Spend a week touring Jacksonville: see historical ships and concerts, indulge in chocolates, and play outdoors — without spending a dime.
Most families look to beach resorts, Disney World, Miami’s bustling city, or Key West’s historic charm for a traditional Florida getaway. But for family-fun without the expensive price tag, Jacksonville provides endless free events and attractions to choose from. Looking for beaches, culture, food, art, special kid activities, music and more? There’s something for everyone in this coastal city.
Shouldn’t a priceless family vacation truly be price-less? We certainly think so.
Art, Culture & More
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
829 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32204
904/356.6857
The museum’s special program, “Art Connections,” offers both low-tech and high-tech learning stations ranging from collage tables to a state-of-the art virtual canvas. These learning areas combine art, music, literature, history, dance and poetry for hands-on learning. There’s even an under five gallery exhibit for children 18-months to 5-years old. Kids get involved in art on a smaller scale where it’s easier for them to see and enjoy. Tuesdays from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
Art Walk
100 N. Laura on the corner of Forsyth
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904/634-0303
Even if your little ones aren’t all that enthusiastic about art, they’ll still love playing outside, running in the fresh air, listening to live music, and exploring the Art Walk in downtown Jacksonville. The self-guided tour takes visitors through dozens of art galleries, restaurants and local hotspots all featuring work from local artists. Past kid-friendly stops included Firehouse Subs with tasty sandwiches and historical fire-fighting artwork, and Shugar Shack Chocolatier with free samples. First Wednesday of each month, rain or shine, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Museum of Contemporary Art
333 North Laura Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904/366-6911
The museum’s Sunday “ArtFusion” program is designed especially with families in mind. A helpful museum educator assists groups with hands-on activities including painting, playing musical instruments, tree drawing, mask making, ramen noodle sculptures, printmaking, and more. The rotating activities reflect the museum’s current exhibits and themes, where families can explore the galleries together and learn. Sundays 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier Production Center
1470 San Marco Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32205
800/771-0019
It won’t be hard to talk your entire family into a free tour of this chocolatier center. Learn about the process of creating fine chocolates and taste an array of heavenly samples. Founded in 1983, the center prides itself on blending European chocolate traditions with an American flair, all in a welcoming setting. Use the money you saved from our list of free attractions and spend it on treats from the gift shop. Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, closed major holidays.
Budweiser Brewery
111 Busch Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32218
904/696-8373
Parents looking for their own brand of free fun, or families with grown ‘kids’, can check out the Budweiser Brewery tour. Take a step-by-step look at Budweiser’s all-natural brewing process, bottling and canning operations. Although kids under 21 can attend the tour with their parents, guests of age are treated to popular beer samples in the Hospitality Room. Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm, tours based on availability.
The Jacksonville Suns
301 A. Phillip Randolph Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904/358-2846
You’ve probably heard of the Jaguars, Jacksonville’s professional football team, but have you heard of the Suns? If you visit during baseball season, catching a reasonably-priced minor league game might be just the way to get some local Jacksonville flavor. The Suns play in the red brick Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, one of the newest and nicest minor league stadiums in the country. During the game, kids may have a run-in with Southpaw, the team’s canine mascot, and events for children and families (like Reading Day and Southpaw’s Birthday Party) occur at games throughout the season.
Step Back in Time in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Maritime Museum
1015 Museum Circle, Unit 2
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
904/398-9011
Entice your kids with visions from Pirates of the Caribbean before visiting the Jacksonville Maritime Museum. There are currently a dozen models on display ranging from the USS Porter Submarine, Chinese Junk, Mayflower, and a 16-foot model of the Saratoga. The museum also houses local artifacts and manuscripts in an effort to preserve Jacksonville’s history. Weekdays 10:30am to 3:00pm and weekends 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32225
904/641-7155
This outdoor memorial represents the brief influence of the French in Florida during the 16th century. Visitors learn about the history of survival, religious disputes, territorial battles, and first contact between American Indians and Europeans. It’s also a great place for kids to stretch their legs and spend some time playing outdoors. The memorial and surrounding grounds are open from 9:00am – 5:00pm daily.
