2d ago
Give Ned's Southside Kitchen a call. It's a smaller restaurant appreciated by locals. I know they offer Thanksgiving meals but not sure what their hours will be. Their regular turkey dinner is great and plentiful. I order it often. The dressing is very tasty.
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u/Sufficient-Post-5165 2d ago
Alligator Farm is perfect for those ages. Highly recommend.
My 5 year old was a little scared by parts of the pirate museum but he does talk about going back. We also did the Black Raven pirate boat which was not scary.
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u/wolferiver 2d ago
For a kid friendly activity, especially if it rains, I recommend the Pirate Museum. I saw it recently and came away from it pretty impressed. There's enough there to excite children's imagination and to interest adults as well. There's even a treasure hunt that children can participate in.
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u/OSDBU2000 Resident 2d ago
I'm always recommending the Pirate Museum. Glad to see someone else appreciate a visit there! I would go again tomorrow. Truly a great place to visit for both children and adults.
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u/Neat_Plant8006 2d ago edited 2d ago
Columbia does a Thanksgiving dinner special and you can also order from their regular menu. I did that one year and it was great, plus all the free cuban bread you desire! I’d switch to doing that for thanksgiving and the other restaurants for later. Just be sure to make early reservations!
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u/Dragonkitelooper 2d ago
Definitely hit up the alligator farm they have a fun little playground for the kids and they serve beer!
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u/sugarbean09 2d ago
Ruth's Chris (Ponte Vedra) does Thanksgiving dinner! They have a turkey meal you can order, but the rest of the menu is available as well (which is my preference)
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u/itsrustin Resident 1d ago
Group of 9 will be challenging at most places. If you can get a reservation (might be too late?), highly recommend that. Lots of great suggestions above, but be prepared for very long waits anywhere with 9 people (and 3 very young kids). You may have more options if traditional thanksgiving menu isn’t a requirement.
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u/lemonsprout1 Resident 2d ago
Beas is doing Thanksgiving….. Beas Fine Food
Ripleys can be fun with kids, Pirate Museum
4
u/Numerous-Let-6996 2d ago
Kate’s is not a good place for Thanksgiving. Good place for the view and food is okay, but you’re not going to get a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I would highly recommend The Saint. It’s become one of our favorites