11 Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida is a fantastic destination for families looking for fun and educational activities to enjoy with their kids. With its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and numerous kid-friendly attractions, Jacksonville is an excellent place to spend quality time with your children. If you are planning to visit Jax with your family, here are 10 of the best kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville.

Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Jacksonville

1. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

 

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a popular attraction for families visiting the city. The zoo has more than 2,000 animals, including tigers, lions, giraffes, and elephants. There are several animal exhibits, such as the African Savanna, the Range of the Jaguar, and the Land of the Tiger, that provide a close-up view of the animals in their natural habitats. You can also take a train ride around the zoo, feed the giraffes, and watch animal shows. The zoo is open every day of the week and admission prices vary based on age.

Address:  370 Zoo Parkway Jacksonville

Operating Hours:  Opens daily  (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Admission fee:

 

• • Total admission tickets (Includes admission, Dinosauria, 4D Theater, Unlimited Train, Unlimited Carousel Rides, and Animal Feedings)

     

    • • $27.95 – $37.95 :  Kids (ages 3-12) 
    • • $34.95 – $44.95 :  Adults (ages 13-64):  
    • • $32.95 – $42.95 :  Seniors (65+)

• • General admission tickets (Includes admission to the Zoo)

     

    • • $24.95 – $29.95 :  Kids (ages 3-12) 
    • • $29.95 – $34.95 :  Adults (ages 13-64):  
    • • $27.95 – $32.95 :  Seniors (65+)

• • Kids that are 2 y.o. and below are free. 

Phone no:  (904) 757-4463

Website:  https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/

2.Spend a day at the beach

 

Jacksonville has miles of beautiful beaches, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Some of the best beaches to visit with kids include Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach. These beaches have playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and lifeguards on duty during the day. You can swim, build sandcastles, or just relax in the sun. There are also several beachside restaurants and cafes that offer kid-friendly menus and drinks.

3.Explore the Museum of Science and History (MOSH)

 

The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) is a great place for kids to learn about science, history, and technology. The museum has interactive exhibits on space, the human body, and natural history, as well as a planetarium and a science theater. The Kidspace area is perfect for younger children, with hands-on exhibits and activities that teach them about science in a fun and engaging way. The museum is open daily (except for Tuesday and Wednesday) from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can also go on a Saturday between 10 AM to 6 PM, or Sunday from noon to 5 PM. You can purchase tickets online or upon arrival at the Museum Lobby. 

Address:  1025 Museum Circle Jacksonville

Operating Hours:  

 

• • Monday  (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

• • Tuesday – Wednesday  (closed)

• • Thursday – Friday  (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

• • Saturday  (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

• • Sunday  (12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.)

Admission fee:

 

• • $16.95 :  children  (ages 3-12)

• • $19.95 :  adults  (ages 13-54)

• • $16.95 :  seniors (ages 55+), military, students

• • FREE for members and children (2 years old and below)

Phone no:  (904) 396-6674 Ext 210 to speak with a Guest Relations representative

Website: https://themosh.org/

4.Go on a nature walk at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

 

The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a beautiful place to explore with your kids. It is a 120-acre nature preserve that has several hiking trails, wildlife, and gardens to explore and enjoy. There are several family-friendly events throughout the year, such as the annual Butterfly Festival, that provide a fun and educational experience for children. The Arboretum is open every day from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.

Address:  1445 Millcoe Road Jacksonville

Operating Hours:  Opens daily (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Admission fee: 

 

• • $3 for non-member

• • Free and unlimited visits for members. Become a member here.

Phone no:  (904) 318-4342

Website:  https://www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/

Email:  info@jacksonvillearboretum.org

5.Have fun at Adventure Landing

 

Adventure Landing is a waterpark that offers a variety of water slides, pools, and other fun activities for kids. The park has a lazy river, a wave pool, and several water slides of different heights and speeds. There are also several other attractions, such as a mini-golf course, a go-kart track, and an arcade. The park is open daily during the summer months, and admission prices vary based on age and the time of day.

Address:  1944 Beach Blvd Jacksonville Beach

Operating Hours:  

 

• • Monday – Friday  (12 noon to 10:00 p.m.)

• • Saturday  (11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.)

• • Sunday  (11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

Admission fee:  fees vary according to the attractions you’re availing or the packages available. You can check the pricing here to plan your trip.