Mandarin Museum
11964 Mandarin Road
Jacksonville, FL 32241
904/268-0784
In the 1800’s, Mandarin was a small farming village that shipped fresh grapefruit, lemons, oranges, and other fruits and vegetables. In 1864, the Union steamship, the Maple Leaf, hit a Confederate mine and sank just off Mandarin Point. It was also the winter home of Harriet Beecher Stowe from 1867 to 1884. Visitors can spend the day exploring the Walter Jones Historical Park, the first of Jacksonville’s historical parks. The park’s riverfront represents a typical 1800s Mandarin homestead and features a restored 1875 farmhouse, an 1876 barn and sawmill, and historical museum. Other sites of interest include the Mandarin Store, Post Office, and Webb Farmhouse. The Store and Post Office is open on the 1st and 3rd Sundays from 1:00pm to 3 pm and for tours by request.
Kingsley Plantation
11676 Palmetto Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32226
904/251-3537
A trip down South isn’t complete without a visit to an authentic plantation and a lesson in African American history. From 1814 to 1837, Zephaniah Kingsley owned slaves on Fort George Island and grew Sea Island cotton and Indigo cash crops on his plantation. Although the house at Kingsley Plantation is currently closed to the public for structural work, you can still explore the slave quarters, barn, waterfront, and interpretive garden. Weekly from 9:00am to 5:00pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Outdoor Fun
Tree Hill Nature Center
7152 Lone Star Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32211
904/724-4646
The Center’s focus on families introduces a new topic relating to nature and the environment in the “outdoor classroom.” Its free “Family Saturdays” hopes to foster families looking for a creative way to spend time together in a natural setting, increase their knowledge of Florida’s native flora and fauna, and learn of ways to help our environment. Past events included learning about butterflies, bird themes, guided tours, and more. Saturdays at 10:00am.
Kids Kampus
1410 Gator Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL
904/630-5437
Kids Kampus isn’t just a playground, but a place to stir the imagination with solar power activities, playscapes, water jets and slides. Kids can also skip down the Yellowbrick Road and explore their very own mini-downtown Jacksonville, complete with landmarks. Special events include the Kids Kampus Winter Festival with games, crafts, candy cane hunts and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Clause. Monday through Saturday 8:00am to 8:00pm, Sundays 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Trolley Rides
904/630-3100
Ride downtown in style with a free trolley from the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. It’s an ideal way to see the city and make stops to all your favorite attractions including Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, City Hall, Ritz Theater, Amsterdam Cafe and more. The Magnolia and Sunflower lines run from 5:43am. to 7:23pm on weekdays and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. The Sunflower Trolley runs from 6:20am to 7pm. There is no trolley service on Sundays.
Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville, FL 32250
904/247-6221
A trip to Florida isn’t complete without a day at the beach. Dip your feet, go swimming in the surf, build sand castles, and play beach games along 22-miles of sand. You can also window shop at the many boutiques for free, browse the galleries, and take in a free concert or festival. Past beach events included the Great Atlantic Seafood Festival and a competitive sandcastle contest.
The Ribault Club
11241 Fort George Road
Fort George Island, Florida 32226
904/251-1050
Pack a picnic lunch and dine on the grounds of the Ribault Club on Fort George Island. This refurbished clubhouse, built in 1928, was once a playground for the elite and affluent. There’s also a 4-mile long nature trail along the island for plenty of opportunities for insect chasing, bird watching, and playing. The island has a rich history of Native American and colonial influence, so parents can also sneak in an educational lesson in this free activity.
Jacksonville Landing
904/353-1188
Every Friday and Saturday, enjoy live music and dancing along the St. Johns River at Jacksonville Landing. It’s a lively place for the kids to let off some energy and catch the energy of the city. There’s also a bustling calendar of events ranging from gumbo cook-offs, ecology fairs, Baby Does Disco, automobile shows, and more. Event hours vary, see schedule of events at www.jacksonvillelanding.com.
For more information Jacksonville’s free activities, or to learn more about this family-friendly city, call 800/ 733-2668 or visit www.visitjacksonville.com.
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.