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Weekend in #DTJax: Kids Edition

Bring your kids and take advantage of all Downtown has to offer! Here are seven things happening soon that your kiddos will be sure to love. Whether you’ve got a science lover, soon-to-be art conoisseur, or bookworm, #DTJax is the place to be for the whole family.

MOCA’s UNF Gallery, Jessica Hische: Covered Exhibition 

Image by @mocajax

Fresh, elegant, and beautiful are three words that encompass the work of award-winning Graphic Designer Jessica Hische. In the UNF Gallery at MOCA Jacksonville are 20+ beautifully designed classic books, with cover designs as beautiful and elegant as their text, designed by Hische for your child to read and admire. Also on display are her two award-winning children’s books, Tomorrow I’ll be Brave (2018), and Tomorrow I’ll be Kind (2020), which playfully illustrate how to be a more empathetic and courageous human.

Toon Town Jax Market:

Image by @toontownjax

As one of the largest indoor/outdoor markets in Jacksonville, the Toon Town Street Market is an awesome family-friendly occasion where you’ll find all kinds of treats and products by local sellers. This eclectic, colorful space is the perfect spot to enjoy a weekend morning- the next market takes place this Saturday, March 26th from 11-4!

MOSH’s Playing with Light Exhibition: 

Image by @cre8jax

Opened until April 24th, MOSH’s traveling exhibition, Playing With Light invites guests of all ages to learn how our world is illuminated through the use of 20 interactive elements. Your child will be able to “paint” with infrared technology, dodge lasers, experience the inside of a giant kaleidoscope, and even build a telescope by hand!

Art in the Park: James Weldon Johnson Park 

Image by @undersiege360

There is loads of inspiration to go around for all ages at James Weldon Johnson Park this Saturday, March 26 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.! If you weren’t able to sign up to draw at this year’s Art in the Park, Middle and High School aged students can still apply to compete for cash prizes throughout the day of the event. The theme for this year is “My Wish for Jacksonville – Celebrating The Next 200 Years” in anticipation of our city’s bicentennial. Come out and enjoy food trucks and the unique art of chalk with the whole family!

Sweet Pete’s and Fizzies & Fare

Image by @fizziesandfare

Sweet Pete’s may already be your child’s favorite place on the planet, but what you may not yet know is on the first floor, you will find Fizzies & Fare– their new fast-casual dining experience! This is the one-stop shop for a sweet treat and good meal in the most enchantingly-sweet environment that both you and your child will be sure to love.

“Exploring With Kids” at the Cummer Museum and Gardens

Image by @mocajax

A trip to the Cummer Museum and Gardens is a necessity for the perfect family weekend in #DTJax. The Cummer’s “Exploring With Kids” guide is designed to create a slower pace for children and parents to follow, enjoy and engage with the art. This guide can be completed while at the museum or at home, and contains informative and fun facts on the elements of art, museum etiquette, and even a scavenger hunt!

Pout Pout Fish at the Florida Theatre 

Image by @floridatheatre

On Tuesday, April 19, The Pout Pout Fish comes to the Florida Theatre! This new musical featuring playful puppets and live performers creates a dazzling oceanic adventure for kids. Catered to grades PK-2, this musical contains curriculum themes of Communication and Language Arts, Music, Confidence, Adventure, and Friendship.


Don’t forget to share with us how you play in #DTJax! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and use the hashtag, #DTJax, for a chance to be featured!