Jekyll Island with Kids: Driftwood Beaches + Family Resorts (Club & Westin)

Updated Sept 13, 2025 · Bike paths · Sea turtle center · Pools & beachside resorts

Quick Jump

Why Families Love Jekyll · Where to Stay · 2-Day Family Itinerary · Family Dining · Logistics & Bike Paths · Packing & Rain Plan

🌿 Why Families Love Jekyll

Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s most family-friendly beach escapes. Kids adore the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the island’s 20+ miles of bike paths, and of course the photogenic Driftwood Beach. Parents love how relaxed and uncrowded it feels, even on weekends. With nature, history, and soft sandy beaches all in one, Jekyll balances calm downtime with educational adventures.

See Jekyll Island Hotels → Beach-Bike Essentials for Kids →

Highlights kids remember: Holding a turtle shell at the Sea Turtle Center, biking under oak canopies, and building driftwood “forts” by the water.

🏨 Where to Stay: Family Resorts on Jekyll

Jekyll Island Club & Ocean Club

Historic charm · Pools & bikes · Suites for families

Why families love it: The Club has spacious family suites and a timeless setting with oaks and verandas. The Ocean Club offers beachfront pools and bike rentals, making it easy to roll from room to beach.

• Pools + hot tubs
• On-site dining (kid-friendly menus)
• Complimentary shuttle between properties

Check Club & Ocean Club Rates →

Best for families who enjoy a little history + resort amenities all in one.

Westin Jekyll Island

Oceanfront · Direct boardwalk access · Near shops

Why families love it: The Westin sits right on the beach with direct access to the boardwalk and the small Beach Village (restaurants + ice cream). Families appreciate large rooms, a beachfront pool, and easy stroller-friendly walks.

• Outdoor pool + kids’ shallow area
• Walkable to Beach Village (snacks, coffee, treats)
• Rental bikes nearby

See Westin Jekyll Deals →

Ask for higher floors for sweeping ocean views; sunsets are magical from the balcony.

🗓️ 2-Day Family Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Arrive, rent bikes, easy ride to Driftwood Beach.
• Lunch: Picnic under shaded oaks.
• Afternoon: Pool time at resort + nap break.
• Evening: Sunset bike ride, dinner at Beach Village.

Day 2

• Morning: Georgia Sea Turtle Center—interactive exhibits + turtle care demos.
• Lunch: Grab sandwiches from a local café.
• Afternoon: Beach play + shell collecting.
• Evening: Ice cream treat and early bedtime.

Check Jekyll Weekend Packages → Shop My Family Beach Kit →

🍴 Family Dining on Jekyll

• Driftwood Bistro: Southern comfort food, family-friendly service.
• Beach House: Casual beachside bites with kids’ menu.
• Ice Cream & Coffee Shops: Perfect bribe for a longer bike ride.

Most restaurants are stroller-accessible; weekends are busiest, so plan early dinners with kids.

🚲 Logistics & Bike Paths

• Island admission: $10 daily vehicle pass (buy at causeway).
• Bike rentals widely available—child seats, trailers, tandem bikes offered.
• 20+ miles of shaded bike trails connect beaches, parks, and resorts.

Bring your own helmets if your kids prefer the fit. Early mornings are quietest on trails.

🧺 Packing & Rain Plan

Must-Pack

• Bikes or plan to rent
• Reusable water bottles & picnic blanket
• Binoculars for bird watching
• Sunscreen & hats

Rain Plan

• Georgia Sea Turtle Center (indoor exhibits)
• Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum (history & interactive displays)
• Driftwood Bistro long lunch with coloring books

Sources

• Jekyll Island Club & Ocean Club — pools, bike rentals, shuttle.
• Westin Jekyll Island — oceanfront, boardwalk access, Beach Village proximity.
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center — kids’ programs & exhibits.
• Island admission & bike trail info — Jekyll Island Authority.