10 Unique Things to Do for a Birthday in Jacksonville

Hey there! So you’re planning a birthday celebration in Jacksonville? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got the inside scoop on some seriously cool spots that’ll make your special day unforgettable. Trust me, these aren’t your typical birthday venues – we’re talking about everything from escape rooms with live actors to booze-free kava bars. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Here’s what I think… if you haven’t tried an escape room with LIVE ACTORS, you haven’t really experienced escape rooms. Prototype Escape Games is the only locally owned and operated escape room in Jacksonville, and they’ve taken things to a whole new level.

Located just 15 minutes from Jacksonville Beach, this place features live actors/actresses in every game – can you imagine that? Their rooms include everything from infiltrating a corrupt sports GM’s office to escaping from cannibals in catacombs (yeah, it gets intense!). What makes them special? All rooms and puzzles are created in-house, so you won’t find these puzzles anywhere else.

Perfect for: Groups who want something different, thrill-seekers, puzzle lovers
Location: 3546 St Johns Bluff Rd S UNIT 113, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Website: prototypejax.com

You won’t believe this, but King Street in Riverside has become THE place for birthday bar crawls. Many neighborhoods have numerous bars within walking distance of each other, making them perfect for barhopping, and King Street is the crown jewel.

What’s the vibe? Well, it’s eclectic to say the least. You can pose for a photo in a bathtub in one of the bars on King Street called The Rogue – seriously! The Rogue is known for its massive whiskey selection and that famous mason jar ring toss game. Plus, there’s Park Place Lounge with its video music setup, and newer spots like Night Lights Jax.

Perfect for: 21+ crowds, groups who want variety, social butterflies
Location: King Street between Park & College
Website: kingstreetjax.com

Okay, hear me out – Kanine Social is Jacksonville’s only indoor dog park with a craft beer and coffee bar. Can you imagine celebrating your birthday surrounded by adorable pups while sipping on a cold one?

This place has over 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play area for dogs, but here’s the kicker – you don’t even need to bring a dog! Feel free to hang out in here with your craft beer or coffee while watching the game or head into the indoor off-leash play area located just behind the bar. They host special events with live music and food trucks on weekends too.

Perfect for: Dog lovers, casual celebrations, afternoon parties
Location: 580 College St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Website: kaninesocial.com

Here’s something totally different – The only booze free bar in Jacksonville and one of the few nonalcoholic bars in Florida and in the U.S. Located in historic Five Points, Wildcrafters serves up kava (a relaxing Pacific island drink), craft mocktails, and specialty teas.

What’s kava, you ask? “You can drink as much kava as you want and you’re good to go,” says Quintero, “it’s not mind-altering or impairing, motor skills are 100%”. The atmosphere is super chill with plants everywhere, and they’re open late – perfect for those who want the bar experience without the hangover!

Perfect for: Sober folks, unique experiences, wellness enthusiasts
Location: 2105 Park St #4, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Website: facebook.com/wildcraftersjax

So, get this – you can actually learn to cook your birthday meal! JAX Cooking Studio offers two-hour birthday parties for children once a month on Saturdays beginning at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., but they also have amazing adult classes perfect for birthday celebrations.

The studio offers hands-on experiences where you’ll make everything from scratch. Birthday party menus can include personal pizzas, tacos with homemade guacamole, or fancy desserts like decorated cupcakes. The best part? • 2 hours of chef-led instruction and supervision of hands-on cooking class • All ingredients for menu items; kids eat what they make and take home left-overs.

Perfect for: Foodies, interactive celebrations, team building
Location: 14035 Beach Blvd #6, Jacksonville, FL 32250
Website: jaxcookingstudio.com

Can you believe Jacksonville has a real ice rink? The Community First Igloo offers ice skating to all ages! This NHL-sized rink is home to the Jacksonville Icemen and offers public skating sessions throughout the week.

Here’s a pro tip: General Admission $17.00 and Skate Rental $7.00, but they often have family night specials. The facility even has special accommodations – they’re a Certified Autism Center™, making it welcoming for everyone.

Perfect for: Active groups, families, something different in Florida heat
Location: 3605 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Website: communityfirstigloo.com

This one’s super trendy right now – A scent-driven custom candle pouring experience in historic San Marco. At Wick, you get to mix your own scents and pour your own soy wax candles to take home.

The process takes about 45 minutes, and Wick stocks more than 90 fragrances. You choose your jar, design a label, pick your scents (with help from their “Scent Tenders”), and create something totally unique. They even do custom scents for special events!

Perfect for: Creative types, intimate celebrations, unique party favors
Location: 1641 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Website: wickacandlebar.com

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Come soar with the wind and feel the thrill of indoor skydiving at iFLY Jacksonville in the Town Center! This vertical wind tunnel lets you experience the sensation of skydiving without jumping from a plane.

What’s amazing is that We welcome flyers from age 3, so it’s perfect for multi-generational birthday celebrations. Each flight experience includes training, gear, and actual flight time with a certified instructor. Trust me, the photos alone are worth it!

Perfect for: Thrill-seekers, bucket list experiences, all ages
Location: 10579 Brightman Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Website: iflyworld.com/jacksonville

Okay, this one requires a little drive (about 30-40 minutes from Jacksonville), but oh my goodness, is it worth it! Woodpeckers is serving up barbecue favorites like sausage, pork, brisket and ribs, and they’re so popular that It closes when the food is all gone!

Located in St. Augustine area, this spot has that authentic backyard BBQ vibe. Their datil pepper-infused beans and sauces are legendary. Fair warning: Show up early in order to have full selection of menu options as when they are out of a side or meat choice, no more is made that day!

Perfect for: BBQ lovers, casual outdoor celebrations, foodie adventures
Location: 4930 State Rd 13 N, St. Augustine, FL 32092
Website: facebook.com/woodpeckersbackyardbbq

Last but definitely not least – imagine celebrating your birthday on a 16-person bike that visits different bars! The Jacksonville bike bar guides will take you to the best Jacksonville bars and breweries, with beautiful views of the scenic St. Johns River along the way.

Here’s how it works: The company’s policy is B.Y.O.B., meaning bring your own booze (no glass allowed), and you pedal together while a “pilot” steers. Each tour is two hours long, with a couple of stops at bars or breweries in the neighborhood. They offer different routes including Downtown, Springfield, and Riverside tours.

Perfect for: Large groups, unique experiences
Location: 2702 Ernest St, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Website: pedalpub.com/jacksonville-fl

So there you have it – 10 unique ways to celebrate a birthday in Jacksonville that go way beyond the typical dinner and drinks. What do you think? Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping activities like indoor skydiving, creative experiences like candle making, or just want to bar hop down King Street, Jacksonville’s got you covered.

Pro tip: Many of these spots get busy on weekends, so make those reservations early! And hey, why limit yourself to just one? You could start with an escape room in the afternoon, hit up Wick for some candle making, and end the night at King Street. Can you imagine that birthday lineup?

Whatever you choose, Jacksonville’s unique birthday scene is sure to give you memories that’ll last way longer than any birthday cake.