One of our favorite things about being a parent in Jacksonville is all the great activities and attractions for kids. That’s why we’ve put together a summer bucket list for kids that’s loaded up with 20 of our favorite things to keep little ones busy all summer long.
Take a Day Trip to a Florida Spring
There are so many great Florida springs that are just a short drive from Jacksonville, it’s hard to decide where to visit. Their cool, clear waters are perfect for splashing around or even taking a tubing trip where you can float down a natural lazy river. Pack a lunch and make a day of it, beating the heat and wearing out the little ones.
Earn a Junior Ranger Badge at a Florida State Park
There are tons of great Florida State Parks in and around Jacksonville that are a great spot to explore during the summer. Many of them have a low fee to enter and allow you to stay for the day and enjoy any amenities the park offers. Junior Ranger Badge programs are totally free in the Florida State Park system, but not every park offers one so be sure to check the website before heading out.
Go Blueberry Picking
Summer is blueberry season and there are lots of great farms in Jacksonville where the whole family can pick some sweet, juicy berries. Be sure to plan ahead and make sure the farm you choose is open for picking, and pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the adventure!
Keep Cool at a Jacksonville Splash Pad
You don’t have to travel far to find a splash pad in Jacksonville, they seem to be popping up at parks all across town. Hanna Park boasts one of the newest ones, but others are just as fun and free to visit. If you’re looking for an awesome playground to go hand-in-hand with your splash pad adventure, then be sure to check out the recently renovated Sunshine Park in Jacksonville Beach.
Visit 3 New Parks in North Florida
Did you know that Duval County has one of the most expansive park systems in the US? There are tons of great parks to visit that are kid friendly and offer a wide variety of amenities from splash pads, to bake trails, and don’t forget playgrounds. This summer, choose 3 new parks you’ve never visited and check them out!
Visit a Nearby Water Park
Another great day trip idea is packing up the family and heading out to a water park for the day. While you will have to pay a fee to enter, it’s worth it for a day of sliding and splashing. There are several great options for water parks that are just a short drive from Jacksonville, do your research and pick one that’s the right fit for your family.
Find the Best Playground in Jacksonville
Most Jacksonville families have a favorite, go-to playground that they visit over and over again. Lucky for us, there are lots of great playgrounds where kids can climb, jump, swing and slide the summer away.
Earn a Junior Range Badge at a National Park Site in North Florida
One of the best things about the National Parks in North Florida is that most of them are completely free to visit. Take a boat ride at Fort Matanzas National Monument, or learn some local history at Kingsley Plantation. There are several great choices for National Parks to visit.
Visit a Free Museum
We have tons of great museums here in Jacksonville, and most of them offer free admission at least one day a month. Many of them, like Kingsley Plantation, are free all the time.
Climb on the Trees at Boneyard Beach
If you’ve never been to Boneyard Beach, then this is your sign to plan a visit. Summer is the perfect time to take the kids to explore this graveyard of fallen trees. Pack a lunch and spend the day, you’ll be surprised how long little ones will enjoy climbing over and over again.
Watch a Kid Friendly Movie
Cheap and free summer movies are one of our favorite ways to keep the kids busy during those long (and hot) summer days. There are tons of great options for kids of all ages.
Enjoy some Free Gelato at Peterbrooke
Every Wednesday is July you can enjoy a free gelato from Peterbrooke! There are lots of other great free (and cheap) summer food options, including National Donut Day, and Free Slurpee Day.
Pick Up a Book from a Little Free Library in Jacksonville
Little Free Libraries are popping up everywhere around Jacksonville, and this is the perfect FREE activity to add to your summer bucket list. Encourage the kids to clean out their books and take some to fill up the libraries as you visit.
Earn a Reading Reward
We love the idea of keeping the kids reading during the summer months when school is out. At various bookstores around Jacksonville, and many of the North Florida public libraries, kids can earn prizes and free books just for logging their summer reading.
Attend a Catty Shack Night Feeding
If you’ve never been to Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary then you must put it on your summer bucket list. Night feedings take place on Friday and Saturday evenings and you must purchase a ticket ahead of time on their website.
Hunt for Shark Teeth at the Beach
One of our favorite Jacksonville pastimes is visiting the beach. While you’re there, take the kids on a scavenger hunt to find shark teeth. These tiny treasures from the sea can be discovered at most of our beaches, but Mickler’s usually has plenty for visitors to take home.
Find the Best Donut in Jacksonville
Whether you like your donuts big or mini sized, iced or with sprinkles, there’s something for everyone in Jacksonville. Spend the summer sampling them all and then decide for yourself which is the best in town.
Give Back by Picking up Trash at Your Favorite Park or Beach
Pick a beach, any beach and spend an hour picking up trash. You’ll be shocked at how much you find.
Go for a Bike Ride
You can make it part of a day trip and bike somewhere fun like Jekyll Island, or stay closer to Jacksonville and explore the long, flat, and shaded Baldwin-Jacksonville Rail-Trail. There are tons of great options for biking as a family in Jacksonville so be sure to add it to your summer bucket list.
Attend a Free Kid-Friendly Theatre Performance
Theatreworks offers free shows during the summer for various kid-friendly performances. Make sure to make a reservation, and they do fill up, so don’t wait!
Which park is in your photo?
The splash pad is at Hanna Park and the playground is Sunshine Park!