2023 UPDATE: I am absolutely thrilled to share my raving review for Jacksonville's hands-on children's museum! This place is an absolute gem for children and their families, offering an interactive and educational experience like no other. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be captivated by the wide array of exhibits and play areas designed to stimulate young minds and foster creativity. One of the highlights of this museum is the puppet castle, where children can let their imaginations run wild as they bring the colorful characters to life. The grocery store is another favorite, complete with carts and checkout lanes, allowing kids to role-play as customers or cashiers, learning about commerce in a fun and engaging way. The theatrical stage with dress-up costumes and seating for an audience is perfect for budding performers, instilling confidence and a love for the arts. For aspiring chefs, the 50's diner and kitchen area provide an opportunity to whip up delicious imaginary meals, while the climbing structures with slides keep the little ones active and entertained. The bank teller area, complete with fake money and coins, teaches valuable lessons about money management and responsibility. And who wouldn't love the chance to be a veterinarian in the dedicated area with kennels and exam tables? The fire truck exhibit is a definite crowd-pleaser, where kids can don firefighter coats and hats and slide down the fire pole on a rescue mission. The wooden train station area sparks the imagination of young train enthusiasts, while the wheelchair challenge basketball area promotes inclusivity and empathy. But wait, there's more! The radio and television broadcasting station, equipped with a teleprompter, allows kids to explore the exciting world of media and communication. And hidden away in the back, beyond the restrooms, lies a hidden treasure—a unique area with a spaceship and an exhibit simulating a moonrock dig. With astronaut gloves on, children can embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover buried treasures, sparking their curiosity about outer space. The museum also features a small gift shop, perfect for finding unique and educational toys or mementos. Whether you're planning a birthday party or simply want to spend a day of fun and learning, they offer options to purchase daily entry tickets or even a membership for frequent visitors. I must mention that they also provide discounts for first responders, military personnel, and veterans, which is a wonderful way to honor those who serve our community. One of the best things about this children's museum is its ability to provide a haven for families, regardless of the weather outside. Whether it's seeking refuge from the rain or escaping the harsh sun or heat, this place offers a safe and stimulating environment for children to learn and play. Affordable and far superior to any play area found in local malls, Jacksonville's hands-on children's museum is a must-visit destination. It not only entertains children but also nourishes their minds, helping them develop essential skills while having an absolute blast. Trust me when I say that this museum will leave a lasting impression on your child's imagination and create cherished memories for the whole family.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

I went in and first thing to notice is the noise, it sounded like an Armageddon happening, screams everywhere, I think there were 2 field trips at the same time, and 0 adults watching over them, big kids getting in the way of smaller kids and even adults, toys everywhere, just a big mess , there were a phew wheel chairs and they were using them to play basketball and nobody there to tell them that they can't be using them to play around, stuff broken and the baby area it's as simple as they could of have made it, barely any effort to the baby area, the door can't open or close without almost breaking it and anyone can get in, big kids would go in and out. And why y'all charging adults like if we were going to play? We take our childrens to play, not us. Why do we pay to watch our kids? Means that if a couple take their kid to play there, they need to pay 3x just so the kid can go in.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

This place was a blast for me and my son!!! There were staff members there to keep up the organization required and the choice of attractions were wonderful for my son. It’s great for a lot of ages! My suggestion would be a little more safety precautions and separation between older children attractions and younger children attractions. Mostly what I mean is to have an adult around the area with slides because the parents don’t watch as much as they should and another kid almost hurt my son on a few occasions. Just a suggestion. This place was great and I will definitely return and recommend to other parents! I also think it’s great that they allow people to perform community service here.

