Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida and one that’s not to be missed for families. Its rich history intrigues and its beautiful beaches delight. St. John’s River runs right through the heart of Jacksonville’s downtown while museums and artistic culture entertain throughout the city.
There are so many fun things to do in Jacksonville with kids! Beautiful beaches and relaxing day trips to paradise abound, as well as a step back in time to the oldest city of our nation (St. Augustine). Here are our top picks for families.
Family Things to do in Jacksonville, Florida on Vacation
Shipwreck Island Waterpark at Adventure Landing
Cool off and have a blast at Shipwreck Island at Adventure Landing. This water park has a little bit of everything. The kids will enjoy acting like little pirates in The Pirates Play Village while adults catch some rays from the side lines.
Older kids and parents will get their adrenaline pumping on the Xtreme slides such as the Eye of the Storm and the Hydro Half-Pipe. The wave pool will be a hit for the whole family!
There is also an arcade, mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, and batting cages on the property to enjoy after you have had your fill of the water park.
Extend your vacation by using this North Florida vacation plan to visit Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Daytona Beach.
Have a Sweet Adventure at Sweet Pete’s Candy Mansion
Located inside the restored Seminole Club building in Downtown Jacksonville, Sweet Pete’s Candy Mansion is much more than a candy store- it’s an experience!
Start by signing up for a candy-making class. Choose from options like chocolate bar creation, taffy pulling, or gummy bear making– all are great for school-aged kids and teens. Be sure to book your classes in advance because they are popular!
After your class, wander the floors of the mansion which are filled with whimsical candy displays like the giant lollipop chandelier. As you can imagine, there is lots and lots of candy to shop for including their famous sea salt caramel, treats from around the world, retro favorites, and even allergen-friendly options.
If you get hungry, dine at Fizzies & Fare, a restaurant inside of Sweet Petes that serves burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, sides, and lots of ice cream sundaes and shakes.
Trekaroo Tip: Kids eat free on Thursday from 5 – 8pm!
Explore more of the state! Here are the 10 Best Things to do in Florida with Kids.
Tree Hill Nature Center
Tree Hill Nature Center is a lovely spot filled with boardwalks, trails, gardens, and wildlife just 15 minutes from downtown. Kids will enjoy spotting frogs and turtles in the marshes and butterflies and hummingbirds in the pollinator garden. They even have pygmy goats.
There is a small museum onsite with animals like snakes, opossums, and owls. There are also hands-on displays about nature, and an exhibit about the Florida wetlands.
Kayak and Paddleboard on the St. Johns River
Active families who love to be outside and on the water will definitely want to paddle on the St. Johns River. There are several outfitters, such as All Wet Sports, that will rent you the equipment you need to spend a peaceful morning on the water.
You can choose from several different routes and launch points, such as Ortega River, Reddie Point Reserve, or Riverside Memorial Park. It is a cool experience to paddle past cypress trees, water birds, manatees, and even dolphins- with Jacksonville’s skyline in the distance.
Adventure Kayak Florida provides experiences ranging from short introductory paddles to overnight adventures. Tours start at $75 per person, and they also offer rentals at Hanna Park.
See the Jaguars Play at Everbank Field
For an exciting night, Catch the Jacksonville Jaguars play at Everbank Field where Super Bowl XXXIX was held. The stadium is currently undergoing a major multi-year renovation to become the “Stadium of the Future,” but home games will still be played here throughout the 2025 season.
There are a variety of seating options to choose from including Field Seats, Club Tables, Spa Cabanas, Party Cabanas, and the Bar Rail. Pregame fun kicks off two hours before the game at the Fan Entertainment Zone which has food trucks, music, photo ops, and other family-friendly activities.
Ask about the Family Fun Zone located in Section 227 when purchasing your tickets for a truly kid-friendly game. If you have kiddos 12 and under, be sure to enroll them in the Jaguars Cub Club or Kids Club to receive special discounts and fun activities created just for them!
Ready for a road trip? Check out this amazing Florida Road Trip Itinerary.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Explore over 120 acres of trails and gardens showcasing native plants and wildlife at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful spot for families to hike and learn about Florida’s natural habitats while burning off energy and enjoy the fresh air.
