Things To Do With Kids in Arlington, FL

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers a perfect blend of culture and outdoor exploration for families, featuring interactive family backpacks filled with hands-on activities and the CREATE Cart with art projects kids can actually touch and make. The stunning 2.5-acre riverside gardens provide plenty of space for children to explore nature while parents enjoy world-class art, making it a rare museum where fidgety kids can genuinely have fun.

The Riverside Arts Market transforms the space under the Fuller Warren Bridge into a vibrant Saturday morning destination where families can explore local art vendors, enjoy live music, and sample fresh food while kids run freely in a safe, riverfront setting. With over 180 vendors offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, plus regular family entertainment and activities, it's Jacksonville's most beloved weekend tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Memorial Park is a spacious riverside gem that offers something for every age, from its exciting splash pad and well-maintained playground to scenic walking paths along the riverfront promenade. With plenty of open fields for running around, shaded picnic areas, and stunning water views, this highly-rated park (4.7/5 from over 4,000 reviews) is a go-to destination for Jacksonville families seeking outdoor fun.

Taqueria Cinco brings vibrant Mexican flavors to Avondale's family-friendly shopping district with a colorful, casual atmosphere that kids love. The menu features kid-approved tacos and quesadillas alongside breakfast options, while the outdoor seating lets energetic little ones enjoy fresh air without feeling too confined in a traditional restaurant setting.

Grassroots Natural Market is a refreshing stop for health-conscious families looking for nutritious options kids will actually eat. This local favorite combines a natural foods market with a juice bar and café, serving up colorful smoothies, fresh snacks, and wholesome meals that appeal to even picky eaters. It's an ideal quick lunch spot or post-activity refuel destination where parents can feel good about what they're feeding their kids.

Riverside Market Square offers families a charming, walkable destination where tree-lined streets create a pleasant atmosphere for exploring independent bookstores, cafes, and local shops. The relaxed vibe makes it ideal for families who want to enjoy a leisurely afternoon browsing, grabbing treats, and letting kids experience a historic neighborhood's unique character without the overwhelming crowds of a typical mall.

The Mossfire Grill offers a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere where families can enjoy classic Southern comfort food without the fuss. With a dedicated kids menu and welcoming staff who understand families with little ones, it's a great spot for a casual lunch or early dinner when you want good food without worrying about the noise level.

The Junior League of Jacksonville's community cafe offers a relaxed, family-friendly spot where parents can grab quality coffee and healthy meals while kids enjoy nutritious, kid-approved menu options. This welcoming gathering space combines the comfort of a neighborhood cafe with a community-focused atmosphere, making it an ideal stop for breakfast or lunch when exploring the Jacksonville area with little ones in tow.

Sweet Theory Baking is a delightful neighborhood bakery in Avondale that's become a local favorite for families seeking a sweet treat or casual breakfast. Kids' eyes light up at the colorful display of creative cupcakes, cookies, and pastries, while parents appreciate the quality ingredients and cozy cafe atmosphere perfect for a quick stop or leisurely morning outing.

13 Gypsies brings tapas-style dining to Avondale with a welcoming atmosphere that works surprisingly well for families. The small plates format lets picky eaters try different flavors without committing to full entrées, while the charming outdoor patio in the Shoppes of Avondale gives kids space to relax between courses.

Cool Moose Cafe is a laid-back Avondale breakfast and brunch spot that welcomes families with open arms and a menu kids actually want to eat. The casual atmosphere means you won't stress if little ones get a bit wiggly, and the outdoor seating is perfect for letting kids enjoy fresh air while you sip your coffee and enjoy a relaxed meal.

Edgewood St. John's River Park is a peaceful riverside gem in Avondale that's perfect for families seeking an easy outdoor adventure. With scenic trails winding along the St. Johns River, open green spaces for playing, and beautiful water views, it offers a wonderful escape for little explorers who need to burn energy while parents enjoy the natural surroundings.

Latitude 30 in Baymeadows offers a relaxed dining experience where parents can actually enjoy their meal while kids are well taken care of with a dedicated kids menu. The casual atmosphere means you won't stress about noise levels, and the outdoor seating option gives restless children space to move around between bites.

