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)
Photo compliments of The Little Social
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.
Fun Things to do
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.
Make it stand out
Pet a Fluffy Cow
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.