It is hard to believe this urban oasis was once an old strip mine but it is a great example of what environmentalism can do to benefit the community. There are short,shaded trails which are good for strollers as well as little legs. The Arboretum is a certified wildlife habitat where you may see woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, hawks, and native reptiles.
Explore the MOSH (Museum of Science and History)
Every member of the family will LOVE the MOSH (Museum of Science and History). New and exciting exhibits for kids to explore and learn from are ever-present, along with entertaining and educational events. Admission includes access to the daily planetarium shows and science theater presentations.
Be sure to visit the museum’s events page when planning a visit so that you don’t miss a thing! Kids will love to participate in the Extreme Science show; it is hair-raising!
The MOSH is part of the ASTC Passport Program, and ASTC members get in for free. If not a member, save a few dollars by visiting on $5 Fridays!
Have Some Rainy Day Fun
Don’t let a rainy day kill the fun! There are a few different spots that are sure to keep the whole family entertained inside.
Main Event Jacksonville is an indoor family entertainment center offering bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and a ropes course. They have a restaurant onsite serving up classics like burgers, pizza, and wings.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving offers flight experience to kids as young as three, giving kids a chance to experience the thrill of indoor skydiving in a safe, indoor environment. My kids absolutely loved their indoor skydiving experience and would happily do it again.
You might have a K1 Speed near you but it is still a great indoor option while on vacation. The K1 Speed Indoor Go-Kart racing in Jacksonville has two tracks to race and multi-race packages which you can purchase ahead of time to save money.
Flight Adventure Park is a popular indoor trampoline center in Jacksonville. They have wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball courts. Trampoline parks are a reliable way for kids to burn off energy while having a blast.
Head to the Beach at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Enjoy the fresh air, fresh water, and beautiful sandy beaches at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
There is plenty to do here. Visitors can camp, surf, fish in the lake, hike, and bike. There is also a playground and a splash park for the little ones.
For the surfer in the family, be sure not to miss surfing at The Poles located in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
Love being outside and surrounded by nature? Try kayaking Lofton Creek, the most popular spot to paddle in the region. This two-hour paddle through wonderful scenery has great wildlife spotting opportunities.
You can book your Lofton Creek kayaking trip on TripAdvisor. As a TripAdvisor affiliate Trekaroo receives a small commission to help fund our small business and you get the lowest rates guaranteed.
Bike the Baldwin Rail Trail
The Baldwin Rail Trail is a 15-mile, paved and shady trail that is perfect for biking. It is wide, smooth, and free of vehicle traffic. Pack a picnic and you can stop the Camp Milton Historic Preserve about halfway on the trail to enjoy a lovely lunch.
Rent bikes at Super Corsa Cycles which is near the trail entrance.
Take the Top to Bottom Walking Tour with Jacksonville Walking Tours
The Top to Bottom Walking Tour is such a blast! During the tour, guests experience Jacksonville’s history from the tippy top of the city all the way down to its secret underground tunnels.
Learn about the fire that burned 146 blocks of Jacksonville and left almost 10,000 residents homeless. Tour takers can view pictures that compare what the city looked like back then to the present day.
Included with the tour is a behind the scenes look at the Jacksonville Arts. There is so much to learn and experience during this walking tour.
Make sure to leave enough time after the tour to enjoy lunch at the Skyline located in the Bank of America Tower where a beautiful bird’s eye view of downtown Jacksonville awaits.
Visit the Talbot Islands State Parks
The Jacksonville area is home to Big Talbot Island State Park as well as Little Talbot Island State Park. Big Talbot is known as a great place for nature photography. Boneyard Beach has driftwood sculptures stretching along the sand like natural art installations. It is also a popular spot for cycling, fishing, and kayaking.
Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in Florida. It has five miles of beachfront and dunes, as well as a maritime forest and Salt Marsh kayak trail.
Stroll the Riverside Arts Market
Held every Saturday from 10am – 3pm under the Fuller Warren Bridge, the Riverside Arts Market features local artists, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Buy local fruits and veggies, artisan breads, and hot food such as barbecue and kettle corn. There are also booths selling jewelry, pottery, woodwork, painting, and so much more. There are often kids craft booths and storytellers. Street performers and live music on the River Stage round out the experience.