We take our grandchildren, 7 and 5 here for some fun out of the heat. They enjoyed the activities but some of them were not complete or accessible. Example, no ink for the stamps on the art table and no balls for some of the toss objects. When asked for assistance was told "we will have it tomorrow" well I won't be here tomorrow. The staff seemed aloof and unapproachable. Needs a facelift to some of the areas. For instance the grocery store (Winn-Dixie sponsored ) could use not items and a good cleaning. No interaction at all. Will not recommend or return.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

My kiddos love coming here!!!! Staff is wonderful, always trying to maintain the place looking fresh! Meet wonderful new friends, never too noisy for a kids place that’s for sure but truly a lot to explore! And it’s a wonderful experience to see them interacting with other kiddos and letting their imagination go wild!!! Never a dull moment! Highly recommend it if you want your kids to get hands on experience with different careers and stations they have. They even have a small kids room for the babies!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Just visiting from out of town and was looking for someplace to take my 6,4,2, and 6 month old kids. The outside doesn't do this place justice. So much to do inside. Lots of pretend play, dress ups, grocery shopping play, basketball, trains, building, and for babies who are just walking has their own room so they don't get trampled by all the big kids. Friendly staff who keeps up the place and cleans up after kids who are not cleaning up after themselves. Parents need to teach their kids to put things back where they found it. Came on a Saturday which was very busy. Overall, the kids had fun and had so much to do.

Great spot to stop and have the kids running around. There are many areas for kids to play, from a puppet show, fire fighters, grocery store and many more. The price is also very reasonable for a single entry, for both kids and adults. The only comment I have is that some of the areas didn't smell so good. I guess that's what happens when so many kids are running around, but a cleanup and some air refreshment will help :) Bottom line: great place, we will be back next time we are in the area :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

If you’re looking for something indoors to get out of the heat or a rainy day I highly recommend checking this place out! I have been coming here almost a year with my toddlers and every time they have a blast! The staff is always amazing, and it seems like they are always trying to improve the exhibits they have. Definitely one of the best businesses to support in this area for the kids, and can’t beat the price! (Their memberships are definitely worth it!)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Way too crowded!!! They should have a maximum occupancy so people can enjoy it better. Parents just let their kids run wild so my toddler was almost trampled quite a few times. The toddler area was nice but everything could use a good cleaning. We probably will not be back. It’s a nice place but the atmosphere killed it for me. Also caught Covid a few days after visiting and this was the only crowded place I was at prior to.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

6 yo grandson loved it. As a grandma I found it very loud during our afternoon trip. Lots of kids running around being kids with few adults present to supervise due to summer programs. Not being a Karen so don't get angry just speaking truth. I would go back again just not during Summer breaks. Worth the small fee they charged since we were there for 2 hours on a rainy day.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

It was very dirty. I've been to many indoor playgrounds and children's museums but they were not even half this gross. Would not recommend for under 3yo. Also alot of things are children's sized. If you need a barstool for them to reach its not great. Things were broken, there was a section my toddler got into that I couldn't get to. Not worth the little $ it costs.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Being new to the area we were looking for something comparable to the "please touch" museum in Philly. While this is smaller, it's easily as good or better in quality of the exhibits and activities for young children. They are taking sanitization and social distancing and mask policy seriously also. Our grand daughter had a blast there today. We have certainly put this on our list of regular haunts to spoil her!!

We took our 8, 5, and 3 year olds here and they loved every minute. I really wish I would've found this place before our last day of vacation. There were so many themed rooms with so many toys we could have stayed all day! Definitely check this place out if you're in the area. Lots to do for all ages and the staff is very present and very friendly. We will absolutely go here again when we're back in the area.

So much to do for young children. Everything was a little worn out. But kids don't notice. The kids don't judge, they just have a blast and that is what is most important. There was so many creative activities for them to do. We took 4 year olds and they absolutely loved it. We call that a win. Will be going again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Kids had a great time. There is something for everyone. Great option for vacation or repeat visits. My kids were entertained for 4.5 hours and didn’t want to leave. Towards the end my son found a group of four who wanted to play firefighter together. Love the price.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

My kids are STILL talking about your wonderful museum days later and how they want to go back!! They just had such an amazing time!! We have never seen a place that was so we'll put together to teach our kids with fun!! Nothing disappointed. And the price was absolutely so low that we couldn't believe it! We will definitely come back every time we go to Jacksonville!!!!

People who give these 5-star reviews must be related to owners. Unfortunately my 2 grandkids like this place but even they were bored there today. It is run down, smells & individual sections have less interactive stuff every time we go. I don't profess to know what their overhead is but they should be able to do better. I feel that we all need a shower when we leave.

