really really affordable entertainment for kids 8-10 years old? (Jacksonville: how much, house)

[toGAfromFL]

Hello there everybody!
I was wondering if you can tell me about very affordable entertainments for kids at this ages. We are used to go to the dollar cinema but I read that maybe there are no more in town. What is your suggestion besides going to playgrounds?

[SlickP]

The Beach.

[toGAfromFL]

I am not sure about the beach. My husband was attacked by a sting ray. We will not try again. It was a bad experience.

[Ryde41]

Jacksonville Entertainment & Events 2008

[HIF]

This is the coolest site for all things kids in Jax. Even has lists of the "kids eat free" places.

Jax4Kids.com // Childrens Events Directory // Jacksonville Florida

And check out the Jax Symphony offerings for kids. They have some outstanding performances, many would be enjoyed by kids of all ages. (kids, not babies)

In obtaining this link, I just learned of the Soundcheck Card for students......

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra - Jacksonville, Florida

[mawipafl]

I recommend the book Family Fun On Florida's First Coast by Jenny Conway and Paige Howell. It's a relatively inexpensive, thick, spiral-bound book loaded with activities for kids and families.

More info at Family Fun On Florida’s First Coast (Sawgrass Press) guidebook

[toops]

Originally Posted by toGAfromFL

I am not sure about the beach. My husband was attacked by a sting ray. We will not try again. It was a bad experience.

"Attacked"? I find this hard to believe; stingrays aren't aggressive and don't sting unless provoked (e.g., you step on it).

Are you really going to let one bad experience ban you from the beach?

I'm not trying to insult you, but I think you should give it another chance. As much as I myself am not a fan of the beach (I really just don't like sand and salt water), it's a beautiful place; walking on the pier is fun, and it's a good place to get out of the house for a few hours and people-watch, play frisbee/football, or just hang out.

[rugbymetal]

The Skyway? They could hop on and STAY on. Back-and-forth continuously, all day long. It would be really cheap. You could go shopping.

[HIF]

The main library downtown. It has the best children's section and children's librarians. They offer free programs for different age groups, too. And then you all could walk to the Landing and spend some time on the river. Not sure how much the MOCA costs, but I think it is free one day a month. If you packed a lunch it would be possible to spend the entire day downtown and only pay for parking.

And an 8 and 10 year old would lover to walk over the bridge. Just over the Matthews Bridge (the blue one) is the Museum of Science and History, the Friendship Fountain....

Jump down a little further south (1/2 mile?) and there is a park with swings, etc. in San Marco, then can walk to the shops, etc. Have an ice cream cone. Peterbrook Chocolate's main shop is in San Marco and they give tours- I'd call in advance to set a time or get details, but it's always fun to see things being made. Maybe plan it for when they are making Mother's Day goodies.

And Sally Industries gives tours, too. These are the folks that make all those Disney-like amusements and mechanical characters. Very, very cool for all ages. They are downtown and so is the Federal Reserve- they give tours, as well. And then give out baggies of shredded money, so you can come home $10,000 richer than when you left!