Jacksonville Bucket List for Families (Hidden Gems!)
Jacksonville is full of surprises — from beautiful parks and splash pads to cozy indoor spots and unique classes. Whether you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to explore, something exciting, or a fresh adventure you haven’t tried yet, these are some of my favorite hidden gems in and around Jacksonville that are perfect for family fun.
And I’m especially excited to share my latest collab with Jacksonville Ghost Tour! Want to add a little mystery to your next family outing? The ghost tour takes you through Jacksonville’s historic streets after dark, sharing tales of the city’s haunted past, legends, and eerie stories that many locals don’t even know. It’s engaging, spooky in the best way, and a chance to explore Jacksonville from a totally different perspective.
Heads up! Some links on here are affiliate links, meaning I might make a tiny commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. But don’t worry, I only recommend stuff I actually love. My opinion? 100% my own!
Jacksonville Outdoor Family Activities
Spooky Ghost Walking Tour- Meet up at 6 Beach Blvd, Jax Beach. A perfect way to learn all the spookiness in an educational and group setting, our kids loved! They even let them hold an EMF reader and a lantern! For Jacksonville, book HERE!
Sunshine Playground + Splashpad at South Beach Park at 2514 S Beach Pkwy, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park + Splash Pad + Beach access + Trails at 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233 ($5 per vehicle up to six people, military & veteran 1/2 off discount)
David Wayne Pack Park in Mayport is a super cute pirate ship park located at 4875 Ocean Street, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Friendship Fountain + Pirate Ship Park at 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Downtown Jacksonville Silent Disco
Jacksonville Zoo + Splash Pad at 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218 (General admission for adults 13-64 is $29.95, Children ages 3-12 pay $24.95, and those 2 and under are free)
U-Pick Farms + Stands (Check opening days/seasons)
Baldwin Rail-Trail 14.1 miles of paved bike path away from traffic and surrounded by nature. The Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail runs between 89 Brandy Branch Rd / CR 121 (Baldwin) and 1800 Imeson Road (Jacksonville), with parking available at both endpoints. Parking is also available at
- 1380 Otis Rd (Jacksonville)
- Larry M. Carroll Memorial Park (Baldwin)
- 1383 Halsema Rd N (Jacksonville)
Jacksonville Southbank Riverwalk, this 1 1/4 concrete boardwalk is the perfect place to take the kiddos on a bike ride starting at 1001 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, Florida 32207 (Note there are multiple riverwalks, including a Northbank Riverwalk)
Oceanway Pool + Park at 12215 Sago Ave W, Jacksonville, FL 32218 (check out the website for open pool hours)
For Clinch State Park + Museum to be taken back to the 19th century at 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (You can find shark teeth behind the fort on the beach)
Jacksonville Movie in the Park is a super fun, free activity for all ages! Oftentimes, they have food trucks on site (Check out their website for movie showtimes)
Riverside Arts Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine! They always have fun events like Yarden Tours or $5 cold draft beers first Saturday of the month.
Free community Yoga, every Saturday at 9 am, under the overpass at Fuller Warren Bridge.
Jacksonville runs at multiple locations! Ready, set, go! Check out this schedule.
Beach Cleanup with First Coast Surfrider, their Facebook page has a schedule of meetups and events
Kite Festivals and Events, there’s a wonderful Facebook group of kite enthusiasts who fill the beaches with a wonderful display of unique kites that your kids will love. Their Facebook page will give you an idea of dates and locations.
White Oak Conservatory is a conservation with many intresting animals, located at 581705 White Oak Rd, Yulee, FL 32097
Jacksonville Indoor Family Activities
Mission Brew + Free indoor playground at Evangel Church 5755 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, Open M-Thur 9-1am
Museum of Science and History at 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207 ($12-15 General admission, check the website for free admission days)
Play Factory & Cafe at 12233 Sago Ave W, Jacksonville, FL 32218 (check the website for hours and admission prices)
Mommy & Me Yoga classes at Cielito Yoga at 11362 San Jose Blvd, Suite 16, Jacksonville, FL 32223 (Check the website for class schedule and prices)
Storytime at the Library for kids and babies at 1826 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32218 (Check website for specific library information, each library has a different day/time)
Floating Sea Aquatics + Cafe at 8661 Old Kings Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32217 (Make sure to check out their Facebook as they have family-friendly events often)
Indoor Swimming lessons with Swimming Safari at 4775 Windsor Commons Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32224 (Check out their class schedule + pricing) I highly recommend them, we did months of swimming lessons for our 3-month-old, 3-year-old, and 7-year-old. This facility is second to none!
