You don’t have to wait for Kids Free November to score a deal on these free museums in Jacksonville. There are several spots around the First Coast where you can visit for absolutely no charge.
Beaches Museum
The Beaches Museum, located in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, is always free for adults and children to visit. They offer a diverse range of experiences. From events, exhibits, archives, and more, giving life to the vibrant history and culture of the area. With each visit to the Beaches Museum you can explore the past, present, and future of Jacksonville’s beach communities. Check their website for open times, they often close early for special events.
Address: 381 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
Cummer Museum of Art + Gardens
The premier art museum of Jacksonville, The Cummer also offers beautiful gardens that are perfect for a visit with kids. The Cummer Museum doesn’t offer free admission all the time, but there are several days out of the month when there is no charge to visit. Always check their website for the most up to date information on free days.
Address: 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
- Free admission, except for ticketed events, second and third Tuesdays, 4 to 9 pm. Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.
- Free admission, except for ticketed events, fourth Friday of the month, 4 to 9 pm. Sponsored by PNC Bank.
- Free admission, the first Saturday of each month, 10 am to 4 pm Sponsored by Citi.
- Free admission for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders the first full weekend of each month, provided by Museums on Us.
- Free admission for SNAP EBT and WIC cardholders everyday, provided through Museums For All.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
Completely free to visit, Fort Caroline National Memorial has a great little museum at the visitor center. You can learn more about the history of the area, and kids can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at no charge. While you’re there, be sure to walk out to the fort and explore some of the great hiking trails in the area.
Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32225
J.P. Small Baseball Museum
Hidden away under the memorial stadium at J.P. Small Park is a small museum dedicated to telling the story of baseball in Jacksonville. This beautiful museum space is only open for tours with an advance reservation. It’s completely free to visit, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in scheduling a tour.
Address: 1701 Myrtle Ave North, Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Kingsley Plantation Historic Preserve
Kingsley Plantation is another National Park site that is completely free to visit. The park has a small visitor center and museum you can visit, but the property is also a museum site to explore. The plantation grounds consist of many different areas. There’s the kitchen house, slave quarters, waterfront, barn, plantation house, and garden. While there is lots to see and the property is large by modern day standards, the grounds are manageable even with young kids.
Address: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Mandarin Museum Historical House
Newly renovated, the Mandarin Museum offers visitors a chance to explore some of the people and events that shaped the Mandarin community from the area’s early history as a Timucuan village site to the mid 20th century. It’s free to visit the Museum House, as well as the Historic Store and Post Office (located just down the road). Hours are limited, so be sure to check their website before heading out for a visit.
Address: 11964 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32223
MOCA Jacksonville
The Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Jacksonville is another great spot that has select days when it’s free to visit. It’s a wonderful place to stop in after checking out some books at the downtown library since it’s right next door. Always check their website for the most up to date information on free days.
Address: 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202
- Free admission, every Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.
- Free admission to the families of active duty and former military and first responders from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Sponsored by CSX. To take advantage of this program, please bring valid military or first responder identification. Those who qualify are welcome to bring up to five family members.
- Free admission, the last Friday of each month, with a Jacksonville Public Library Card.
- Free admission for college students with valid ID, Tuesday – Friday 1:30 to 5 pm.
Tillie K. Fowler Park Nature Center
Newly renovated and reopened, the Nature Center at Tillie K. Fowler Park is more like a mini natural history museum for kids. With tons of artifacts you can study and touch, it’s the perfect free museum to visit with the family. Be sure to check with the park for hours of operation before heading out.
Address: 7000 Roosevelt Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32244
If you’ve visited all the free museums in Jacksonville and are looking for more family fun, be sure to check on the what days you can visit National Parks and our Florida State Parks at no charge.
