Activities for young Family during Extended Stay (Jacksonville, Orlando: condo, home)

[localinsight]

Hi everyone.

Ayoung family I know arrived in Jacksonville just over a week ago and will be there until Jan3. Dad is doing a medical residency and Mom is there with the boys, ages 2,6,9 and their 1 year old daughter. They are from MN and have travelled extensively this year, to UT and OK. The couple lived in IA for a few years.

The older boys are really excited about the lizards! I am asking for suggestions to pass along to them about things to do in Jacksonville. It is an exciting trip; the first time the kids are seeing the coast, will enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner and then be able to take a walk along the beach, etc.

They are staying on Hodges blvd, zip code 32224. They have auto transportation, internet, well stocked condo, etc. The boys enjoy walking home from school, parents usually drive them in MN.

Any suggestions from the locals about what not to miss while in JAX? Anything family oriented near where they live that they may want to get in the habit of doing (other than the beach)?

I plan on suggesting they pick up cooked seafood dinners at those daily catch places mentioned on this forum. That was a special and frequent activity of mine while living in CA, but I was in my 20's. I have only been to FL once, a quick tourist trip, and liked St. Augustine. Is this a place the kids would enjoy?

Are there any lizard parks, frog parks?

Thanks for your suggestions!

[apvbguy]

take a ride to st augustine, visit the fort the old town and just south on a1a is the alligator farm. about 10 miles south of town on a1a is marineland, also worth a visit.
Also the museum of science and history on the southbank and the zoo are worth a visit, then there's always the beaches, the guana, jax beach and talbot island are all worth a visit.

an extended trip would be to the theme parks in orlando

[HIF]

NE Florida is a very family-friendly place and their only problem will be finding enough hours in the day! Here are some right off the top of my head. I know that many more will follow from other posters. I hope they enjoy their stay in Jacksonville.

Jax4Kids is a great place to start. They post everything kid-related, including a listing of restaurants with the nights that kids eat free. Jax4Kids.com // Childrens Events Directory // Jacksonville Florida

This Saturday is Dogtoberfest- very fun for all, whether you take a dog or not. There is a costume contest for pets. Dogtoberfest - Dogtoberfest Home

The Jax Symphony has great performances for kids. They have a Disney performance this Saturday. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra - Jacksonville, Florida

Museum of Science and History (MOSH) near downtown would be fun. They have a dinosaur exhibit right now. Jacksonville Museum of Science & History :: Welcome to the MOSH Online!

The main library has a wonderful children's section and different programs for children. There is a branch near them that would have children's programs, too. Welcome to Jacksonville Public Library

There is a really neat corn maize in Hilliard this time of year. I haven't been this year, but heard the corn is 6 feet tall. They have other things to do, as well. The hayride is really fun for all ages. Conner's A-Maize-ing Acres | Welcome!

Ollie Koala's is great. I hate to even compare it to Chuckie Cheese, because it is so much nicer and cleaner. There is one at the beach and one in Mandarin. Ollie Koala’s : birthday parties, food, games, and prizes

The Nutcracker is always fun and will be at the Florida Theater in December. Later that month they have a Christmas Carol. I've taken my kids to both and they never get old. Welcome to The Florida Theatre

St.Augutine Alligator Farm St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: Rare and Exotic Reptiles Birds and Mammals

Marineland Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center in Florida

If they are looking for a church, many have terrific children's programs. We'd love to have them visit ours- Lakewood United Methodist. Lakewood United Methodist Church, Jacksonville Florida

[localinsight]

Thanks for your great suggestions! I am printing out your responses as we speak. I want them to have the links (eversince I got of dial up with earthlink and went to Yahoo, I can't forward links from the web, it's a pain). I will mail them tonight so they can incorporate them into their plans.

Was wondering if they should take and extended trip to Orlando for the theme parks. I know the kids have missed school so I was reluctant to suggest it. It would be a shame to not take advantage of them. In Southern CA locals buy season passes to Disney lLand and go in for an afternoon whenever they want. They love it.

Hope this red tide thing doesn't last long

[HIF]

Disney and Universal are always fun for kids. Closer to Jax is Silver Springs in Ocala and that would be worth a trip. And a couple of hours south is Daytona Beach- that would be a good day trip- drive on the beach, the sand is like powder. It's a kitschy tourist town.

[localinsight]

Thanks again for your enthusiastic suggestions.
I wish I was with them!
They celebrated the oldest child's birthday last Sun., I wonder what they chose to do...