First up is the Museum of Science and History located on the Southbank:

Musuem of Science & History
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
904-396-6674

http://themosh.org

The Museum of Science and History strives to increase the knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and history of Jacksonville as well as Northeast Florida. We focus on creating an awareness and appreciation of science and history through quality programs that stimulate and inspire learning in all visitors.

Hours & Admission
Monday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday 1 PM – 6 PM
Except: Easter Day • Thanksgiving Day • Christmas Eve • Christmas Day • New Year’s Day

Admission
Adults $10
Children (3-12 yrs) $8
Seniors & Active Military $8.50

Next is the Maritime Museum also located on the South bank:

Jacksonville Maritime Museum
1015 Museum Circle
Unit 2 Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Phone: 904-398-9011
Fax: 904-398-7248

http://www.jaxmaritimemuseum.org/

The Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society is a non-profit, educational association and collects books, documents, artifacts, and other historical objects significant to General Maritime History of Jacksonville and Florida’s First Coast; preserves their historical value; and interprets their meaning to the public by means of museum displays, educational programs, lectures and publications. The mission of the Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society is to preserve and interpret the maritime history of Jacksonville and the First Coast in order to foster among all residents and visitors a deeper appreciation of our maritime heritage. We seek to create a positive, memorable experience for both children and adults. We operate seven days a week. School children, Senior citizen groups, and tourists from all over the world visit our museum. FREE

Next is the Children’s Handson Museum

Hands On Childrens Museum?
8580 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32216-4615
(904) 642-2688?

http://handsonchildrensmuseumjax.com/

ADMISSION
Ages 1-3 is $4.00
Ages 4 & Up Including Adults is $5.50

The Hands On Children’s Museum offers almost 6500 sq. feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits for children from ages 1-12 with 15 Major Exhibits which include:

Little Vets: Children can dress up like a Veterinarian and give the pets a checkup. Use the stethescopes, microscopes or check on the new born animals in the incubator.

Kids Mini Bank: Act like a Bank Teller and give loans or open an account, write checks or make deposits in your new account. Learn how money is made.

Winn Dixie Lil’ Grocery: NEWLY REMODLED! Pick up a grocery cart and shop for tonights dinner. Then act like the cashier and ring up your groceries on the real cash registers and real conveyor belts.

And much more. MEMBERSHIPS RATES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE CHECK THEIR WEBSITE.

Sadly, the last one I was going to put on the list was the Koger Gallery & Gardens Museum located on the corner of Boulevard Center Drive and Art Museum Drive. This museum closed by Mr. Koger in 2001 and his collection of Chinese Ceramics was donated to the Ringling Brothers Museum in Sarasota, Florida. However, there is an article posted by UNF in December 2009 on the building being updated and a Community Arts Center and Living Arts Alternative School. When we get more information about this we will post it.

San Marco Theater
1996 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-4845
http://sanmarcotheatre.com/
This is a lovely old theater that serves beer and wine as well as a food menu sandwiches and Quesadillas as well as the usual of hotdogs, chips, popcorn and more. The Theater has undergone a variety of changes over the years but it has maintained an intimate atmosphere and has very interesting architecture. The prices are fairly reasonable as far as going out goes and well worth the trip. The rent out the theater for group events during the say. The San Marco area is great little place to walk up and down the shops either before or after the show. During the holidays the lights and decorations look a little old-fashioned.

Another great place to go for an afternoon of fun for the family is MOSH. The Museum of Science and History is located on the Southbank next to Friendship Fountain. The Museum is still reasonably priced and fun with next exhibits every month. They, of course, have information available on the web:

MOSH
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, Fl 32207
(904) 396-6674
http://www.themosh.org/home.html

We have updated the Retirement Community page with a listing of the Nursing Homes located on Jacksonville, Florida’s Southside Area.