The Ultimate Guide to Free Summer Fun: Explore the Outdoors

Explore the outdoors with these free and almost free adventures right here in Jacksonville!

JMB Summer Park Hops – Join Jacksonville Moms Blog for their 4th annual summer park hop series. Beginning June 13th, we will explore a new park around Jax every week!

Get Hooked on Fishing – Come out to Huguenot park in Jacksonville Beach on May 20th and fish for free. Kids under 15 can also enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks along with pony rides and games. Cost: Free

Florida State Parks – The Florida State Park system has lots to offer families this summer. Jacksonville has several parks right here in town, and there are many just a short drive away. Be sure to ask about the free Junior Ranger Program for kids. Cost: Entrance to the parks ranges from $4-$8 per vehicle, the Junior Ranger Program is free

Georgia State Parks – You may think a trip to Georgia would take all day, but Georgia State Parks like Crooked River and Stephen C Foster are just a short hour drive from Jacksonville. Cost: $5 per car

Celestial Farms – Anyone can come visit the farm, just call ahead for an appointment to make sure someone is ready to greet you and show you around. Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays are best. Regular farm hours are between 9am and 7pm. Cost: Free (A $3 donation per child is suggested.)

Free National Park Pass for Active Duty Military  If you are Current US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as most members of the US Reserves and National Guard. Proper military ID is required. Jacksonville’s closest National Park that charges admission is Castillo De San Marcos in St. Augustine. Cost: Free

Free National Park Day – Celebrate the birthday of the National Park Service on August 25th with free entrance to all National Parks. Jacksonville’s closest National Park that charges admission is Castillo De San Marcos in St. Augustine. Cost: Free

Great Birding Trail – Break out the binoculars because kids of all ages will love to visit one of the over 500 Great Birding Trail locations. Download the free interactive app so kids can easily identify the birds they see. Cost: Free

Jacksonville Rocks and St. Augustine Rocks – These groups are dedicated to hiding and finding painted rocks at parks throughout Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to participate. Cost: Free

GeoCashing – Geocaching is a cross-curricular activity that educators, leaders, and facilitators are incorporating into their programs with great success. Geocaching combines outdoor play with team-building, problem-solving and other valuable educational outcomes. There are lots of great places to go GeoCashing in Jacksonville. Cost: Free

Every Kid In A Park Pass – All kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid in a Park pass which allows free access to all National Parks for the student and their family. Cost: Free

Guana Preserve  On select Saturdays, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve offers free classes for families. With everything from hiking, to beach exploration and seining, there is something nature lovers will all enjoy. Cost: Free

REI Activity Journal – Looking for a way to get the kids outside and exploring this summer? Download this activity journal from REI and let the adventure begin. Cost: Free

JMB's Ultimate Guide to FREE Summer Fun!

Shannon Beckham
Shannon is a former Special Education Teacher turned SAHM to two great kids, Cole and Kiley. Originally from Miami, Shannon met her husband while they were both attending the University of Florida (Go Gators). They decided to put down roots in Jacksonville Beach, and are very much enjoying the laid back salt life.

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