# Jax Littles: things to do with little kids in Jacksonville, FL this weekend

> Spooktacular lights up the Jacksonville Zoo Thursday through Sunday nights with a glowing trail and trick-or-treat stations. Saturday brings a free trunk-or-treat at Hodges Church and Murray Hill-O-Ween’s kids’ zone, and Sunday the Arboretum’s $3 Family Fall Fest adds a pumpkin patch. Pete the Cat visits South Mandarin Library Wednesday. Jacksonville has 28 outings this week, 25 of them free and 22 indoors.

- Week: Oct 19–25, 2026
- Last checked: 2026-10-19
- 28 outings at 18 places; 25 free; 22 indoor. For kids ages 0–6.
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/index.md
- City guide (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/guide/index.md
- Visiting guide (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/visiting/index.md
- Events data (JSON): https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/events.json
- RSS feed: https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/feed.xml

## Top picks this week

- **Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo** (Thu, Oct 22 to Sun, Oct 25, 4 days · Timed entry 6–7:30pm or 7:30–9pm) at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy., Jacksonville, FL 32218. Cost: $35 nonmembers, $25 members in advance ($40/$30 day-of); 2 and under free. Ages 2+. A one-way glowing night trail with a 400-foot light tunnel, Skeleton Disco and trick-or-treat stations, plus a goody bag for kids at the exit. An optional Scare Zone is off the main path. Source: https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular
- **Family Fall Fest at the Jacksonville Arboretum** (Sun, Oct 25 · 4–7pm) at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 1445 Millcoe Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225. Cost: $3 general admission; members free. Ages 0+. A new fall afternoon with a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treat, plein-air artists and hands-on nature activities under the oaks. Source: https://jacksonvillearboretum.org/events/family-fall-fest
- **Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat at Hodges Church** (Sat, Oct 24 · 4–6pm) at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4140 Hodges Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32224. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Trunk-or-treat, games, face painting and food trucks. Free admission and parking, no registration; costumes welcome. Source: https://hbpcusa.org/event/fall-festival
- **Murray Hill-O-Ween** (Sat, Oct 24 · 5–9pm) at Murray Hill (Edgewood Avenue), Murray Hill, Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free to attend. Ages 0+. A neighborhood Halloween block party with music, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and kids’ activities, then a costumed parade down Edgewood Avenue at dusk. Source: https://murrayhilljax.com/hilloween/
- **Count Your Buttons Day: Pete the Cat Meet & Greet (South Mandarin)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 10:30–11:30am) at South Mandarin Branch, South Mandarin Branch Library, Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2+. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Pete the Cat visits for a read-aloud and groovy button activities. Drop in (repeats at 3:30pm). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17263508

## A Saturday that works (Saturday, Oct 24)

1. **Morning**: Trunk or Treat at Victory Lutheran Church, Victory Lutheran Church. 10am–1pm. Cost: Free. https://victorylutheran.org/trunk-or-treat-2026/
2. **Lunch**: Maple Street Biscuit Company (San Marco), San Marco, 2004 San Marco Blvd.. Open 7am–3pm. Cost: $$. (from the city guide) https://www.maplestreetbiscuits.com/florida-locations/san-marco
3. **After nap**: Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat at Hodges Church, Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. 4–6pm. Cost: Free. https://hbpcusa.org/event/fall-festival

Plan for a nap break in the middle. Times come from each event’s page or the place’s own site, so check before you head out.

## By day

- **Monday, Oct 19**: Sensory Friendly Storytime (Highlands Regional) (free); Baby Storytime (Southeast Regional) (free); Little Readers (Willow) (free)
- **Tuesday, Oct 20**: Pajama Jamboree (Southeast Regional) (free); Little Readers (Main Library) (free); Little Crafters (South Mandarin) (free); Baby Storytime (Argyle) (free)
- **Wednesday, Oct 21**: Count Your Buttons Day: Pete the Cat Meet & Greet (South Mandarin) (free); Kaleidoscope Play and Learn (Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional) (free); Sensory Friendly Storytime (Mandarin) (free); Little Readers (Bill Brinton Murray Hill) (free); Baby Storytime (Highlands Regional) (free)
- **Thursday, Oct 22**: Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo; Sensory Friendly Storytime (Pablo Creek Regional) (free); Little Readers (San Marco) (free)
- **Friday, Oct 23**: Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo; Toddler Play Time (Mandarin) (free); Baby Storytime (Pablo Creek Regional) (free); Little Readers (University Park) (free); Little Crafters (Bill Brinton Murray Hill) (free); Read with Sofie! (San Marco) (free)
- **Saturday, Oct 24**: Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo; Tiffany Opening Weekend Family Activities at the Cummer; Murray Hill-O-Ween (free); Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat at Hodges Church (free); Trunk or Treat at Victory Lutheran Church (free); Little Readers (Main Library) (free); Little Readers (Southeast Regional) (free); Read with Yona (Mandarin) (free)
- **Sunday, Oct 25**: Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo; Family Fall Fest at the Jacksonville Arboretum; Tiffany Opening Weekend Family Activities at the Cummer

