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.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
HI
Although this is a different kind of article. But love to read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Ruma
Do you know if the Philippines are offering any kind of residency or tourist visas right now with covid-19 going on? I’d like to take my family there, thanks.
Complimenti bravo continua cosi!! ottimo lavoro Grazie!!
If you want to practice your French or take Insta-worth pics on cobblestone streets, Montreal is definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are so many sights and landmarks to see, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal’s oldest Catholic church) and Olympic Park, which helped host the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Celebrate Halloween night by watching the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead and wreak havoc in this cult classic. PS: where did the last 25 years go?
good. We believe everyone deserves access to factual information, and analysis that has authority and integrity.
Since before recorded history, the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs in this area have drawn people here. and this article is helping us a lot. also visit travpart for more ideas
this is best but i will visit after the era of corona virus so it could be a safe journey
yes exactly like this. The joyful and entertaining cattle fights attract tens of thousands of spectators each year.
great work ! While river cruising’s epicenter is undoubtedly situated over in Europe, the waterways of the United States are becoming more competitive with each passing year.
this is a great idea to explore these places in a safe and enjoyable way. and adding the storybooks is much helpful here for us.
In this era of corona virus everything regarding to travel is difficult But it is not like that we should not travel. these tips are really very helpful.
Yes, you are right and the thing which is important is to take care of ourselves if we do this we can travel anywhere.
wow ! this is really amazing and thank you for giving enough details . this is going to be very helpful . After this lockdown situation I will visit Europe.
You’ve been under lockdown all spring, and summer is finally here. But it’s a COVID-19 summer, and it likely won’t look like any other in modern history. Still, the wanderlust is strong.“People want to travel. It’s a wonderful part of life.If you’re thinking about traveling later this summer, factor in the possibility that your destination may face a new outbreak before you arrive. You can make your plans now for a destination that appears to be relatively safe, but it may not be safe two to three weeks later.
I am trying to find out what dates the apples are harvested in the Annapolis Valley and area. We are taking a trip around the southwest area of Nova Scotia and would like to go at harvest time. This would include any other fruit harvesting. I can t seem to find any approximate dates. Thank you.
this is touristy. But there’s a good reason for that. Soar to the top of the Rockefeller Center via an elevator to take in the views at its observatory, Top of the Rock. You’ll be able to take in the many lights of the city from above, including a red-and-green Empire State Building.
Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful sights to see from Earth. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, I wished to visit is place. Travpart always help me to Explore the World, with Suitable packages & Travel tips.
Hi, nice blog. Very informative and helpful. Please take a few minutes to share your unaccompanied minor flight experience. Several popular airlines are listed on http://unaccompaniedminortravel.com which will help real people like you to be better informed. This is the only site that offers actual unaccompanied user travel feedback as well as all of the information you might need. This site is new so we are also anxious to hear from you if you yourself have in the past used the Unaccompanied Minor service. Thanks!
The majority of the general media coverage focused on virtual vacations, highlighting beach webcams, travel videos and virtual experiences in the destination. Additionally, U.S. News World Report featured Myrtle Beach as an affordable dream destination.
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa and treat yourself to a Thai-inspired spa that is great for pampering or a romantic activity for couples.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway, running through the White Mountain National Forest, is renowned for its autumn leaves, making it one of the top road trips during the fall leaf-viewing season.
Good to know : Keep an eye on their Facebook page for opening day updates. And remember, the farm has chickens, geese, ducks and guinea hens walking around, so dogs are not allowed in the orchard or in the parking lot.
It’s free to enter if you’re in costume and arrive before m, so arrive on time and party the night away!
Multibillion-dollar innovation fair, largest to be held in Arab world, postponed by one year due to coronavirus.
Enjoyed reading the article above, actually explains everything
in detail,the article is extremely interesting and effective.
Best regards,
Mead Cannon
Travellers’ arrangements are being thrown into doubt, and many are wondering whether it’s worth going overseas in the first place. What should you do if you’ve booked a trip?
I am an mom who is 45 years old thanks.
“This is entirely due to airlines reducing space between rows and squeezing passengers into smaller and smaller seats, so small that there is now no longer room for a service animal on some planes,” the NDRN said. “Cramped space on planes is a nuisance to all travelers, but it now prevents some people from traveling at all.”
Discover a great camping location and book your next camping adventure. Our friendly, passionate staff is waiting to help you make the most of your experience. We can’t wait to see you!
The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little or no experience camping. This program will provide some equipment and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona State Park.
Practise camping before you go, especially with young children. Talk about it with your kids. Set up a tent inside or outside, and spend some time in it.
Hello my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include almost all significant infos.
I’d like to see extra posts like this .
I enjoy reading your website Have you got a instagram i can connect to?
Corona (COVID-19) is made herbal everywhere now corona travelling worldwide so there is no any option for travelling this day only how to prevent so what you mention it is really nice I will follow off your suggestion thank you for the nice forum.
Love to spend time near Sea !
I wish i can be there soon and to feel myself on how beautiful it is.
It is always better to have more space when traveling with children.
Known as “Kidsburgh” thanks to all the family-oriented activities in the area, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an affordable and fun pick for families. Book tickets to popular attractions, like the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, on the VisitPittsburgh
Love watching movies every morning !
If you Love small cruise tour visit Amsterdam
Love to spend time near Sea !
First time visiting your website, I enjoy your website!
je visite l’ensemble des pages du site tout le temps tres bien fait
longue vie au blog
Trekking In Nepal is one of the most popular tourist Activities. Trekking in Nepal generally involves walking on trails with beautiful views for around 6 to 8 hours a day. In a trek, a trekker walks along routes with the variety of land topography including passes, river, high altitude routes, and much more. Travelers enjoy trekking in Nepal because they can enjoy the beautiful nature and sceneries of the country.
Nepal is a land of wonder and home to 8 breathtaking mountains above 8000 meters. These include Mt. Everest (the tallest mountain in the world), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, etc. Needless to say, these are some of the tallest mountains in the world. These mountains and the wonderful trails nearby make trekking in Nepal a delightful prospect.
All of these mountains are well-protected. Besides, the area and surrounding forests form a part of many national parks and conservation areas. There are many lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and culturally significant places nearby these trekking areas. Thus, people from all over the world dream of trekking in Nepal.
There are many trekking in Nepal, Some of these treks are short in length. These treks last anywhere from a day to one week. On the other hand, there are also longer treks that can take anywhere between a week and a month.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Base Camp treks are some of the most popular treks in Nepal. These treks are moderate in their length.
Langtang valley trek, Everest view trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill trek are some of the popular short treks. Due to their short span, these Short treks in Nepal tend to cost a lot less than longer treks.
As you trek to the high altitude, high Himalayas and their beauty will greet you. Panoramic mountains and the beautiful sunrise/ sunset amidst the soaring mountains will be a delight.
Most trekking areas are also declared as national parks and conservation areas. These are home to beautiful species of birds and animals. You can get to see some exotic animals, butterflies, and birds during your trek in Nepal.
Belgium forbade all international travel early in the pandemic, according to the United States Embassy in Belgium. Any travelers who are permitted entry (there are strict restrictions) must self-quarantine for 14 days. The country started easing its strict lockdown on May 4 and will continue to open parts of the country in a phased way, but tourism is not among the phases.
wow, What a journey, totally impressed
I really like your post..
Agra is one of the best beautiful places in India and the Taj Mahal is one of the Beautiful world heritage places in the world. Thanks, for sharing great information learn something new today.
Have a vehicle in Tracy, California that I need driven cross country to Columbus, Georgia.