Let’s face it, summer has been difficult with knowing what & how to navigate safely with your family during these COVID days. And now summer has been extended for many of us until the end of August. Or as one of my friends said, “This is the spring break that will never end.” And she’s right, our kids left for spring break and never went back to school again.

Here are some ideas of things to do in the Jacksonville, Florida area. Of course, I cannot guarantee you don't contract COVID with these. Plus, you may or may not be comfortable with all the activities listed. Pick and choose what you like. I hope it helps to fill your days. I would love some more ideas, so please share any you have as well. We are SLAP out of ideas! LOL!

1. Paddle boarding at Anastasia State Park - https://anastasiawatersports.com/home/plan-your-day/paddling/

2. Ziplining in Ocala (see blog post here for more)

3. Mudslingers in Gainesville - https://www.facebook.com/mudslingertours/ - Try to find a restroom to use before you arrive. My boys loved this, but you need to be aware there are no clean facilities at the site.

4. Deep Sea Fishing out of St Augustine - This is something we are still trying to schedule. Both of these companies have been recommended to me: https://www.luckybirdcharters.com/book and http://endlesssummercharters.com/1764779.html. Prepare ahead of time by calling your doctor and asking for the seasickness patch for everyone in your group. Now if I can find a date that works for us! We really want to go!

5. Jacksonville Bike Trail - https://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/jacksonville-baldwin-rail-trail.aspx Pack up your bikes and head to this paved trail. Make sure you pack water bottles! And we had every kind of bike from a Cannondale to a beach cruiser to a 10-speed to a dirt bike. You don't need anything fancy. You can order a car bike rack off of Amazon.

6. Follow Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Facebook. - https://www.facebook.com/jaxshrimp/ While the minor league season has been cancelled, the Jumbo Shrimp are offering activities almost every weekend. They are doing a great job at social distancing. You wear a mask unless you are sitting at your table, in your stadium seat, or batting.

7. Fiesta Falls mini golf in St Augustine – Take your own wipes to sanitize your ball and club

8. Jacksonville Jet Ski - http://jaxjetskirentals.com/ - Book early! The weekend dates tend to fill up.

9. Rent a water slide for your yard – many places are offering discount prices for weekday rentals

10. Guana Beach to look for shark’s teeth

11. Mantanza Inlet – https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/travel-ideas/matanzas-inlet-history-adventure-dining.html Go at low tide…take chairs, nets, buckets, floats. Or drive a little further south and check out Washington Oaks State Park. Visit both sides, the garden and the beach. (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park)

12. Kayaks out of North Guana Outpost - https://northguanaoutpost.com/- although I prefer South Guana so ask about it when you call. I’ve heard they do discounted rates on Wednesdays.

13. Ichetucknee Springs State Park – This isn’t really my jam. I don’t like cold water. But research it before you go on how to manage food, tubes, parking, etc.

14. Boneyard Beach - https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/boneyard-beach

15. Throw a theme party for your family - Luau, Christmas in July, Costume Party - go to https://www.orientaltrading.com/ to help pick your theme and order supplies, games, crafts to go along with it! GO ALL OUT!

16. Hibachi Guyz - https://www.facebook.com/TheHibachiGuyz/ - Bring the restaurant to your house! This company books FAST, so pick a date and book!

17. Go to Ed Austin Park to play Disc Golf - https://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/ed-austin-park-fore-palms-disc-golf-course 18. Plant a garden - I suggest starting with a raised garden bed and adding to that. In March and April of this COVID situation, Amazon was sold out of them. Now, they have a selection that you can see {HERE}.

19. Let your kids plan dinner and use a griddle. They could make a hibachi menu, make pancakes, make crepes, -- let them decide! Order {THIS} griddle from Amazon and have it in two days!

20. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo - https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/ - Reservations for entry have to be made ahead of time.

Our family REALLY needs some new ideas. So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE send any our way!