Top 9 Kid Activities in Jacksonville Florida for Families

Jacksonville is a great place to visit because there are so many attractions to choose from.  It has attractions that accommodate people of all ages. Family vacations or trips are an exciting time to take the kids to some of the best places in town.  This guide will help you choose the best kid activities in Jacksonville, FL.  

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Museums and History:

While in Jacksonville, it would be a good idea to take the kids to some of Jacksonville’s museums.  Learning about history is fun and educational. There are so many museums to choose from that you are sure to find one that will fit with your family.  

1. MOSH

MOSH stands for Museum of Science and History, so if you have some science lovers in your family, you may want to add this to your list of kid activities in Jacksonville, FL to visit.  You may want to check out some of the events they have going on while you are in town. There are many exhibits to visit while you are there.

Health in Motion interactive exhibit where your child can learn about how lifestyle and environment can impact your health in the long run.  

JEA Powerplay exhibit is another cool exhibit where your child will learn about the diverse energy sources.  

The Florida Naturalist’s Center is great for those nature spy.  It gives them a chance to get hands-on experience with many special animals like opossums and amphibians. 

In the Hixon Native Plant Courtyard, you will find that your nature lover will enjoy seeing the native plants of Florida.  They encourage awareness and prevention of the region’s native species.   

Kidspace was designed especially for kids under the age of five.  It is a great place for the little ones to enjoy themselves while learning about science and nature.  

The Space Science Gallery is a great place for kids who have an interest in space.  In the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, science and history will be explained in interesting ways.  In the MOSH Planetarium, your child will enjoy many special exhibits.  

Of course, there are more exhibits at MOSH.  If you are interested this is one of the kid activities in Jacksonville, FL that you will not want your science and nature lover to miss out on.

2. Jacksonville “Hands-On” Children’s Museum

This is a great museum for children of all ages, that promotes hands-on learning.  The museum helps motivate cognitive, physical and social skills while enjoying beneficial interactivity with peers and other adults.  The museum also encourages motivation by observation, inquiry, creative construction, role-playing, problem-solving and free play.  

3. Tree Hill Nature Center

Tree Hill Nature Center is located in the center of Jacksonville, and it is a great way to experience fun for the whole family while enjoying the great outdoors.  There are more than 50 acres of trails, butterfly and hummingbird gardens and a Florida Natural History Museum, as well as many different native wildlife. There is plenty to keep you and your family busy at Tree Hill Nature Center.

4. Amelia Island Museum of History

There is so much going on at the Amelia Island Museum of History that there is always something happening on third street.  The museum is located inside the old Nassau county jail, which is a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Plenty is happening that you will not want to miss these kid activities in Jacksonville, FL.  

Ghost Tour:  If your kids are older, your family may enjoy some of Amelia Island’s ghost stories as you are guided through some talented storytelling adventures.  It will seem as if the past comes alive. The tour will start in the cemetery behind St. Peters Episcopal church every Friday.

Research Library:  Here, you will find an extensive collection of books, photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the history of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and all of Nassau County.

 Wildlife Attractions:

There are so many places to visit for those who would rather spend their time outdoors enjoying nature and wildlife.  

1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Here is one of the kid activities in Jacksonville, FL that your child will not want to miss.  

Zookeeper for the Day:  Being a zookeeper sounds like a lot of fun.  If your child is curious about what it takes to be a zookeeper and is 14 or older, this will be a great experience while you are at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  A special name badge will be given to each guest zookeeper, and they will get the opportunity to take a picture with an animal of their choice.  

Butterfly Hollow:  This is a magical place for everyone to enjoy.  You will get the chance to see some of Florida’s native butterfly species including Monarchs, Buckeyes, Red Admirals, Julias, White Peacocks, along with others.  

Stingray Bay:  Here is your chance to get your hands wet with this activity at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  You will get the opportunity to meet cow nose rays, bluntnose rays, Atlantic rays and guitarfish during your visit.  

Wildlife Carousel:  Children age 12 and under will enjoy a ride on the Wildlife Carousel.  The carousel has already become a classic because it has every child’s favorite animals. 

2. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary was rated number one in the things to do in Jacksonville. This is one of the kid activities in Jacksonville, FL that you will not want your child to miss.  The main focus at The Catty Shack Ranch is to rescue exotic animals from life-threatening situations and provide them a safe, loving, forever homes for the endangered exotic cats. You will get the perfect opportunity to learn about the predicament these endangered animals are facing in the wild as well as in captivity.  You may get the chance to catch a feeding of more than 600 pounds of meat throughout the sanctuary. There will be plenty of excitement and roaring going on during this time that you may want to put this on the top of your list of kid activities in Jacksonville, FL.

Amusement Parks:

There are also many different amusement parks to choose from during your stay at Jacksonville.  Here is one of the top recommended amusement parks in Jacksonville, FL. 

1. Flight Fit and Fun

If your kids enjoy trampolines, they will not want to miss this out on this activity.  Here your child will experience the time of their lives with velocity air sports in a huge room with wall to wall trampolines, a ninja course, air slam basketball, arcade, foam pits, and trapeze.

For children ages 6 and under:  Have a reserved time to jump from 9 am to 10 am, but they are welcome to jump during standard hours as well.  

Teen and Family Nights:  The music comes on and the lights go out, this is an activity you will not want to miss with your family.

 Other Attractions:

During your stay, there are a few more places you may want to add to your kid activities in Jacksonville, FL.  

1. Southbank Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is located on the St. Johns River.  There are over a mile of museums, shops, restaurants along your walk while enjoying nature and the beautiful scenery.  

2. Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Take the opportunity to visit one of Florida’s State Parks that has been occupied by humans for over 5,000 years.  Visiting this park will give you a chance to go fishing, boating, off-road bicycling and hiking. They also have a visitor center that was once a resort that has been restored.  There are also guided tours that will give you an eco-friendly experience that you will not forget.    

There are plenty of family and kid activities in Jacksonville, FL.  There are different attractions to appeal to people of all ages. With all of the historic places to visit, museums, outdoor activities and amusement parks, you are sure to find some fun for the whole family to enjoy.