The Shoppes of Avondale offers a charming, walkable outdoor shopping experience perfect for a relaxed family outing. This tree-lined historic district along St. Johns Avenue combines boutique browsing with numerous family-friendly restaurants, making it ideal for an afternoon of exploring, window shopping, and enjoying a meal together in a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers an unforgettable day exploring 115 acres filled with over 2,000 animals from around the world. Beyond animal exhibits, families can cool off at the splash ground, ride the historic carousel and train, and get up close with giraffes, colorful lorikeets, and stingrays through hands-on feeding experiences that kids absolutely love.

Dreamette is a charming, old-fashioned soft-serve ice cream stand that's been delighting Jacksonville families since 1948. This nostalgic walk-up spot serves generous portions of creamy soft-serve cones, sundaes, and frozen treats at budget-friendly prices, making it the perfect stop after a day at the park or as a special weeknight treat that won't break the bank.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Baymeadows is the ultimate indoor destination for burning energy year-round. With wall-to-wall trampolines, ninja warrior courses, climbing walls, dodgeball courts, and the thrilling Sky Rider zip line, this adventure park keeps kids entertained for hours while parents can relax knowing everyone is getting active in a safe, climate-controlled environment.

This appears to be a bank location rather than a family entertainment venue. First Citizens Bank at Nocatee Town Center provides standard banking services in a convenient location. While not a destination for family activities, the branch is situated in the family-friendly Nocatee Town Center area where parents can handle banking needs while other shops and restaurants nearby offer options for kids.

Dutton Island Preserve offers families an accessible introduction to Florida's coastal ecosystems with easy boardwalk trails perfect for little legs. Kids become budding naturalists as they spot herons, crabs, and fish from elevated walkways that wind through beautiful salt marshes, while the fishing spots and breathtaking Intracoastal sunset views keep the whole family engaged.

Batt Family Fun Center is Jacksonville's ultimate indoor entertainment destination where families can enjoy an action-packed day under one roof. This massive 45,000 square foot facility combines classic bowling with modern arcade games and themed mini golf, making it perfect for birthday parties, rainy day fun, or weekend family outings where everyone from toddlers to teens can find something exciting to do.

Main Event Jacksonville is the ultimate one-stop entertainment destination where families can spend hours enjoying bowling, high-energy laser tag battles, hundreds of arcade games, and billiards without ever having to leave the building. With on-site dining that ranges from appetizers to full meals, it's perfect for birthday parties, rainy day adventures, or weekend family outings where everyone can find something they love.

Chuck E. Cheese in Jacksonville is a classic family entertainment destination that combines unlimited arcade gaming with fresh pizza and party fun. With its All You Can Play game options, kids can enjoy endless entertainment from classic skee-ball to the latest video games, plus chances to win tickets for prizes, all while parents relax knowing there's food on-site.

Jacksonville's Beaches neighborhood offers miles of hard-packed sandy shores perfect for little legs to explore, with daily tide pools that transform into natural aquariums where kids can safely catch and release crabs, small fish, and other marine creatures. The firm sand makes it easy to push strollers, and the available surf lessons provide a fantastic introduction to ocean sports for adventurous families.

Atlantic Beach Country Club offers families a well-rounded recreational experience with something for everyone. Kids can burn energy on the playground equipment while parents enjoy the peaceful neighborhood atmosphere, and the mix of tennis courts, basketball court, and open green space means multiple children of different ages can all find their fun at once.

Cinotti's Bakery & Deli is a delightful Neptune Beach gem where kids can press their noses against the pastry case filled with colorful cookies, cupcakes, and fresh-baked treats. This casual, welcoming spot is perfect for a quick breakfast before beach day, a post-playground lunch, or an afternoon cookie break that won't break the bank.

Dreamette Atlantic Beach is a self-serve frozen yogurt paradise that lets kids become dessert architects, choosing from a rotating selection of flavors and loading up on toppings from candy to fresh fruit. Located just minutes from the beach in Neptune Beach, it's the perfect reward after a day of sandcastle building or a sweet ending to family dinner in the area.

Atlantic Beach offers families a more relaxed coastal experience with its wide, sandy shores and calmer atmosphere compared to busier Florida beaches. The gentle waves make it ideal for young swimmers and beginner boogie boarders, while on-duty lifeguards provide peace of mind for parents. Kids will delight in exploring tide pools at low tide, discovering small crabs and sea creatures in these natural aquariums.

