As the school year winds down, kids have more free time and parents are often faced with the dreaded statement, “I’m bored.” Luckily, this area has a lot for kids and families to explore during the summer months.
Dionsauria at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Experience the Jacksonville Zoo in an exciting, new way. Dinosauria will be at the zoo from now through Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The largest Dionosauria in zoo history includes more than 40 life-size dinosaurs from T. rex to brachiosaurus and a hands-on fossil dig. Admission to Dinosauria can be added to general admission for an additional cost. Dinosauria is not included with the total experience. “Dinosauria: Twilight Trek” will take place every night from 6 to 10 p.m. May 22-25. During Memorial Day weekend, families can explore dinosaurs after dark. The night includes themed activities, crafts and giveaways. Tickets include access to the zoo and gardens, carousel, 4D theatre and Stingray Bay until 7:30 p.m. To learn more, go to https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/dinosauria.
Stars Stripes and Stories
St. Johns County Public Library System encourages children to join their 2026 summer reading program. The eight-week program runs May 31 through July 25. The program offers incentives to help kids practice their reading skills for the next school year. Summer reading logs can be picked up from any library branch or the Bookmobile. The “PVB Summer Reading Kick-off: Fun Foam Party” on May 30 is a fun way to start the summer. The eight-week program includes more than 100 fun and educational events including art, games, scavenger hunts, storytime and more. To find out more, go to https://sjcpls.org/summer-reading-program.
Summer at the Cummer
Spend summer evenings enjoying the gardens at the Cummer Museum. Summer at the Cummer will take place on four Friday evenings. The first will be 4-8 p.m. June 5. This family-friendly event is free admission for all. There will be exciting live music, food and beverages, outdoor games, art and cultural experiences that showcase local creatives. More details will be available soon at https://www.cummermuseum.org/event/summer-at-the-cummer.
Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program
Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program is an entertaining and free way for kids to explore and learn about Florida’s natural and cultural resources. Kids have the option to participate in a scheduled park program or a self-paced program. There are both in-person and virtual options as well. To begin, visit any participating Florida State Park and ask for a Junior Ranger kit. Kids can then take the Junior Ranger pledge and receive a member ID and Junior Ranger badge. Kids can complete the activities to get their official Junior Ranger patch and other awards. To learn more, go to https://www.floridastateparks.org/Junior-Ranger.
Jax Cooking Studio
Jax Cooking Studio provides opportunities for kids ages 7-17 to enjoy learning to cook this summer. Each of the 10 camps has different recipes to help kids get creative. The first week, June 1-5, is “A Tour of Italy.” Other themes include “Cooking Across the World,” “The Baking Shoppe” and “Food Truck Favorites.” Each camp is three hours with a morning option from 9 a.m. to noon or afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday Evening Summer Cooking for Kids & Teens offers evening classes beginning on June 1 through Aug. 3. Each night is a different recipe and attendees will learn how to make exciting dishes such as pasta and chicken parmesan, macarons and pizza from scratch. For more information, go to https://jaxcookingstudio.com/summercamps.
Blu By U Farm
Enjoy an outing full of farm activities. Blue By U Farm has U-pick blueberry days for the whole month of May. Select your time slot on their website and pick fresh blueberries for $6 per pound. Reservations are posted on a weekly basis and each picking slot costs $3 for one-and-a half hours in the blueberry field. Take-home bags are provided. There are many activities for kids to enjoy, including fishing, a petting zoo, picnic area, sand box and volleyball. Be sure to stop by their country store that sells local honey, jams, soaps, candles, peanut butter and hot sauce. U-pick days are open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more details and to reserve your spot, go to https://blubyujax.com.
Shady Rest Alpacas
Shady Rest Alpacas offers peaceful, hands-on guided farm tours where guests can learn about sustainable farming and feed alpacas. They have three tour options to choose from. Their Private Tours include a one-hour guided tour of the farm, alpaca treats, feeding and alpaca photo opportunities. Pricing is $99 for one to six guests for Monday-Thursday and $125 for one to six guests Friday-Sunday. Their Quick Fluff & Fix Tour includes a 30-minute visit with feeding and photo opportunities for $55 with up to six guests. The Group Tour/Shared Experience includes a one-hour group tour with alpaca treats, feeding and alpaca photo ops. The cost is $35 per person. All of the proceeds go to the care of the alpacas. To learn more, go to https://shadyrestalpacas.com.
