Welcome to Jacksonville, Florida, where the sun shines, the beaches are pristine, and the fun never ends! This is the perfect destination for families with kids looking for a fun and exciting vacation.
Whether you want to explore the great outdoors, soak up the sun on the beach, or immerse yourself in the local culture, Jacksonville has something for everyone. This city is full of surprises, from thrilling amusement parks to fascinating museums and historical sites.
So, pack your bags, grab the kids, and prepare for a trip full of adventure, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s go!
1. Adventure Landing
Looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that will have your heart racing? Look no further than Adventure Landing!
This family-friendly amusement park is the perfect destination for kids and adults alike. With go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, and a variety of thrill rides, Adventure Landing is a one-stop shop for excitement.
Moreover, want to cool off on a hot day? Check out the water park, Shipwreck Island, featuring water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. With so much to do and see, Adventure Landing is a must-visit destination for any thrill-seeker visiting Jacksonville.
So, strap in, and get ready for the ride of your life!
2. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
If you are drained from all the rides and adrenaline, get a peaceful and culturally enriching experience in Jacksonville.
The stunning Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens features a vast collection of over 5,000 works of art from around the world, including works from famous artists such as Winslow Homer and Norman Rockwell.
But the real star of the show is the museum’s breathtaking gardens. With over 2.5 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, including a reflection pool and an Italian garden, you and your kids will feel transported to another world.
Also, look out for the museum’s special events, including garden tours, art classes, and concerts under the stars. This is one museum you won’t want to miss!
3. Crab Island
A popular tourist stop is a visit to Crab Island. You’ll need to rent a boat to get there, and most people choose a pontoon.
Crab Island is a sandbar in the middle of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin, Florida. The area is a popular spot for boaters, and the sandbar is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.
Moreover, renting a pontoon is a great way to spend the day with your kids, exploring the bay and stopping at Crab Island for a swim or a picnic. However, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and snacks for the day.
4. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Get ready to go wild at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! This zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, including giraffes, elephants, and jaguars. But the fun doesn’t stop there – the zoo has a splash park, a train ride, and a carousel for your kids to enjoy.
However, if you think that’s the only fun part, visit their various interactive exhibits, including a petting zoo and a stingray touch tank, or the opportunity to feed the giraffes and watch the playful otters swim.
Your kids will love it!
Moreover, check out the zoo’s newest addition, the African Forest, featuring a canopy walk and a habitat for great apes. And don’t forget to explore the zoo’s beautiful gardens, including the butterfly and hummingbird gardens.
With so much to see and do, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the perfect destination for animal lovers of all ages!
5. Museum of Science & History
The Museum of Science and History, also known as MOSH, is an interactive museum perfect for kids and adults of all ages. This museum will give you a hands-on, mind-bending experience in Jacksonville.
The MOSH is all about exploration, with interactive exhibits that will have you tinkering, experimenting, and discovering. Your kids can travel through space in the planetarium, explore the ocean’s depths in the aquarium, and even dig up fossils in the outdoor exhibit.
Moreover, check out the museum’s special exhibits, which change throughout the year. And take advantage of the rooftop observatory, where you can gaze at the stars and planets.
At MOSH, learning is an adventure, so come ready to explore!
6. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Ready for some fun in the sun? Head over to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, where you’ll find over 450 acres of outdoor adventure. Whether you want to hike, bike, swim, or fish, this park has everything.
In Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, you can hit the trails for a scenic hike or rent a bike to explore the park on two wheels. If you want a more cooling activity, splash in the park’s freshwater lake or dip in the ocean at the park’s beach.
Moreover, don’t forget to check out the park’s special events, including movie nights under the stars and live music performances. At Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, the possibilities for outdoor fun are endless!
7. Jacksonville Beach Pier
The Jacksonville Beach Pier is a must-visit for families who love to fish.
This iconic landmark stretches 1,320 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and offers stunning coastline views. Whether you’re an avid fisherman looking to reel in the catch of the day or just want to take a leisurely stroll, the pier is the perfect spot to do it.
Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Beaches Museum and History Park, located nearby, to learn more about the history of Jacksonville’s beach community. With sun, sand, and surf, the Jacksonville Beach Pier is the perfect spot to soak up some coastal vibes!
8. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Get ready for a roaring good time with your kids at the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary! This sanctuary is home to over forty big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards, all of whom have been rescued from improper living conditions.
During your visit, you’ll get up close and personal with these majestic creatures as you watch them play, relax, and even chow down on some tasty treats.
And if you’re lucky, you may even see the cats during their nightly feeding time. So head to the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the thrill of the wild!
9. St. Johns River Taxi
If you want to see Jacksonville from a new perspective, hop on board the St. Johns River Taxi! This fun and unique mode of transportation lets your family explore the city’s waterways while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.
Moreover, the taxi stops at several popular destinations, including the Jacksonville Landing and the Riverside Arts Market, so you can easily hop on and off as you please.
And the taxi drivers are always happy to share fun facts and trivia about the city and its history. This way, you enjoy, relax, and learn some new history.
10. Little Talbot Island State Park
Little Talbot Island State Park is a beautiful barrier island that is a perfect destination for a family trip. This beautiful park features five miles of pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
But that’s not all – the park also has a variety of nature trails where you can spot local wildlife like sea turtles and dolphins and take in the scenic view.
Moreover, if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and explore the park’s salt marshes and creeks. And when you’re ready for a break, head to the picnic area for a bite.
Little Talbot Island State Park is truly a nature lover’s paradise!
11. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens
If you need some peace and tranquility, look no further than the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens! This serene oasis features 120 acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a peaceful picnic.
The arboretum is home to various plant species, including rare and endangered or native Florida plants, so you’re sure to see something new and exciting.
Moreover, you need to check out the tree canopy walk, where you can walk among the treetops and experience nature from a whole new perspective. This place is also beautiful for a family photo you can hang in your home!
12. Riverside Arts Market
The Riverside Arts Market is a weekly event that takes place every Saturday, and it’s the perfect destination for art lovers and foodies alike!
This vibrant market features over a hundred local artists and vendors, showcasing everything from handmade jewelry to unique home decor.
Whether your family is in the market for some new jewelry, a piece of handmade pottery, or a one-of-a-kind painting, they will definitely find something that catches their eye.
The market also has several food vendors serving delicious eats, from fresh seafood to gourmet burgers. And with live music and entertainment throughout the day, the Riverside Arts Market is the ultimate weekend hangout spot.
13. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is a world-class orchestra that performs at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, and it’s a must-see for all you music lovers out there!
This talented group of musicians performs various musical genres, from classical masterpieces to contemporary hits, so there’s something for everyone.
And with stunning acoustics and a beautiful venue, a night at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is an experience you won’t soon forget. So dress up, grab a drink, and get ready to be swept away by the beautiful sounds of the symphony!
14. Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve
Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve is a beautiful preserve with over 46,000 acres of pristine wetlands, forests, and marshes, teeming with local wildlife and rich history.
Take a stroll along the many nature trails, and explore the historic Fort Caroline site, which was the site of a French colony in the 16th century.
Moreover, you can head out on a guided kayak tour and see the preserve from a whole new perspective.
And with stunning views of the St. Johns River and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and photography, the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve is the perfect destination for all you nature enthusiasts out there!
15. Beaches Museum & History Park
The Beaches Museum and History Park is dedicated to preserving the history of the Jacksonville Beaches area. The museum has exhibits on the area’s early settlers, beach culture, and military history.
Moreover, the museum has a history park, which is a collection of historic buildings that have been moved to the museum’s grounds. Take a step back in time with a visit to the Beaches Museum and History Park.
Conclusion
Jacksonville, Florida, is a family-friendly paradise with endless fun activities for kids of all ages. From exploring the great outdoors to discovering new museums and attractions, this city has no shortage of excitement.
Moreover, with our 15 exciting things to do, you’ll always have ways to entertain the little ones. So grab the sunscreen, and get ready for a wild adventure in Jax! Also, don’t forget to take plenty of photos and create memories to last a lifetime. Happy exploring!