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
Spend the day at Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve in Jacksonville, Floridan which is managed by the National Park Service. It protects 46,000 acres of wetlands, salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood forests as well as important historic sites.
Throughout the Preserve, hike, explore historical sites, go to the beach, enjoy a horseback ride, and kayak. Kids can even become Junior Rangers!
A few of the must-see sites include: Fort Caroline, the Kingsley Plantation, and the Ribault Club. All of these things can be combined with time at the beach and exploring the trails into a very full day. Don’t forget to pack your bug spray, water, and lunch.
Beaches Museum & History Park
The Beaches Museum and History Park is a great stop for the train lovers and history buffs! A visit includes the Train Foreman’s House, The Train Depot, The Steam Locomotive, The Post Office, and the Heritage Garden.
Guests enjoy learning about the history of the area’s beach communities, as well as the people and trains that made life possible at the turn of the 20th century. The Beaches Museum is also a host to some fabulous events, so plan your visit accordingly.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Experience the big cats and support a good cause during a visit to Catty Shack Ranch. This non-profit organization cares for animals in need and offers daytime tours and night-time feeding tours.
There are lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats and more to see and learn about. All the animals have been rescued from private owners, circuses, or other facilities that could no longer care for them. We highly recommend booking a nighttime feeding tour so you can hear the cats roar as they are getting ready for dinner.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a lovely zoo located along the Trout River. Be surrounded by beautiful plants while learning about amazing creatures, as the Botanical Gardens and zoo are intertwined.
The Land of the Tiger exhibit is something not to miss! The overhead walkways are very cool and the training demonstrations are fun to watch. Visit in the morning and get those cameras ready…prepare to be in awe! Other exhibits you won’t want to miss are the African Forest & Savanna and the Great Apes Loop, as well as Wild Florida which showcases native species.
Kids also love the splash park and playground as well as the animal carousel and the train ride around the zoo.
Go Horseback Riding at Amelia Island
Have you ever dreamed about riding a horse along the ocean shore? Amelia Island is a great place to live out your dreams, and Amelia Island Horseback Riding will allow kids as young as 6 to go for a ride.
Amelia Island is 45 minutes north of Jacksonville and has a downtown filled with cute shops and ice cream parlors. You can book a daytime ride on the beach but I think a sunset ride is far more scenic. Be sure to bring long pants and close-toed shoes so you can ride!
Great Places to Eat in Jacksonville with Kids
Jacksonville is home to some funky, fun restaurants. Here are a few that are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds!
Maple Street Biscuit Co brings something unique to family vacations with its yummy sandwiches. Choose from the Squawk on the Street, The Loaded Goat, or The Reinhold. Sounds fun, right?
Mexican food lovers should try TacoLu. The quirky decor and friendly atmosphere is as fun as the tacos are tasty! It’s located right next to Adventure Landing, so fill up on some delicious eats before hitting the water park!
After spending a day at the beach, nothing is better than a delicious milkshake. The MShack has that covered. Patrons can grab a delicious burger and then cool off with a decadent milkshake. The Marshmallow Brulee milkshake is sure to hit the spot!
Or how about pizza? Build your own pizza at Your Pie; then let them bake it fresh for you in their brick oven. Kids will love this unique pizza experience. The city of Jacksonville will not let you go hungry!
Where to Stay in Jacksonville with Kids
Jacksonville has many lodging options for families from downtown luxury hotels that are close to shopping, museums, and the St. Johns River, to beach resorts just outside the city.
At One Ocean Resort & Spa each spacious room has a beautiful view of the ocean. This resort has many things to offer families including spa packages, a summer kids club, and pet friendly accommodations. Pets have their own amenities too.
Aloft in Tapestry Park offers spacious rooms for families. The upbeat, friendly staff is welcoming, and the outdoor saltwater pool is refreshing for the weary traveler. There is a Starbucks located right outside the hotel’s front doors and Your Pie restaurant is right up the street.
