As we close the chapter on another whirlwind year, we’re feeling incredibly grateful by how much Jacksonville Mom continues to grow and evolve. Through every season, one thing has stayed the same: this community exists because of you. Your reads, shares, comments, and trust are what make Jacksonville Mom what it is, and we’re endlessly thankful for your support.
So, in celebration of all that 2025 brought, we’re sharing the BEST of Jacksonville Mom: our top 10 most-read blog posts of the year, plus a few fan-favorite honorable mentions. Get cozy, pour yourself a favorite beverage (coffee or mimosa — we fully support both), and take a stroll down memory lane. You might laugh, you might tear up, and you’ll definitely walk away with a few new ideas for local adventures, parks, and date nights. Happy reading!
Jacksonville Mom Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025
“There is a certain charm to things that are just so uniquely local. Well, now you can add another item to that list: the recently opened Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC), or, as I more simply explained it to my kids, the Mosquito Museum. Located right off of I-95 in St. Augustine, the DVEC offers an incredibly unique look at the different disease-carrying insects local to our area. It’s geared entirely toward education, with interactive displays, a playground, and a helicopter simulator. They also offer classes, homeschool days, and more. Oh, and it’s FREE.”
“Most young kids love trains. I know my 7-year-old does. There aren’t many places within driving distance to hop aboard a train — much less an open-air train — for a fun ride through town and maybe a few surprises along the way. We recently tried the Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland, Georgia, which is also home to a museum, a model train display, and an indoor stage with shows and live performances year-round.”
“Lately, it’s felt like the world is just… heavy. In the middle of all that heaviness last year, my sister Kaitlyn shared something in her Instagram stories that really stuck with me: a practice she and her former co-advisor, Sarah Watson, started a few years ago with their students. It was simple, powerful, and exactly what I needed to hear. It’s called a SMOJ: a Small Moment of Joy.”
“On the occasion that another man shows interest in me, I’m quick to mention how happily married I am and walk away. Until recently… I ran into an old friend — a younger, very sexy old friend. He told me how good I looked, looked at me like he would absolutely devour me if I let him, licked his lips, and asked for my number. Wedding band on, I grabbed his phone and put my number in. He didn’t notice the ring (or didn’t care), and soon we began flirting via text. It would be weeks before I told him I was married.”
“Whether you’re looking to impress your special someone or treat yourselves to a well-deserved night out, Northeast Florida has no shortage of tasting menus designed to sweep you off your feet. From intimate, chef-driven experiences to farm-to-table creations, these restaurants serve up more than just dinner — they offer a dining escape. So, book the sitter, throw on something other than yoga pants, and get ready to savor every bite of your well-earned night away.”
A Few Honorable Mentions...
Brilliant Meets Impulsive: Raising a Twice Exceptional Child by Olivia Smith
Finding Your Fit: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Health and Happiness by Lauren Rautenkranz
Why We Ditched the Traditional Chore Chart by Stephanie Ross
Surviving Breast Cancer While Embracing Motherhood: My Unexpected Journey by Hannah Werthman
‘It’s Scary’: Why E-Bike Safety Matters More Now Than Ever by Wolfson Children’s Hospital
‘She’ll Never Drive’: Paige’s Journey of Perseverance and Possibility by Carrie Wilson
How Young Is Too Young to Leave a Child Home Alone? by Kerry Schicker
Dear Parent, From a Teacher: Your Morning Routine At Home Matters by Jenna Thompson
The Most Popular Local Guides...
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Jacksonville by Tina Peckham
Beat the Heat: Splash Pads, Pools & Water Parks In & Around Jacksonville by Chantel Beidleman
Strawberry Picking Farms & Festivals Near Jacksonville by Chantel Beidleman
Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids In & Around Jacksonville by Tina Peckham
The Ultimate Jacksonville Brunch Bucket List by Tina Peckham
Best Date Night Restaurants in Jacksonville by Amber Junker
Guide to Drive-In Movie Theaters In & Around Northeast Florida by Corinna Hoffman
Hidden Gems: Best Parks & Playgrounds In Jacksonville by Tina Peckham
Top 10 Family-Friendly Springs to Explore in Florida by Nicki Wiggins
Guide to Great Family Hiking Trails in Jacksonville by Meredith Loudenback
Need a Caffeine Fix? Meet Our Favorite Local Coffee Shops in Jax by Tina Peckham
Self Intolerant: 12 Gluten-Friendly Jax Restaurants From a Former Gluten Glutton by Caitlyn Hawkins
Still Trending...
I Tried Non-Alcoholic Social Tonics and Ranked Them From ‘Just Juice’ to ‘Suspiciously Legal’ by Allison Lore
Dear Husbands: Mother’s Day is Not About Your Mom by Cassy Fiano-Chesser
Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Jacksonville by Kacey Roache
End of an Era: Prioritizing Mental Health and Finding Balance by Lauren Rautenkranz
My Newfound Love of Scavenger Hunts: 10 Reasons to Try Them by Jeanine Ferguson
Tips for Finding Shark Teeth on the First Coast by Kerry Schicker
Stocking Stuffers: Tween Purse Essentials by Sharnique Green
Water Park Day Trips from Jacksonville by Kacey Roache
The Gaylord ICE! Review I Wish I’d Had by Allison Lore
Honest Thoughts On Having a Fifth Baby by Cassy Fiano-Chesser
12 Must-Read Tips Before Visiting LEGOLAND Florida by Alina Penjiyeva
A Letter to My Daughter About Heartbreak by Christie Pettus
Now we want to hear from you! What were some of your favorite Jacksonville Mom posts from 2025? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks again for a crazy, but awesome year, and we look forward to what 2026 has in store. Happy New Year!
