By Morgan Chatoff, Spring 2025 Marketing Intern
As the days grow longer and the weather heats up, it’s the ideal time to embrace fun, adventure, and quality family moments! From arts and crafts to exciting science experiments, #DTJax offers endless opportunities to make lasting memories. Dive into the season and create unforgettable experiences with your loved ones!
Take a Family Stroll Along the Emerald Trail
Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with nature, and what better way to do so than by taking a stroll on the Emerald Trail? The Emerald Trail offers families the perfect escape for a scenic stroll. As you walk along the paths, you’ll pass through parks, art installations, and beautiful riverfront views. It’s an ideal spot for families to enjoy quality time together—whether it’s a leisurely walk, or simply soaking in the views. With Downtown’s unique blend of nature and urban charm, a stroll along the Emerald Trail promises an enriching experience for all ages. Once you get hungry, grab lunch at a local Brooklyn restaurant like Plenti, Anejo Cocina or Arepa Please!
Don’t miss free admission once a week throughout the Summer —every Friday from May 30 until June 20!
This summer, start your weekends off right every Friday night at the stunning Cummer Museum and Gardens. Immerse yourself in an artful atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food and drinks, captivating art, and a variety of outdoor games. Join us this summer at The Cummer Museum for another season of creativity, community, and unforgettable experiences!
Take a stroll through the vibrant streets of #DTJax during the First Wednesday Art Walk! Immerse yourself in Downtown’s arts and culture scene while enjoying live music, unique shopping with local artists and vendors, and explore participating galleries and businesses. Bring your family for a memorable evening on the first Wednesday of every month in the heart of DTJax, inside James Weldon Johnson Park! The next Art Walk is May 7th from 5-9 p.m.
Picnic in the Park
Enjoy a perfect day outdoors with a family picnic in Treaty Oak Park or Brooklyn Park! Pack your favorite snacks, grab a blanket, and unwind in the fresh air while bonding with loved ones. Whether it’s playing games, enjoying nature, or simply relaxing. A picnic in the park offers the ideal setting for creating lasting memories with your family.
Third Thursday Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Southbank Riverwalk every third Thursday of the month at Third Thursday Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC. Spanning from Friendship Fountain to Chart House, attendees can sip on drinks, enjoy live entertainment, and explore the local area. It’s a fun and relaxing way to experience Downtown’s Southbank neighborhood. The next Sip & Stroll is April 17th from 5-8 p.m.
Experience Family-Friendly Events with JaxParks
Wicked Sing-Along
When: April 18, 2025 | 8-10:40p.m.
Where: Artist Walk Amphitheater
Join JaxParks for a FREE movie and popcorn under the Fuller Warren Bridge and enjoy a showing of Wicked Sing-Along! Don’t forget to bring your chairs and blankets, and enjoy onsite food trucks!
Check out more Downtown events by Jax Parks for fun for the whole family:
JaxParks Eggstravaganza 2025
When: April 19, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Friendship Fountain
JaxParks Monopoly Tournament
When: May 31, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Jacksonville Main Library
Visit The Cummer Museum and Gardens Upcoming Exhibits and Events
Current Exhibitions:
- Knowing the West — Knowing the West is a travelling exhibition that embraces and examines perceptions of the American West to be more inclusive, complex, and reflective of the diverse peoples who contributed to art and life in and about the West. | On display now through Sunday, August 31, 2025.
- Drawn Together: From Sketch to Masterpiece — Drawn Together explores the intriguing nature of the artistic process. Pairing work from the Cummer Museum’s permanent collection with the artist’s smaller study drawings reveals the time and commitment it takes to conceptualize an idea from start to finish. | On display now through Sunday, August 3, 2025.
- Jacksonville Norman Studios: Movie Posters from the Permanent Collection — Before Hollywood’s rise, Jacksonville was a filmmaking hub, and Richard Norman’s Eagle Studios produced groundbreaking films. Now honored at the Norman Studios Silent Film Museum. | On display now through Sunday, December 6, 2026
Upcoming Events:
Plan a day to explore The Cummer Museum and Gardens by signing up for one of their events, including workshops, artist talks, Tai Chi classes and more.
Free Admission on Third Tuesday of Every Month | Tuesday, April 15, 4 – 9 p.m.
Art Adventures – Youth Workshops: Sequential Art (Comics) with Artist Thony Aiuppy | Saturday, April 19, 11-12:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Free First Saturday | Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown Summer Camps
Parents, planning ahead for summer and looking to enroll your child in a fun and exciting Summer Camp? Explore the variety of great options for kids’ camps right here in #DTJax!
Summer Camp at MOCA
Monday through Friday, beginning June 9 and ending August 8.
MOCA Jacksonville is offering exciting themed weekly camp sessions all summer long! Children will have the chance to create new friendships while refining their artistic skills through engaging hands-on activities. In addition to art projects, the Summer Camp at MOCA includes weekly activities like yoga and dance. Led by experienced museum educators, kids will explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and express themselves through the power of art. It’s the perfect summer experience for young minds to grow and thrive!
MOSH Discovery Camp
Monday through Friday, beginning June 9 and ending August 1.
Join MOSH for an unforgettable week of thrilling experiments and wild crafts! MOSH Summer Discovery Camps, available in June and July, offer a 5-day adventure filled with engaging STEM activities, daily science shows, and plenty of opportunities to explore the museum. MOSH Discovery Camp isn’t just about keeping kids entertained—it’s an exciting chance for children to develop valuable skills while immersing themselves in the fascinating worlds of science and history. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind summer experience!
SING! Jax Summer Camp
Summer Camp Dates: M-F
June 2-6, June 23-37, July 14-18, July 28- August 1
Does your child have a passion for singing? The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus is excited to present its 5th Annual SING! Jax Summer Camp—a week packed with music, singing, and dance workshops! Singers will receive expert instruction in music theory, sight-reading, Orff instruments, percussion, dance, and enhanced vocal techniques, all while having fun and building new skills. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable musical experience!
Happy adventuring this summer! Don’t forget to tag #DTJax for a chance to be featured on our social media!