Spring
Local writer Rachel Morgan Cautero has done the research so you don’t have to. Discover all the best things to do in St. Johns & Beyond with this helpful list. (Originally published in St. Johns Woman Magazine print edition - Spring 2026)
Summer break can be intimidating even for the most seasoned mom. Even if you plan to take advantage of summer camps for your kiddos plus hit up the beach and pool, you’ll need other activities to fill the time. Read on for our guide to summer fun, from littles to elementary school-aged kids to teens and tweens. We even threw in a few ideas for mom.
For Littles
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy indoor playspace, then The Little Social is your jam. The space is thoughtfully designed with separate, engaging sections for sensory play, building, make-believe, and more. Another bonus? They have a great coffee shop, too. 145 Hilden Rd., Suite 122, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Kids Empire is your stereotypical indoor kids place in many ways. Think bright colors, loud music, and a dancing dragon mascot who emerges periodically. But the kids love this place, from its jumbo slides to seemingly endless climbing structures. They even have reasonably priced lunch specials for kids, think PB&J, Goldfish, and juice boxes. 8102 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville.
If you need something a little more structured, try a summer session at Music Together. This summer, there are two sessions, one in Nocatee and one in Ponte Vedra Beach. These interactive music classes meet twice weekly during these three-week sessions. These classes are hands-on and interactive for both you and your child (be prepared to sing!) but the littles love it.
This adventure is two for the price of one. Walk the gorgeous, newly renovated Bird Island Park and try to spot the more than 130 species of birds and various turtles (just don’t feed them!). Then once it gets hot, hit up the well-stocked children’s section of the Ponte Vedra Beach Library. 101 Library Rd.,
You’ll want to double up on the indoor playgrounds to beat the summer heat, and We Rock the Spectrum never disappoints. This sensory-friendly indoor playspace features a zipline, trampoline, an assortment of swings, and no shortage of fun. 9357 Philips Hwy #3, Jacksonville.
Truly a hidden gem, the Tree Hill Nature Center can keep little ones busy for hours. Walk one of the seven trails winding through 51 acres of conservation land, then hit up the on-site museum to get an up-close look at snakes, turtles, and the like. The staff is great, too. 7152 Lone Star Rd., Jacksonville.
If you’re in the mood for an outing that both you and your little one can enjoy, try the newly-renovated playground at St. John’s Town Center. Sponsored by Wolfson Children’s Hospital, it features kid-friendly rubber-based flooring and ocean-themed climbing structures that kids will love. Plus, it’s shaded and fenced. Once their wiggles are out, load them into the stroller and do some shopping. 4711 River City Dr, Jacksonville (in front of Dicks’ Sporting Goods).
Another solid, time-tested option? The Jacksonville Zoo. In addition to its more than 2,000 animal inhabitants, it has a killer, often-overlooked playground, a schedule of rotating events, and the new manatee exhibit is top-notch. 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville.
For Young Kids
This may sound weird, but the Disease Vector Education Center is one of my kids’ favorite spots. Otherwise known as the “mosquito museum,” this place has a helicopter simulator, plenty of creepy crawlies to observe, interactive exhibits, even an insect-themed playground. Plus, it’s free. 120 EOC Drive, St. Augustine.
This newly-renovated park is truly a destination. Located downtown at the former Landing site, Riverfront Plaza boasts a splash pad, giant slides, cargo nets, and best of all, a single entrance for mom’s peace of mind. It will eventually include a cafe and a beer garden, too. 2 W Independent Dr, Jacksonville.
The Block Jax has been the talk of the town in recent months, and for good reason. This outdoor entertainment space has it all, from food and drinks, to a dog park, and live music venue. Most importantly, there’s a fenced playspace for kids with slides, tunnels, hopscotch, board games, and a life-sized Candy Land. 7520 Quarter Mill Drive, Jacksonville.
You’ve probably been to South Beach Park & Sunshine Playground, but it’s the skate park that’s truly the hit. Featuring hills, several shallow bowls and a great vibe (older skaters are super tolerant of littles on scooters), it’s well worth the trip. And if it gets too warm, there’s almost always a snow cone truck parked nearby. Osceola Avenue and South Beach Parkway.
If you have a budding reader on your hands, 2nd and Charles is a must. Featuring both new and used books, plus toys, games, and even records, there’s truly something for everyone. And the deals are top-notch. You can find new Dog Man titles for half of retail price, a must for my household. 4972 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 100, Jacksonville.
In the mood for an overnight? Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland and PopStroke in Daytona Beach are both well worth the drive.
