10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Jacksonville, Florida

There are many great things you can do with kids in Jacksonville, Florida.

These are our favourites:

Visit the zoo

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a great place to take kids of all ages.

There are more than 2,000 animals to see, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and gorillas. The zoo also has a splash pad and a carousel.

Go to the beach

Some of the best beaches near Jacksonville are Amelia Island, Big Talbot Island, and Cumberland Island.

All three of these beaches offer something unique and are great for families. Amelia Island is known for its historic downtown district and beautiful sandy beaches. Big Talbot Island is a great place to explore nature with its hiking trails and wildlife.

Cumberland Island is a secluded beach that is only accessible by ferry.

Visit a museum

The Museum of Science & History in Jacksonville is a great place to take the family for a day of learning and fun.

There are interactive exhibits on science and history, as well as a planetarium and IMAX theater. The museum also has a cafe and gift shop.

Take a riverboat cruise

Take a riverboat cruise as family in Jacksonville and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the St. Johns River.

The riverboat cruise will take you past some of Jacksonville’s most popular landmarks including the EverBank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the St. Johns Riverwalk. You’ll also get a great view of the downtown skyline from the river.

Go fishing

Fishing with kids can be a great way to teach them patience, responsibility, and how to enjoy the outdoors.

Jacksonville offers many opportunities for fishing with kids. There are several parks and lakes that offer fishing, such as Big Talbot Island State Park, Hanna Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. You can also take a charter boat out for a half-day of fishing.

This is a great way to teach kids about different types of fish and how to catch them.

Play mini golf

Some of the best mini golf courses near Jacksonville include Adventure Landing, Jurassic Park, and Pirate’s Island.

These courses offer a variety of fun and challenging holes for kids of all ages. Adventure Landing also has an arcade and water park, making it a great place to spend a day with the family.

Visit an amusement park

Assuming you would like tips for visiting an amusement park with kids in Jacksonville:

1. Check the weather in advance and plan to visit on a day with milder temperatures if possible.
2. Bring sunscreen and hats for everyone in the group, as well as water bottles that can be refilled throughout the day.
3. Make a game plan before arriving at the park so that everyone knows which rides they want to go on and in what order. This will help avoid any arguments or meltdowns later on.
4. Take advantage of any FastPass or express entry options available to help save time waiting in line.
5. Be aware of any height or age restrictions for rides so that everyone knows which ones they can go on ahead of time.
6. At the end of the day, treat everyone to some ice cream or another favorite treat as a reward for being patient and having fun!

Go camping

There are plenty of camping options near Jacksonville that are perfect for families with kids.

One option is the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, which offers camping along with hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Another option is the Hanna Park Campground, which has a playground and picnic areas.

Take a scenic drive

There are many scenic drives near Jacksonville that would be great for kids.

A few possibilities include driving down A1A to see the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, or taking a drive on the St. Johns River to see all the wildlife.

Visit a botanical garden

The Jacksonville botanical gardens are a great place to take kids.

The gardens are full of beautiful flowers and plants, and there are also many interactive exhibits. The gardens also have a playground, picnic area, and a pond.