Is your family calendar for 2025 starting to fill up? If not, it’s time to get ahead of the curve—because Jacksonville, Florida, is gearing up for a sensational year packed with exciting events that promise fun, inspiration, and unforgettable moments for every member of the family. From thrilling air shows and food festivals to educational camps and cultural celebrations, the River City is truly a playground for families in 2025.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or planning your first visit to Jacksonville, you’ll discover that this coastal gem offers much more than beaches and sunshine. It’s a vibrant hub for events that celebrate community, creativity, and connection—all wrapped up in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Let’s take a tour of the most exciting Jacksonville family events in 2025 that you simply can’t miss.
Clay County Fairgrounds Hotdog Eating Contest – October 25, 2025
If you’re looking for a high-energy, laughter-filled day, mark your calendars for the first-ever Clay County Fairgrounds Hotdog Eating Contest. Whether you’re a competitive eater or a cheering fan, this event is sure to bring out your inner foodie. Contestants will go head-to-head in a timed competition for a chance to win fun prizes, including gift cards and local restaurant vouchers.
But this isn’t just about hotdogs—there will be live music, food vendors, family games, and a festive community vibe. Kids can enjoy a bounce house and face painting, while adults sample treats from Jacksonville’s favorite food trucks. It’s a flavorful way to kick off your fall festivities.
Location: Clay County Fairgrounds
Website: https://hotdogeatingcontests.com/
Tip: Arrive early for the best viewing spots and to enjoy pre-contest activities.
Orange Park Fall Festival – October 18–19, 2025
The Orange Park Fall Festival is a beloved tradition and one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in Northeast Florida. Set under a canopy of autumn trees, this event features over 200 vendors selling handmade crafts, home décor, art, jewelry, and more. With live entertainment on two stages, a kids’ zone with inflatables and pony rides, and plenty of food options, this is the kind of event where families can spend the entire day exploring.
Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or just soaking in the seasonal charm, this festival is one of the highlights of Clay County events in October 2025.
Location: Town Hall Park, Orange Park
Website: opfallfestival.com
Sea and Sky Air Show – October 25–26, 2025
For a jaw-dropping experience that kids (and grown-ups) will talk about all year long, the Sea and Sky Air Show delivers. Held at Jacksonville Beach, this free event showcases elite military and civilian flight teams performing high-flying stunts and aerobatics right over the ocean.
Expect to see the U.S. Navy Blue Angels or other renowned performers tear across the sky, leaving trails of color and thunderous applause in their wake. Bring your lawn chairs, sunscreen, and snacks, and enjoy a picnic-style day filled with awe.
Location: Jacksonville Beach
Website: events.jacksonville.gov
Camp Invention at Jacksonville High School – June 2–6, 2025
Looking for a summer activity that’s both fun and educational? Camp Invention is the perfect blend. This week-long STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) camp encourages kids to explore innovation through hands-on challenges. Kids from Kindergarten through 6th grade can design prototypes, build gadgets, and explore their creativity in a structured, safe, and engaging environment.
Location: Jacksonville High School
More Info: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Pro Tip: Register early—spots fill up fast!
College for Kids Camps at LLCC-Jacksonville – June 16–July 24, 2025
For older kids and teens, College for Kids at Lincoln Land Community College offers a range of exciting topics. Whether your child wants to cook, code, or create, there’s a themed course for everyone. Past sessions have included culinary arts, graphic design, web development, and robotics.
This is a great way for kids to explore future career interests while having summer fun in an academic environment.
Location: LLCC Jacksonville Campus
Duration: Multi-week sessions
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Games – Throughout the Season
Nothing says “family night out” like a baseball game under the lights. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the city’s Minor League Baseball team, offers affordable entertainment, themed nights, and fun promotions like fireworks shows, kids run the bases, and pet nights.
Games are played at 121 Financial Ballpark, conveniently located near downtown. Tickets are budget-friendly, and there’s plenty of food and fun for fans of all ages.
Website: jacksonvillejumbo.com
Jacksonville Symphony Performances – Various Dates
Give your family a taste of the performing arts with a night at the Jacksonville Symphony. The symphony regularly hosts Family Concerts, which are specially designed to be shorter, more interactive, and accessible for young audiences.
Seasonal favorites like Holiday Pops and Movie Soundtrack Nights are a great way to introduce classical music in a fun and relatable way.
Location: Jacoby Symphony Hall
Website: jaxsymphony.org
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Events – Year-Round
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a beloved destination year-round, but 2025 brings even more excitement with themed weekends, conservation days, and holiday events like Spooktacular, Zoolights, and Wild Wonders educational days.
Families can meet exotic animals, learn about conservation, and even feed giraffes. It’s an experience that mixes adventure with education in a setting that kids love.
Website: jacksonvillezoo.org
MOCA Jacksonville Family Days – Monthly
Encourage your child’s inner artist with Family Days at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Held monthly, these events offer interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and kid-friendly tours of the museum’s latest installations.
It’s a wonderful, low-cost way to connect with your child through art and expression.
Location: MOCA Jacksonville
Website: mocajacksonville.unf.edu
Don’t Miss the Main Event: Clay County’s Hot Dog Eating Festival!
Of all the amazing family events happening in Jacksonville in 2025, the Clay County Hot Dog Eating Contest on October 25th stands out as a must-attend spectacle. With mouthwatering competition, lively entertainment, and activities for all ages, it’s more than just a festival—it’s a full-blown celebration of food, fun, and community spirit. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or stepping up to the plate, this is the event your family will be talking about long after the last bite.
Mark your calendars, bring your appetites, and get ready to make unforgettable memories at Jacksonville’s tastiest tradition in the making!