## All outings this week

- **Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo** (Thu, Oct 22 to Sun, Oct 25, 4 days · Timed entry 6–7:30pm or 7:30–9pm) at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy., Jacksonville, FL 32218. Cost: $35 nonmembers, $25 members in advance ($40/$30 day-of); 2 and under free. Ages 2+. A one-way glowing night trail with a 400-foot light tunnel, Skeleton Disco and trick-or-treat stations, plus a goody bag for kids at the exit. An optional Scare Zone is off the main path. Source: https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular
- **Family Fall Fest at the Jacksonville Arboretum** (Sun, Oct 25 · 4–7pm) at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 1445 Millcoe Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225. Cost: $3 general admission; members free. Ages 0+. A new fall afternoon with a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treat, plein-air artists and hands-on nature activities under the oaks. Source: https://jacksonvillearboretum.org/events/family-fall-fest
- **Tiffany Opening Weekend Family Activities at the Cummer** (Sat, Oct 24; Sun, Oct 25 · 10am–4pm (Sun noon–4pm)) at Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204. Cost: Museum admission: $20 adults, $18 ages 6–17, 5 and under free. Ages 4+. Indoor. Hands-on projects and gallery exploring for the opening of the Tiffany lamp exhibition “Tiffany or Ti-Phony? A Story of Desire.” Source: https://www.cummermuseum.org/event/tiffany-opening-weekend-october-24-2026/
- **Murray Hill-O-Ween** (Sat, Oct 24 · 5–9pm) at Murray Hill (Edgewood Avenue), Murray Hill, Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free to attend. Ages 0+. A neighborhood Halloween block party with music, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and kids’ activities, then a costumed parade down Edgewood Avenue at dusk. Source: https://murrayhilljax.com/hilloween/
- **Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat at Hodges Church** (Sat, Oct 24 · 4–6pm) at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4140 Hodges Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32224. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Trunk-or-treat, games, face painting and food trucks. Free admission and parking, no registration; costumes welcome. Source: https://hbpcusa.org/event/fall-festival
- **Trunk or Treat at Victory Lutheran Church** (Sat, Oct 24 · 10am–1pm) at Victory Lutheran Church, 4651 Kernan Blvd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32224. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Decorated cars, free candy and kids’ activities on Saturday morning. Costumes welcome. Source: https://victorylutheran.org/trunk-or-treat-2026/
- **Count Your Buttons Day: Pete the Cat Meet & Greet (South Mandarin)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 10:30–11:30am) at South Mandarin Branch, South Mandarin Branch Library, Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2+. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Pete the Cat visits for a read-aloud and groovy button activities. Drop in (repeats at 3:30pm). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17263508
- **Pajama Jamboree (Southeast Regional)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 6–7pm) at Southeast Regional, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2+. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Bedtime stories, songs and crafts; pajamas, blankets and stuffed animals welcome. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17004496
- **Kaleidoscope Play and Learn (Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 10:30am–noon) at Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional, Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A free guided play group for children 0–5 and their caregivers. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/16723502
- **Sensory Friendly Storytime (Highlands Regional)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 10:15–10:45am) at Highlands Regional, 1826 Dunn Ave., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Stories, music and movement for ages 2–5 with sensory sensitivities, in a small group (also at 11:15). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17344489
- **Baby Storytime (Southeast Regional)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 10:15–10:55am) at Southeast Regional, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 0–1. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Songs, rhymes and board books for babies (also at 11:15). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17382634
- **Little Readers (Willow)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 2–2:30pm) at Willow Branch, 2875 Park St., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Stories, music and movement that build school-readiness skills. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17385680
- **Little Readers (Main Library)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 10:15–10:45am) at Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A story, music and moving around downtown (also at 11). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17382344
- **Little Crafters (South Mandarin)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 1–3pm) at South Mandarin Branch, South Mandarin Branch Library, Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 1–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A make-and-take craft tied to the day’s storytime. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17181152
- **Baby Storytime (Argyle)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 2–2:40pm) at Argyle Branch, 7973 Old Middleburg Rd. S., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 0–1. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. An afternoon storytime for babies. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17337178
- **Sensory Friendly Storytime (Mandarin)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 10:15–10:45am) at Mandarin Branch, 3330 Kori Rd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A small-group storytime for children with sensory sensitivities (also at 11:15). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17346149
- **Little Readers (Bill Brinton Murray Hill)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 2–2:30pm) at Bill Brinton Murray Hill Branch, 918 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. An afternoon Little Readers storytime. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17339086
- **Baby Storytime (Highlands Regional)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 2–2:40pm) at Highlands Regional, 1826 Dunn Ave., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 0–1. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. An afternoon baby storytime. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17345041
- **Sensory Friendly Storytime (Pablo Creek Regional)** (Thu, Oct 22 · 10:15–10:45am) at Pablo Creek Regional, 13295 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A small-group storytime for children with sensory sensitivities (also at 11:15). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17386997
- **Little Readers (San Marco)** (Thu, Oct 22 · 10:15–10:45am) at San Marco Branch, 1513 LaSalle St., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Stories, songs and movement (also at 11). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17350965
- **Toddler Play Time (Mandarin)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 10–11am) at Mandarin Branch, 3330 Kori Rd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 1–3. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Drop in for toddler free play at the library. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17107222
- **Baby Storytime (Pablo Creek Regional)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 10:15–10:55am) at Pablo Creek Regional, 13295 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 0–1. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Songs and rhymes for babies (also at 11:15). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17350168
- **Little Readers (University Park)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 10:15–10:45am) at University Park Branch, 3435 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Stories, music and movement (also at 11). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17384840
- **Little Crafters (Bill Brinton Murray Hill)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 11:30am–12:30pm) at Bill Brinton Murray Hill Branch, 918 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 1–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A simple craft after Little Readers, for walkers to age 5 with a caregiver. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/15555753
- **Read with Sofie! (San Marco)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 11:30am–noon) at San Marco Branch, 1513 LaSalle St., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2+. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Read to Sofie, the library’s littlest reading dog. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17417184
- **Little Readers (Main Library)** (Sat, Oct 24 · 10:15–10:45am) at Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Saturday-morning stories and songs downtown (also at 11). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17345751
- **Little Readers (Southeast Regional)** (Sat, Oct 24 · 10:15–10:45am) at Southeast Regional, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Saturday-morning stories and songs (also at 11). Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17382791
- **Read with Yona (Mandarin)** (Sat, Oct 24 · 2:30–3:30pm) at Mandarin Branch, 3330 Kori Rd., Jacksonville, FL. Cost: Free. Ages 3+. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Read a favorite book to Yona, a trained therapy dog. Source: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/15326783

