Pack for your adventure
A short, practical list for families walking St. Augustine, plus books that bring the Mystery Files to life.
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For young detectives
- Kids' magnifying glass — Spot the tiny shells in the Castillo's coquina walls.
- Pocket notebook & pencils — For clue notes, sketches and rubbings (paper only, never on monuments).
- Clipboard for kids — Makes sketching on the go easier for little hands.
- Kids' binoculars — For lighthouse stripes, dolphins in Matanzas Bay and rooftops on St. George Street.
- Kids' detective kit — A fun warm-up before your trip.
For the walk
- Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers — Brick streets and coquina are uneven.
- Wide-brim sun hats — Florida sun is strong, even in winter.
- Reef-safe sunscreen — Handy for beach days on Anastasia Island too.
- Insulated water bottles — Refill often; Florida heat is no joke.
- Portable phone charger — Your adventure runs on your phone.
- Compact travel umbrella — Afternoon storms roll in fast in summer.
Read before you go
- St. Augustine history books — Go deeper on the oldest city.
- Fort Mose books for kids and adults — The story behind Mystery File 003.
- Henry Flagler & the Florida railroad — Background for Mystery File 007 and the Gilded Age hunt.
- Castillo de San Marcos books — The fortress behind Mystery Files 001 and 002.
- Pirates & privateers for kids — Pairs with The Lost Treasure adventure.
- Florida history for kids — Great for homeschool units before a trip.
Ready to go?
Start with the free Three Keys hunt, then pick a full adventure. Check what's on and where to stay.
What should kids bring on a St. Augustine scavenger hunt?
A charged phone, water, sun protection, comfortable shoes for uneven brick streets, and optionally a small notebook and magnifying glass for spotting details like the shells in the Castillo's coquina walls.
What should I wear walking in St. Augustine?
Comfortable closed-toe shoes or supportive sandals, a hat and breathable clothing. The historic district has brick and uneven coquina surfaces, and summer afternoons often bring storms.