Spring Break for Families

Spring has sprung and with it the long-awaited Spring Break, where students and parents alike get to let their hair down and breathe easy for a minute away from work and school.

Spring break is the perfect time to get outside, go to the beach, visit some parks, or enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant with outdoor seating.

9 Ideas for Spring Break Fun in Jacksonville

1. Beach Bowl

Beach Bowl is a family-friendly bowling alley with lanes for all ages, kid-friendly food, arcade games and a fun, relaxed vibe perfect for quality time together.

2. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Get ready for an unforgettable day of exploring incredible habitats like the African Forest with its walking safari, Range of the Jaguar featuring lush South American landscapes, Land of the Tiger, the award-winning Stingray Bay and the Manatee River Habitat, along with beautifully curated gardens and interactive exhibits that spark curiosity at every turn.

3. iFly

It’s time to take off at iFly, where indoor skydiving is real flying. Join in on the experience as you fly through state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels.

4. Tree Hill Nature Center

Enjoy time outdoors on one of Tree Hill's seven trails through the nature center, visit the animals that take up residence at the center, including the hands-on turtle exhibit at the top of the main office, or watch the goats cross over a bridge built specifically for them to get from one end of the park to the other.

5. Flight Adventure Park

Jump on over to Flight Adventure Park with inflatable bounce houses, trampolines, air slam basketball, ninja warrior courses, an arcade, and dodgeball!

6. Jacksonville “Hands On” Children’s Museum

At this children’s museum, their mission statement is that they, “encourage discovery through observation, inquiry, creative construction, role-playing, problem-solving and free play. The museum motivates children to develop their cognitive, physical and social skills while enjoying fruitful interaction with their peers and adults.” Allowing kids to learn by doing and discovering things around the museum on their own.

7. South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground

This park has a seasonal splash zone, fitness trail, basketball court, three volleyball courts, playground and picnic tables, perfect for if you want to pack a lunch and make a day of it.

8. Sweet Pete’s

Take a tour of Sweet Pete’s and get up close and personal with the candy-making process as you learn about all the ins and outs of what goes on in the candy-making business. One of the many fun things included in the tour is that you are able to create your own chocolate bar by picking out ingredients and writing them down, so that later on you can see the process of that candy bar being made in one of their kitchens as the guide talks you through the steps.

9. Night Feeding at Catty Shack Ranch

Catty Shack Ranch offers an evening tour, where you’re able to see all the animals and are encouraged to ask your guide questions about their habitats, diets, and habits. After the tour is over, they’ll begin feeding all the animals and you’ll get to see the excitement and activity of feeding time as they hand out up to 600 pounds of meat.

For more events, check the event calendar.