Discover 34 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Riverside.
7 Upcoming EventsThe highest-rated places we recommend first — start here.
⭐ ActivityFive Points is a charming, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Jacksonville's Riverside area that's perfect for a leisurely family outing. With its eclectic mix of locally-owned ice cream shops, casual family restaurants, and unique boutiques all within easy walking distance, it's an ideal spot for families who want to enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring together without the hassle of getting back in the car between stops.
🌾 FarmThe 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.
🌳 ParkMemorial 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.
⭐ ActivityPainting with a Twist in Jacksonville's Southside neighborhood offers a fantastic creative outlet where kids and parents can paint together in a no-pressure, fun environment. With dedicated kids' classes, family painting events, and step-by-step instruction, even beginners create artwork they're proud to take home. The welcoming instructors make art accessible for all skill levels, turning painting sessions into memorable family bonding experiences.
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🛝 PlaygroundRiversEdge is a spectacular four-parks-in-one playground destination that's quickly become a Jacksonville favorite. With thoughtfully separated play areas for different age groups, outdoor swings, and refreshing cooling misters for Florida's warm days, this brand-new facility offers hours of entertainment in a safe, well-designed environment that parents and kids both love.
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🎨 MuseumThe 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.
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🍦 Ice CreamSweet Pete's Candy is a magical wonderland that transforms candy shopping into an unforgettable experience for the whole family. This impressive multi-story candy emporium features nostalgic confections, handcrafted chocolates, and interactive candy-making demonstrations that captivate children while triggering sweet childhood memories for parents.
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🧗 AdventureSouthbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville offers families a beautiful 2-mile paved trail along the St. Johns River, perfect for stroller walks, bike rides, and introducing kids to outdoor exercise in a scenic setting. With its calm waters, playgrounds along the route, and stunning views of the downtown skyline, it's an ideal spot for active families who want fresh air without venturing far from the city.
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🛍️ ShoppingThe 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.
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☕ CafeSweet 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.
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🍽️ RestaurantTaqueria 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.
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🍦 Ice CreamDreamette 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.
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☕ CafeGrassroots 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.
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🛍️ ShoppingRiverside 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.
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☕ CafePeterbrooke Chocolatier is a delightful chocolate shop and ice cream parlor in the heart of San Marco that's perfect for treating your kids after a day exploring Jacksonville's Riverside district. Watch through the windows as chocolatiers hand-dip strawberries and pretzels, then let the kids choose from creative ice cream flavors, handmade chocolates, or their famous chocolate-covered popcorn for a sweet reward.
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7 upcoming family events in Riverside
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.
🌿 NatureTree Hill Nature Center offers 50 acres of hands-on nature exploration perfect for curious young minds. Kids can walk elevated boardwalk trails through natural Florida habitats, meet live native animals up close, and participate in engaging environmental education programs that make learning about ecosystems fun and interactive.
🍽️ RestaurantEl 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.
🏎️ Go KartsK1 Speed Jacksonville is Florida's largest indoor go-kart facility, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for families regardless of weather. With state-of-the-art electric Italian karts that reach impressive speeds, junior karts for younger drivers, and a full arcade, this 80,000 square foot venue keeps the whole family entertained for hours.
🦁 ZooJacksonville 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.
🎮 EntertainmentDave & Buster's Jacksonville is the ultimate all-in-one entertainment destination where kids can burn energy playing hundreds of arcade games, compete in virtual reality experiences, and enjoy a full menu of kid-friendly food,all under one roof. Parents appreciate that they can relax with a meal and drinks while keeping kids entertained for hours with the rechargeable Power Card system that tracks game play and prizes.
🤸 Trampoline ParkFlight Adventure Park Jacksonville is a massive 40,000 square foot indoor trampoline paradise that keeps kids bouncing, flipping, and playing for hours. With 17,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines, a trapeze experience, a dedicated junior Pilot Zone for younger jumpers, and a huge arcade, there's something for every energy level and age group under one air-conditioned roof.
Showing 7 events in and around Riverside