Jaguar relaxing on a branch at Jacksonville Zoo; credit VisitJacksonville
Jacksonville Family Attractions
Riverwalk Southbank
DESCRIPTION: Friendship Fountain welcomes you to 1 mile of fantastic views from the southbank the St. Johns River, opposite Jacksonville Landing. Its an excellent place to jog or stroll at your leisure and the site of many family-oriented events. A jet-ski vendor resides on the eastern side of the Riverwalk. This may be Jacksonville’s 2nd most popular attraction. The most beautiful view of the skyline is from here at night.
ADMISSION: Free, but watersports and water taxi vendors charge seperate usage fees
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-7p, longer summer hours
ADDRESS: 1000 Museum Drive, Jacksonville, FL MAP
PARKING: garage and paid lots nearby
PHONE: 904-632-5578
WEBSITE: none
Museum of Science & History
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1969 as the Jacksonville Children’s Museum, it named changed and expanded its mission in 1997 to become the Museum of Arts and Sciences. In 1988, it name-changed to the Museum of Science & History and added 37,500 square feet of space including the Alexander Brest Planetarium. Over the years it has expanded and enhanced many of its physical science, astronomy and natural science exhibits, programs and many special events.
ADMISSION: Adults $9, Age 55+ $7.50, Active Military $7.50, Ages 3-12 $7; Extreme Science Shows add $1; Planetarium Shows add $1
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 9a-5p, Sat 10a-6p, Sun 1p-6p
ADDRESS: 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL MAP
PARKING: free parking in front and back of the museum
PHONE: 904-396-MOSH
WEBSITE: http://www.themosh.org
Adventure Landing
DESCRIPTION: Enjoy Adventure Speedway go-karts, an Arcade with over 100 interactive games and ticket redemption games, and let the kids do safe battle through a challenging maze in Laser Tag, and ever-popular unlimited miniature golf.
ADMISSION: Laser Tag, Batting Cages, Adventure Golf anf the Flight Simulato; Miniature Golf Season Pass is valid at every Adventure Landing location; save $ by purchasing online
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 10a-10p, Fri 10a-12p, Sat 9a-12p; Tuesday Family Night (4 people) 6p-10p for unlimited miniature golf and laser tag $20
ADDRESS: 4825 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 904-771-2803
WEBSITE: http://www.adventurelanding.com
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
DESCRIPTION: First opened in 1914 with a single red deer fawn, today it contains over 2000 animals in naturalistic habitats and 1,500 unique plant species, as a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The baby nursery is a sure hit with the kids; attendence is on the upswing at this regional zoo due to redevelopment projects such Birds of the Rift Valley Aviary, Great Apes, an expanded train ride, an elephant and breeding complex, the PepsiCo Foundation Education Campus, and redevelopment of the 11-acre Plains of East Africa; the Gardens include an Asian Bamboo Garden, Garden Path, themed Pocket Gardens, a Komodo Dragon exhibit, and more gardens are planned.
ADMISSION: Under $20 age 3 and under enter free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 9a-5p, Sat-Sun 9a-5p, summer hours longer on weekends
ADDRESS: 8605 Zoo Road, Jacksonville, FL MAP
PARKING: free parking in front and back of the museum
PHONE: 904-757-4463
WEBSITE: http://www.jaxzoo.org
Adventure Landing
DESCRIPTION: Open year round, the boys and some girls will love the Adventure Speedway go-karts, Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, arcade, laser tag, flight simulator and everyone loves the year-round miniature golf. Shipwreck Island Water Park is seasonal and includes The Undertow, Pirates Play Village, The RageHydro Halfpipe, Eye ofthe Storm, Wave Pool and Kiddie Cove. Its very popular for birthday parties.
ADMISSION: Waterpark $28 for guests 42″ and taller, $23 for guests under 42″ tall, Free for age 3 and under; seperate prices for Adventure Speedway, Laser Tag, Batting Cages, Adventure Golf anf the Flight Simulato. Miniature Golf Season Pass is valid at every Adventure Landing location. Save $ by purchasing online.
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 10a-10p, Fri-Sat 10a-12p
ADDRESS: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 904-246-4386
WEBSITE: http://www.adventurelanding.com
LaVilla Park
DESCRIPTION: Possibly the smallest park in Jacksonville, this quaint palm lined park serves as a pleasant landmark repast before and after shows at the Ritz Theater-LaVilla Museum.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: daily
ADDRESS: 800 West Davis Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL MAP
PARKING: on street
WEBSITE:
Metropolitan Park
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1984, this 23-acre downtown park sandwiched between the St Johns River and the football stadium features a large stage with canopy, boat docking facilities, covered picnic shelters and Children’s Play Area. This venue is the home of many annual events including Jacksonville Jazz Festival, World of Nations Celebration, Spring Music Festival, Fourth of July Celebration and more.
ADMISSION: Free, except during concert events
DAYS & HOURS: daily 7a-sunset
ADDRESS: 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL MAP
PHONE: 904-630-0837
PARKING: on premises
WEBSITE: link
Alligator Farm
DESCRIPTION: An educational attraction that’s fun for young and old; it is home to all 22 species of alligators and crocodiles found throughout the world and includes some of the the largest in captivity.
ADMISSION: Ages 12+ $22, Ages 3-11 $11, Age 2 and under enter Free
DAYS &a HOURS: daily 9a-5p, Summer hours extend to 6
ADDRESS: 999 Anastasia Blvd, Saint Augustine, FL MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 904-824-3337
WEBSITE: http://www.alligatorfarm.com
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
DESCRIPTION: The original watchtower became Florida’s first lighthouse in 1824. By 1870, the tower was threatened by shoreline erosion and Construction began on the current lighthouse; the new tower was completed in 1874 and the old tower collapsed during a storm in 1880. constructed of Alabama brick and Philadelphia iron, the lighthouse is St. Augustine’s oldest surviving brick structure. Walk up the stairs to get a bird’s eye view of St. Augustine’s atop the 165-foot tower. In the base lies visitors also enjoy interactive exhibits and shipwreck artifacts; the museum includes a first order Fresnel lens. Plan on spending 45 minutes to 1 hour at the lighthouse.
ADMISSION: Rates and hours are subject to change, but donations for this historic landmark are always welcome
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-6p; last ticket sold at 5:45p; Summer hours stay open one hour longer
ADDRESS: 81 Lighthouse Avenue, Saint Augustine, FL MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 904-829-0745
WEBSITE: http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com
Marineland of Florida
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1938 as the first Oceanarium, this pioneering venue paved the way for increased understanding of marine life worldwide. In addtion to continuing its education mission, the recently upgraded Dolphin Conservation Center invites you to create lasting memories in their 1.3 million gallon series of dolphin habitats. Choose from a variety of interactive programs which range from enjoying dolphins up-close to those which glide you snd children from a sloping beach to swim with the dolphins.
ADMISSION: Age 13+ $8, Age 12 and under $3.50, age 60+ $6.75
DAYS & HOURS: daily 8:30a-4:30p
ADDRESS: 9600 Ocean Shore Blvd, Saint Augustine, FL MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 904-460-1275 or 888-279-9194
WEBSITE: http://www.marineland.net
