Best of 11 Things to do with kids in Jacksonville
Discover a world of fun and learning with "Things to do with kids in Jacksonville." From exploring the beauty of nature at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to experiencing the thrill of indoor go-karts at K1 Speed, there's something for every young adventurer. Other must-visit locations include Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Breakout Games - Jacksonville, and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, offering endless opportunities for family bonding and making memories.
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- 1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- 2. Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
- 3. Southbank Riverwalk
- 4. K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities
- 5. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
- 6. Bravoz Entertainment Center
- 7. Friendship Fountain
- 8. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
- 9. Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum
- 10. Breakout Games - Jacksonville
- 11. Castaway Island Preserve
1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Home to over 2,000 rare and exotic animals and plants
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The Play Park and Splash Ground at this destination spans 2.5 acres and features a variety of exciting activities for children. They can explore mazes, cool off at the splash ground, climb on a treehouse, and test their skills on a rock-climbing area. This promises to be a fun-filled experience for kids.
In addition to the Play Park and Splash Ground, kids will have the opportunity to interact with a range of animals. They can feed giraffes, pet stingrays, observe penguins swimming, and watch otters at play. These experiences will provide children with memorable encounters with wildlife.
The Play Park and Splash Ground at this destination spans 2.5 acres and features a variety of exciting activities for children. They can explore mazes, cool off at the splash ground, climb on a treehouse, and test their skills on a rock-climbing area. This promises to be a fun-filled experience for kids.
In addition to the Play Park and Splash Ground, kids will have the opportunity to interact with a range of animals. They can feed giraffes, pet stingrays, observe penguins swimming, and watch otters at play. These experiences will provide children with memorable encounters with wildlife.
2. Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Free admission with optional donations
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Northern Florida's Jacksonville's Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is an underrated natural attraction. Spanning 120 acres, it is a hidden gem that offers a great day-trip adventure for all ages. The Arboretum is a wild and untamed urban woodland centered around a lake, providing a stunning display of beauty and scope.
The Arboretum features many walking trails of varying lengths, each accompanied by informational signage about the plants and land features. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna while enjoying a peaceful and scenic walk through the woods. Overall, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors in northern Florida.
Northern Florida's Jacksonville's Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is an underrated natural attraction. Spanning 120 acres, it is a hidden gem that offers a great day-trip adventure for all ages. The Arboretum is a wild and untamed urban woodland centered around a lake, providing a stunning display of beauty and scope.
The Arboretum features many walking trails of varying lengths, each accompanied by informational signage about the plants and land features. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna while enjoying a peaceful and scenic walk through the woods. Overall, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors in northern Florida.
3. Southbank Riverwalk
Located near numerous museums and cultural attractions
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In October 2022, a walk along the boardwalk was taken, but was surprised to find it mostly deserted. Despite expecting a number of restaurants in the area, the vicinity was primarily composed of condos and other businesses.
During January 2023, the entire walk was completed, albeit on a cold and windy day with construction along the path. Despite hoping for cafes or restaurants, none were found. The bridges were a highlight of the trip.
In October 2022, a walk along the boardwalk was taken, but was surprised to find it mostly deserted. Despite expecting a number of restaurants in the area, the vicinity was primarily composed of condos and other businesses.
During January 2023, the entire walk was completed, albeit on a cold and windy day with construction along the path. Despite hoping for cafes or restaurants, none were found. The bridges were a highlight of the trip.
4. K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities
Featuring state-of-the-art electric go-karts, a spacious and modern facility, and a dedicated team-building program.
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A birthday party for kids was held at a venue offering go-kart racing and arcade games. The staff was accommodating, contributing to the children's enjoyment of the activities. Both kids and adults can appreciate this indoor entertainment. The track was well-maintained, and the karts were safe, providing a great experience for the children. The family plans to visit again in the future.
Go-kart racing and arcade games were the main attractions at a party for kids. The facility catered well to the children, allowing them to have a fantastic time. Suitable for all ages, the indoor track and karts made for a secure and enjoyable experience. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and look forward to returning.
