Alisha This Florida adventure post is sponsored by Visit Jacksonville. Our family received a hosted getaway to Jacksonville to experience Kids Free November. All opinions expressed are my own.
What are the most exciting kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville? We took a Florida road trip to find out!
From animal encounters in north Jacksonville to outdoor adventures in the Talbot Islands to the sweetest spot in the city, we explored the top destinations for family fun and adventure in Jacksonville.
Keep reading for Adventure-Seeking Mom’s guide to Jacksonville with kids. In addition to the most exciting kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville, we’ve got tips for where to stay and suggestions on where to eat in Jacksonville with kids.
When is the Best Time for Families to Visit Jacksonville?
If you want to save money while enjoying Jacksonville’s top family attractions, plan your Jacksonville trip during Kids Free November. All November long, kids 12 and under can experience some of Jacksonville’s top family attractions for free with paying adult.
Free Things to Do in Jacksonville Year-Round
Not exploring Jacksonville in November but still want to save money? Fortunately, Jacksonville has plenty of free things to do, from museums and galleries to outdoor adventures and events. Check out this article we were featured in: Saving for a House? 8 Free things to do in Jacksonville, FL | Redfin
Exciting Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Jacksonville: Family Attractions
During our family’s Kids Free November tour of Jacksonville, we had a wild time exploring Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens and Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is home to more than 2,000 animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. I loved how lush botanical gardens connect the animal exhibits in this zoo. The Savanna Blooms garden adjacent to the Giraffe Overlook was my favorite of the gardens.
In addition to the garden pathways, the Africa Loop boardwalk is a particularly scenic walk. Along the way, you’ll see lions, zebras, elephants, rhinos and more animals roaming in open environment called the Plains of East Africa.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Another top family attraction in Jacksonville, Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary gives families the opportunity to see rescued big cats close up. Catty Shack Ranch offers daily self-guided tours and night feeding events.
The main focus of Catty Shack Ranch is the rescue of big cats from serious situations. Once an animal comes to Catty Shack Ranch, they have a loving home for life. Ranch residents include tigers, lions, cougars and more.
Exciting Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Jacksonville: Outdoor Adventures
Nature-loving families will find lots of real Florida beauty to enjoy and exciting kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville’s Talbot Islands. A breathtaking destination for natural, unspoiled beaches and outdoor adventures, the Talbot Islands are located a short drive north from downtown Jacksonville on Highway A1A. Undeveloped barrier islands protected as Florida state parks, the Talbot Islands are also part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve managed by the National Parks Service.
Little Talbot Island State Park
Start your day of adventure with a beach walk at Little Talbot Island State Park. Follow a scenic boardwalk path over the dunes to the pristine beach. Little Talbot Island beach is a perfect spot for families to play, do some shelling and watch surfers catch waves. The park also includes paved and unpaved trails for biking and hiking.
Boneyard Beach
Later, drive a few miles north on A1A to Big Talbot Island State Park’s unique Boneyard Beach. Hike a wooded shoreline trail to the beach where massive driftwood trees lie like giant bones. Kids love the opportunity to climb these huge tree skeletons. Though fallen, these trees still have purpose – they protect the barrier island from further erosion.
Kayak Amelia
In addition to exploring the Talbot Islands’ beaches, you can paddle the calm salt marsh waters of Simpson Creek. This scenic tidal waterway runs between the two Talbot Islands. Book a kayak tour with Kayak Amelia for an eco-tour with a friendly and knowledgeable naturalist guide. They provide all the paddle gear you need including giant chocolate chip cookies!
If you plan your Talbot Islands adventure during November, you can save on your family kayak tour or rental with Kayak Amelia. As part of Visit Jacksonville’s Kids Free November, kids 12 and under paddle free with paying adult.
Family-Friendly Hotel in Jacksonville
For a comfortable and spacious home away from home, the Residence Inn Downtown Jacksonville was a great choice for our family. At Residence Inn, every room is a suite, making it easier for families to relax. In our one-bedroom suite, we had the freedom to put the kids to bed and then head to the living area to watch TV without disturbing them.
Families who want to cook while traveling will appreciate that every Residence Inn suite has a fully-equipped kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker. No need to cook breakfast though – your Residence Inn stay includes complimentary hot breakfast.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Jacksonville
Dinner & Dessert: Sweet Pete’s Candy
Be a kid in candy mansion! Located in a historic mansion in downtown Jacksonville, Sweet Pete’s Candy is the largest candy store in the southeast. The sweetest of all kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville, Sweet Pete’s invites guests into the candy-making experience. Inside this whimsical candy mansion, visitors can watch candy makers work, take a factory tour, attend a candy-making class or even host a birthday party.
During Kid Free November in Jacksonville, kids 12 and under can make their own Sweet Pete’s Candy gummy kabob for free Thursday through Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m.
Sweet Pete’s also features a fun fast-casual dining experience called Fizzies & Fare. During our visit, we treated ourselves to a yummy banana split from the restaurant. The family-friendly menu also includes burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and a variety of fanciful sodas and desserts.
Lunch: The Bearded Pig
Another fast-casual dining option in Jacksonville, The Bearded Pig is a family-friendly restaurant known for serving some of the best barbecue in Jacksonville. Located in Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood, The Bearded Pig is a southern BBQ joint offering pulled pork, brisket, turkey, ribs and more. While waiting for their BBQ sandwiches, our kids had a blast drawing on the chalkboard walls in the restaurant’s outdoor dining area.
Breakfast or Brunch: Southern Grounds
Southern Grounds is a local Jacksonville coffee shop with multiple locations around town. More than just coffee and pastries, Southern Grounds serves a full breakfast menu, plus lunch and dinner sandwiches, and beer and wine. With a bright, comfortable atmosphere, Southern Grounds encourages friends and family to gather together.
More Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Florida
Want more kid-friendly Florida adventure ideas? Check out our favorite adventures.
Like these ideas for exciting kid-friendly things to do Jacksonville? Share this post!
Sweet Pete’s Candy sounds like somewhere I’d definitely visit, should I ever get the chance to visit Jacksonville.
My sister’s family lives near Jacksonville. It is so cool that kids enter attractions for free in November.
The beaches and kayaking look like so much fun! As does grabbing some sweets from Sweet Pete’s Candy. Great post!