COOL STUFF FOR FAMILIES IN BRUNSWICK & THE GOLDEN ISLES
Dolphin Tours: St. Simons Transit Company offers dolphin tours from St.
Simons Island and Jekyll Island. During the tours you’ll explore the marshes
and rivers surrounding the islands where you’ll see dolphins, manatees and
other marine life. Often, the captain will drag a net to capture various
types of fish, shrimp, etc. which they place in a clear tank on board for
close-up viewing. The critters are returned to the water unharmed. Times:
Tours are offered year-round. Contact: St. Simons Transit Co.,
912-638-5678
Nature Centers: There are several very good nature centers in the Golden Isles:
Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll Island and Honey Creek Coastal Encounters
Nature Center on St. Simons Island. Both feature aquaria filled with local marine
creatures, touch tanks and walking tours. Coastal Encounters on St. Simons Island
offers special day camps for kids during the summer months. Times: Both centers
are open year-round. Contact: Tidelands Nature Center, 912-635-5032 or Honey
Creek Coastal Encounters Nature Center,
912-638-0221
Nature Camps: For summer adventures, it’s hard to beat Driftwood Nature
Center, at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island. The Center offers three
different experiences including “Discovery Days,” a five-day day camp; “Residential
Reptiles,” a six-day overnight adventure; and, “Dynamic Duos,” a four-day family
session. Times: Vary depending on the program. Contact: Driftwood Nature Center,
912-638-3849.
Sea Turtle Walks: From June to mid-August, nightly beach walks on Jekyll
Island offer opportunities to sea nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Any age is
welcome with a parent; children over age 12 can participate unattended with
parental permission. Times: June to mid-August Contact: The Jekyll Island
Sea Turtle Project, 912-635-2284
COOL STUFF FOR FAMILIES – Page 2
Pottery Classes: The Glynn Art Association offers pottery classes for kids
throughout the year. Teacher Debi Craig is especially good with children and
frequently offers special classes for scouts, church groups and others.
Times: Classes offered year-round Contact: Glynn Art Association Pottery
Studio, 912-638-6679
Art Classes: Brunswick & The Golden Isles are blessed with several local arts
associations, some of which sponsor art classes in a variety of media for kids of all
ages. Glynn Art Association on St. Simons Island offers children’s art camps
during the summer months, and Olde Town Arts Center in Brunswick offers
classes throughout the year. Times: Vary depending on program. Contact: Glynn
Art Association, 912-638-8770 or Olde Town Arts Center,
912-996-2369.
Touring kayaks and canoe trips: Kayaks and canoes are a great way to explore
the creeks and marshes of the Golden Isles. Most local outfitters offer instruction
and can tailor custom outings to fit family needs and interests. Times: Outings
offered spring through fall. Contact: Ocean Motion, St. Simons Island, 912-638-
5225; Barry’s Beach Service, St. Simons Island, 912-638-8053; Southeast
Adventure Outfitters, St. Simons Island (912-638-6732) or Brunswick (912-265-
5292).
Bicycling: Because of its level terrain, Brunswick & The Golden Isles are a
great place for exploration by bike. Jekyll Island offers 20 miles of paved
bike paths that traverse salt marshes, maritime forest and beach as well as
the island’s National Historic Landmark District. Bike maps are available at
the Jekyll Island Welcome Center and most island hotels. Times: Year-round
Contact: Jekyll Island Welcome Center, 877-453-5955
There are lots of other fun things to do:
Beaches – Great beaches to explore on all the islands. Because of offshore
sandbars, the surf on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island is especially gentle.
Historic sites and museums – There are a bunch of interesting museums
and historic sites including St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, Mary Miller Doll
Museum in Brunswick, Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island, Hofwyl Plantation
near Brunswick and Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District.
Most popular times to visit: Spring break and the summer months.
COOL STUFF FOR FAMILIES – Page 3
Plan to spend: This really depends on how active you want your vacation to
be. You can do the entire area in two days or spread it out for an entire
week, especially if you venture out to other local attractions. Brunswick &
The Golden Isles make an ideal base camp for trips to Cumberland Island
National Seashore, Okefenokee Swamp and Savannah, to name a few.
Contact for information: Brunswick & The Golden Isles Visitors Bureau
800-933-COAST (2627) or www.bgivb.com
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Media Contact: Patrick Saylor
Faulkenberry Certain Public Relations
912-638-7770
E-mail: pr-mediarelations@bgivb.com
Rev. 2/02