Family-Friendly Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

A Northside zoo along the Trout River with more than 2,000 animals across 122 acres, including the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. A frequent first stop for families relocating with young kids.

A nonprofit big-cat sanctuary on Jacksonville's Northside offering guided tours and night feedings with rescued tigers, lions, and leopards. Consistently rated one of Jacksonville's top family attractions.

A family entertainment center at Jacksonville Beach with go-karts, mini golf, a water park, and arcade games, first opened here in 1995. A classic rainy-day or summer outing for Beaches families.

A 447-acre oceanfront city park at the Beaches with 1.5 miles of beach, bike trails, a fishing pond, and camping. A favorite for family reunions and weekend outings close to NS Mayport.

A free, 120-acre nonprofit garden and trail system in Arlington, built on the site of a former 19th-century railroad and later a mineral mine. A quiet, low-cost outing for families who love nature walks.

Northeast Florida's science and history museum, currently rebuilding a new flagship facility on Jacksonville's Northbank after its longtime Southbank building closed in 2025. Worth watching for reopening news since it's long been a family favorite downtown.

A public fishing pier stretching a quarter-mile into the Atlantic at the heart of Jacksonville Beach. A simple, low-cost family evening out with sunset views and easy fishing for kids.

A weekly Saturday market under the Fuller Warren Bridge in Historic Riverside, with food trucks, live music, and local art. A relaxed, walkable Saturday morning outing for the whole family.

A water taxi and tour service connecting Downtown Jacksonville's Northbank and Southbank, with narrated tours and sunset cruises. A fun, low-key way to show kids the city from the water.