10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s vibrant entertainment scene offers something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene natural escapes. Whether you’re planning a family outing, corporate team event, or romantic date night, these ten exceptional activities showcase the best of what Jacksonville has to offer. Start planning your perfect day out with these local favorites that consistently earn rave reviews from both visitors and locals alike.

As Jacksonville’s premier locally-owned escape room experience, Prototype Escape Games delivers an unmatched immersive adventure that stands apart from chain establishments. Located in The Shoppes At East Point Landing at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Rd S UNIT 113, Jacksonville, FL 32224, this entertainment gem features live actors in every game – a rare feature that dramatically enhances the escape room experience.

What makes Prototype truly special is their collection of four custom-designed rooms, each offering distinct themes ranging from family-friendly adventures to challenging horror scenarios. The “Dog Days” room delights families with its playful puppy-themed storyline, while “Cannibals in the Catacombs” provides heart-pounding thrills for mature audiences seeking an intense challenge.

Unlike most escape venues, Prototype guarantees 100% private games, ensuring your group never shares the experience with strangers. Their Hollywood-quality set designs and sophisticated technology create an immersive atmosphere perfect for groups of 2-14 players. Open 10:30 AM–10:30 PM seven days a week, you can easily book your adventure by calling (904) 240-4448 or visiting their website. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a corporate team-building event, or enjoying a unique date night, Prototype Escape Games delivers an unforgettable Jacksonville adventure.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens transforms a typical zoo visit into an immersive wildlife journey across its sprawling 100+ acre property. Home to over 2,000 rare and exotic animals, the zoo features several signature experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Northeast Florida.

The innovative Land of the Tiger exhibit showcases tigers roaming freely on overhead trails above visitor walkways, creating unexpected encounters as these magnificent creatures cross paths with amazed guests below. The Giraffe Overlook provides memorable eye-level encounters where visitors can feed these gentle giants directly.

Located at 370 Zoo Parkway, the zoo offers a perfect post-escape room activity for families and groups looking to transition from mental challenges to educational exploration. The combination of award-winning exhibits, walking trails, and botanical gardens makes this attraction worth the moderate admission price ($25-43 for adults, $20-36 for children).

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers a perfect blend of artistic inspiration and natural beauty along the St. Johns River. As Northeast Florida’s largest fine arts museum, its collection spans over 5,000 works dating from 2100 BCE through contemporary pieces, housed in an elegant riverfront setting.

What truly distinguishes The Cummer are its meticulously restored historic gardens, showcasing different landscape design periods and providing stunning river views. The majestic Cummer Oak, approximately 200 years old, stands as a living landmark within these picturesque grounds at 829 Riverside Ave.

This cultural gem provides an ideal balance to the high-energy experience of an escape room. Couples particularly appreciate the romantic garden setting, while art enthusiasts can explore diverse exhibitions in an intimate atmosphere. With moderate admission prices ($20 for adults) and free first Saturday access each month, The Cummer delivers sophisticated entertainment that complements any Jacksonville itinerary.

The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) transforms educational experiences into interactive adventures that engage visitors of all ages. Located at 1025 Museum Circle, this popular attraction houses the largest single-lens planetarium in the world, offering immersive cosmic shows and spectacular laser light experiences.

MOSH excels at making learning actively engaging through hands-on exhibits covering everything from regional history to wildlife conservation. The Florida Naturalist’s Center showcases native wildlife including reptiles, amphibians, and birds, providing up-close encounters with local species.

Important Note: MOSH will be closing its current location by September 1, 2025, to begin construction of a groundbreaking new facility in the Northbank area. The new museum, scheduled to open in 2028, will triple annual visitation and feature over 105,000 square feet of exhibition space. Until then, MOSH will continue serving the community through pop-up experiences and educational events throughout Jacksonville.

The museum’s focus on problem-solving and discovery perfectly complements the puzzle-solving mindset required in escape rooms. With budget-friendly admission prices (adults $15, children $10), MOSH offers an affordable indoor activity that stimulates curiosity and learning during its remaining months at the current location.

River & Post offers one of Jacksonville’s most impressive dining experiences, combining exceptional cuisine with breathtaking panoramic views from its 9th-floor rooftop lounge. Located at 1000 Riverside Ave, this sophisticated restaurant creates the perfect atmosphere for celebrating a successful escape room victory.

The rooftop provides unmatched vistas of the St. Johns River, downtown skyline, and Dames Point, creating a spectacular backdrop for cocktails and conversation. The restaurant focuses on locally-sourced seafood and premium land options prepared with culinary expertise.

After the mental stimulation and enclosed environment of an escape room, River & Post offers an elegant space to unwind while reflecting on your adventure. The contrast between puzzle-solving intensity and relaxed rooftop ambiance creates a perfect balance for date nights or group celebrations. While menu prices range from moderate to expensive ($20-45 for main dishes), the exceptional atmosphere and quality justify the investment for a memorable Jacksonville evening.

