The 2020 school-year was one for the books. Adjusting to virtual learning, parents having to reconfigure their schedules and learning to adapt to the idea of home being the schoolhouse was a constant challenge. For most families, summer break was the breath of fresh air they needed; the kids were looking forward to being freed from their at-home classrooms and parents were eager for a return to some form of normalcy in their daily routines. As the back-to-school commercials begin to air and school supplies flood the aisles of your local convenience store, the signs of summer’s imminent end are everywhere. Though, there’s still plenty of time, thankfully, to enjoy the endless summer days. In that spirit, here’s a list of family-friendly activities to add to your to-do list as you wrap up your summer vacation plans.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Grab your shades, pack your cooler (and maybe a picnic basket) and throw on your swimsuit so you can take advantage of the sunny days at Hanna Park. This park is your all-in-one outdoor adventure. It has 1.5 miles of beach shoreline, over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, campgrounds and the newly renovated, and reopened, Kids Splash Park. Also, Hanna Park is pet friendly, and there are plenty of picnic areas to take a break from all the festivities and grab some grub. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: 500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville, FL; coj.net

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
A trip to the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is perfect for families who share a love of animals. The Catty Shack Ranch is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing exotic animals like tigers, lions, pus, and leopards, and providing them a loving, forever home for life. They offer a day tour option, night feeding package and an enrichment tour. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary: 1800 Starratt Road, Jacksonville, FL; cattyshack.org // @cattyshackranch

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Of course, a trip to Jax Zoo is another family-friendly animal filled with lush scenery, various animal exhibits and good grub. Come visit over 2,000 rare and exotic animals and explore over 1,000 varieties of plants in the botanical gardens. In the daytime, you can participate in a private family guided tour and at nightfall, every Friday until August 27, the zoo turns into a festival adventure with whimsical lights, colorful and playful attractions and live music. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL; jacksonvillezoo.org // @jacksonvillezoo

Museum of Science & History
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is a family-friendly museum that has plenty of hand-on, interactive exhibits “covering physical and natural science, regional history and astronomy.” It combines the perfect mixture of education and fun. Currently, they have “The Lost World of Dragons” exhibit visiting until September 6, which features “life-size animatronic dragons with realistic movements and sound.” Explore the night skies and deep space by viewing shows like the “Matinee Laser Show or Skies Over Jacksonville” show at the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the United States. Museum of Science and History: 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL; themosh.org // @moshjax

Adventure Landing
Now, this is how you end the summer on the right foot. Before Adventure Landing closes their doors in October, bring your family along for an outing that offers fun for all ages. It is the perfect family entertainment center that includes a quarter-mile go-kart track; two 18-hole miniature golf courses; six batting cages, with speeds ranging from 22-70 mph; a gaming arcade; laser tag; and the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Adventure Landing: 1944 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com // @adventurelanding

Urban Air Adventure Park
Bounce around with bellies full of laughter at the Urban Air Adventure Park. This indoor amusement park is the “ultimate indoor playground for your entire family.” Urban Air is the ultimate and fun and fitness adventure – with trampolines on the floors and the walls. You can start a little family-friendly competition on the Battle Beam, challenge your someone to a survival of the fittest contest on the Warrior Course or simply come to catch some air. For anyone seeking more low-impact activities, they offer rock climbing and a virtual reality center. Urban Air Adventure Park: 9950 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com // @urbanairpark

Beach Life Rentals
Shake up your family beach day outing by going on a biking adventure. Cruise along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean with a beach cruiser bicycle rental from Beach Life Rentals. They’re a one-stop shop for all your cycling needs; they have bikes for adults and children, child seat attachments and tow behind carriers. With every rental you are provided a lock, so feel free to stop at different shops or restaurants during your trip. Also, baskets and cup holders are available upon request. Beach Life Rentals:102 6th Ave. N. #13, Jacksonville, FL; www.beachliferentals.com // @beachliferentals