## Seasonal events and guides

- [Santa visits in Jacksonville](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/santa/index.md)
- [Christmas lights in Jacksonville](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/christmas-lights/index.md)
- [Thanksgiving weekend in Jacksonville](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/thanksgiving/index.md)
- [Free things to do in Jacksonville](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/free/index.md)
- [Indoor play places in Jacksonville](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/indoor-play/index.md)

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What can I do with a little one in Jacksonville this weekend?
This week we found 28 outings that work for kids ages 0–6. Our top three: Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo, Family Fall Fest at the Jacksonville Arboretum, Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat at Hodges Church. [See the full list](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/#all).

### Are there free things to do with little ones in Jax this week?
Yes, 25 of this week’s 28 picks are free, including library storytimes and Murray Hill-O-Ween. Tap “Free” in [Find your thing](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/#all). For free places you can visit any week, see [free things to do in Jacksonville](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/guide/#free) in the city guide.

### What are good indoor activities for kids in Jacksonville when it rains?
22 picks this week are indoors, mostly library programs and shows. Tap “Rainy-day OK” in [Find your thing](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/#all).

### Where can I find storytimes and toddler activities in Jacksonville?
This week we list 22 library storytimes and baby or toddler programs. Each one links to the library or venue page with the time and place. [See them in the list](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/#all).

### What’s on for babies and toddlers under 3 in Jacksonville this week?
5 of this week’s picks are baby or toddler programs or made for ages 3 and under, including Baby Storytime (Southeast Regional), Baby Storytime (Argyle) and Baby Storytime (Highlands Regional). 5 of them are free and 5 are indoors. [See them in the list](https://littlesweekly.com/jacksonville/#all).

### How do you pick what goes on the Jacksonville list?
We go through Jax’s library calendars, parks, museums, zoos and local family pages every week, and keep what works for ages 0–6. Each listing links to the page we checked it on, and where the organizer or venue has its own page, we confirm the date, time, place and price there. This list was last checked Oct 19, 2026. [How we choose and check listings](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).

### How do I get this list every week?
Sign up for the Friday email at the bottom of the page. It’s one short email, and you can unsubscribe any time.