Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving. Beginning in 2004 with Range of the Jaguar and continuing with Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms garden, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is quickly becoming a world-class establishment. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. Whether you are a visitor to Florida’s First Coast or a lifetime resident, we invite you to experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens through interactions with people, wildlife and the environment.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a zoo located in Jacksonville. It sits at the mouth of the Trout River. The zoo occupies approximately 110 acres and has over 2,000 animals in its collection.
The Beach
1.5 miles of pristine sandy beach with multiple access points and it’s home to the premier surfing spot in Northeast Florida, The Poles.
Dolphin Plaza
An ideal oceanfront location for a family reunion, wedding reception, or corporate outing.
Biking and Hiking Trails
Hanna Park has over 20 miles of trails for the hardcore mountain bikers and the entire family to enjoy.
Fresh Water
A 60-acre lake and open to fishing, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes!
Kids Splash Park
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s the perfect place for kids under four feet tall to cool off in the summer.
Extras!
Hanna Park also has picnic areas, facilities for cookouts, reunions, retreats, and other group activities. Please note that reservations are required.
Beaches Aquatic Pool has been serving the Northeast Florida community since 1963. The 220,000 gallon pool is gas heated and maintained at 82 degrees for year round swimming comfort. The facility provides a center for recreational and competitive swimming. We offer swim lessons for children and aqua-fitness classes for adults.
A very popular park located in Jax Beach. Amenities include:
- Children’s playground
- Splash Pad
- Fitness trail
- Basketball court
- All-purpose field
- Tennis court
- Gazebo
- Six picnic shelters
- Two grills
- Three volleyball courts
Losco Regional Park feels like you’re in the country with its quiet atmosphere complete with a scenic paved trail that wraps around the wooded park, one multi-use field, soccer fields and two playgrounds – including one for toddlers. Losco Park also boasts a splash pad when it’s time to cool off!
With over 30 pools located throughout Jacksonville, there is bound to be one close to you. In addition to swim team, these pools offer affordable swim lessons and other programs at numerous pools around our city. The city is leading the Waterproof Jacksonville campaign, offering FREE swim lessons for families that otherwise could not afford!
JaxParks offers swim programs at its outdoor pools each year in June and July. Classes are offered year-round at the Cecil Aquatics Center.
Head on down to the St. Augustine Pier where kids can splash in the water at the splash pad and also enjoy a sandy playground directly connected to it.
The Murray Hill Playground boasts a water feature splash pad that is sure to keep kids cool after they have fun on the playground equipment
The rides and attractions at Summer Waves are super cool! Plan your fun-filled day with relaxing laps around Turtle Creek Lazy River, riding the waves of the Frantic Atlantic, and taking in high-speed thrills down Pirate’s Passage. All of our attractions promise to be a splash-tacular good time!
Check the website for season pass, & daily & group admission rates.
Located in Green Cove Springs, this spring-fed swimming pool has undergone renovation in recent years and is ready for swimmers! Spring Park is a beautiful park located along the St. Johns River, one block east of City Hall and features playground equipment, picnic facilities, and a gazebo!
Wiley Road Playground is located at the intersection of Lane Avenue and Wiley Road in southwest Jacksonville. It resides adjacent to the Cedar Hills Estates neighborhood that was developed in the latter 1950’s, and across from Hyde Grove Elementary School that that was built in 1960. The City purchased most of the playground property in 1971, and obtained the rest when for a portion of Coulee Ave. was closed two years later. The property remained undeveloped for several years, and HUD built a Senior Citizen Center at the site about 1980-81. During its early years, the playground contained an athletic field, tennis and shuffleboard courts, restrooms, and a sizeable undeveloped area. Recent improvements include a new water feature in 2001 and a major addition to the Senior Center in 2003.
The park offers playscapes, grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms, 2 youth baseball fields, a basketball court, 2 tennis courts, a soccer field, and paved trails. Also, check out the newly constructed splash pad!
Check out the Cecil Aquatic Center for open swim and dedicated lap swim hours.
Located at Baldwin High School, this pool is a great place for anyone living on the west side of town. Call ahead to check hours.
Adventure Landing & Shipwreck Island Waterpark are THE places for family fun on the First Coast! Shipwreck Island is the premier spot to stay cool this summer with a variety of water attractions from mild to wild. Shipwreck Island Waterpark features the Little St. Johns River, Typhoon Lagoon – a half million gallon wave pool, and 4 extreme slides:
• The Rage
• The Hydro Half-Pipe
• The Eye of the Storm
• The Undertow
The Shipwreck Island Pirate Play Slide Complex is the centerpiece attraction for kids, young and not so young. Multiple slides, water cannons and waterfalls ensure hours of fun. Remember, Shipwreck Island has No Sharks, No Sand, and No Jellyfish!
The cabanas at Shipwreck Island also offer a way to beat the heat during the sweltering Florida summer days. Settle into your own private paradise when you treat yourself to a Shipwreck Island Cabana – Now offering Deluxe Cabanas with ultimate privacy, a TV, mini fridge, USB charging station, and wait service!
If you are looking to skip the waterpark entirely, we offer an endless number of dry indoor and outdoor attractions to keep anyone busy – Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Go-Karts, Batting Cages, Indoor Arcade, Bowlingo Bowling, Max Flight Rollercoaster Simulator, the Teddy Bear Factory, Sweet Adventures Candy Shop and you can even Feed The Gators!
Don’t worry if you get hungry, we have plenty of food and beverage options to keep even the pickiest eaters satisfied. Be sure to check out the Sweet Adventures Candy Shop, where even the adults will feel like a like again.
Are you planning your next group event in Jacksonville? Well, Adventure Landing is ready for you! No matter the occasion, our unique event space has something for everyone. Come down with your church youth group, coworkers, best friends, or your next-door neighbors! Think of us when you are looking for fun party venues that will help bring out your inner kid.
At Adventure Landing, we also Go Big For Birthdays! Let’s celebrate the Adventure Landing way! It’s your birthday, and we are ready to host the perfect celebration. For groups of eight or more, we set up parties that will blow you away! We offer food, fun, and games that will make your special day a blast. When you are thinking of places for a fun and memorable birthday, make us your first choice. Adventure Landing has a wide array of birthday party packages that can fit any group! It doesn’t matter how old or how young you are; we have ideas and entertainment for everyone. By including a team to help set-up for and break-down after your birthday party, we let you sit back, relax, and enjoy your day. Adventure Landing takes care of everything!