It’s no secret that Jacksonville has a plethora of things to do despite still being in its stages of development.
With all the things to do in out city, it can get a bit pricey to do so much exploring.
Sometimes you’re home, you want to go out and do something – you don’t know what, but you want to do something.
The only issue is that just yesterday, you already had a $65 dinner with your spouse; and the day before you went out for beer with the guys racking up a $40 tab; or out for some expensive hookah with the girls.
You’ve done fun things throughout the week and you already reached your budget from your “fun money” for the week.
Now you’re stuck in the house – feeling like there’s nothing to do, but you just don’t want to be profligate with your finances.
Luckily for you – the Jacksonville June Bug has your back and made a list of 25 different things you can do around Jacksonville.
Majority of the activities on this list is free, but some cost no more than $10.
This means that even if you’re spending money on these experiences – it will be very little.
We’ve organized this list with the free things first. Let’s begin.
Kingsley Plantation
Located at: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Admission: FREE
The Kingsley Plantation – named after Zephaniah Kingsley, holds a lot of history in Jacksonville. Particularly – slave history.
This preservation will give you the opportunity for a unique experience to learn about the life of slaves and slave owners alike within that time.
Military Museum of North Florida
Located at: 1 Bunker Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Admission: FREE
Formerly a Naval Air Station Lee Field- home of the main training area for the F6F Hellcat.
Despite being a former Naval base, they are very punctual about showing respect and honor to other military branches – displaying history from the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Located at: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Admission: FREE
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Garden provides you with an unforgettable view and is a representation of the true beauty of Jacksonville.
This neat botanical garden offers you a wholesome learning experience – while enjoying a pretty view, there are little signs to read about each plant giving you a heartwarming educational moment.
Jacksonville Skyway
Admission: FREE
Although only 2.5 miles long, riding the JTA Skyway is a must. It provides easier access to parts of Downtown Jacksonville if you’d like to explore the city.
The JTA Skyway has a lot more work to do. JTA states that there are plans for expansions, remodeling, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SKYRAIL DOES NOT OPERATE ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Play Disc Golf at Fore Palms DGC (Ed Austin Park)
Located at: 11751 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Admission: FREE
Disc Golf is a sport that has yet to gain more popularity. It puts forward a unique experience and is such a simple game to understand.
While we’re talking about cheap and free things – a decent frisbee can be purchased for a little less than $5.
So go grab yourself a frisbee and play some disc golf!
Jacksonville Humane Society
Located at: 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216
Admission: FREE
The Jacksonville Humane Society provides home to over 9,000 cats and dogs every year.
If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities or just looking to hang out with some cats and dogs – the Jacksonville Humane Society is the place for you.
Main Public Library
Located at: 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Admission: FREE
Jacksonville’s Main Public Library provides Jacksonville, FL residents with a FREE library card where you have access to a bunch of free perks.
If you’re a Jacksonville resident – having a library card is a must.
The Main Public Library is also an excellent place to sit, read, and enjoy the silence as you dive your mind into whichever weighty tomb you decide to pick out.
Learn how to apply for your free library card
Geocaching
Sign up, as well is the experience is FREE
Geocaching is known as “the worlds biggest treasure hunt”.
Geocache containers hold logbooks to write your signature in order to “leave your mark” and some contain little baubles used for trading.
You can download the app and sign up here
Beaches Museum
Located at: 381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Admission: FREE
The Beaches Museum and History Park is a great place to bring your family on a nice sunny weekend, especially because it’s right by the beach.
Some exhibits include: 1903 Pablo Beach Post Office, The 1911 Train Engine, Mayport East Coast Railway Depot, and even a butterfly garden!
Events at the Beaches Museum typically go for $5 per person.
Sally Dark Ride Tours
Located at: 745 W Forsyth St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Admission: FREE (Tours only available Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm)
Sally Dark Ride Tours consists of different types of animatronics from your favorite cartoons.
Considered a hidden gem, Sally Dark Rides was headquartered in Jacksonville because that’s where the founders were raised – proving that they have pride in not only what they do, but their hometown.
Sally Dark Ride Tours will definitely be a different kind of encounter with one of Jacksonville’s businesses.
Floating Sea Aquatics
Located at: 8661 Old Kings Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Admission: FREE
The Floating Sea Aquatics is essentially a free aquarium with a neat little coffee shop.
The coffee shop also serves food and some – are less than $10.
This local aquarium shop is one of Americas largest aquatic shops which can make it a nice little trip you can make whether by yourself or with your partner.
Riverside Arts Markets
Located at: 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Admission: FREE
Holding advocacy for the support of small businesses – The Riverside Arts Market (or RAM) is a great way to contribute to the startups of the Jacksonville community.
RAM is completely free to explore and hold different events every month.
If you feel like spending – food, drinks, and even little souvenirs sell for less than $10.
Cummer Museum
Located at: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Admission: FREE on select days of the month
The Cummer Museum is one of Jacksonville’s gems.
It has a café, temporary art, permanent art. Definitely one of the top museums in Jax
Make sure you’re tracking all the free days of the month.