A birthday party for kids was held at a venue offering go-kart racing and arcade games. The staff was accommodating, contributing to the children's enjoyment of the activities. Both kids and adults can appreciate this indoor entertainment. The track was well-maintained, and the karts were safe, providing a great experience for the children. The family plans to visit again in the future.
Go-kart racing and arcade games were the main attractions at a party for kids. The facility catered well to the children, allowing them to have a fantastic time. Suitable for all ages, the indoor track and karts made for a secure and enjoyable experience. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and look forward to returning.
5. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Offers a wide range of American and European fine art collections
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The Cummer Museum is an excellent destination for families with children. It features interactive exhibits and picturesque gardens, providing children with the opportunity to discover and learn about art and nature. The museum offers 'Exploring with Kids' guides to encourage families to engage with the artwork in a more meaningful way, making for a fun and educational experience for kids.
'Exploring with Kids' guides at the Cummer Museum offer parents a tool to make their visit more interactive and enjoyable for their children. The guides enable families to slow down and truly appreciate the artwork, encouraging engagement and discussion around the various pieces. The beautiful gardens and child-friendly exhibits make for a well-rounded and educational trip, leaving kids with a new appreciation for art and nature.
The Cummer Museum is an excellent destination for families with children. It features interactive exhibits and picturesque gardens, providing children with the opportunity to discover and learn about art and nature. The museum offers 'Exploring with Kids' guides to encourage families to engage with the artwork in a more meaningful way, making for a fun and educational experience for kids.
'Exploring with Kids' guides at the Cummer Museum offer parents a tool to make their visit more interactive and enjoyable for their children. The guides enable families to slow down and truly appreciate the artwork, encouraging engagement and discussion around the various pieces. The beautiful gardens and child-friendly exhibits make for a well-rounded and educational trip, leaving kids with a new appreciation for art and nature.
6. Bravoz Entertainment Center
Bravoz Entertainment Center is a unique one-stop destination for family fun and entertainment in Jacksonville, FL.
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The establishment has undergone significant updates and now offers a variety of activities beyond just jumping. This includes games and mini bowling, providing a more diverse range of options for visitors. This makes it an excellent place to bring children for a day of fun and exhaustion.
Additionally, the venue offers a variety of food options such as mozzarella sticks, nachos, and hot dogs. These offerings make it an ideal location for a party or gathering, as there are options for both entertainment and sustenance. Whether you're looking to keep children entertained or throw a fun event, this establishment has much to offer.
The establishment has undergone significant updates and now offers a variety of activities beyond just jumping. This includes games and mini bowling, providing a more diverse range of options for visitors. This makes it an excellent place to bring children for a day of fun and exhaustion.
Additionally, the venue offers a variety of food options such as mozzarella sticks, nachos, and hot dogs. These offerings make it an ideal location for a party or gathering, as there are options for both entertainment and sustenance. Whether you're looking to keep children entertained or throw a fun event, this establishment has much to offer.
7. Friendship Fountain
Iconic landmark celebrating 50th anniversary in 2022
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Friends and Family were unable to visit the famous Friendship Fountain during their weekend trip over the Fourth of July due to renovations. The fountain, known for its beauty, was boarded up and fenced in, with no water shows or lights to be seen. Despite not getting to experience the fountain firsthand, the group had heard about its beauty and was disappointed to miss out.
The wait is over as Friendship Fountain has officially reopened on February 15, 2024. The fountain now features 15-minute nightly shows with lights and music starting at 7 pm, although it operates without the lights and music during the day. The surrounding area is still under construction, with plans for a playground for children to enjoy. Visitors can now look forward to experiencing the fountain in all its glory.
Friends and Family were unable to visit the famous Friendship Fountain during their weekend trip over the Fourth of July due to renovations. The fountain, known for its beauty, was boarded up and fenced in, with no water shows or lights to be seen. Despite not getting to experience the fountain firsthand, the group had heard about its beauty and was disappointed to miss out.
