Whether it’s summer or spring break, keeping busy (and cool) is the name of the game. Here are some fun things to do with older kids (when they finally roll out of bed). Hit the parks and outdoor spaces in the morning, and the indoor areas in the afternoon. Make sure to read the websites on when dropping off is allowed and when it isn’t; some are very specific about 13+ or under 18. But just because you have to stay to supervise, it doesn’t mean you can’t sit at a separate table, rent your own kayak, or hide in a corner to scroll your phone while they take a break from their screens for a few hours!
Games & Indoor Fun
Sometimes Florida weather doesn’t cooperate, and sometimes teens just aren’t in the mood for another day at the beach. Fortunately, Jacksonville has plenty of indoor options that go far beyond the typical arcade. From escape rooms and candle-making to indoor skydiving, racing, bowling, and books, these spots offer fun ways for tweens and teens to hang out with friends, challenge themselves, and stay entertained year-round.
Beach Bowl: Book a party for your teen and some friends in the VIP area. Otherwise, it’s first-come, first-served upon opening.
Chamblin Bookmine: Perfect for your teens who are content to curl up with a good book, Chamblin’s is a maze of books from every genre. Maybe your teen can be persuaded to clean out their room — Chamblins even takes some used books in exchange for store credit!
READ: Our Favorite Independent Bookstores In & Around Jax
Consignment Shopping: Teens can spend tons of time browsing the racks at cool spots like Uptown Cheapskate and Plato’s Closet. Bonus: Sell gently used clothes for store credit.
Dave & Buster’s Jacksonville: Arcade games, VR, basketball games, food, and sports screens… what more could they want?
DIY Candles: Make a fun scented candle, lotion, or soap at Wick: A Candle Bar or The Candle Garden.
Escape Rooms: Always a fun bonding idea — players solve clues in actual rooms full of props designed to look like a particular scene or space. Here’s a list of area locations:
- The Escape Game Jacksonville: Popular for highly themed rooms like Gold Rush and Prison Break, located at St. Johns Town Center.
- Breakout Games: Offers rooms such as Museum Heist and Bomb Squad. Great for groups and team-building.
- Prototype Escape Games: Locally owned and frequently recommended for immersive, original rooms, including horror-themed experiences.
- Game Over Escape Rooms: Newer cinematic-style escape room venue in St. Johns County with fantasy, horror, and mystery rooms.
- Game Show Battle Rooms: Located in St. Johns Town Center, this is more of a game-show-style interactive experience mixed with puzzle and team challenges.
Gyms and Local Spots to Work Out: Planet Fitness offers a free membership for teens ages 14–19 during the summer months. Other teen gym memberships include First Coast YMCA and CrossFit Jax.
Fore Score Golf Tavern: Indoor game simulators (think soccer and baseball, but also dodgeball with zombies and carnival games), trivia nights, and food. Two locations: Gate Parkway and San Marco.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving: Perfect for the adventurer, and it’s exactly what it sounds like — even younger siblings can participate.
Indoor Kart Racing: K1 Speed: Indoor electric go-karts and racing.
Jacksonville Public Library: The Jacksonville Public Library offers several events and workshops for teens and tweens, including crafting, tech, games, and more.
Jacksonville Zoo: A classic since their childhood, but it’s still fun, especially with the new Manatee River.
Keg & Coin Arcade: Teens can skip the bar part; the arcade opens at noon, and there’s plenty of time for games before happy hour starts. After 9 p.m., it is 21+ only.
Main Event: Bowling, laser tag, arcade games, dodgeball, and trampolines. What more could they ask for?
Sk8City: Open skate starts at 1 p.m. on weekends — just when they’re rolling out of bed for the day!
Surge Adventure Park: Trampolines, dodgeball, and basketball… oh, my!
Topgolf Jacksonville: Driving range games, food, music, rooftop seating, and mini golf. Teens under 16 need adult supervision. But that just means I sit on the couch and sip a drink while the teens play and eat.
Parks & Outdoor Spots
Jacksonville has one of the largest urban park systems in the U.S., with hundreds of parks and trails. Tackle these early in the morning with the summer heat, and then you won’t feel guilty when they’re holed up in their rooms during Jacksonville’s 95-degree afternoons.
Baldwin Rail Trail: This spot is great for biking, skating, or long walks.
Catty Shack Ranch: These tours (self-guided or not) include tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, bobcats, servals, caracals, and bears!
Disc Golf: Where the fun of frisbee meets golf! Local disc golf courses include Henry Klutho Park, Fore Palms at Ed Austin Park, Trinity Disc Golf Course, and Hanna Park. Some are mixed-use; check times before going in case of tournaments. Follow River City Disc Golf Association for more info.
Fort Caroline National Memorial: Historic site with river views and trails.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: The local arboretum offers a variety of beautiful nature trails and scenic walks.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: For the outdoorsy teens, hiking trails, beach access, kayaking, camping, and surfing await.
Kayak Rentals: There are multiple places in Jacksonville where your big kids can rent kayaks, depending on where you live and if you want to be in waterways, the river, or the ocean.
Little and Big Talbot Island State Parks: These parks offer bird watching, photography, paddle boats, and an amazing dead tree graveyard.
Riverside Arts Market: Drop them off in Riverside for a morning and let them roam through the small arts market with food vendors, activities, trinkets, and goods to buy.
South Beach Skatepark & Sunshine Playground: This park offers a lot to do for big kids, including a skate park, sports fields, walking areas, a basketball court, and beach access nearby.
Skateboarding: Jacksonville has a plethora of skate parks in and around Jax — check out our Guide to Skateboard Parks In & Around Jax here!
St. Johns Town Center: Trail behind them or park yourself at a restaurant or coffee shop as they shop, eat, and hang with their friends.
Surfing or Paddleboarding: Click these links for more information on Surfing Lessons and Paddleboarding Lessons.
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park: This one offers lots of cool hiking trails and wooden boardwalks through wetlands.
Volunteer Opportunities: There are many opportunities to give back here on the First Coast! Animal lovers should check out Animal Care & Protective Services and the Jacksonville Humane Society. The National Charity League Jacksonville chapter serves many local organizations and offers membership opportunities.
READ: Giving Back to Our Community: Where to Volunteer in Jacksonville
Where do your teens and tweens like to hang out in and around Jacksonville? Comment with your suggestions!
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