JacksonvilleFamilyGuide

Family Vacations   We invite you and your family to join us in Costa Rica for 8 days for the vacation of a lifetime! Go snorkeling from a private catamaran, horseback riding by a waterfall, zip lining above the jungle canopy, ATVing to a secluded beach, surfing in the Pacific, river tubing through exhilarating rapids or stroll along the beach, snooze on a hammock, read a book under a shaded palm tree, enjoy a massage, unwind in one of several thermal hot springs, rejuvenate in a soothing mud bath, suntan by the pool and more the choice is yours! (less) ... (more)

Historic and Wildlife Sightseeing Tours   Narrated, historic and wildlife sightseeing tours bringing passengers face to face with dolphins manatees, alligators, sea otters, exotic birds and the wild horses of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Sound Ferry links two historic, waterfront towns of Fernandina Beach, FL and St. Marys, GA with similar views. Best times for visit: Reservations suggested due to limited seating capacity. Subject to availability around group charters and black out dates. Exclusion: Subject to black out dates and availability around group charters. Contact the office at 904-261-9972 for availability and to reserve your spot. Media, interview and other owner-related questions can be directed to Lori Hoerl, Marketing Coordinator, at 904-491-7617 or via email at lorbell1@aol.com. (less) ... (more)

Child Aviation Restraint System   The CARES flight harness makes flying with young children safe and simple. Instead of lugging a car seat when you fly, carry the 1 lb, FAA certified CARES child aviation safety harness in your pocket! Installs in 1 minute and approved for all phases of flight. The kids love it, too!

Visit a Real Working Farm   Load up the family and come out to the country to visit a real working farm. While you're here enjoy picking farm fresh produce from our u-pick hydroponic garden. We are not certified organic, but use organic practices. Our agri-tainment park has a variety of activities that are sure to please. Open spring summer by appointment only. Open in the fall to the general public on Saturdays and by appointment only during the week. (less) ... (more)

It's Family Vacation Time   Family-Friendly Vacations is your local, full-service travel agency helping families explore the world. We are certified Sandals/Beaches specialists and have teamed up with Beaches Resorts by Sandals to provide ultra all-inclusive family vacation packages in the Caribbean. In addition to all-inclusive vacations, our services also include adventure trips, cruises, custom itineraries, Disney, dude ranches, multi-generational trips, reunion planning, safaris, themed packages and vacation rentals. Visit our website today and let us help your family get away! (less) ... (more)

Family Campouts & More   Get into the Outdoors, is an organization that seeks to enhance the physical and mental health and wellness of individuals and families, along with their appreciation, understanding and ethics regarding the outdoors. GITTO accomplishes this by offering rental equipment for outdoor activities and by organizing classes for novices to introduce, teach and promote outdoor recreation and Leave No Trace Ethics. We specialize in rental equipment for Car Camping, Backpacking, Kayak Camping, Canoe Camping, Rafting Trips, Backcountry excursions, Glamping (Glamorous Camping), and Backyard Campouts for that Perfect Birthday Party or for families not ready to venture too far from home. The founders of GITTO are outdoor recreation enthusiast and possess experience in a broad range of outdoor activities and adventure sports. (less) ... (more)

More To See And More To Do   Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, a top attraction in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, is the region's only walking safari encompassing 120 picturesque acres with more than 1,500 animals and 1,000 exotic plants. The newest attractions include Stingray Bay, where guests can feed and pet the Stingrays (open February 27 to October 15, 2009) and the Asian Bamboo Gardens and Komodo Dragon exhibit opening in March. The new gardens will be the portal to Monsoon Asia (in planning stages) and will mark the entry into the fifth continent represented at the Zoo. The Zoo's 2.5 acre Range of the Jaguar has won two national awards for best South American Exhibit. It's home to seven jaguars -- the largest collection in North America; the Palm Plaza restaurant; rare giant otters and exotic birds in the Emerald Forest Aviary; and pygmy marmosets, bats, reptiles - including the anaconda - and more in The Lost Temple. In the Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms Gardens visitors can get eye-to-eye and feed the giraffes in a beautiful African garden setting. African elephants, white rhinos, and other hoof stock can also be viewed from an elevated boardwalk in the Plains of East Africa. A rare breeding group of bonobos highlight The Great Apes area that also includes gorillas, siamangs, mandrills and lemurs. Play Park is a 2.5 acre kid's area that features a 4,000 square foot Splash Ground - its most popular feature. That's followed closely by the Animal Care Yard for petting and grooming the pygmy goats; the squirrel monkey and otter exhibits; the Forest Play area, with its three tree houses, rock climbing wall and mountain slides; and the Discovery Center. True to the Zoo's slogan -- there is "more to see and more to do" at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. For more information, visit the Zoo's Web site. (less) ... (more)

Florida's Longest Running Community Theatre   Theatre Jacksonville is a volunteer-based community theatre whose mission is to create opportunities for community participation in theatre arts.

   Whoever said, "Getting there is half the fun!" must have brought a TravelKiddy! TravelKiddy is the premier provider of activity kits and accessories for children. TravelKiddy activity kits provide hours of entertainment at home or on the go with a variety of age-appropriate activities, crafts, small toys, and more. By stimulating the imagination, encouraging creativity, fostering learning, and developing fine motor skills, TravelKiddy engages kids for longer. Parents save time, money and stress with a pre-packaged travel activity kit! (less) ... (more)