Absolutely wonderful place for kids. Lots of activities. Very hands on activities for kids. Trains, fire engine, ambulance, post office, grocery store, a Fifty's cafe, and several others. And even an area for those under a year old.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Went here to beat the heat and play indoors, and my son had a great time. I enjoyed the variety and the creativity of the different play areas available for kids, but it looks and smells like this place could really use a good deep cleaning.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This place is exactly what this area needs! It is too hot to run around on an outdoor playground. This place has all the little hands love for playing and learning. As an adult I noticed a few little things that needed cleaning, improvement, or upgrades, but nothing a child would care about and that is mostly what matters

It's ok for little kids, my daughters loved the little winn dixie and the restaurant- all areas could be more well stocked but is fine for them. they have fun Playing different roles.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

A really nice indoor facility for kiddos to burn off energy. My two year old had a great time playing in different sections. A lot of variety of toys and activities and great for a wide range of ages.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Photos looked super well put together and very nice; but it’s definitely ran down, isn’t very clean, toys are grungy, staff just sits around doesn’t walk around or supervise and bathrooms haven’t seemed to be cleaned in a while.. Definitely not worth the $22 it cost me to come here.

Came here September 1, 2023 and I’m not sure what was more disgusting.. the manager here or the toys. I and a few others had to walk out after hearing the disgusting things that were said. Will not be returning and definitely would not recommend. I will be sure to notify others.

When you arrive at this museum you might think “heck no”. Just take a breathe and walk in! My son had an amazing time. There is a lot packed into the building but enough room for the kids to enjoy themself. I would highly recommend visiting and it won’t break you wallet.

Only one work W O W My 4 and 2 years all were immerged into this place and we spent 4 hours there... My sons favorite area is the one with the train table and my daughters the 50's cafe. We were visiting my sister and got a membership we will be back in 2 months

Was the best place I have been for smaller children! They gad something to do for kids ages 1-10! They also have a separate staging area for the smaller children! Their prices was so GREAT! There is also a separate area for parties!! Worth visiting for sure

Hands down!! Great place to visit and have an edutainment with your children, mines definitely didn’t want to leave this place.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

They recently updated a few of the areas and the restrooms. Was very clean in relation to previous visits. My 16 month old and almost 4 year old love it. Only $5.50 for adults and like $4 for most kids. Great value and great on a hot or rainy day!

My kids have always enjoyed playing here at the hands on museum. It’s a great way to connect kids with other little ones and most importantly the kids are hands on and exploring. This place reminds me of when I was a kid at fun zone I love it.

This place is great but very dirty. My 2 year old loved it. The price is good, $15 for 2 adults and a toddler. What I really liked was there is no time limit. We stayed for 2 hours. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the place is

Chose this as an option when MOSH was closed and I should have went straight home. Everything is holding on loosely by duck tape or plastic fasteners. It was not cool inside by any means, the play kitchen was stoked like Walmart and the

It's a fun place for children to go explore different settings and pretend play immersed in the areas. If you get there immediately after they open you will have the most fun, but as the day progresses the areas are less defined as the

We were on vacation and was looking for something quick and fun before my son rode in the car for two hours into Georgia. Staff were friendly but the place was a little out dated. (Only one tantrum thrown for my two year old!) More

Awsome place for kids to be kids .. my son had a blast.. friendly staff also
Price for entry
$7
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Ticket type
Normal entries

First time visiting today, should Have read the reviews before going, like most have said….this place could use a through cleaning. Musty & dingy, not impressed . Staff could be sanitizing

This place was amazing and so affordable! For all 6 of us it was less than $50. We all had a blast. The staff was great, the place was clean. We will definitely be doing back.

Came here for a birthday party and not really what I was expecting. My son had fun, but nothing was really educational, so don't think museum really fits.

My daughter had a great time here. This place is big on the inside. Loved all the interactive things you can do. Will definitely come back.

Very fun time with my son and nepfew here. Always a good time here! Perfect for all ages. Many different areas to play pretend.