Jacksonville Guide
Jacksonville has more square miles than any other city in the lower 48, which means a lot of ground to cover with kids in the back seat. Here is the short list local families rotate through, outdoors and in.
The classic full-morning outing on the Northside. Go early before the heat sets in.
Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach are the free default on any nice day. Just watch the afternoon storm radar in summer.
The Museum of Science and History is the go-to educational stop, best for elementary ages.
Jacksonville's park system is huge, from riverfront playgrounds to Hanna Park's trails and lake.
Our pick, and not just because it is ours: an indoor, fully air-conditioned trampoline and adventure park at 9292 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL 32225. All-day jumping is $15 during the grand opening special, spectators get in free, and it is open seven days a week until 8 PM or later. Trampoline courts, ninja course, warped wall, rock wall, dodgeball, slam ball, trapeze, battle beam and a soft play toddler area for the little ones.
For parties, VOLT packages from $299 include private party space, pizza and drinks. Field trips, teams and camps too.
The Jacksonville reality: outdoor plans live and die by heat and thunderstorms roughly half the year. Every family needs an indoor anchor, and that is where we come in. When the radar turns red, see our guides to rainy day activities and indoor activities in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville family favorites include the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the beaches, MOSH, city parks, and indoor picks like VOLT Adventure Park in Arlington, an air-conditioned trampoline and adventure park with a $15 all-day jump pass.
VOLT Adventure Park hosts birthday party packages from $299 to $599 with private party space, pizza, drinks and paper goods included. Glow and toddler party options are available.
Indoor venues work every day of the year. VOLT Adventure Park is open seven days a week, fully air conditioned, with memberships from $22.99 per person per month for families who come back often.