Jacksonville is full of hidden gems that reward the curious traveler. Florida’s largest city by land area feels unrushed, outdoorsy and surprisingly diverse in what it offers families. Here are 11 things to do in Jacksonville that appeal to kids, teens, and adults alike.
You’ll want to tackle Jacksonville in sections, leaving space for fresh-air breaks. You won’t knock out everything in a day, but you don’t need to. Group activities by location, expect some driving, and leave room for beach time or a long lunch.
11 FUN Things to Do in Jacksonville FL
Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens
St. Johns River Family-Friendly Boat Tours
Fort Caroline National Memorial
Kingsley Plantation
Jacksonville Riverwalk & Memorial Park
Jacksonville Beach & Huguenot Memorial Park
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
USS Orleck Naval Museum
Pirate Playground at St. Johns River Park
Riverside Arts Market
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Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Covering more than 120 acres, the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens manages to feel organized rather than sprawling. This is the kind of zoo where you don’t rush. Renovated habitats like the African Savanna favor open views and natural movement, which keeps kids engaged longer.
Animal encounters, a miniature train and shaded walkways help pace the visit. The botanical gardens are not an afterthought — they’re part of the experience.
A new chapter begins March 6 with the opening of the VyStar SkyScape entrance and the Manatee River exhibit. The updated gateway offers shaded gathering spaces and views into the habitat, while the expanded critical care center allows the zoo to care for more rescued manatees than ever before.
Located at 370 Zoo Parkway. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission starts at $40.95, kids (3 to 12 ) are $33.95 and seniors are $38.95.
St. Johns River Family-Friendly Boat Tours
The St. Johns River isn’t just scenery — it’s central to Jacksonville’s story. Flowing north instead of south, the river has shaped trade, travel and settlement in the region. Boat tours offer families a low-effort way to understand that history while enjoying the breeze.
Narration usually balances wildlife spotting with stories about the city’s past. Dolphins, birds and views of marshland keep kids engaged. At the same time, shaded seating and manageable tour lengths make this an easy addition to a busy itinerary.
Schedule tours during the day so the whole family can see what’s happening. Dolphins appear often enough to keep kids glued to the water.
Departures vary by operator and marina location throughout downtown and the riverfront.
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Fort Caroline National Memorial
Fort Caroline National Memorial combines history and outdoor exploration in a way that works well for families. The reconstructed fort gives kids room to roam while learning about the French presence in Florida in the 1500s.
Interpretive signs and ranger programs help explain why the site mattered, while views of the St. Johns River and nearby trails make it feel less like a museum and more like a discovery zone.
Located at 12713 Fort Caroline Road. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. This memorial is managed by the National Park Service.
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Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation sits quietly on Fort George Island, surrounded by marshland and river views. The site preserves one of Florida’s oldest plantation houses, along with intact slave cabins and outbuildings. Kingsley Plantation is quiet, reflective and important. The preserved buildings — especially the slave cabins — tell a story that guides explain clearly and thoughtfully.
Guided tours help families understand the lives of the people who lived and worked here, including the enslaved community. The setting along the river and marshlands adds a natural element, and walking trails allow visitors to explore at their own pace.
Located at Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville, within the Timucuan Preserve. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. The Kinsley Plantation is managed by the NPS.
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Jacksonville Riverwalk & Memorial Park
Families find plenty to do along the Jacksonville Riverwalk, which stretches both sides of the St. Johns River. Paved paths make biking and strolling easy, while playgrounds, public art and shady benches offer convenient spots to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Memorial Park is located in the Riverside neighborhood, featuring a reflecting pool and open green space ideal for picnics. The river views and breezes make this a pleasant outdoor break between indoor attractions.
Access points are available throughout downtown and Riverside. Free and open daily.
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Jacksonville Beach & Huguenot Memorial Park
With 22 miles of beach in the area, visiting the beach is one of the top things to do in Jacksonville. Jacksonville’s beaches are wide, relaxed and easy to navigate with kids.
The beaches are free to enjoy and open daily. There’s street parking, lifeguard stands and food service in the area. Some beach access points offer sand chairs (for accessibility) and showers.
