Family & Kids · Every Sun
Enrichment Tour
Now through Sun, Oct 25
Catty Shack Ranch · Northside & Airport
Family outings in Jacksonville
Match the outing to your kids' stamina: a full day at the zoo, an hour on a short nature trail, or a storytime that fits between naps.
Last updated October 25, 2026
The details below come from each place's own site, checked on October 25, 2026. Hours and prices change with the season, so confirm them before you go. Tell us if something needs correcting.
Family events in the next two weeks
From Sun, Oct 25 through Sat, Nov 7, these listings cover different dates and venues. We pick them automatically from published events with descriptions; they are not personal recommendations.
Family & Kids · Every Mon
Baby Storytime
Mon, Oct 26 · 10:15–10:55 AM
Southeast Regional Library · Southside & Town Center
Free
Family & Kids · 2 showtimes
Little Readers
Tue, Oct 27 · 10:15–10:45 AM
Highlands Regional Library · Northside & Airport
Free
Family & Kids · Every Wed
Little Readers
Wed, Oct 28 · 10:15–10:45 AM
Regency Square Branch Library · Arlington
Free
Browse all upcoming family events to choose a different date.
For a full day: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The zoo at 370 Zoo Parkway, on the Northside, pairs animal exhibits with large botanical gardens. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Buy tickets online: they cost more at the gate, prices vary by date, children 2 and under are free, and the zoo is cashless. Outside food, drinks and coolers are not allowed, and neither are bikes, scooters or balloons. Paths are wheelchair-accessible, and strollers and wheelchairs can be rented near the entrance on a first-come basis.Source: plan your visit, guidelines and accessibility.
For a short nature walk: Tree Hill Nature Center
Tree Hill, at 7152 Lone Star Road in Arlington, has seven short trails of about a third of a mile each, a hands-on natural history museum for kids, live animals, and butterfly and hummingbird gardens. That makes it an easy outing for small legs. It is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Sundays and several holidays. Admission is a few dollars, children 2 and under are free, and no reservation is needed. Pets, bikes and skates are not allowed on the trails.Source: Tree Hill visitor information and park rules.
For a walk the dog can join: Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Arboretum, at 1445 Millcoe Road in Arlington, has woodland trails and a paved, accessible loop around its lake. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails. Hours are longer in spring and summer; from early November to mid-March it closes at 5 p.m., and entry stops 30 minutes before closing. Pay the small adult fee at the welcome kiosk after you park (children 3 and under are free). Anyone under 18 needs an adult with them. There is a restroom and a water refill station at the entrance, but only a few picnic tables.Source: Arboretum visitor page.
For a free hour indoors: Jacksonville Public Library
The library's branches run programs for every age, from baby lapsit and storytime for children up to 5 to sensory-friendly storytime, early science and art sessions, and tech and gaming clubs for older kids. Some programs need registration or a library card, so open the listing on the library's events calendar first. At the Main Library Downtown, 303 North Laura Street, the Duval Street garage takes cards only, and a validated library ticket covers some free parking.Source: library kids page and Main Library page.
A note on MOSH
The Museum of Science & History closed its Southbank building in 2025 while a new museum is planned for the Northbank, and it runs pop-up programs in the meantime. We list those when they are announced in the family listings.
Plan around the weather
Florida afternoons can bring heat and storms, so outdoor outings work best in the morning. For a free option on a rainy day, see the free events guide or the museums guide, which notes the free hours at several museums.