Whether you live in military housing or in an apartment off base, Jacksonville offers a large array of activities for families. Kids of all ages will love to explore the outdoors, discover the heavens and the earth and stretch their imagination of the past and the future.
If your family is looking for activities to do in the morning, try the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The zoo offers so many fun things for everyone in your family, including a large variety of animal habitats, a splash park and animal feedings. Another option is to ride the St. Johns River Ferry. The ferry connects Mayport to Fort George Island, which is full of history and nature. You can also visit Kingsley Plantation which is Florida's oldest plantation home. If you are looking for some water fun, try the beaches, just a short drive from any area of Jacksonville. Hanna Park is full of biking, hiking, beaches, water playgrounds, fishing, boating, and even camping.
If you like to sleep in and are looking for something fun to do in the afternoon, look no further than the Museum of Science and History (MOSH). The MOSH is home to Florida's largest planetarium and includes small animal exhibits, historical displays, traveling displays and so much more. Another exciting museum is The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. The Cummer is home to approximately 8000 years of artistic history. It is built on two acres of English-style and Italian gardens that will WOW anyone in your family. The Cummer also has a very fun hands-on interactive center. If your family members have a sweet tooth, try visiting Sweet Pete's and learn to make your own candy. Sweet Pete's is located in historic Springfield and offers fun for all ages. Jacksonville is also home to many parks located in all areas of the city. It is hard to resist a slide, a swing and a picnic under the trees.
Jacksonville is also home to an exciting night life for the family. Adventure Landing is the place where families can speed around the go-cart track, challenge each other to a game of mini golf, test your arcade gaming skills, and shoot-em-up in the laser tag arena. The Jacksonville Suns baseball team is located downtown. The Suns are two-time division champs. The Suns are always offering special events such as family and fireworks, family fun night, entertainment events and so much more. If you like to just stroll the sites, try the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk offers a boarded walkway down both sides of the St. Johns River and includes places to shop and eat along the way. You can even take a stop by Friendship Fountain. The fountain features over 100 feet of high-flying water with 265 lights that create a very unique water and light show. Certainly a place to awe anyone. EverBank Field is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. The field not only offers NFL games, but hosts several events for families throughout the year.
As you can see, Jacksonville is full of so many opportunities for families of all ages. There is always something fun going on that can keep your family busy any day of the week, day or night. From the beaches to downtown, from East to West, Jacksonville will never disappoint any member of your family and will leave you always wanting to do more. So, leave your military housing and hit the sites and create many family memories all around Jacksonville.