Ages 0-3: Families traveling with toddlers are often looking for activities that will captivate a toddler's attention without overwhelming them.  Here are a few choices for activities for tots:

* The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) features hands-on exhibits exploring nature, history and science.  There are small animal exhibits and aquariums to view and special exhibits are featured seasonally.  This spring, the museum is welcoming guests to the A-Mazing Seas, a fully immersive maze-based exhibit.  The exhibit compels visitors to climb into sea turtle shells, crawl through a whale's mouth and reach into an octopus cave while discovering simple solutions for challenges that face inhabitants of the deep blue and beyond.  Also, the just launched "Mommy & Me" is an hour-long program held the second Monday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., is designed for 2- and 3-year-olds and their caregivers.  The program costs $6 (ages 2 and up) and includes admission to the Museum afterwards.
* Downtown Jacksonville's Kids Kampus, located in Metropolitan Park in the city's Sports Complex, allows children to indulge their natural curiosity while enjoying its engaging playscapes and miniature Jacksonville landscapes.  The 10-acre playground area features a mini-water park with "Three Friends," a large boat play structure accompanied and surrounded by water cannons.  A non-skid, rubberized surface called "Bayou, Bogs & Frogs" depicting Florida's wetlands includes benches and water jets for wet and wild fun!  Admission is free and open to the public.

Ages 4-9: Preschoolers and young school-age kids are busy learning new skills every day and the learning doesn't stop just because the family is on vacation.  Here are solutions to keep little minds busy while in Jacksonville:

* Tree Hill Nature Center is Jacksonville's center for environmental education, conservation and awareness that offers programs, facilities and access to natural areas, which promote understanding of and respect for our natural world.  Explore 50 acres of trails with three eco-systems or stop by the petting zoo or natural history museum. Engage in weekly family programs, including $5 admission for the entire family on Saturdays.
* Yes You Canvas is a new attraction in Jacksonville.  Families with children are welcome on Saturday mornings to come and discover their inner artists.  A theme is selected for each class and a professional artist walks children through creating their own masterpieces.  Classes are only $20 which includes all supplies.

Ages 10-18: The tweens and teens of the family may be difficult to please, but you'll get a smile from them with plenty of attractions offered in Jacksonville.  Here are a few activities that promise not to be "totally lame:"

* There are seven islands that make up the Talbot Island State Parks; however the Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands are the largest and most well-known of the set of islands. Big Talbot Island is primarily a natural preserve, where visitors can study nature, bird watch, hike the trails and picnic. The unique beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.  There are plenty of options for teens on Little Talbot Island with great surfing along the five miles of beaches, fishing, beachcombing, hiking and camping.
* The PGA TOUR Golf Academy, located in the World Golf Village, offers a full range of instructional opportunities from one-hour private lessons all the way to an award-winning two-, three- and five-day golf schools.  From their outstanding Link-Up-2-Golf programs for beginners to on-course playing lessons - the TOUR Academy is perfect for beginners and more experienced golfers.  Programs include video swing analysis, a comprehensive instruction manual and a written game plan for improvement. 
* Dave & Buster's invites families in for a little competition.  The million-dollar-midway, features interactive games, simulators and just added, Guitar Hero.  The onsite restaurant serves burgers, pasta and a large selection of American favorites.

All Ages: Families traveling with a variety of ages are still sure to please with a trip to Jacksonville.  Here are ways to be your family's vacation-planning hero:

* Take the family out to the ballgame.  Everyone, from your toddler to your husband can get into the cheers for the Jacksonville Suns Double-A Southern League baseball team, affiliated with the Florida Marlins.  There are inflatables and a playground behind the outfield for additional family entertainment.  Admission is inexpensive - less than $6 for seats and "Family Feast Night" on Tuesday nights with ice cream, hot dogs and peanuts for 50 cents.  Check out a spectacle in the sky on Fridays which are" Family Fireworks Night."  The Suns play April through September.
* Visit Jax4Kids.com for your gateway to family fun in Jacksonville.  The site offers a comprehensive and current listing of events, places to go, fun things to do, group outings and discounts, where kids eat free and much more.
* Plan your vacation around one of Jacksonville's popular and affordable special events.  George's Music Springing the Blues, April 9-11, is a free event, ideal for the entire family.  The festival takes place along the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville Beach and features live music, a kids' zone with inflatable slides and bounce houses, arts and crafts and food vendors.   For families that like to eat together, there is no better way to taste Northeast Florida's freshest seafood than at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, April 30-May 2.  This unique celebration is complete with pirate invasions, a juried arts show, kids' activities, craft and antique booths and more.  The festival takes place in historic downtown Fernandina Beach.  Another popular springtime event is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in Downtown held over Memorial Day weekend, annually.

Plan your family's spring escape today.  Log on to www.visitjacksonville.com or call (800) 733-2668.