Family Fun in Jacksonville

5 Florida Hot Spots When Traveling with Small Children

By Robert Rousseau

But that's not where the good news stops. Jacksonville Beach also has lifeguards, which usually allows parents the chance to breathe a little easier. And the miles of soft, sandy shores are perfect to run and play on – and perfect for sandcastles!

For a beach experience where everything is conveniently located at your fingertips, you can't go wrong with a trip to Jacksonville Beach.

Zoos are always fun for the obvious reasons: everyone loves to see the animals, and sometimes adults enjoy taking in the plants as well. Along with this, a family can't go wrong by visiting Jacksonville Zoo, as they have more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,500 kinds of plants at their disposal.

Still, when it comes to this particular zoo, there's a lot more family fun and learning to be had.

Walking a zoo can be a very hot experience in Florida during the summer months (which will no doubt translate to upset young children). Fortunately, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has something to help children beat the heat.

"During this time of year, the Play Park is the place to be," says Gina Stiles, Marketing and Membership Manager at the zoo. The Play Park includes a 4,000-square-foot Splash Ground and Plaza where statues of sea life indigenous to the area can be found.

The Play Park houses the forest play park area and a petting zoo with pygmy goats. And, according to Stiles, the zoo houses an air-conditioned Discovery Center where arts and crafts, animal exhibits, puppet shows and even a vet area (where children can pretend to be a veterinarian) will delight all ages.

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