Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Jacksonville - 2020

The mission of Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is to provide a safe, loving, and forever home to endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and in captivity. They offer both Daytime Tours and Night Feeding Tours of their facility where visitors can see the animals in a happy and stress-free environment. Their current residents include tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, lynx, servals, foxes, and coatimundis (the last two species being “honorary cats”). Check out the website for exact dates and times they are open. Bring your camera and take all the pictures you want!

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is one of Florida’s oldest and most treasured attractions. Since 1893, it has provided visitors with exciting and educational opportunities to interact with a wide range of crocodilians, reptiles, mammals and birds! Located on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, The Alligator Farm features natural exhibits, wildlife shows and educational demonstrations.

Of course, the libraries in the Jacksonville area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the list of the best places to take kids this year!

Thanks for your vote! Conner's A-Maize-Ing Acres is a family owned & operated farm with lots of "farmtastic"  fun for all ages during the Fall & Spring Seasons. Load up the family and come on out to the country and make some special memories that will last a lifetime!  We can't wait to see you!

Opened in 1967, The Alhambra Theatre is the nation's longest continually running professional dinner theatre! With a complete renovation in 2009, it's the Alhambra like you've never seen, heard or tasted before!  The Alhambra also offers summer camps and celebration packages for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, group events, and more.

Adventure Landing offers affordable family fun. We are a family entertainment center that features: miniature golf, go-karts, laser tag and a mega arcade!  If you are looking to hold a birthday party, a company or corporate event, a church event, school event or a holiday party, look no further!  Adventure Landing will make sure that everyone at your event has a blast.  

Tree Hill Nature Center promotes environmental stewardship to the community through quality, hands-on educational programs and low-cost access to natural areas.

Our three venue facility accommodates events from Broadway touring shows to symphony orchestras, from corporate general sessions to community recitals, from unique receptions to intimate dinners. Truly a masterpiece, our riverfront cultural showcase offers the finest performance venues in Jacksonville. Our size, versatility, and location coupled with our talented staff provide all the tools for making every event into an amazing experience!

Join one of our naturalists and explore Amelia Island, one of Florida’s natural wonders! Stop by the fully stocked retail shop, complete with top-of-the-line binoculars and field guides, to fulfill all your exploring needs. Or visit with our local rescued critters, chat with our naturalists, rent a fishing pole, or sign up for a tour or camp. 

The Jacksonville Symphony is one of Northeast Florida’s most important cultural institutions. Founded in 1949, the Symphony is ranked among the nation’s top regional orchestras. The Symphony’s home, Robert E. Jacoby Hall, is considered to be an acoustic gem.

The Y is dedicated to building programs for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility that promote strong families, character values, youth leadership, community development and international understanding. The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive by providing supportive and inclusive environments that nurture the potential of every youth and teen, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.