As fall turns into winter there are tons of great day trips you can take with the kids. Whether it’s a fun weekend spent exploring a new state park, or a special holiday outing, winter trips bring fewer mosquitos and cooler weather. There’s no shortage of great holiday activities in Jacksonville and we know your winter bucket list is packed, but sometimes you want to sneak away for a day of fun outside of Jacksonville. We’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite winter day trips all just a short drive away and that kids of all ages are sure to enjoy.
Holiday Themed Winter Day Trips
While there are tons of great spots in Jacksonville and throughout North Florida to see Christmas lights, sometimes you want to enjoy a holiday themed day trip with the kids. There are lots of great spots, just a short drive from Jacksonville that will fill you with holiday cheer. Be sure to check their websites and book tickets ahead of time because many of these sell out every year.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Our favorite time of year to visit St. Augustine is during the Nights of Lights. Lights typically go up after Thanksgiving and stay lit until the end of January. Stroll through historic downtown and enjoy the glow of thousands of white lights that adorn the city.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 45 minutes
Address: 170 St George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like cutting down your own Christmas tree. There are several Christmas Tree Farms in North Florida where you can select a live tree and then cut it down by yourself. Many even supply all the tools you’ll need for your adventure.
Stephen Foster State Park
Park Rangers, volunteers, and local businesses gather to decorate Stephen Foster State Park. Unique holiday light displays including majestic oak trees, the museum and tower, interactive holiday scenes, model trains, Santa, crafters, vendors, popcorn, cocoa, and marshmallows by the bonfire.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs, FL 32096
Christmas in the Quarry at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
Cedar Lakes botanical paradise transforms into the snow flake winter wonderland. The botanical gardens will be lit from head to toe for you and your family to walk through and experience.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 4990 NE 180th Avene, Williston, FL 32696
Gaylord Palms Resort
A favorite holiday day trip, the Gaylord Palms offers a wide variety of holiday activities like snow tubing, ice sculptures, gingerbread decorating and even shows.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The ultimate holiday celebration for Disney fans. This seasonal favorite at the Magic Kingdom features holiday treats, shows, parades, and even Disney characters. Be sure to reserve your tickets early, this event sells out on many nights throughout the season.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
Georgia Coastal Railway Holiday Train
An interactive holiday train ride with special appearances from Santa and other favorite characters. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in warm pajamas for the ride.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Address: 1000 Osborne Street, St Marys, GA 31558
Holidays Around the World at Disney’s Epcot
Attend a holiday event that surrounds you in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors celebrated by cultures near and far. With lots of holiday treats and tons of entertainment, Epcot has something for everyone at their holiday celebration.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Join the celebration as https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/christmas-in-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potterHogwarts castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley. Enjoy a hot Butterbeer while both the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put a holiday spin on their performances.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida
Catch larger-than-life balloons floating through the streets of Universal Studios Florida, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and some of your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida
This jolly time of year features a giant LEGO Christmas tree, unforgettable seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, LEGO activities, twinkling lights and more during Holidays at LEGOLAND.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Winter Day Trips to Explore the Outdoors
Winter is the perfect time of year for a day trip to explore the outdoors. The cooler temperatures make it easy to take the kids for a hike in North Florida. Parks tend to be less crowded and you don’t have to worry about bugs. Here are a few of our favorites outdoor areas to visit during the winter, but really any state park makes a great day trip during this time of year.
Ravine Gardens State Park
Winter is the perfect time to visit Ravine Gardens. The azaleas typically bloom in late January or early February and there are lots of great trails to explore. While you’re hiking be sure to check out some of the suspension bridges in the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Address: 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka FL 32177
Biking the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
When the weather is cool, take the family for a bike ride on a great trail for kids. The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is flat and shaded and makes for a great day out with the kids.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 30 minutes
Address: 1800 Imeson Road, Jacksonville, FL 32220
Showcase of Citrus
Just outside of Orlando, awaits a sunny surprise and the ultimate Florida u-pick experience. The Showcase of Citrus is a fruit lover’s paradise. Stroll through acres of groves and check out the 50+ varieties of citrus, ripe for the picking.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 5010 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Paynes Prairie is a wonderfully unique place to visit. There are many trails and an observation tower to view the wild bison, horses and other animals that roam there. If you’re lucky, you might spot bison, horses and deer while viewing the prairie from the top of the observation tower at dusk.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667
Winter Day Trips to See Manatees
Manatees are the official state marine mammal of Florida and during the winter months they flock to our warm springs and inland water. Also known as a sea cow, these gentle giants are an impressive sight to see up close. Lucky for us there are several springs just a short drive from Jacksonville where you can view these impressive creatures.
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs is a manatee mecca during the winter. In the colder months hundreds of manatees seeks these warmer spring waters (in 2018 they had a record 485 manatees). You can see a river full of sea cows and their babies while you stroll along the boardwalk.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 2100 W French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763
3 Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is the gem of Crystal River, Floria. This refuge includes a boardwalk with multiple areas to view manatees in a natural environment.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 123 NW HWY 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Looking for a guaranteed manatee sighting? Homosassa Springs is just the place! Located along Florida’s Nature Coast this state park is absolutely worth a visit. Homosassa Springs State Park serves as a rehabilitation and refuge center for injured manatees as well as other Florida wildlife.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 4150 South Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs is just under two hours from Jacksonville and is the oldest commercial tourist attraction in Florida. You can take a tour on their famous glass-bottom boat tours and you’re sure to see some manatees in the cooler months.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs has an 800-foot boardwalk runs through a majestic cypress forest overlooking one of Florida’s breathtaking first-magnitude springs. True to its name, manatees can be seen in the cooler months, as well as, birds, mammals and fish that are spotted year-round.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 11650 NW 115 Street, Chiefland, FL 32626
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla Springs is home of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Much like other springs in Florida, the stunning sapphire water boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
Other Favorite Winter Day Trips from Jacksonville
Sometimes you’re just looking for a new spot to explore with the family. Luckily, there are several great winter day trips from Jacksonville that are fun for parents and kids.
Palatka
You might not think Palatka when you think day trip, but give it a chance. Palatka has lots to offer kids including several educational centers and a State Park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Cedar Key
If you’re looking to visit a laid back Florida beach town, then Cedar Key is worth a visit. You can stroll along the small shopping area, visiting the fishing pier, and enjoy some locally caught seafood.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Tallahassee
Tallahassee has an abundance of museums that are fun for kids of all ages. Pick your favorites and make plans to visit a few in a day. Whether you’re interested in animals, cars, science, or history, Tallahassee has a little something for everyone.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is known for its antique shopping, outdoor activities and plentiful festival schedule. This quaint Florida town is the perfect destination for families. It’s here you can enjoy some local favorites and enjoy some small town charm.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
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