Hanna Park delivers an outdoor paradise spanning 450 acres of coastal wilderness just minutes from downtown Jacksonville. This hidden gem at 500 Wonderwood Drive features 1.5 miles of pristine beach alongside 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems.

The park’s 60-acre freshwater lake offers fishing and kayaking opportunities, while “The Poles” at the north end of the beach has earned a reputation as Northeast Florida’s premier surfing spot. Mountain biking enthusiasts particularly value the park’s trail system, which includes routes for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.

After the mental challenges of an escape room, Hanna Park provides the perfect physical complement through outdoor recreation in a stunning natural setting. With remarkably budget-friendly access (just $5 per vehicle for up to 6 people), this park offers exceptional value for families and groups seeking adventure beyond city limits.

Topgolf revolutionizes the traditional driving range concept, creating an entertainment destination that appeals to both golfers and non-golfers alike. This high-tech facility at 10531 Brightman Blvd features microchipped golf balls that track accuracy and distance, transforming practice into competitive games suitable for all skill levels.

The climate-controlled hitting bays ensure year-round comfort regardless of weather, while the full-service restaurant and bar turn golfing into a complete social experience. Corporate events benefit from dedicated event spaces, catering options, and tournament organization services.

Like escape rooms, Topgolf encourages friendly competition and teamwork, making it an ideal companion activity for groups who enjoy collaborative challenges. The venue’s ability to accommodate groups from a few people to 1,000 makes it particularly valuable for corporate team-building, with special Monday pricing available for group events (half-price game play for 3+ bay events).

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary provides an intimate wildlife experience unlike any other in Jacksonville. This non-profit rescue facility at 1860 Starratt Road offers visitors the rare opportunity to observe endangered big cats up close, including tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, and bobcats, all within a mission-driven sanctuary setting.

The sanctuary’s night feeding tours deliver particularly dramatic experiences, allowing visitors to witness the natural behaviors of these magnificent predators during their most active hours. The educational focus and rescue mission add meaningful context to the experience.

After the constructed challenges of an escape room, Catty Shack offers an authentic wildlife encounter that stimulates different senses while still providing thrills. All admission fees ($20 for adults, $10 for children) directly support animal care, adding purpose to your entertainment choices. This unique attraction accommodates groups of 40-50 people, making it suitable for team outings that incorporate both fun and education.

The Southbank Riverwalk offers a refreshing urban escape along the St. Johns River, providing 1.2 miles of scenic boardwalk with stunning views of Jacksonville’s skyline. This free attraction stretches from Friendship Fountain to Riverplace Tower, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed post-adventure conversation.

The riverwalk features public art installations, riverside dining options, and plenty of seating areas to enjoy the peaceful water views. Sunset visits are particularly magical, as the city lights begin to reflect on the water’s surface while river breezes create a naturally cooling atmosphere.

After the intensity and focus required in an escape room, the riverwalk provides an ideal decompression space where groups can relax while still enjoying a quintessential Jacksonville experience. The contrast between puzzle-solving in an enclosed space and the expansive river views creates a satisfying balance for any Jacksonville outing.

Jacksonville Beach delivers miles of wide, sandy coastline perfect for everything from relaxed sunbathing to active water sports. The beach’s hard-packed sand creates ideal conditions for walking, running, or biking along the shore, while the Jacksonville Beach Pier extends 1,300 feet into the Atlantic, offering exceptional fishing opportunities.

Daily tide pools form natural exploration zones where children can discover small marine creatures, making this free attraction particularly valuable for families. Multiple beach access points and free parking areas ensure convenient visits for groups of all sizes.

The beach environment provides a perfect counterpoint to the enclosed, air-conditioned setting of an escape room. Groups can transition from mental puzzles to physical recreation, or simply unwind on the sand while processing their escape room adventure. The combination of accessibility, zero cost, and natural beauty makes Jacksonville Beach an essential addition to any local activity itinerary.

Jacksonville’s diverse attractions offer something for every interest, age group, and budget. Whether you’re planning a full day of exploration or looking for the perfect activity to pair with your Prototype Escape Games adventure, these top-rated experiences showcase the best of what the city has to offer.

For the ultimate Jacksonville experience, book your Prototype Escape Games adventure first, then complement it with one of these excellent activities. The contrast between puzzle-solving challenges and Jacksonville’s outdoor, cultural, or culinary attractions creates a well-rounded experience that visitors consistently rate as highlight of their time in the city.

Ready to start your Jacksonville adventure? Book your escape room experience at Prototype Escape Games today and begin planning an unforgettable day in Florida’s most underrated entertainment destination.