10 Best Family Things to Do in Jacksonville

If you’re looking for a sure-fire hit for the whole family on your stay in Jacksonville, head straight for Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This award-winning zoo is home to 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants and features the only walking safari in Northeast Florida.

As well as the opportunity to see a massive range of animals – from African lions to a North American black bear – Jacksonville Zoo has tonnes of kid-friendly activities – including a playground, maze, carousel, and splash pad in the spring and summer. The zoo also adheres to the highest level of animal care and is dedicated to conservation, with a portion of ticket sales contributing to animal protection projects around the world.

Located on the attractive Southbank of St Johns River, MOSH (the Museum of Science and History) is Jacksonville’s most visited museum. With a focus on science, history, and innovation, there are 3 floors of exhibits including the award-winning ‘Currents of Time’ and ‘Atlantic Tails,’ and the Florida Naturalist’s Centre.

There are plenty of exciting interactive displays to keep little ones entertained at MOSH, such as daily animal and science shows, opportunities to pet animals, and a schedule of space programmes at the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Plus, there’s a dedicated area called ‘Kidspace’ for younger children – featuring a water area, indoor treehouse, and wooden train set.

Part of a chain of Florida amusement parks, the kids are sure to love a trip to Adventure Landing on Jacksonville Beach. This huge aquatic centre is a dream destination for kids of all ages – featuring the Shipwreck Island Water Park, Gator Alley, laser tag, mini golf, batting cages, rollercoaster, arcade, go-karts, and more.

The Shipwreck Island Water Park is the biggest crowd pleaser at Adventure Landing with a half-million-gallon wave pool, water slides, lazy river, ‘pirate’s play village,’ and toddler splash zone. However, there are plenty of other activities on offer here – and much of it is indoors so ideal for keeping the kids busy on a rainy day.

High-octane entertainment for kids and parents alike, Jacksonville’s iFLY Indoor Skydiving is the ultimate adrenaline rush activity. The venue features state-of-the-art wind tunnels allowing participants to float in a column of air to recreate the experience of skydiving in a safe, indoor environment.

The perfect activity for a rainy day on your trip to Jacksonville, iFLY Indoor Skydiving can be enjoyed by every member of the family. It’s suitable for kids from 3 years of age and with no height restriction – however, there is a maximum weight of 300 lbs. You will have a fully trained flight instructor who will show you the ropes of indoor skydiving and ensure you have a super fun but safe experience.

The largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is a must-see on your Jacksonville holiday. The museum showcases 5,000 works of art and the pretty riverfront gardens on the banks of the St Johns River can be explored and enjoyed by the whole family.

Travelling with young children? Head to the Cummer Museum’s interactive centre: Art Connections. This area features hands-on, multimedia exhibits to keep little ones busy – plus a conveniently located café for parents. The museum also loans out family backpacks to help kids make the most of their visit and a ‘create cart’ with clipboards and art supplies so kids can create a masterpiece of their own.

If you’re planning a day trip from Jacksonville, Mickler’s Landing is a beautiful beachfront park around 30 minutes’ drive away in Ponte Vedra. You can surf, swim, or sunbathe on the famous pink stretches of coquina sand while the kids hunt for shells as well as fossilised and modern-day shark teeth, which are known to be found here.

Mickler’s Landing has everything you need for a family day out at the beach with off-beach parking, bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Plus, there’s a wooden walkway from the car park down to the water so it’s accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, it’s a popular spot so it’s recommended to arrive early to find a parking space.

Located in a pretty, white villa close to MOCA on North Hogan Street, Sweet Pete’s Sweets is a gourmet sweets paradise for all sweet-toothed kids. From hand-pulled lollipops and saltwater taffy to caramel chocolate apples, peanut butter crunch, and much more, you’ll have no problem finding your sugary treat of choice here.

The Sweet Pete’s store stocks merchandise and novelty toys as well as chocolate and sweets and the venue runs classes, events, and kids’ birthday parties. Plus, there is an ice cream parlour and ‘Fizzies & Fare’ restaurant on-site with burgers, hot dogs, fries, and sweets cocktails. This is sure to be your kids’ favourite meal on your trip to Jacksonville.

A top attraction in Jacksonville, the Catty Shack Ranch is a wildlife sanctuary for big cats such as tigers, lions, pumas and leopards. The non-profit ranch provides a safe home for endangered species, while working to educate visitors about these incredible animals and their plight in the wild.

A hidden gem in Jacksonville, kids are sure to love the rare opportunity to get up close with wild cats in the safe, uncrowded surroundings of the Catty Shack Ranch. You can wander around and explore independently or take a guided tour with one of the volunteers – don’t forget your camera for feeding time! This family-friendly attraction has stroller access and it’s free for kids under 2.

As the name suggests, Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum offers ‘hands-on’ entertainment for kids of all ages. The museum features 25 fun and educational exhibits, where kids can dress up and role play – including a supermarket, café, bank, fire station, train depot, post office, and more.

Suitable for younger children up to the age of 12 years, Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum is all about learning through play and features an indoor playground as well as interactive play spaces. Perfect for a rainy day, it’s fun and affordable – a great spot for the kids to burn off some energy while parents can find a seat and watch.

Just a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville, a trip to kayak at Amelia Island makes a great day out the whole family can enjoy. Suitable for children from 4 years as well as adult beginners, you can tailor your kayak trip to suit your needs. Book a guided tour or lesson, or you can easily rent out kayaks and paddleboards for a family adventure of your own.

Amelia Island is a natural paradise with unspoiled, beautiful beaches and an abundance of nature. The salt marshes in Northeast Florida are some of the most diverse in the world and you can expect to see plenty of wildlife out on the water, such as rays, otters, turtles, and even manatees or dolphins.