A great family hotel in Jacksonville is the Candlewood Suites. It offers very spacious suites that include a fully equipped kitchen. An available kitchen when traveling with kids is a luxury as mine are always hungry!
Day Trips from Jacksonville
Swim with a Manatee in Crystal River
The only place in the world where you can swim with manatees is only an hour away from Jacksonville in Crystal River. We have an article filled with everything you need to know about swimming with the manatees in the Crystal River.
The Plantation Dive Shop provides everything needed to experience these gentle giants up close and on a personal level. Call before visiting to reserve a spot as tours fill up fast!
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space, the final frontier! Learn all about the final frontier at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Kids can play a real live game of Angry Birds, walk among the rockets at the Rocket Garden, and come nose to nose with the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
When done exploring the complex, catch a bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Have a blast on the Space Coast of Florida!
Florida’s Historic Coast: St. Augustine and Ponte Verde
Visit Florida’s beautiful Historic Coast that includes the significant city of St. Augustine, as well as the towering dunes and the natural beauty found in the lagoons of Anastasia Island’s wide beaches off shores of Ponte Vedra Beach.
In St. Augustine, hop on the Old Town Trolley for a fabulous tour of the oldest city in our nation, founded in 1565. Trolley tickets are good for three days and allow admission to the St. Augustine History Museum and Beach Bus Shuttle service!
Visit the Castillo De San Marcos National Monument and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Ranger tours of the fort are available each day and on Saturdays a live cannon firing occurs!
Finally, enjoy lunch at the LePavillon, located in a historical house that some say is haunted. Tour the Whetstone Chocolate Factory or the San Sebastian Winery and finish the day off with shopping for souvenirs from the quaint little shops of St. Augustine.
More Things to do in Florida
- Discover the best things to do in Tampa.
- Here are fun things to do in Clearwater Beach,
- Enjoy these kid-friendly things to do in Miami.
- Explore the best things to do in Orlando.
- Here are 12 of the Best Orlando Resorts for Families
- These are the top Orlando Hotel Pools
- Here are our favorite things to do in Key West with kids.
- Use this guide to explore the Florida Keys with kids.
- 10 super fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids.
- Over 50 Fun Things to do in Florida on a Family Vacation
- 10 Fun Things to do in Ocala, Florida
- The Best Beach Towns in Florida for Families
- 30 Places to Stop on Your Drive to Florida
- The Best Gulf Coast Beaches
- 15 Fun Things to do in Pensacola, Fl with Kids
- Great Things to do in St. Augustine with Kids
- Things to see, do, and eat in Destin, Fl
- Fun Things to do in Tallahassee with Kids
- Swim with Manatees in the Crystal River in Florida
Special thanks to Jennifer Parkerson who wrote the original version of this article.
I was first attracted to the world of blogging because I was a mother of infant twins and I wanted to show others that if I could travel with two young kids and expose them to many adventures that would shape their lives, then so could they! I received my degree in Communications from UC Davis in 2000 and have had a passion for writing since I learned to use a #2 pencil many moons ago.
I am proud to have been featured as a top family travel writer by USA Today and have been featured in the Orange County Register, Huffington Post, CBS LA, MSNBC, Backpacker Magazine, and countless other publications over the years. I have also had the joy of working as a writer for some of my local tourism bureaus, Destination Irvine and Visit Anaheim, as well as providing my expertise on many projects including building family travel tourism in Peru and family-focused articles for Vail Resorts.
I have worked with the biggest players in the family travel industry including Disney Resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Marriott, Hilton, Adventures by Disney, KOA, Visit Britain, Visit Norway, Visit California, Visit Florida, and so many more amazing organizations than I have space to list.
I currently live in Orange County, CA with my husband, twin son and daughter (who are now Seniors in high school!), three rescue dogs, and one rescue cat. My favorite things (besides travel) are the San Francisco 49ers, animal rescue, Mexican food, being outside, being crafty, and my ridiculously large crystal and mineral collection.
- Over 20 Family Things To Do in Jacksonville - April 30, 2025
- The 12 Best Resorts in Cancun for Families - April 28, 2025
- 15 Great Things To Do in Naples, Florida with Kids - April 30, 2025