Author: Kayla Baker, Downtown Vision Marketing Intern
Summer in Downtown Jacksonville will be full of sun, fun and plenty of activities to keep your young ones busy! With so many things to do, kids can continue learning, creating and laughing all summer long in #DTJax!
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Have a future athlete on your hands? Channel their energy into one of Jacksonville’s favorite local teams with the summer baseball clinic by the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. This clinic is a hands-on way to go from sitting on the stands to learning from the best in Jax! Offered on June 13 and 14, this experience is for children ages 8 – 14. This is a great opportunity to learn from the players, coaches and members of the Crustacean Nation, so make sure to enroll soon!
Camp @ MOCA
Looking for something to inspire your young artist? Check out Camp @ MOCA. The campers will get to spend their summer escaping from the heat inside the galleries and will create their own pieces in the studios. Camp sessions take place all summer long from June 10 to August 9 in the heart of Downtown.
MOSH Discovery Camps
Discover the thrilling, electrifying world of science through games and activities at MOSH Discovery Camps. What makes this summer camp special is the different themes each week! Running from June 10 to August 2, themes range from the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, unlocking your inner wizard or blasting off to space with a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Kiddos from kindergarten to 6th grade are welcome to participate in the imaginative summer camp!
The Florida Theatre
Free summer theater is back at The Florida Theatre all season long! Theatreworks will be presenting an array of shows ranging from music sing-a-longs to a musical inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Check out their June and July dates to enjoy this Downtown summer staple.
FSCJ Artist Series
The FSCJ Artist Series is joining in on the theater fun by hosting some iconic children’s favorites such as Disney’s FROZEN and Bluey’s Big Play. FROZEN will feature an incredible cast and dazzling sets to award winning music. Bluey’s Big Play will highlight everything kids love about the show, but with an original story, puppets and a fresh musical background.
SING! Jax Summer Camp
Unlock musical talents with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC) at SING! Jax Summer Camp. Located Downtown in its new headquarters, this day camp will teach vocal techniques, dance workshops and will help children grow their confidence on the stage! The camp will be from June 3 to 7 and July 8 to 12 for children in grades 4th-8th. While learning to sing on stage, campers will also gain valuable knowledge about sight-reading and instruction from the expert staff of JCC.
Jacksonville Public Library
Thanks to the amazing Jacksonville Public Library, explore between the pages all summer long with a plethora of free activities and events. Whether you’re looking for education or scavenger hunts, join any library location from June 3 to August 3. While all library locations will be having activities all summer long, the Downtown branch is a staple in Jacksonville for its sun soaked courtyard, overflowing bookshelves and expansive children’s section. There are programs and resources from all ages ranging from infants to adults so make sure to stop in with the whole family!
Art Walk
Become a part of the Downtown culture at Art Walk this summer. This free festival, market and arts exhibition is great for kids! Art Walk takes place every first Wednesday of the month at several participating businesses, galleries and James Weldon Johnson Park. Explore the MyGym Kid-Friendly obstacle course in the park, swing by MOCA for art activities, or grab a sweet treat from Sweet Pete’s.
Sip and Stroll
Sip and Stroll Presented by PNC takes place every third Thursday of the month and on the picturesque Southbank Riverwalk. Play around the newly revamped Friendship Fountain, get your little one’s face painted, or get a free family caricature completed by local artist Drew Arnett! Looking for more to do? Head over to MOSH, located steps away from the event footprint, to check out their newest exhibition, “Ice Dinosaurs.” Explore the museum and enjoy a night full of family fun.
We hope you enjoy all the fun summer activities in #DTJax! Show us how you spend your summer by tagging us, or use #DTJax for a chance to be featured on our social media pages!