One of the things we love about North Florida is all the amazing Jacksonville parks there are to explore. Whether you’re looking for a great playground or splash pad, or want to take the bikes out and hit a trail, there’s a little something for everyone in the natural spaces that surround our city.
Jacksonville Parks with the Best Playgrounds
Sunshine Park – Newly renovated, Sunshine Playground at South Beach Park is located in Jacksonville Beach. The playground is the crown jewel of parks in Jacksonville and has lots to offer kids of all ages. If you visit in the summer plan to visit the splash pad and cool off after enjoying the stunning play structures. Other park amenities include a bike and walking trail, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and pickle ball courts, as well as a large field.
Address: 2514 S Beach Pkwy, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Clarke House Park – Another recently renovated park, Clarke House Park is located in Orange Park on the west side of Jacksonville. There are tons of great structures for climbing, swinging, and even zip lining! Other park amenities include covered picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, and nature trails.
Address: 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073
Parks with the Best Bike Trails
Ed Austin Regional Park – Ed Austin has lots of great amenities, and a great playground, but one of our favorite features is the huge bike trail that stretches the perimeter of the park. Whether your kids are experience riders or new bike enthusiasts, it’s the perfect spot to take the whole family for a ride.
Address: 11751 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park – If you’re looking for a well shaded area to take a family bike ride then head to Tillie Fowler Park. This park has tons of great trails and most of them are heavily treed. Additional amenities include playgrounds, a nature center, and lots of great spots for a walk or picnic.
Address: 7000 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244
Best Splash Pad at a Jacksonville Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park – There are lots of reasons to love Hanna Park, but the splash pad is one of the best in all of Jacksonville. Completely renovated a few years ago, it’s large enough to accommodate a lot of kids, and fully fenced. We also love that it’s positioned right next to the playground and tons of great picnic areas.
Address: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Parks with the Best Walking Trails
Cradle Creek Preserve – If you’re looking for a great spot for stroll through nature then Cradle Creek Preserve is it. Perfect for little kids, you can hunt for bugs and lizards while enjoying the shaded trails. There are no bathrooms or other amenities at Cradle Creek so plan accordingly.
Address: 900 S 15th St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Blue Cypress Park – Centrally located, Blue Cypress is a great spot in Jacksonville for some hiking trails. You can stroll on a boardwalk down by the river and enjoy looking for wildlife. Other amenities include a playground and bathrooms.
Address: 4012 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32277
Losco Regional Park – The trail at Losco Park isn’t huge, but it’s great for kids. You can stroll around the lake and look for birds and other wildlife. Losco also has a great playground, picnic area, bathrooms, and small splash pad.
Address: 10931 Hood Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Best Park for Toddlers and Little Kids
Deerwood Rotary Childrens Park – Deerwood Park is a great little park for toddlers. All of the play structures are on the smaller size, the playground is fenced, and there are bathrooms. Make it your next spot for a kid friendly playdate.
Address: 7901 Baymeadows Rd E, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Bull Memorial Park – Located in Atlantic Beach, this small park is another great spot for little kids. The playground isn’t huge but it’s well shaded and there’s also a little field and picnic tables. Since it’s situated in a neighborhood, Bull Memorial is typically quiet and not crowded.
Address: 716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Best Jacksonville Parks for a Picnic
Alpine Groves Park – This well shaded park is a great spot for a picnic with family or friends. You can stroll around by the water and let the kids play on the playground. Grab one of their picnic tables or bring a blanket and spread out under the trees.
Address: 2060 FL-13, Switzerland, FL 32259
Alexandria Oaks Park – A hidden gem in San Marco, Alexandria Oaks has tons of great spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic. There are no bathrooms or additional amenities at this park, so plan accordingly.
Address: 1620 Marco Pl, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Best Jacksonville Parks with a Theme
Huffman Boulevard Park – One of our favorite playgrounds in Jacksonville, Huffman Park has a great pirate ship play structure that kids love. There are also a variety of other play options to keep everyone busy and entertained. There are also great trails for walks and bikes, bathrooms, and fields to play on.
Address: 2775 Huffman Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
David Wayne Pack Memorial Park – Newly renovated, this Mayport park is also home to a fun and playful pirate ship. Kids will love to play pretend at this hidden gem.
Address: 4871 Ocean St, Jacksonville, FL 32233