Want a cultural experience? Enjoy authentic Turkish food at Istanbul Grill and Bakery at 11173 Beach Blvd #108, Jacksonville, FL 32246. Make sure to try the Beyti and Toloumba, they are our kids’ favorite Turkish foods. Got picky eaters? No worries, they also sell hamburgers and pizza!
The Pickle Factory for your pickle-loving fans! Located at 5913 St Augustine Rd Unit 8, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Foxtail Coffee Co & Kelly’s Ice Cream, Multiple Locations, voted one of the best coffee shops in Jacksonville by my local coffee addicted parent friends! haha their favorite location is at San Marco at 2039 Hendricks Ave Unit 114, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
Chamblin Bookmine is the largest bookstore in Jacksonville. Get lost among the huge variety of books at 4551 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Happy Medium Books Cafe is our family’s favorite female-owned bookstore and cafe. The coffee and salted chocolate chip cookies are to die for, plus they have a very child-friendly kid area located at 2724 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205. They have really fun activities, often like painting and book clubs, to name a few. Check out their website!
Candlelight Concerts they have so many family-friendly concert categories, including Harry Potter and Coldplay Tributes! Check it out here C
The Caffinated Cat is a super awesome cafe where you can pet rescue cats while enjoying a delicious drink like my all-time favorite iced caramel coffee. Located at 331 1st Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Dinner and a Show at Alhambra Theatre & Dinner, check out their website for show dates/times. During the summer, kids 3 and up are welcome!
Home Depot Kids workshops at 9 am the first Saturday of the month until supplies last aka FREE!
Family-Friendly Classes
Nature Classes with Jax Dragonfly Field Labs + Nature Club, make sure to check out their schedule for the many different events and locations all throughout the summer!
Family-Friendly Garden center & club
Forage + Learn workshop with Eat Your Yard JAX
Children’s Art classes, check out this website for the many fun options!
Kid-friendly cooking classes at multiple locations
- Jax Cooking Studio located at 14035 Beach Blvd #6, Jacksonville, FL 32250
- The Discovery School by Sticky Fingers Cooking located at 102 S 15th St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
- More cooking options here
Top Recommended JAX Mom Things
Photography – Whitney Barlow Photo Capture this moment with Whitney Barlow, a local Nassau County photographer who specializes in family, maternity, and lifestyle sessions. Her relaxed, connection-driven approach creates photos that feel authentically you—perfect for finally getting those family portraits where mom is actually in the picture too!
Massage – Tash Massage Melt away tension and treat yourself to some serious self-care at Tash Massage. Book a therapeutic session and give your hard-working body the reset it deserves—you’ll leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle whatever’s on your mom to-do list.
Eyebrows/Esthetics – Sensory Bliss Esthetics Get your glow back at Sensory Bliss Esthetics in Oakleaf Plantation, where the owner specializes in facials and brow treatments. From express glow facials to full rejuvenation sessions, it’s the perfect spot to pamper your skin and feel like your most beautiful self.
Haircuts – Nat Your Average Stylist Nat is a hair genius who brings your vision to life, whether you’re craving a fresh cut or a bold new color. She works magic on all hair types (yes, even super curly, coarse hair!) and her warm, fun personality makes every appointment feel like catching up with a friend. Leave her chair feeling like the best version of yourself!
Hidden Gems Beyond Jacksonville
Sometimes, unique adventures are just too darn good to pass up, even if they require some travel time! These are some of our non-Jacksonville hidden gems for families that are our favorite things to do. I had to include in this family activities & trips to kick off Summer Break. If you need help packing for your kiddos, check this post out.
Ride the Amtrak Train! Did you know we have an Amtrak station here in Jacksonville? Take a train ride to my favorite spots, including Savannah, GA, or Orlando.
Sneak a peek at wild horses at Cumberland Island, GA. Please note the only way to get here is via ferry, and there is primitive camping or one hotel on the entire island. This books out in advance, so make sure to plan ahead.
Take a weekend trip to Savannah, GA
Enjoy tubing in crystal clear waters at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. This wonderful post has many other options from Jacksonville!
Did I miss anything? Leave me a comment below to add something to the list!