The wait is over as Friendship Fountain has officially reopened on February 15, 2024. The fountain now features 15-minute nightly shows with lights and music starting at 7 pm, although it operates without the lights and music during the day. The surrounding area is still under construction, with plans for a playground for children to enjoy. Visitors can now look forward to experiencing the fountain in all its glory.
8. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to tigers, lions, pumas, and other exotic cats, providing a safe haven for animals in need
At Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, plan your visit for a cooler day to increase your chances of spotting more animals. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, taking in the exotic sights and exploring the well-maintained grounds. The staff is not only knowledgeable but also eager to answer any questions, enhancing our visit.
This sanctuary has truly won us over. On our inaugural visit, we were delighted by the well-cared-for animals, showcasing the dedication of the staff. A kind and informative gentleman, whom we didn't get the pleasure of learning his name, added to our memorable experience. We can't wait to return next year to witness the animals' new homes, making Catty Shack Ranch a must-visit destination.
This sanctuary has truly won us over. On our inaugural visit, we were delighted by the well-cared-for animals, showcasing the dedication of the staff. A kind and informative gentleman, whom we didn't get the pleasure of learning his name, added to our memorable experience. We can't wait to return next year to witness the animals' new homes, making Catty Shack Ranch a must-visit destination.
9. Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum
A museum designed specifically for children to learn through play and exploration
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The children's museum is a fun-filled interactive space, suitable for young children aged 10 and under. It features a variety of areas and exhibits, prioritizing play over education. The museum's old building and vintage toys add to its unique charm.
My kids particularly enjoy visiting this museum, where they can engage in creative activities. Despite its age, the building's classic appeal and the timeless nature of the toys make it an appealing destination for families.
The children's museum is a fun-filled interactive space, suitable for young children aged 10 and under. It features a variety of areas and exhibits, prioritizing play over education. The museum's old building and vintage toys add to its unique charm.
My kids particularly enjoy visiting this museum, where they can engage in creative activities. Despite its age, the building's classic appeal and the timeless nature of the toys make it an appealing destination for families.
10. Breakout Games - Jacksonville
Immersive and engaging experiences that allow families to interact and communicate in a unique and memorable way.
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A family outing can be greatly enjoyed at an escape room experience. The attraction is not only fun for adults but also caters well to kids. In fact, our children loved the escape room and are already excited to go back. This shows that the establishment is successful in providing entertainment for all ages.
During our visit with our kids, we found the staff to be friendly and approachable. The escape rooms themselves were well-designed, with considerations made for various age groups. This made for an enjoyable and inclusive experience that everyone in the family could participate in and have a good time.
A family outing can be greatly enjoyed at an escape room experience. The attraction is not only fun for adults but also caters well to kids. In fact, our children loved the escape room and are already excited to go back. This shows that the establishment is successful in providing entertainment for all ages.
During our visit with our kids, we found the staff to be friendly and approachable. The escape rooms themselves were well-designed, with considerations made for various age groups. This made for an enjoyable and inclusive experience that everyone in the family could participate in and have a good time.
11. Castaway Island Preserve
Includes a historical park with a cabin from the 1800s
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As the weekday was coming to an end, I decided to visit the trail in the late afternoon. The sun was setting, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. The air was fresh and clean, making it a perfect time to be outside. The trail was not crowded, but it also wasn't empty, providing a comfortable amount of solitude while still feeling safe.
The trail itself was quite nice, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Although it wasn't very large, it was still worth checking out. The trail featured various landscapes, from wooded areas to open fields, providing a diverse range of scenery. The trail was well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it accessible to people of all skill levels. Overall, it was a pleasant experience that allowed me to connect with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet.
As the weekday was coming to an end, I decided to visit the trail in the late afternoon. The sun was setting, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. The air was fresh and clean, making it a perfect time to be outside. The trail was not crowded, but it also wasn't empty, providing a comfortable amount of solitude while still feeling safe.
The trail itself was quite nice, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Although it wasn't very large, it was still worth checking out. The trail featured various landscapes, from wooded areas to open fields, providing a diverse range of scenery. The trail was well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it accessible to people of all skill levels. Overall, it was a pleasant experience that allowed me to connect with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet.