Family Ideas for Spring: Activities, Cleaning Tips, and More for Beacon Lake Families

Mar 24, 2022 Blog
Family Spring Activities in St. Johns County, St. Augustine, Jax

Spring is a fantastic time in Northeast Florida, and there are so many activities to do with your family when you live in Beacon Lake. Here are some fun ideas for everyone to enjoy.

St. Augustine & Jacksonville Spring Activities

Wondering how to keep your kids busy during this spring season? Here are a few of the best activities around Beacon Lake.

Take a Ride on the Old Town Trolley

Springtime is one of the best times to visit America’s oldest city, St Augustine. The days are longer, and the summer heat hasn’t arrived – setting you up for the perfect day of sightseeing historical points of interest, having a bite to eat in the old town, and even strolling down the beautiful beach if there’s still time. Your family is sure to enjoy a ride on the orange and green trolley, an open-air trolley tour that takes you all around Old Town and shares the history of the nation’s oldest city.

This trolley stops at 23 interesting sites including the Old Jail, Potter’s Wax Museum, Spanish Quarter, and many more. The best part about exploring St. Augustine on the trolley is having the ability to get off at any stop you like and spend as long as you wish at any of the exciting and historical attractions.

The Museum of Science and History

Located along the Southbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville is the Museum of Science and History (MOSH). This fascinating museum focuses on Jacksonville’s local history and provides unique and educational science exhibitions. 

Take the kids inside one of the country’s largest planetariums and embark on a journey through our universe. The high-definition images will have them in total awe. 

Explore the exhibits throughout MOSH and participate in activities and games. The kids won’t want to miss out on the Touch Tank, which provides a firsthand look at different marine life native to Northeast Florida. 

Anastasia State Park

Some of the best activities involve being outside in the fresh, spring air.

Take a trip with the family to Anastasia State Park, located near St. Augustine. Here you’ll find dunes, mangrove trees, beaches, and 1,600 acres of flora and fauna.

The park is the perfect place to hike, look for birds, and search the beach for sea objects. Bikes, kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards are also available for rent if you want to get the family out on the water.

If you’re looking to spend the afternoon in your own backyard, take your kayak or canoe out and explore the beautiful surroundings of Beacon Lake.  

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Legend has it, the artesian well on the Youth Archaeological Park grounds is the Fountain of Youth discovered by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in the early 16th century.

This beautiful and fascinating waterfront property makes for an exciting and educational activity the entire family will enjoy.  

There’s also a reconstruction of a Native American village, a planetarium, cafe and gift shop, and a lookout tower with expansive views on site.

Explore the Florida Springs

The Florida Springs, located off the St. Johns River, is an ideal destination with a variety of recreational activities to enjoy.

At the beautiful springs, you can enjoy swimming in the 70-degree crystal clear water. Bring along your snorkel set, and you’ll likely see all kinds of marine life including manatees.

You can also kayak, canoe, or rent a boat for the day and take the family freshwater fishing. Kids of all ages are sure to enjoy boating to any of the several springs in the area.

Visit the Pirate and Treasure Museum

Looking for an educational and exciting adventure for the kids?  A trip to the Pirate and Treasure Museum in St. Augustine will transport you back in time to the Golden Age of Piracy.  

This museum is home to the biggest collection of pirate treasure and relics in the world! There are various interactive exhibits your young ones can explore such as Blackbeard’s last battle, knot tying, and hoisting the Jolly Roger flag.

The family can even take part in a museum-wide treasure hunt and cannon firings.

Adventure in Your Own Backyard

Beacon Lake - Kayaking

Enjoy indoor and outdoor relaxation or recreation in the comfort of your Beacon Lake community. Rent a kayak and take in the beautiful lake views as you teach your kids how to paddle on the lake’s quiet water.

Relax in the hammock and enjoy the beautiful springtime weather as your kids play on the sand beach. Or, take the family over to the splash park and fun pool. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation while the kids enjoy playing in the water.

Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Jax or St Augustine Home

Nobody wants to do it, but little is more rewarding than the feeling of a sparkling home after spring cleaning. Here are our tips for handling your yearly chore.

Decluttering Makes Spring Cleaning Easier

Starting with decluttering will make your overall spring cleaning simpler, as you remove items you no longer need and put everything that remains in its proper place. To get the decluttering started right, you’ll need four big boxes or more.

