Jacksonville: 5 Great Family Day Trips

It may be a big, busy, sprawling city, but Jacksonville is only an hour or two from all sorts of historic monuments, colorful small towns, and tranquil beach resorts. Visitors will be surprised to discover all the interesting, unique destinations that thrive outside the JAX's military-industrial sprawl.

Jacksonville Landing makes for a great family outing right in town. Located on St. Johns River, it’s bustling with restaurants, shops, and even a mini-amusement park. Adventure Landing has coasters, an arcade, Island Waterpark (open in spring/summer), and two miniature golf courses.

Spring Break Shorts: Free and Affordable Family Fun in Jacksonville, Florida

Northeast Florida's moderate temperatures and affordable lodging prices are perfect for families looking for a recession-proof spring break option this year. Here's an age-by-age guide to the best of Jacksonville.

Ages 0-3:
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) features hands-on exhibits exploring nature, history and science. There are small animal exhibits and aquariums to view and special exhibits are featured seasonally. This spring, the museum is also debuting A-Mazing Seas, an immersive maze-based exhibit that lets young ones climb into sea-turtle shells, through a whale's mouth, and reach into an octopus cave.

Downtown Jacksonville's Kids Kampus, located in Metropolitan Park in the city's Sports Complex, allows children to explore engaging playscapes and miniature Jacksonville landscapes. The 10-acre playground area features a mini-water park with "Three Friends," a large boat play structure accompanied and surrounded by water cannons. Admission is free and open to the public.