Keeping kids of any age busy and entertained can be the most daunting and downright overwhelming part of parenting. What are we supposed to do to combat their boredom troubles? One excellent option I like is to get them out of their regular everyday routines and get some quality family time in. Now the next question is, where to go? Going to the same favored park can be a bit anticlimactic and not always fun for the bigger kids, so what options do we have left? If you’re in that same boredom cycle of uncertainty, you’re reading the right blog! I’ve done some digging and found a great selection of 7 things to do with kids in Jacksonville, FL that will create beautiful memories. From forgotten gems to popular fun zones, your family will enjoy their day out and make fun new memories all at once.
7 Fantastic Things To Do With Kids In Jacksonville FL
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Escape everyday normalcy and head to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Over 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants leave excitement at every turn as you explore the grounds.
What they offer:
- Animal Exhibits
- Gardens
- Art at the Zoo
- Conservation
- Welcome to Manatee-ville
- Painting with Penguins
- Spooktacular
- Events throughout the year!
- Online tickets *required before arrival*
Children 2 and under are free. Memberships are available!
A fantastic bonus: a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and memberships go right into protecting animals and plants all around the world. Jacksonville Zoo and Garden support over 45 plant and animal conservation programs.
You can visit this great Zoo at 370-200 parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. They’re open seven days a week.
Adventure Landing
The largest family entertainment center in Northeast Florida is full of adventure! It was actually the first to open in 1995. Adventure Landing is a collection of fun and exciting amusement parks in north Florida that you and your kids are bound to enjoy and make lasting memories of.
This thing to do with kids in Jacksonville, FL location offers:
- Shipwreck Island Waterpark
- Gator Alley
- Miniature Golf
- Laser Tag
- Wacky Worm Roller Coaster
- Frog Hopper
- Max Flight 3D
- Batting Cages
- Arcade
- Adventure Speedway Go-Karts
- Teddy Bear Factory
- Adventure Candy Shop
- Island Gift Store
This fun-packed amusement park is located at 1944 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32250. Prices vary depending on the attraction(s) you want to visit. Children 3 and under are free, and passes are available!
Little Talbot Island State Park
With more than 5 miles of beautiful and well-kept beaches and 3 miles of bike trails, Little Talbot Island State Park is full of natural beauty. It is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in Northeast Florida and is ready to be explored.
- Hike the Dune Ridge Trail
- Paddle Simpson Creek
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Shelling
- Surfing
- Tours
- Walking/running
- Wildlife Viewing
- Events
This fun state park is located at 12157 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32226. It is available to visit from 8:00 AM to sunset daily, and it’s currently only $5 per vehicle to enjoy.
Fort Clinch State Park
Lined with rows of cannons that point across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia are historical reminders of Fort Clinch’s role during the Civil War. Your family can visit the many rooms, galleries, and grounds and take in all the beautiful history this park has to offer.
- Walk the Willow Pond Nature Trail
- Shark Tooth Hunting
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Geo-Seeking
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Shelling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tours
- Events
- Wildlife Viewing
You can take in all the beautiful history at 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034; it is currently only $6 per vehicle to enter.
Jacksonville Arboretum
An arboretum is a place where trees and other plants are grown and studied, and with 120 acres of nature in history, there is plenty to view and study. Take the time to stop and enjoy the beauty of nature and all it offers.
- 7 Trails to explore, discover and enjoy
- Programs and Events for the family to enjoy.
This beautiful Arboretum is located at 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. For non-members, it’s only a small admission fee, and children three and under are free. Dogs are also welcome on a max leash length of 8 feet.
Indoor Things To Do With Kids In Jacksonville FL
Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
Take the kids to enjoy exhibits and galleries that inspire creativity and spark imagination and curiosity. This private, non-profit institution is located at 1025 Museum Circle Jacksonville, Florida 32207, and is the city’s most visited museum.
What they offer:
Exhibits
- Core Exhibits
- Signature Exhibits
- Traveling Exhibits
- Outreach Exhibits
- Local Art
- Space Mailbox
- Bryan-Gooding Planetarium
- Adventure Tours
- And so much more!
Educate
- Things like camps, programs, and Academy opportunities.
Events
- Monthly events
- Book the Museum
Tickets
- Ticket prices are based on age for Adults, Children 3-12 years and children under 2 are free. Additionally, they provided a discounted price for Students, Seniors (55+), and Military.
- They offer memberships and discounts for groups and those with benefits.
This thing to do with kids in Jacksonville, FL is open Mondays, Thursdays-Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Jacksonville’s “Hands On” Children’s Museum
This non-profit museum at 8580 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32216 is all about promoting Hands-On participation in learning. Kids of all ages are encouraged to observe, discover, ask all the questions they can, be curious, roleplay, problem solve and enjoy the freedom of play.
Ticket prices for the museum are based on age but yearly memberships are available. Children under 1 can visit for free.
When you purchase one adult membership, they add one First Responder to a Membership for Free!
Things To Do With Kids In Jacksonville FL
When it comes to things to do with kids in Jacksonville, FL, there are many opportunities when you look for them. Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment adventure or it’s been marked on the calendar, just be ready for fun with these fabulous locations!
If you are ready for more Jacksonville motherhood content, then make sure you check out the rest of my blog! While you are here, don’t hesitate to start the conversation on what your next family session could look like! Looking forward to talking to you soon!
xx,
Rina