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If you haven’t planned spring break yet, there’s no need to worry. We have a variety of places to consider so you and your family can “Go” right here in Jacksonville. Go explore new and old places. Whatever outing you choose to do over spring break, just “Go” for it!
Here are some obvious and not-too-obvious places to spend a day or even just an afternoon. Just don’t forget water and sunscreen.
For a small fee and short trip north of town, you can visit Little Talbot Island, a Florida state park.
Spend a Saturday at Jarboe Park in Neptune Beach. The Children’s Garden has two March events on the winter schedule, but the garden is always open for small visitors and their parents. Then at 2 p.m., the Beaches Green Market opens each Saturday until 5 p.m. Of course, there’s also bird-watching and the playground.
Castaway Island Preserve, just off San Pablo Road, offers short walks and views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Tree Hill Nature Center offers several trails and three ecosystems to explore.
Bird Island Park in Ponte Vedra is tucked away behind the public library off A1A. It features a turtle maze and a short walk to a playground area, which is next to the fire station for all those kids who love fire trucks. Follow up your outdoor play to a trip to Seymour’s inside the library to see what books are available for parents and children.
Of course, you can always take a walk on the wild side at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
And don’t forget to let the kids play in the sand. We have plenty of that and more along our beaches.
Sometimes weather makes indoor play necessary. Bay & Bee is a Montessori-inspired playspace for children 0-5. The space encourages imaginative and cognitive play in an eco-friendly environment.
So how can you ensure a happy outing for one and all? Kathy Graham calls her approach The Three P’s to Traveling with Kids. Her approach is one to consider whether your outing is just a day trip or a longer trip. One thing we’re confident of, these tips are sure to start you on your way:
- Planning – Connecting with the child is what creates the memories.This connection begins in the planning process. Engage the child in this process and think of ways to make the outing concrete.
- Pacing – Enjoy quite time together. Create empty spaces where you have no real agenda. Follow the pace of the child.
- Parenting – Make time for parents. Remember, this is your outing too!
Do you have a suggestion for a great place to “Go”? Tell us about it below, and send us a picture (in your MTS T-shirt, if possible) of your favorite Jacksonville-area outing. We will share the photos on Facebook in the album, MTS T-shirts Around Jax.
Submit your photos below.