Neptune Beach offers families a charming, walkable downtown district perfect for leisurely afternoons with kids. This laid-back coastal community combines beach access with a quaint main street featuring local shops, family-friendly restaurants, and ice cream parlors that keep children entertained while parents enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Walter Jones Historic Park offers families a delightful blend of history, nature, and hands-on learning in a beautiful Old Florida setting. Kids can explore pioneer-era buildings, wander through butterfly gardens teeming with colorful wings, and hike scenic nature trails while discovering what life was like in 19th-century Florida.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a sprawling 450-acre oceanfront paradise that offers everything an active family could want in one location. With 1.5 miles of beautiful Atlantic beach, a dedicated splash park for little ones, two playgrounds, fishing opportunities at a 60-acre lake, and over 20 miles of trails, you can easily spend an entire day exploring without running out of activities.

Jarboe Park is a beloved Neptune Beach gem that combines the best of both worlds,a well-equipped playground and basketball courts just steps from stunning ocean views. This beachside park is perfect for families who want variety in one location, offering shaded picnic pavilions for lunch breaks between playground sessions and beach time, making it an ideal spot for a full morning or afternoon of outdoor fun.

North Beach Fish Camp offers families a relaxed waterfront dining experience where kids can enjoy fresh seafood while parents soak in the coastal views. The casual atmosphere means little ones can be themselves, and the dedicated kids menu ensures even picky eaters find something they'll love beyond the excellent fresh catches.

Beach Bowl is a fully renovated bowling destination in Jacksonville Beach that combines classic family fun with modern amenities. This Jax Beach staple offers a welcoming atmosphere where kids of all ages can experience the excitement of bowling in updated lanes, making it perfect for birthday parties, rainy day activities, or weekend family outings just minutes from the beach.

Flying Iguana brings Latin American flavors to Neptune Beach with a laid-back, beachy atmosphere that welcomes families. This casual taco spot features a dedicated kids menu, plenty of outdoor seating perfect for wiggly diners, and a relaxed vibe where parents can actually enjoy their meal without worrying about noise levels.

Neptune Beach offers a more relaxed, family-friendly alternative to the busier Jacksonville Beach scene. With on-duty lifeguards, gentle waves perfect for young swimmers, and convenient pavilions for shade breaks, it's an ideal spot for families seeking a calm beach day without sacrificing safety or amenities.

The Beaches Museum offers a charming, bite-sized introduction to local history that's perfect for families exploring Atlantic Beach. Kids will be fascinated by the vintage railroad exhibits, old photographs showing how the beach looked decades ago, and hands-on artifacts that bring the area's heritage to life without overwhelming young attention spans.

South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground is a coastal paradise where beach fun meets world-class playground amenities. This expansive park features an ocean-themed playground that captivates kids' imaginations, direct beach access for sand and surf, and covered picnic pavilions perfect for birthday parties or extended family outings along Jacksonville Beach's beautiful shoreline.

Jacksonville Beach Pier stretches an impressive 1,320 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offering families a thrilling ocean experience without getting wet. Kids love watching dolphins play in the waves below, spotting fish swimming in the clear water, and feeling like they're walking on the ocean itself,it's an affordable adventure that combines wildlife watching, fishing opportunities, and stunning coastal views all in one spot.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream offers a classic neighborhood ice cream shop experience where kids can watch their treats being made fresh daily right on-site. With outdoor seating perfect for messy little ones and a rotating selection of family-friendly flavors, it's an ideal spot for a quick dessert outing or post-dinner treat that won't break the bank.

El Potro Mexican Restaurant brings fiesta vibes to family dining in Orange Park with its colorful, festive atmosphere and budget-friendly menu. Known for generous portions that easily satisfy hungry kids and adults alike, this local favorite creates a welcoming environment where families can relax and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine without breaking the bank.

Sweet Pete's Mandarin is a delightful neighborhood candy and ice cream shop that brings joy to kids of all ages with its colorful selection of nostalgic sweets and creamy ice cream treats. The welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect stop for a special dessert outing, celebration, or just-because treat that will have your little ones' eyes lighting up with excitement.

Orange Park Kennel Club is primarily an adult-oriented entertainment venue featuring greyhound racing, poker rooms, and wagering facilities. While it has dining options on-site, this is not a child-focused destination and may not offer activities specifically designed for kids or family entertainment.

Renna's Pizza is a neighborhood gem in Ponte Vedra Beach that delivers exactly what families need: delicious pizza, a relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids, and prices that won't break the bank. This local favorite offers creative pizza combinations alongside classic options, plus salads and a dedicated kids' menu that keeps even picky eaters happy.