5 GREAT Places To Take Kids In Jacksonville, NC

If you have children, you know how important it is for them to not only play and have fun, but to also use his imagination and creativity.  Playtime strengthens the relationship you have with your child and helps children engage in the world around them.  Because play is so important in the development of a child, here are some of our favorite play places locals enjoy visiting where the kids will have a blast, but the adults will enjoy it too!

1) Zing Zumm Children's Museum

Let your imagination run wild at Zing Zumm Children’s Museum of Jacksonville!  This museum is a hands-on experience for toddler-aged children up to 10 years old.  During their visit, children will play and learn in an interactive learning environment.  There are so many exhibits at Zing Zumm!  Kids can dress up as military service members, dentists, or even astronauts. 

Some of the exhibits at the museum include Kid Fit exercise area, Claws and Paws-where kids can pretend to be a veterinarian, shopping at a grocery store complete with carts and food, and kids can even take a pretend camping trip…all without ever leaving the building!  There are also lots of building and STEM activities where children can learn while they play.  Zing Zumm is a fantastic place for kids to use their imagination at play.

2) Altitude Trampoline Park

The Altitude Trampoline Park is an excellent idea for children who are old enough to walk and therefore, old enough to jump! 

There are many different options accommodating children of all ages.  Kids can enjoy the Main Court with wall-to-wall trampolines, Performance Trampolines with wall climbing (more appropriate for older kids), Kid’s Court (this is GREAT because there is a special area for younger kids equipped with court monitors and even a special Toddler time), Climbing Challenges (ages 4 and up), Battle Beam where kids can battle it out in a foam pit, Extreme Dodgeball, Gymnastic Tumble Tracks where kids can show off their gymnastic skill), Trampoline Basketball and a Foam Pit (filled with over 15,000 foam cubes).

3) Roller City

Roller City is a family-owned roller skating rink in Jacksonville that provides fun entertainment for the entire family!  The DJ does allow song requests for play while skating, which is sure to add to the experience!  There is also an arcade and snack bar for your enjoyment.  Roller City can be an entertaining idea for STEM field trips and birthday parties, as well as family get-togethers.  The younger children can use scooters instead of roller skates, making this a perfect spot for the whole family.

4) MegaPlay

Megaplay is a wonderful children’s indoor playground that will keep kids happy for hours!  The fun includes a multi-level play structure with giant wave slides, rainbow bridges, pyramid obstacles, web net bridges, spinning plates, play panels and a whole lot more! 

This place ideal for smaller children, as toddlers have a designated area that includes soft play equipment including an animal merry-go-round, soft foam slide, ball pit and building blocks.  MegaPlay is the perfect location for rainy day fun!

5) The Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex

One of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets is located just off Western Blvd in the Commons! The Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex is the largest green space in the city limits of Jacksonville.  Suitable for children of all ages, amenities include ball fields, a skate park, tennis courts, a soccer field, and a playground in the shape of North Carolina! 

There are also bike riding and walking trails with educational kiosks along the paths.  Enjoy the Carolina sunshine because this outdoor space is perfect to grab lunch and have a picnic while letting the kids run off some energy!

We hope you visit some of these hidden gems in Jacksonville, NC! For more topics and information about life in Jacksonville, check out our other blogs!