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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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
Congratulations :]
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
Also contained in Sinus Eliminato are a variety of plant growth hormones and vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which can certainly fight off infection and boost immune resistance during the cold months!
WHY WASTE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS during this economic recession for only temporary symptomatic relief when you have a natural supplement which you can buy for $ 30 a bottle and experience relief after 1-2 weeks and boost immune resistance as well to prevent repeated viral infections which can cost you thousands of dollars in clinic visits, medicines and hospitalizations? NOT TO MENTION your lost time in work.. and the time you can spend with your kids and loved ones!
Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
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Halong Bay Kayaking: Halong bay cover the area of 1600square km with 3000 plus islets rising above the emerald water. This 3 day trip is not only for the adventure- bound traveller but also for those who appreciate seafood or time on the water
Sapa Vilage Walking: This unique trek itinerary suitable for most active traveller. The remote northern Town of Sapa close to the Chinese border offers some ofVietnam's most colorful experiences. Layer upon layer of blue ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks and lust green rice paddies in between highlight the beauty of the region.
Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
Vung Tau Golf tour: Located just 100 km in the west of Hochiminh City, Vung Tau is perfect relaxing place for the locals in the City. The trip combine golfing and relaxing in the top resort of Vietnam.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you