Special thanks to Jacksonville Beach Moms for contributing this post. Jacksonville Beach Moms is a local guide to the best of Jacksonville Beach for families. They love our beaches community and everything Jacksonville has to offer and are dedicated to sharing the best attractions, restaurants, venues and events for parents and care-givers.
Cradle Creek Preserve
Tucked away in Jacksonville Beach are hidden trails and a boardwalk that are perfect for exploring with kids! Cradle Creek Preserve has stroller friendly pathways that make it the perfect spot to get the kids outside while getting a little exercise. With lots of shade, Cradle Creek is one of our favorite hiking spots in Jacksonville Beach year round.
Adventure Landing
Adventure Landing is a big kid's dream with go-carts, mini-golf, and laser tag. In the summer, they open the only water park in Jacksonville, and the annual pass makes it a relatively inexpensive way to keep cool all summer long. Be sure to check their site for special events throughout the year.
South Beach Park & Sunshine Playground
With a huge wooden playground structure, wide open field, sprinkle park splash pad, and lots of picnic tables, Sunshine Park is the perfect spot for playdate, or kid friendly meet up in Jax Beach. Bring the bikes and let the kids ride around the track, or just enjoy the shaded swings. Sunshine Park is a can't miss kid friendly attraction in Jacksonville Beach.
Beaches Rock Gym
Looking to let the kids burn off some energy? Beaches Rock Gym is a great spot for your little monkeys to do some climbing. Kids of all ages will love to see how high they can get on their colorful rock walls. Beaches Rock Gym also offers a homeschool PE class and birthday parties.
Mini Bar Donuts
The perfect little snack for your favorite little people. Donuts from Mini Bar are a must when visiting Jax Beach. Their 3 pack lets you mix and match flavors and these bite size treats are the perfect size for kids. Stay and enjoy them in their courtyard or insta-worthy shop, or get them to go.
Hanna Park
There are lots of great Jacksonville parks at the beach, but Hanna Park combines all the things we love in a park. There's a playground, complete with zipline, easily accessible beach, bike trails, and coming in 2021, a renovated splash pad. Hanna Park also offers camping, making it a great spot for an outdoor staycation adventure with the kids.
Greenhouse Playhouse
If you're looking for an indoor spot to keep the kids busy, head to Greenhouse Playhouse in Jacksonville Beach. This Montessori-style play space is perfect for children 5 and under. They offer a one-of-a-kind water exhibit and custom built treehouse with swings and slides. There's a small fee to play, but no membership is required and kids under 1 are free.
St. Johns River Ferry
Riding on the ferry may not seem like your idea of fun, but trust us, kids will love it! For a small fee you and your vehicle will be transported to the other side of the river on the iconic St. Johns River Ferry. This short ride is perfect for kids who love boats or anyone looking for an adventure. Be sure to keep an eye out while you're on the ferry, you never know what kind of marine life you might see.
Beaches Museum
The interior of the Beaches Museum offers a rotating collection of local exhibits, and the connecting history park has delightful gardens to explore. If you have a kid who loves trains, then a visit to the Beaches Museum is a must. The 25-ton steam locomotive on display is a fan favorite. The Beaches Museum and connecting history park are a kid-friendly attraction in Jacksonville Beach that's free to visit.
Bird Island Park
Tucked away behind the Ponte Vedra library, Bird Island Park is a small park that offers big fun for little kids. There's a labyrinth, small playground, and expansive boardwalk area that wraps around a pond. This park is almost never crowded, making it the perfect spot for some quiet nature exploration with the kids.
Special Thanks
Jacksonville Beach Moms is a local guide to the best of Jacksonville Beach for families. They love our beaches community and everything Jacksonville has to offer and are dedicated to sharing the best attractions, restaurants, venues and events for parents and care-givers.
Cover image by Holly Scott Photography.