Phone no:  (904) 246-4386

Website:  https://jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com/

6.Take a trip to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

 

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a great place to introduce your kids to art and culture. The museum has a special section for kids with hands-on exhibits and activities, such as art projects and scavenger hunts, that teach them about different art styles and techniques. The gardens outside are also beautiful to explore, with several fountains, sculptures, and natural landscapes to see. The museum is open every day of the week except for Mondays, and admission prices vary based on age.

Address:  829 Riverside Avenue Jacksonville

Operating Hours:  

 

• • Monday (CLOSED)

• • Tuesday, Friday  (11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)

• • Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday  (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

• • Sunday  (12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.)

Admission fee:

 

• • Free :  Children (Ages 5 and under),  First Responders & Healthcare Workers with ID

• • $10 :  Students (Ages 6-17), Seniors, Military, College students with ID on weekends

• • $15 :  Adults: 

• • Free : College Students (Tues – Fri)

Phone no:  (904) 356-6857

Website: https://www.cummermuseum.org/

7.Take a riverboat tour

 

The St. Johns River is a beautiful waterway that flows through Jacksonville, and taking a riverboat tour is a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective. If you research your options carefully, you’ll see that many tour operators offer a variety of trips, from short sightseeing tours to longer dinner cruises. Kids will surely love the opportunity to see wildlife, such as dolphins and manatees, in their natural habitat.

8.Visit the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

 

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and loving home to rescued big cats, such as lions, tigers, and leopards. The sanctuary offers tours that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals while learning about the importance of conservation and animal welfare. You can visit the ranch on any day. They are open from 1 to 3 PM. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, they have a night-feeding session that you can get access to for a separately sold night ticket. 

Address:  1860 Starratt Road Jacksonville

Operating Hours:  

 

• • Daytime tours:  Opens daily (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

     

    • • Adults: $15
    • • Children (3-11): $7  
    • • Children (2 and younger): Always free and do not require a ticket

• • Night feeding (held every Friday & Saturday 6:00–7:30 p.m.)

     

    • • Adults: $35 for a general admission ticket
    • • $45 – package deal ticket, which includes free t-shirt ($24 value) and free drink or snow cone
    • • Children (3-11): $20 general admission ticket
    • • Children (2 and younger): Always free and do not require a ticket

Phone no:  (904) 757-3603

Website:  https://cattyshack.org/

9.Learn about the history of aviation

 

Jacksonville is home to the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, the third-largest naval facility in the United States. The base has a rich history in aviation, and the nearby Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s Cecil Airport features several exhibits that focus on the history of aviation. Take your kids here for a chance to climb aboard planes, such as the F-14 Tomcat and the F-18 Hornet, and explore the cockpit.

10.See a show at the Florida Theatre

 

The Florida Theatre is a historic venue that hosts events and performances that are suitable for children of different ages, including concerts, plays, musicals, and other live shows. These events often feature family-friendly themes and content, making them enjoyable for children and adults alike. If you are interested in taking your kids to a show at the Florida Theater, here are the upcoming events and their corresponding rates. 

Address:  128 East Forsyth Street  Jacksonville

Operating Hours:  varies depending on the event showcased 

Phone no:  (904)355-5661

Website:  https://www.floridatheatre.com/

11.Go camping at Hanna Park

Hanna Park is a beautiful 450-acre park in Jax that offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for the whole family, including camping. With more than 300 campsites, (many of which are located in wooded areas) the park offers plenty of fun outdoor adventures for the whole family. 

However, while you and your kids are camping at the park, you might as well enjoy the park’s other amenities – bike trails, hike trails, playgrounds, a freshwater lake with stocked fish (supervised by a lifeguard during peak seasons), lots of greens, and picnic areas. 

Address:  500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville

Operating Hours:  Opens daily  (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Admission fee:  

 

• • $3 per pedestrian and bicyclist 8 am to close

• • $5 per car (up to six people) 8 am to close

Phone no:  (904) 255-6767

Website:https://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/kathryn-abbey-hanna-park.aspx

As you can see, there is no shortage of places and activities for the kids to experience in Jacksonville. From the parks to the beaches to the museums and zoos, Jax offers plenty of kid-friendly options for you and your family.