Free & Budget-Friendly Family Activities

Find 13 affordable family activities in Jacksonville.

Looking for affordable family fun in Jacksonville? Jacksonville’s 22 miles of white-sandy beaches and low-cost family activities and lodging options make this “River City by the Sea” an ideal vacation destination for families. Experience Jacksonville without breaking the bank by partaking in these inexpensive and rewarding activities.

1. Enjoy A Day By The River With Music, Food And Local Crafts

Produced by Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc., the Riverside Arts Market is a weekly market hosted on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine. RAM features a variety of small businesses from farmers to artists to makers and bakers. Under the Fuller Warren Bridge, you’ll find a family-friendly event that attracts 4,000+ visitors every Saturday. The riverfront amphitheater seats 350 people and features hours of live music.

  • Free admission and free parking.

2. Learn About Jacksonville's African American Heritage

Begin your discovery of Jacksonville’s African American heritage with an animatronics story of native sons James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson, who composed the Negro national hymn, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” At the Ritz Theatre and Museum, you can stroll along recreated streets depicting the daily lives of African Americans in Jacksonville during recent history.

3. Immerse Yourself In A Natural Wonderland

Minutes from Downtown, discover Florida’s ecosystems at Tree Hill Nature Center's interactive, natural experience. Explore 50 acres of trails, a Florida natural history museum, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and live animal displays.

4. Watch A Game

Each season offers exciting opportunities to catch a game in Jacksonville.

Spring/Summer

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, play at VyStar Ballpark, with tickets starting at $5.

The Jacksonville Sharks play at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Summer/Fall/Winter

The Jacksonville Jaguars play at EverBank Stadium from August until January.

Fall/Winter/Spring

The Jacksonville Icemen, ECHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, play at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

5. Explore Trails & Waterways

With the largest urban park system in the nation, Jacksonville offers outdoor experiences for every level of adventure. Here are just a few of the many options:

Most parks offer free admission. Some entrance fees required.

6. Discover Jacksonville's Cultural Side

Arts and culture are also quite accessible in Jacksonville.

Don’t forget the Hands On Children's Museum which promotes hands-on participatory learning for children of all ages. Encouraging discovery through observation, inquiry, creative construction, role-playing, problem-solving and free play.

Some other fantastic Jacksonville museums include the following:

Visitors will find exhibits to delight every age.

7. Take A Stroll Along The St. Johns River

Stroll along the St. Johns River while taking in views of the Downtown skyline, boats and favorite attractions. On the Southbank be sure to visit to see “Mirrored River: Where Do You See Yourself?” under the Main Street Bridge. Stretching 64 feet in mirror, ceramic tile, glass tile, and pebbles, forming a satellite image of the St. Johns River; it's especially beautiful during sunset.

Or continue along the Riverwalk on the Northbank to the Riverside Arts Market, Florida's largest weekly, free arts festival. The market is held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., under the Fuller Warren Bridge and offers fresh produces, local art vendors, live entertainment and more.

8. Tour A Historic Plantation

Tucked away in the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve is Kingsley Plantation – Florida’s oldest intact plantation house. A living history exhibit includes the following:

  • barn
  • plantation gardens
  • plantation house
  • kitchen
  • 20 remarkably preserved tabby slave cabins

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve has unveiled a new audio tour entitled, “The Lion’s Storyteller.” The tour will give visitors a chance to hear the entire story of Kingsley Plantation, not just the owners’ perspectives. The audio tour captures their story in an immersive, multi-media experience, drawing on some first-hand accounts, documents from the time, and stories from the historic record.

Visitors can request the audio tour at the visitor center at Kingsley Plantation. After a quick tutorial by park staff, visitors start their immersive journey into the past of this remarkable historic site. Audio and subtitled versions are available for visitors needing assistance. The tour is available at the park during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please allow one hour to fully enjoy the experience.

9. Take A Walk Down History Lane

Relive the days when Jacksonville’s beaches first became a tourist destination with the expansion of the railroad at Beaches Museum & History Park. Walk along a replica boardwalk, while soaking in historical tales, including the story of devastating Hurricane Dora. Other exhibits outside the museum at Pablo Historical Park include the Mayport Railway Depot and a once-working Old #7 Locomotive.

Admission is free for all, donations are appreciated.

10. Hit The Jacksonville Farmer's Market

Browse 50 plus vendor booths with fresh produce, seafood and other local goods at The Jacksonville Farmer’s Market, the oldest farmer's market in Florida.

11. Attend A Free Festival

There are numerous free festivals in Jacksonville that happen throughout the year! From the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Springing the Blues to Super Girl Surf Pro and Florida Fin Fest. Each festival features live music along with a vibrant village of vendors and plenty of great food for everyone to enjoy. Check out the annual events page and our event calendar to find out when the next free festival is taking place!

12. Take A Family Bike Ride

Peddle along 14.5 miles of tree canopies on the Baldwin Trail.

Stop for a picnic or visit Camp Milton to explore a little history.

13. Get Lost In A Garden

Go for a hike and explore Jacksonville’s green areas at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. Explore the impressive different gardens throughout the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It's not just about the animals!

Take a self-guided tour at the Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens, one of the most visited museums in the southeast.

Family Friendly

More Things To Do