Top Family Vacation Spots in Jacksonville, United States

1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Home to over 2,000 rare and exotic animals across 100 acres. Features Savannah Exhibit, Stingray Bay, and a Botanical Garden.

Variety of Animals: Offers a vast array of creatures, including big cats, primates, and reptiles.
Botanical Garden: Features tropical plants from around the world, providing educational opportunities.
Savannah Exhibit: Allows visitors to see African wildlife up close, including giraffes and zebras.

Indoor playground with inflatables, slides, and climbing structures for children under 12 years old.

Inflatable Play Area: Features large bouncy castles for endless fun.
Indoor Location: Provides a climate-controlled environment, making it perfect for all seasons.
Climbing Structures: Includes various obstacles to encourage active play and problem-solving skills.

Offers interactive exhibits on science, history, and culture for all ages. Features a giant-screen digital theater.

Interactive Exhibits: Encourages hands-on learning and exploration.
Giant-Screen Theater: Shows educational films with stunning visuals for an immersive experience.
Cultural Programs: Provides insight into Jacksonville's rich history and cultural diversity.

Over 20 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, with family-friendly destinations like Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach.

Sandy Beaches: Offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
Family-Friendly Destinations: Provides safe and welcoming environments for families with children.
Water Activities: Includes opportunities for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and more.

Family entertainment center with mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games.

Mini-Golf: Features two challenging courses for putt-putt enthusiasts.
Go-Karts: Offers speedy adventures on multiple tracks for all ages.
Arcade Games: Provides a variety of classic and modern games for endless fun.

260-acre urban forest featuring native plant species, walking trails, and educational programs.

Native Plant Species: Offers a glimpse into Florida's natural flora.
Walking Trails: Provides opportunities for peaceful strolls and exploration.
Educational Programs: Offers workshops, classes, and guided tours to learn about the environment.

Waterfront dining and entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and live music.

Dining Options: Features a variety of cuisines to suit any taste.
Waterfront Location: Offers stunning views of the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville.
Live Music: Hosts concerts and performances throughout the year.

Art museum showcasing European and American art from the 21st century BC to modern times, with a beautiful garden.

European and American Art: Spans centuries of artistic achievements across two continents.
Garden Exhibits: Features themed gardens that change throughout the year, such as a butterfly garden and a moon garden.
Educational Programs: Offers workshops, classes, and guided tours to learn about art history and techniques.

Interactive wildlife park with animal encounters, exhibits, and a petting zoo.

Animal Encounters: Allows visitors to interact with animals under the supervision of trained staff.
Exhibits: Showcases various habitats and ecosystems, including rainforests, deserts, and swamps.
Petting Zoo: Gives children the chance to interact with friendly farm animals.

Non-profit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of big cats.

Big Cat Rescue: Provides a safe haven for lions, tigers, and other exotic cats.
Educational Programs: Offers workshops and tours to raise awareness about the plight of big cats.
Community Outreach: Collaborates with local organizations to promote conservation efforts.

Indoor aviary filled with exotic birds for up-close encounters.

Exotic Birds: Allows visitors to see a variety of colorful and interesting bird species.
Indoor Location: Provides a climate-controlled environment, making it perfect for all seasons.
Up-Close Encounters: Offers opportunities to interact with the birds in a safe and controlled manner.

One of the longest fishing piers on the East Coast, offering great views and fishing opportunities.

Fishing Opportunities: Allows anglers to cast their lines in search of a catch.
Longest Pier on the East Coast: Offers an extended fishing platform and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of the beach, ocean, and surrounding area.

Aerial adventure park with obstacle courses, ziplines, and swings suspended among the trees.

Obstacle Courses: Includes challenges like swinging bridges, tightropes, and zip lines.
Aerial Location: Offers unique perspectives of the surrounding woodland and ocean views.
Adventure for All Ages: Caters to various skill levels, with courses designed for children and adults alike.

Museum showcasing the history of Jacksonville's maritime past, with exhibits on ships and shipbuilding.

Maritime History: Offers insights into Jacksonville's rich seafaring heritage.
Ship Exhibits: Features models and artifacts from various ships, including historic vessels.
Shipbuilding Demonstrations: Provides hands-on experiences to learn about the craft of shipbuilding.

Candy factory offering tours, classes, and a large candy store.

Factory Tours: Allows visitors to see the candy-making process up close.
Classes and Workshops: Offers opportunities to learn candy-making techniques from professionals.
Large Candy Store: Features an extensive selection of candies, chocolates, and sweets.