Free admission days and times are as follows:
- Second and Third Tuesday of each month from 4pm to 9 pm
- Fourth Friday of every month 4pm to 9pm
- First Saturday of each month 10am to 4 pm
If you have time, grab yourself a coffee or heck – even a beer which are both under $10. The Actual meals are over $10 though.
Cummer Museum is more than a museum – it’s a hub for the city.
It also consists of a lovely botanical garden with such a pretty scene if you love photography.
MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art)
Located at: 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Admission: FREE on select days of the month and select areas
MOCA is an excellent place to visit due to their mission to promote artists and ideas of modernity.
MOCA is also owned by University of North Florida (UNF) which is great for community involvement for there students and education.
Free admission days and times are as follows:
- First floor free every day from open to close
- Free on Saturdays 11 am to 5 pm
The normal admission fee for adults is $10.
CoRK Art District
Located at: 2689 Rosselle St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Admission: Varies but FREE on occasional events
Not only does the CoRK Art District support local artists, but they also provide workspace for those artists to produce and contribute to the art district.
The CoRK Art District displays the best art around Jax.
The CoRK Art District is not open to the public on a daily basis and is not always free. You have to keep an eye out for the free events.
Florida Theatre
Located at: 128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Admission: $10 or less on occasional events
Unfortunately – it’s not always that the Florida Theatre hosts events that go for $10 or less.
But if you keep an eye out – you can definitely find for those events.
With plays, concerts, and orchestras – not only has a pretty look to it, the Florida Theatre has a dedication to bigger events and keeping the city alive.
Visit a Hiking trail or nature park
There are plenty of nature trails in Jacksonville.
Go out for a walk, a bike, a picnic, some fresh air; Jacksonville’s large selection within it’s park system deserves to be explored in at least one area by you.
Check out The Outdoor Adventures of Jacksonville, Florida for a good run down of the different nature parks around the city and that are free admission or less than $10.
Go to the Jacksonville Beach
Admission: FREE + parking (typically less than $10 for the day)
Jacksonville, Florida is always at the ready to present you with a relaxed experience at Jacksonville Beach.
It’s important to remember that Jacksonville Beach doesn’t consist of just the beach. There are many restaurants and bars for a fun day/night out.
Not to mention – they have a lovely pier which is only $2 to get in($1.00 for locals) and $5 if you’re going to fish.
Parking is FREE for Jacksonville residents with license plate registered under the Jacksonville Beach Police Department.
Pecan Park Flea Market
Located at: 614 Pecan Park Rd c75, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Admission: FREE entrance + FREE parking
The Pecan Park Flea Market is great for finding antiques, sports memorabilia, and much more.
What’s great about this local flea market is that you can find things that are $10 or less!
They also host free hand-blown glass shows.
Go on out to the Pecan Park Flea Market and spoil yourself with a nice little souvenir.
Caffeinated Cat
Located at: 331 1st Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Admission: FREE
The Caffeinated Cat gives it’s visitors a heartwarming experience where you get to hang out with cats and sip on some coffee.
Coffee typically ranges from $3 to $5 and you can even get yourself a snack.
This café also purrrrrvides very cheap adoption fees. So stop buy and get you a cuddly kitty!
Java Game Haus Café
Located at: 11018 Old St Augustine Rd #131, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Admission: $5 for unlimited board games
Java Game Haus Café is one of a kind in Jacksonville, Florida – It revolves around fun board games for you and your friends to unleash your inner nerd.
If you decide to eat there – the food is not only affordable, but their fries are surprisingly tasty!
Durkeeville Historical Society
Located at: 1293 W 19th St, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Admission: $8.00
The Durkeeville Historical Society is a hidden gem amongst the city.
The tour consists of the many famous icons that came from Jacksonville and a lot of rich history.
An experience like this is definitely worth it and as a bonus – you save a bit of money.
This experience is definitely a bang for your buck.
Fort Clinch State Park
Located at: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Admission: $6 per vehicle and $2.50 per fort entrance
Fort Clinch State Park provides a lot of significant history towards the Civil War. There are many different spaces that can be explored by the visitors.
Not only this park provides guests with an educational experience but also a scenic view.
Fort Clinch is definitely a neat spontaneous trip to go on in Jacksonville!
Ritz Museum
Located at: 829 N Davis St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Admission: $5 to $10
The Ritz Museum has a wonderful display of its permanent collection.
Although the admission fees vary from $5 to $10, it’s important to differentiate this price from the events they host which are a separate admission.
The Ritz Museum also displays temporary exhibits that are included in their admission fees.
Sun Ray Cinema
Located at: 1028 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Admission: $8.75 to $10.75
Okay, we know – we broke our promise for this article to be less than $10 because some movies go for about $10.75.
The Sun Ray Cinema is a unique, old school-style cinema that plays indie movies and new movies alike.
We recommend definitely checking out the indie movies to get the most unique experience out of your visit to the antique movie theater.
As a bonus, we’ve created the list as a chart in a PDF file that you can download for FREE below
POST YOU MIGHT LIKE: 25 FREE OR CHEAP (LESS THAN $10) THINGS TO DO IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
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