A Practical Look at the Hands-On History Experience in St. Augustine
If you’re considering a visit to St. Augustine and want something more than just wandering around historic streets, the Hands-On History Experience might catch your eye. Offered by See America Tours, this activity promises a quick, engaging glimpse into colonial family life through interactive crafts and demonstrations. It’s a neat addition for history buffs or families wanting an activity that’s both educational and hands-on.
What really appeals about this experience is the chance to make your own beeswax candles and rope, while learning about what daily life was like in late 1700s St. Augustine. Plus, the fact that you get free souvenirs—your handmade candles and rope—adds a nice tangible memory to your trip. It’s also quite accessible, with mobile tickets and a reasonable price point of just $25 for your whole group, which makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.
On the flip side, this tour is only about 45 minutes long, so it doesn’t cover a huge amount of history in detail. If you’re looking for an in-depth historical tour, this might feel a bit light. Also, since the experience is quite hands-on and geared towards families or groups, it may not suit those craving a more traditional, lecture-style history lesson. That said, it’s ideal for anyone wanting a break from walking and museums, especially if you enjoy creating things yourself.
This experience is great for those who appreciate tactile learning and want to get a peek into colonial crafts in a casual, family-friendly setting. It’s best suited for visitors who want a short, engaging activity rather than a lengthy tour—something to add variety to your day rather than replace a full historical exploration.
Key Points

- Interactive crafts like candle making and rope twisting bring history to life.
- Affordable price point of $25 per group makes it accessible for most travelers.
- Short duration of 45 minutes fits well into a busy sightseeing schedule.
- Free souvenirs offer a nice keepsake and memory of the experience.
- Suitable for most travelers with most being able to participate, including service animals.
- Learn about colonial family life in a fun, hands-on way that appeals to all ages.
What to Expect from the Hands-On History Experience in St. Augustine

This tour offers a compact and engaging look into life in colonial times, making it a good fit if you’re short on time but still want to connect with the city’s past. The experience is hosted by See America Tours, and it’s designed to give visitors a tactile sense of history—think dipping candles, weaving ropes, carding wool, and trying on colonial outfits.
Interested in history? Here are other past-focused experiences we've examined in St Augustine
The Itinerary Breakdown
The journey begins at See America Tours, where you’ll be introduced to what family life was like in late 1700s St. Augustine. Here, the focus is hands-on, meaning you’ll actually be involved in making things rather than just watching. The activities include dipping candles into beeswax, which offers a sensory experience and a chance to understand how colonial families created light sources. You’ll also get to twist rope, an essential skill for colonial life, and card wool, which helps reveal how textiles were prepared.
Beyond craft-making, the experience touches on ancient tools and colonial games, giving you a fuller picture of daily routines and leisure activities of the time. Dressing in period costumes adds a bit of fun, and the overall goal is to foster a sense of connection and curiosity about the past.
Pros and Cons Based on Real Feedback
While official reviews aren’t yet available, the tour’s description paints a picture of a family-friendly activity that’s both educational and memorable. The fact that most travelers can participate suggests it’s suitable for a wide range of ages and physical abilities. The inclusion of confirmation and mobile tickets makes it easy to plan, and the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind if your plans change.
What About the Experience Itself?
Expect to spend around 45 minutes immersed in the colonial crafts, with plenty of opportunity for photos and questions. The guide or host is likely to explain each craft’s significance and demonstrate the techniques, offering you the chance to try your hand at each one. The tactile nature of candle dipping and rope making means you’ll leave with a physical souvenir—your own beeswax candle and rope—which is a thoughtful touch that adds value beyond just the experience.
The Cost vs. the Experience
At $25 for a group of up to six, this activity offers good value—especially considering the souvenirs included. It’s a budget-friendly way to add a unique, memorable activity to your day in St. Augustine without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that this isn’t a comprehensive tour of the city’s history but rather a focused peek into colonial domestic life, so it works best as a complement to other explorations.
While in St Augustine, here are other experiences we've covered
Practical Considerations
Since the experience is described as suitable for most travelers and includes no complex logistics, it’s easy to fit into a day’s itinerary. Being near public transportation makes it accessible, and service animals are allowed, which is thoughtful. The short duration means it’s perfect if you need a break from longer walking tours or want a fun, interactive activity without a large time commitment.
Who Should Book This?

This tour is well-suited for families, small groups, or anyone curious about colonial crafts and daily life in early America. If you enjoy hands-on activities or want a souvenir to remember your trip, it’s a good fit. Those with limited time in St. Augustine will appreciate that it offers a quick but meaningful cultural experience. However, if you’re seeking an in-depth history lesson or a longer tour, this might not satisfy that particular craving.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Hands-On History Experience in St. Augustine is a charming, budget-friendly activity that provides a tactile connection to the past. It’s a delightful way to break up your sightseeing, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want to try your hand at colonial crafts. The opportunity to make your own beeswax candle and rope adds a layer of meaningful engagement that’s rare in typical city tours.
While it’s brief and focused on specific crafts, its simplicity is part of its charm. It’s not intended to be an exhaustive history lesson but rather a memorable, interactive snapshot of early American life. For anyone looking for a fun, educational, and affordable activity in St. Augustine, this experience could be a perfect fit.
If you’re interested in other activities in the area, you might also consider hop-on-hop-off trolleys or boat rides, but don’t overlook this charming craft-based tour as a unique way to connect with the city’s colonial roots.
Hands On History Experience Ticket in St Augustine Florida
FAQs About the Hands-On History Experience in St. Augustine

- Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children will likely enjoy the hands-on crafts like candle dipping and rope making. - How long does the tour last?
Approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick activity to fit into a busy day. - What’s included in the price?
Your group’s admission, the opportunity to make your own beeswax candle and rope, and the souvenirs you create. - Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund. - Where is the experience located?
It’s hosted by See America Tours, which is conveniently near public transportation. - Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the activity. - Is this a guided tour?
It’s more of an interactive demonstration or workshop, with guides explaining each craft. - Is the experience suitable for groups of more than six?
The ticket price covers up to six people per group; larger groups may need to book multiple slots. - Do I need to bring anything?
No, all necessary materials are provided. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm. - Can I participate if I don’t know much about history?
Absolutely. This experience is designed to be accessible and engaging regardless of prior knowledge.
If you’re in St. Augustine and want a quick, hands-on glimpse into colonial family life that leaves you with a keepsake, the Hands-On History Experience offers a straightforward, fun way to connect with the city’s past.
More Historical Tours in St Augustine
- Historic St Augustine Audio Self Guided App GPS Tour
- Ghost Tour of St. Augustine: The Original Haunted History Tour
- Walking History Tour of St. Augustine’s Historic District
- Killer History: True Crime Tour in St. Augustine
- History Walking Tour in St. Augustine
- St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
More Tickets in St Augustine
More Tour Reviews in St Augustine
More St Augustine experiences we've covered
- Historic St Augustine Audio Self Guided App GPS Tour
- Riding with the Ghosts a Golf Cart Ghost Tour in St Augustine
- Hands On History Experience Ticket in St Augustine Florida
- St. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
- Ghost Tour of St. Augustine: The Original Haunted History Tour
- Saint Augustine E-Bike Rental City Style
- Potter’s Wax Museum Admission in St. Augustine
- Taste of St. Augustine Tour
- St. Augustine Shipwreck Virtual Treasure Hunt/Scavenger Hunt
- Oldest Store Museum Experience in St. Augustine
- Walking History Tour of St. Augustine’s Historic District
- Fun Scavenger Hunt in St. Augustine