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The Jacksonville Beach feels approachable. The sand is wide, the pier is walkable and food options are close by. It’s easy to spend a few hours without much planning.
The Pier is located at 503 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach.
Huguenot Memorial Park
Huguenot Memorial Park provides a different experience, allowing families to drive directly onto the sand. That convenience makes long beach days far more manageable, especially with younger children and lots of gear.
The park is also popular for birdwatching and kite flying. Lifeguards are posted in designated areas, and the expansive shoreline gives families plenty of room to spread out.
Located at 10980 Heckscher Dr. Opens daily at 6 a.m. with seasonal closing hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Day-use vehicle fee is $5 for up to 6 people.
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Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Catty Shack Ranch offers a more intimate wildlife experience. This nonprofit sanctuary provides a home for rescued big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards and cougars that cannot be released into the wild.
Catty Shack Ranch feels personal. Each big cat has a story, and guided tours explain each animal’s history, how and why these animals ended up here, and the importance of education and conservation.
Families can observe the cats in spacious enclosures and attend special feeding events. Feeding times are a highlight and draw the biggest crowds. It has the quiet feel of a sanctuary rather than a busy zoo, and older children often seem the most absorbed in the experience.
Located at 1860 Starratt Road. Reservations required; open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
The Cummer Museum pairs fine art with formal gardens overlooking the river. Inside, families can explore galleries featuring European and American works. Outside, the historic gardens overlook the St. Johns River and feature fountains, sculptures and winding paths. Art inside, gardens outside — the Cummer Museum balances well.
Families can explore the museum at their own pace, moving from curated galleries to riverfront gardens when they need a change of scene. Hands-on programs and activities make art approachable for younger visitors, while the natural setting along the St. Johns River keeps everyone feeling comfortable.
Located at 829 Riverside Avenue. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $20, students (6 to 17) are $15 and kids 5 and younger enter for free.
USS Orleck Naval Museum
The USS Orleck invites visitors aboard a real naval destroyer, where kids and adults can explore decks, cabins and the bridge. Docents share stories of life at sea, while interactive displays let families get hands-on with equipment. The open-air decks offer views of the water and a sense of adventure that makes history tangible.
Climbing aboard the USS Orleck, I felt the weight of history beneath my feet. Kids scrambled across the deck, poking through cabins and pressing buttons, while I lingered on the bridge, imagining the ship cutting through waves decades ago.
Between the guided tours and moments on the sunlit deck overlooking the river, the USS Orleck became more than a museum — it became an adventure we could touch, explore and remember.
Located at 610 E Bay St., Jacksonville. Open Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $15, seniors and veterans are $13, students (6 to 17) are $7 and kids 5 and younger enter for free.
Pirate Playground at St. Johns River Park
Downtown Jacksonville just got a playful new reason to explore with kids: the Pirate Playground at St. Johns River Park
Opened in spring 2026 near Friendship Fountain, the playground features a large pirate ship–inspired play structure that sparks imagination while offering plenty of climbing, sliding and exploring. The space blends fun with a touch of local history, highlighting Jacksonville’s river heritage through themed design and interpretive elements.
Parents can linger in shaded picnic areas, wander the surrounding gardens or enjoy riverfront views while kids navigate the ship’s decks.
Part of a broader effort to make the Southbank waterfront family-friendly, the playground is an easy stop during a downtown outing, and it pairs perfectly with river walks, historic sites, or nearby dining.
Located at St. Johns River Park Playground, 115 Museum Circle. Free to enjoy.
Riverside Arts Market
Farmers’ markets and artisan fairs are an ideal way to get a vibe of a city. Held every Saturday beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, Riverside Arts Market feels like a community gathering rather than a tourist stop. Artists, musicians, food vendors and families fill the space under the bridge.
At this weekly gathering, kids dive into hands-on activities and performances, and parents browse local crafts or sample food truck fare. The river, live music and art installations beneath the highway bridge make it easy to linger and soak in the community vibe.
Located at 715 Riverside Avenue. Free to enjoy, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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