  • Box one will be the donation box. In the donation box, add items you no longer use or need, but still have a potentially useful life for someone else.
  • Box two is the repair box. As you make your way from room to room, you’ll likely find items you still want but that need repairing or mending. Simply place them in the box for repairs once the spring cleaning is done.
  • Box three will become the “put in its proper place” box. Rather than putting the items you discover while decluttering away immediately (and risk getting distracted from the task at hand), place them in your box to put away when the decluttering is complete.
  • Box four is the trash box. Everything that isn’t worthy of donation, and that you no longer use or need, goes here, to leave your house via the trash or recycle bin.
  • Box five, six… and of course you are welcome to use as many boxes as you need to accomplish the task!

Getting Ready to Clean

Now that your decluttering is complete and items have been put in their proper places, it’s time to gather your cleaning supplies and equipment to begin the cleaning process. If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly this year, you’ll want to choose non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning supplies.

These products are readily available at your favorite store, but did you know you can also make your own cleaning products from items you probably already have in your pantry? Mixing water with white vinegar or baking soda makes two great general-purpose cleaners without toxic chemicals!

You can cut a lemon in half, apply salt to the open end, and voila…it becomes a scouring pad for chrome and stainless-steel surfaces. After cleaning, rinse with water and buff with a soft, clean cloth.

Spring Cleaning Checklist 

  • In each room, dusting is the first step. Start at the top and work your way down, so you can sweep or vacuum the dust that makes its way to the floor when the dusting is complete. Don’t forget blinds, banisters, railings, baseboards, window frames, molding, etc.
  • Launder or dry clean linens like drapes and curtains, throws, and bedding after dusting.
  • If needed, wash your walls while drapes and curtains are down and out of the way.
  • Wash and clean windows. Clean window sills and frames. Clean your mirrors.
  • Clean your appliances: tops, sides, backs, fronts, and bottoms. This should include a deep clean of your oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator/freezer. 
  • Clean kitchen cabinets and your pantry. Sweep and mop floors.
  • Clean your electronics – remotes, phones, computers, televisions, etc. following the manufacturer’s instructions for each device.
  • Clean your bathrooms thoroughly, wiping down every surface.
  • Vacuum all floor surfaces. While the family is home, you’ll have help moving furniture, getting underneath beds, sofas, and other pieces. Spring cleaning is also a great time to vacuum your couch, chairs, and other upholstered furniture. It may also be the ideal time to steam clean carpets and upholstered furnishings.
  • Clean doorknobs, light switches, and other small often forgotten areas.

Spring Events

Family Spring Events in St. Johns County, St. Augustine and Jacksonville

St. Augustine and Jacksonville have many excellent spring events each year. Here are some of our favorites.

Flower & Garden Expo

March 26th-27th, 2022, check out the 26th annual Flower & Garden Expo at Sykes Family Farm, 5995 Brough Rd., in Elkton. At this popular event, you will find growers, nurseries, garden-related artisans, food trucks, and play areas for kids.

St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival

Formerly called the St. Augustine Seafood Festival, the 39th annual St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival will be held March 26th-27th at Francis Field, 25 West Castillo Drive, in downtown St. Augustine.

Vilano Bridge 5k & 10k Run

On April 2nd, 2022, the Vilano Bridge 5K & 10K Run will offer stunning views of the Intracoastal, Vilano Beach, and downtown St. Augustine. After the races, people who participate and their families can enjoy time with the Party in the Park at the North Shores Community Center. There will be fun, food, awards, and more.

Florida Ma’am Music Festival

An all-female event, Florida Ma’am will take place April 2nd-3rd at Colonial Oak Music Park in downtown St. Augustine. Tickets are $20 for one day or $30 for 2 days. Performers will include Bad Dog Mama, Amy Hendrickson, Ramona + the Riot, MJ Baker, Shine and the Shakers, and more.

St. Ambrose Spring Fair

From noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church and grounds, 6070 Church Road, in Elkton, the 139th annual St. Ambrose Spring Fair will take place. The fair features children’s games, hayrides, live music, tours of the historic church, a bake sale, face painting, a silent auction, and more.

St. Augustine Poet Fest

April 8th-9th at Flagler College, attend the St. Augustine Poet Fest. From 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday the 8th, there will be an open mic night at Relampago Coffee Lab, 74 Spanish Street. April 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., you will find author presentations, book talks, an open mic marathon, and a Book Fair.

Old Town Art Show

On April 9th-10th, 2022, the Old Town Art Show at Francis Field, 25 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine will showcase nearly 100 juried artisans and master craftsmen who will exhibit their pottery, jewelry, paintings, glass art, fiber art, photography, sculptures, wood, and other handcrafted artwork.

St. Augustine Easter Parade

The St. Augustine Easter Parade will be held on Saturday, April 16th, 2022, along San Marco Avenue and Avenida Menendez in downtown St. Augustine beginning at the Old Jail Museum.

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