My family will be moving to military housing in Jacksonville. What are some kid-friendly places and events nearby?

Moving to a new area can be stressful for many families that have established a comfortable routine in their old place. If you and your children are moving to base housing in Jacksonville, we can help you identify some new kid-friendly locations and events nearby to jump start your move. Planning ahead can help reduce your future stress levels and make your children more excited about relocating. Read through this FAQ to find out what Jacksonville has in store for you and your family!

A main concern for working parents moving to base housing is the availability of child care or day care services on base or in the area. The Naval Air Station (NAS) in Jacksonville has its own Child Development Center, a Child Development Home Program, a School Age Care Program, and a Youth Activities Center. The Child Development Center is available for children 6 weeks through 5 years old, while the School Age Care Program is available for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. If you'd rather have someone come to your home, the Child Development Home Program is a great option for this age range as well. The Youth Activities Center also offers summer, winter, and spring break camps. Make sure you add your children to the waiting list now so that you are all set when you move into your new apartment.

When you have the day off and want to spend some quality time together, military housing is nearby the wonderful Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Your children will be thrilled to experience all this zoo and botanical gardens have to offer with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. Animal areas the River Valley Aviary, the Plains of East Africa, the Giraffe Overlook, and much more! When you need a break from walking around, bring your children over to the Play Park and Splash Ground where they can run through mazes, jump and climb up vines, or splash around in the “wet” zone (don't forget to bring a change of clothing!). You won't want to miss the botanical gardens with three major garden zones for your family to enjoy: the Main Path with striking foliage and blooms, the Theme Pocket Gardens (each 2 acres in size), and the Primary Gardens that follow along the beautiful Trout River.

Most of us really do appreciate the constant Florida sunshine, but spending time in the heat can be overwhelming for families in the summer. Families moving to base housing in Jacksonville will be close to Jacksonville Ice & Sportplex, home to North Florida's only year round NHL sized ice rink. At this facility, you can strap on some skates, which are available for rent, and enjoy public skating with your family when you're in the mood for something “cooler.” If your children have birthdays coming up, the Sportplex is a great place to throw your next party. Simply fill out the private rental request on their website and start planning your event now!

Although moving to military housing and a new area can be stressful for families with children, the Jacksonville are has plenty of opportunities and adventures for your family. Check out these places above and we know you'll be getting excited for the future!

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentJax.com or any of our advertising partners.