


Beaches Town Center
About
Beaches Town Center is a bustling shopping and dining destination that offers more than just retail therapy for Arlington families. With family-friendly restaurants, arcade games, and entertainment options all in one convenient location, it's perfect for a casual family outing where parents can grab a coffee while kids enjoy the lively atmosphere and fun activities.
Highlights
- ✓Arcade games and entertainment options perfect for keeping kids engaged
- ✓Variety of family-friendly restaurants including seafood options
- ✓Gift shops and bookstores for browsing with children
- ✓Coffee shops and cafes for quick snacks and parent refreshment breaks
- ✓Convenient one-stop destination for multiple family activities
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid peak dinner crowds and enjoy easier parking near the restaurants and arcade areas
- 2.Bring quarters and small bills for arcade games - some entertainment options still use coins rather than cards
- 3.Check out the outdoor seating areas at various restaurants which give kids more room to move around between courses
- 4.Set a meeting point with older kids if you're letting them explore independently, as the center can get busy on weekends
- 5.Combine shopping with entertainment by planning your visit around meal times at one of the family-friendly seafood restaurants
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2-5 PM) are ideal for a more relaxed experience before the dinner rush. Weekend mornings offer great breakfast options with smaller crowds, though Saturday evenings bring a lively, festive atmosphere if you don't mind the bustle.
What to Know
The center offers a mix of free entertainment (window shopping, atmosphere) and paid activities (arcade games, dining). Parking is available on-site, and the variety of restaurants means you'll find options from casual cafes to sit-down seafood dining to accommodate different budgets and appetites.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours on Saturdays (until 3 AM, though family-oriented businesses close earlier). Holiday seasons bring festive decorations and special promotions at various shops. Summer evenings are particularly pleasant for outdoor dining.
Nearby Eats
With multiple restaurants on-site including seafood restaurants and cafes, you'll find plenty of kid-friendly dining options right at the center, from casual bites to fuller meals.
More Activities Near Arlington
Fort Caroline National Memorial
Fort Caroline National Memorial offers families a fascinating journey into 16th-century French colonial history with a full-size fort replica, scenic riverside trails, and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. Kids can explore the reconstructed fort, imagine life as a French settler, and enjoy peaceful nature walks along the St. Johns River while learning about the area's early inhabitants and explorers.
University Park
University Park is a welcoming neighborhood park in Arlington that offers everything families need for an active outdoor day. With well-maintained playgrounds for different age groups, sports facilities including baseball fields and basketball courts, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn off energy while parents relax at a picnic table or join in the fun.
Seawalk Pavilion
Seawalk Pavilion offers families a beautiful waterfront escape with a scenic boardwalk perfect for leisurely strolls, fishing adventures, and watching boats glide by. Open 24/7 and completely free to visit, this Jacksonville Beach gem provides a relaxing outdoor experience where kids can enjoy the sea breeze, spot marine life, and burn energy in a safe, open environment right along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Ed Austin Regional Park
Ed Austin Regional Park is a sprawling Arlington playground paradise that gives active families plenty of room to roam. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, extensive walking trails perfect for bike rides or stroller walks, and wide-open green spaces ideal for picnics and games, this park offers everything you need for a full day of outdoor family fun without the crowds of Jacksonville's more touristy spots.