For Teens and Tweens
Did you know that kids become tweens at age 8? I didn’t either, until my newly-minted 8-year-old informed me. In any case, this group of kiddos may be a bit harder to impress, but The Escape Game, with five different puzzles in varying degrees of difficulty is a good place to start. Our favorite is the playground room. 4720 Town Crossing Drive, Suite 107, Jacksonville
If you have a budding selfie artist, surprise them with a trip to the #. It’s bold, bright, and worth the trip for the photo op alone. 813 Edgewood Avenue South, Jacksonville
Have you ever seen a Highland cow? If not, you need to. They’re the stars of the eponymous Fluffy Cow Cafe, where you can pet, brush, and learn about these fluffy and adorable animals. 4485 SR 16, St. Augustine
Looking for a unique experience? Try a visit to one of the two locations of the Pickle Factory. Sample various pickle-inspired wares, shop pickle-themed gifts, and, well, you get the idea. 5913 St. Augustine Rd, Jacksonville; 239 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine.
Winter 2026
From wine tastings to wellness workshops, fun lunches to girls’ nights—our calendar is your passport to everything fabulous happening in St. Johns and beyond. Think of it as your curated guide to expanding, growing, and living beautifully—one event at a time. Share yours, discover theirs, and never miss a moment to connect, celebrate, and shine.
St. Johns Woman Magazine
Launch Party!
A Night to Remember
Video courtesy of Emily, Founder of Gone 2 Sea Boat Rentals!
Our launch party for the very first issue of St. Johns Woman Magazine was amazing and magical. Thank you to Seri Kertzner for hosting such an extraordinary evening at The Social Society, and for creating an atmosphere that felt intimate, joyful, and beautiful. Every detail, from the romantic, love-inspired décor to our signature Love Potion cocktails, set the tone for a night filled with celebration.
The music, the laughter, the incredible guests, and the energy in the room made it all unforgettable. We are so grateful to the founders, collaborators, creatives, and friends who came together to celebrate this new chapter with us.
An evening we will never forget.
View the works of Nikki Rakov at Buttefield Garage Art Gallery. Nocturne 1, 11x14, acrylic on canvas, 2025
You literally never know what you may find at First Friday Art Walk, like the beautiful hand-crafted silver jewelry shown here by Dream Weaver XO.
Art After Dark:
A girl’s night (or date night) at St. Augustine’s First Friday Art Walk Never Disappoints!
There’s something undeniably romantic about strolling the cobblestones of historic St. Augustine, especially on a night that’s all about art, ambiance, and good company. Whether you’re planning a cultural date night or a girlfriends’ outing, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine offer a perfect way to see the Ancient City in a fresh light. From rotating exhibits to lively receptions and strollable gallery hopping, this is when creativity and nightlife mingle effortlessly.
First Friday Art Walk is the city’s signature evening art event when galleries open their doors on the first Friday of every month from 5–9 p.m. to showcase new exhibits, offer live music, wine, and special receptions. Start your night at Acacia Tree Gallery on Aviles Street, where local and regional artists display sculpture, woodturning, landscapes, and more in a welcoming space with a playful coastal vibe. Just steps away, Plum Contemporary Gallery offers contemporary works spanning paintings, sculptures, and glass pieces, perfect for sparking conversation and inspiration.
Keep the art walk flowing with a stop at P.A.St.A Fine Art Gallery on Charlotte Street, open daylong with extended hours during the Art Walk. Here you’ll find everything from pottery to stained glass. Then make your way to the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery on Marine Street, a longstanding local favorite with rotating exhibits and a vibrant community feel, often paired with music and light bites during evening openings.
If you’re up for a dynamic gallery experience, Butterfield Garage, a converted 1920s space on King Street mixes contemporary and classic works in an industrial-chic setting, and features a collective of artists, while ArtBox, also on King, is perfect for eclectic finds and handmade treasures that beg to come home with you.
After you’ve peeked at palettes, brushstrokes, and sculptures, dinner downtown is just as memorable. Grab a cozy table at Prohibition Kitchen, where craft cocktails and Southern-inspired fare hit just right after a night of gallery browsing. For intimate French bistro vibe, La Nouvelle offers refined flavors perfect for lingering over dessert, or keep it playful and dine al fresco, share small plates at one of the many lovely places on Avilles Street, like Forgotten Tonic, a local favorite with upbeat energy right in the heart of the historic district. Have you tried Gaufres and Goods? This place with its combination of Greek and Polish fare is truly unique.
In St. Augustine, art isn’t just something you see, it’s something you experience. Pair it with good food, great company, and the soft glow of a city that loves to stay out a little later, and you’ve got a date night (or girls’ night) that feeds the soul too.
{Note: St. Augustine Art Association hours are 5-8pm on First Friday Art Night, awards are presented at 7pm}
Originally Published in St. Johns Woman Magazine Winter 2026 issue ©StJohnsMagazineLLC
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