Jacksonville is a beautiful coastal city. I visited to go to the Mayo clinic, and got my concealed weapon permit there. Most people come for the 22 miles of beaches, but if you visit Jacksonville with kids they’ll also love the fun and interactive museums, animal attractions, and parks.
Ranked as one of Florida’s and the nations’ most value friendly travel destinations by Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, Expedia, TripstoDiscover.com, SmartAssert.com and CNBC, Jacksonville is now offering families the best deal for fall travel.
Jacksonville is offering a city-wide promotion
Kids Free November
with discounted admission to top family attractions during the entire month of November. This is the time to go!
Museum of Science & History (MOSH) – Learn about local history and the science behind human existence at one of Jacksonville’s most visited museums.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park – 1.5 miles of sandy beach with multiple access points and home to the premier surfing spot in Northeast Florida, The Poles. Over 20 miles of trails for the hardcore mountain bikers and the entire family to enjoy. Kids Splash Park – Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Friendship Fountain – at the west end of the Southbank Riverwalk next to the Museum of Science and History. Dedicated in 1965, it is one of the largest self-contained fountains built, pumping 3,500 to 6,500 gallons of water per minute to a height of 100 feet, with 265 lights turning the water into a sparkling mist.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens – has over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection on 117 acres. The zoo is active in animal conservation, participating in more than 50 national and international conservation initiatives and more than 95 Species Survival Plans.
Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier – nearly a quarter of a mile long and offers visitors unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to deep-water species of fish. Open from 6 AM to 10 PM, with a concession and bait shop, restrooms, and is wheel-chair accessible.
Fort Caroline National Memorial – Timucuan Fort Caroline National Memorial honors the short-lived French presence in 16th century Florida. Enjoy hiking paths and historical re-enactments.
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens – holds one of the finest art collections in the Southeast, with nearly 5,000 objects in its Permanent Collection. The children’s area has multimedia and interactive activities that will entertain kids for hours.
Big Talbot Island State Park – Located on one of Northeast Florida’s unique sea islands, Big Talbot Island State Park is primarily a natural preserve providing a premier location for nature study, bird-watching and photography. The park has bike paths, power boating, sea kayaking, canoeing and scenic hiking trails. Your young anglers will love throwing out lines for whiting, redfish, shrimp and speckled sea trout.
Adventure Landing – Water slides from mild to wild, including a Kiddie Play Area, Wave Pool and Lazy River! Kids will also enjoy the Miniature Golf Courses, Go-Karts, Batting Cages, amusement park rides and Mega Arcade. You can even feed the alligators!
Kayak Amelia – Amelia Island, just north of Jacksonville is an eco-tourism paradise. Kayaking offers locals and visitors a truly unique experience with guided or self-guided tours. They also offer offroad adventure on their Segway tours.
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