Jacksonville is a vibrant city with something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or someone looking for family-friendly fun.

From exploring scenic parks to enjoying delicious local food, this city offers endless possibilities to keep you entertained.

Here are 10 fun activities in Jacksonville that will inspire you to explore, enjoy, and give back.

 

1. Explore The Outdoors

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature and have some fun. With miles of scenic biking and hiking trails, the park offers plenty of adventure for all skill levels.

Families will love the playground—complete with a custom treehouse—and for those seeking a longer stay, camping options are available. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day fishing, enjoying the beautiful beach, or getting out on the water with a kayak or canoe, this park has something for everyone. There are even adaptive kayaking options for an inclusive day outdoors!

It’s the ideal destination for a day of adventure and relaxation in Jacksonville.

 

2. Visit a Museum

The Cummer Museum of Art is a cultural gem in Jacksonville, offering a mix of history, beauty, and creativity for visitors of all ages.

The museum features an impressive permanent collection with works spanning from the ancient world to the Medieval and Baroque periods, along with exciting rotating exhibits that bring fresh perspectives to the art world. Beyond its galleries, the museum boasts stunning outdoor botanical gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

For those looking to get creative, the Cummer also offers art classes for all ages, making it an inspiring destination for art lovers and families alike.

3. See Some Wildlife

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers a wild adventure for visitors of all ages, spread across 100 acres of exhibits and lush gardens. Home to a wide variety of animals, you can see lions, tigers, bears, elephants, bonobos, capybaras, and many more, including manatees, otters, zebras, and the elusive jaguar.

One unique aspect of the zoo is its animal wellness team—one of only seven zoos in the country to have this dedicated group. In addition to exploring the animal habitats, guests can enjoy extra activities like the 4D theater, a scenic train ride, a carousel, animal feedings, and the interactive Nature Agent scavenger hunt.

It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family!

4. Volunteer With a Local Charity

Volunteering for Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida® is a rewarding way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local children facing critical illnesses. There are several ways to get involved, whether you enjoy working directly with Jacksonville families or prefer helping behind the scenes.

As a volunteer, you could welcome wish families to the organization, offering them support and a warm introduction to the Make-A-Wish experience. You can also assist wish kids in figuring out their one true wish, making dreams come to life. For those who enjoy event planning, helping to organize wish reveal parties is a joyful and creative way to contribute. Additionally, office volunteers are essential in keeping the organization running smoothly.

Every role helps create magical experiences for wish kids and their families, making volunteering with Make-A-Wish both fulfilling and fun.

 

5. Attend a Farmer’s Market

The Riverside Arts Market is a must-visit destination in Jacksonville, offering a vibrant mix of local culture and creativity every Saturday from 10am to 3pm, rain or shine.

Located under the Fuller Warren Bridge, this bustling market features everything from fresh produce to handmade art, jewelry, plants, and a variety of food trucks serving up delicious bites. The riverfront amphitheater hosts a rotating schedule of live music and dance performances, as well as a free yoga class at 9am.

With free parking available and the option to bike, take a shuttle, or even arrive by boat via the St. Johns River, it’s easy to make a day of exploring this dynamic local market.

 

6. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Sweet Pete’s Candy is a whimsical wonderland, spanning 23,000 square feet of sweet delights. Featured on CNBC’s The Profit in 2014, this massive candy store offers more than just delicious treats; it’s a full experience.

In addition to its tempting selection of sweets, Sweet Pete’s boasts a restaurant and bar, making it the perfect spot for a fun day out. With allergy-friendly options, everyone can find something to enjoy. For those looking to get hands-on, they offer candy-making classes, guided tours, and free self-guided tours.

It’s also a great place to host parties, making Sweet Pete’s the ultimate destination for candy lovers of all ages.

 

7. Grab Dinner and a Movie…With a Twist

For a unique twist on the standard “dinner and a movie” date, the Alhambra Theatre and Dining offers an unforgettable experience that combines a delicious three-course meal with a live performance.

As the nation’s oldest continually operating dinner theater, the Alhambra has brought countless shows to life, including beloved favorites like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Wedding Singer, and A Christmas Story. What sets the Alhambra apart is its attention to detail—every set and costume is built from scratch, adding to the immersive theater experience.

It’s the perfect choice for a memorable evening of entertainment, where you can enjoy a great meal and a fantastic show all in one place.

8. Have an Indoor Adventure

Bravoz Entertainment Center is Jacksonville’s ultimate indoor adventure spot, offering 40,000 square feet of activities for all ages. Whether you’re bouncing around the trampoline park, testing your skills on the rock climbing wall, or diving into the foam pit, there’s no shortage of excitement. Bravoz also features a sprawling arcade, laser tag arena, and mini-bowling for some friendly competition. When you’re ready for a break, head over to the on-site restaurant and bar to refuel.

With so much to do, Bravoz is the perfect destination for a day of action-packed fun.

 

9. Share Some Laughs

For those who love to tickle their funny bone, The Comedy Zone offers up laughs seven days a week.

Open to adults aged 21 and up, this comedy club features local comedians as well as internationally-recognized acts such as Pinky Patel and David Landau. A restaurant and full bar make this the perfect one-stop shop for date night.

The Comedy Zone is located inside the Ramada Mandarin Hotel, and as an added bonus, hotel guests get free admission (limited restrictions apply).

10. Learn Something New

Whether you’re looking to get a promotion, change careers, or just learn a new skill, the University of North Florida’s Division of Continuing Education has a multitude of non-credit courses for adults.

Available courses range from computer programming, health, and animal-assisted therapy to interior design and photography. You can even learn valuable skills like self-defense and financial literacy!

No matter your age, learning something new is an investment that always pays off.

 

Conclusion

In a city as large as Jacksonville, it should come as no surprise that there are always plenty of things to do!

At Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, we are fully invested in the health and happiness of Jacksonville’s residents. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to granting life-changing wishes to children living with critical illnesses.

If you’re looking for a fulfilling way to spend your time in Jacksonville, we’d love to meet you! Apply today to see how you can help change the lives of local children.