10 Fun & Free Things to Do in Jacksonville with Kids
Just a short drive south of the Golden Isles sits the largest city by landmass in the lower US. Jacksonville might be a big place, but it has a small town feel and there are tons of great spots for kids and families to visit without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a fun day trip (or maybe even a weekend away) our friends at Jacksonville Beach Moms have put together a list of their favorite fun and free things to do with kids in Jacksonville.
Known throughout town as the crown jewel of the park system, Sunshine Playground received a massive renovation in 2022 making it even better than before. It’s by far one of the best playgrounds in Jacksonville, there’s tons of shade and a huge play structure that kids of all ages will love. During the summer months the park also has a free splash pad area. You can enjoy riding bikes or scooters around on the pathway or bring a ball and play on the field. Sunshine Park has bathrooms, water bottle refill stations, picnic tables, and a little free library.
If you’re looking for the ultimate spot for shopping in Jacksonville, head to the Beaches Town Center. The vast majority of the store fronts are small, locally owned businesses that offer a wide variety of items. Peruse the aisles of a local bookstore, and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, like Coop 303 or Flying Iguana. Just steps from the beach, this shopping spot is a great place to stretch your legs, even if you’re not looking to buy anything.
A hidden gem in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, this preserve is a fan favorite for locals. Take the kids (and the dog) and stroll along the paths, looking for wildlife. If you follow the trail to the end, you’re rewarded with stunning marsh views. Make sure you take bug spray in the summer and pack snacks and water, there are no amenities at this small nature preserve.
If you happen to be in Jacksonville on a Saturday, then make sure you stop by the Riverside Arts Market (RAM). It’s open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 10am to 3pm. The market offers locally grown produce, baked goods, arts and craft items, and food trucks.
If you’re visiting Jacksonville during the summer, then you must check out one of our great splash pads around town. Many of them are located at public parks and are completely free to visit. Splash pads are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and are a great way to keep the kids cool during those hot summer months.
There are lots of great beaches in North Florida where you can catch some waves and soak up the sun. But if you’re looking to find some tiny beach treasures then make plans to visit Mickler’s Landing. This public beach has lots of shells, free parking, and bathrooms. But what Mickler’s is really known for is the abundance of shark teeth people find there.
There are a surprising number of Forts in North Florida you can explore with the kids, but one of our favorites is Fort Caroline. This historic site has a small visitor center with museum, lots of great trails, picnic tables, and historic landmarks. Kids can even earn a Junior Ranger Badge at no charge.
A majestic Oak in the middle of downtown Jacksonville, Treaty Oak is a site to behold. At an estimated 250 years old, Treaty Oak is the single oldest living thing in the city.
Got bikes? If you’re looking to explore on two wheels, then head to the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail for an adventure that’s perfect for kids and all biking abilities. This flat, shaded, 14.5-mile bike trail on the site of an abandoned railway line offers families the perfect opportunity for some outdoor fun.
You may not realize it, but Jacksonville has a rich art scene that has exploded in the last few years. Throughout downtown and even stretching out to different areas of the city, you can find murals big and small. One of our favorite things to do is to take the kids on a mural scavenger hunt to search for hidden objects!
While you might not get out of Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop without buying anything, we wanted to include it, because it is absolutely free to visit. You can wander through this real-life Willy Wonka factory and peek through windows to see candy being made. If you have the time, spend the $6 on a guided tour. It’s well worth the few dollars, and you leave with a custom candy bar!
Contributed by Jacksonville Beach Moms. Jacksonville Beach Moms is a local guide to the best of Jacksonville Beach for families. They love our beaches community and everything Jacksonville has to offer and are dedicated to sharing the best attractions, restaurants, venues and events for parents and care-givers.
