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Times are tough right now, and let’s be honest… this economy is absolutely no joke.

Like a lot of us, I’ve been looking for ways to save money without feeling stuck in the house all the time. So I made it my mission to find extra free things to do in Jacksonville.

And when I say extra free… I mean activities where you don’t even feel tempted to spend money.

Because yes, there are places that are technically free — like Riverside Arts Market — but between the food trucks, snacks, and local vendors, it can get real tempting real fast.

And while I absolutely love supporting small businesses, sometimes I just want to get out, enjoy myself, and not spend a single dollar.

So this series is all about finding genuinely free things to do in Jacksonville that you or your family can enjoy without the pressure of spending.

I’ll be updating this list monthly with new stops, videos, and links, but today we’re talking about my very first stop:

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

My first stop on this “extra free” journey was the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, located in Riverside — and honestly? This one was such a good find.

First things first:
Every first Saturday, admission is free.

And if you’re a college student with a valid ID, admission is always free — which is honestly an amazing perk.

So if you’re not a student, definitely keep Free First Saturdays on your radar.

My Favorite Part? The Gardens.

Now don’t get me wrong — the museum itself was beautiful, and there was plenty of art to explore inside.

But my absolute favorite part?

The gardens.

Y’all… it was gorgeous.

Beautiful flowers, peaceful walkways, stunning landscaping, and one of the best parts — parts of the garden overlook the St. Johns River, which made the whole experience feel even more relaxing.

It honestly felt like one of those places where you could:

• Take cute pictures
• Have a picnic
• Walk around and clear your mind
• Bring your family
• Or just enjoy some peaceful scenery for free

The grounds were incredibly well-kept, and it really felt like one of Jacksonville’s hidden gems.

A Few Tips Before You Go:

I definitely recommend going earlier in the day if you can, because it was pretty packed when I went.

Also:
Bring water and maybe a fan.

It’s getting hotter outside, and if you really want to take your time walking through the gardens, you’ll thank yourself later.

About Photos:

I’ve heard some people say they were told photography wasn’t allowed, but honestly… that was not my experience.

I saw plenty of people taking pictures, including me, and I didn’t see any signs saying no photography or have any staff member stop me.

Of course, always be respectful of museum rules if policies change — but during my visit, pictures seemed completely normal.

Parents — This Is Definitely Kid Friendly

I saw plenty of families there, and honestly, it was really nice seeing kids enjoying the gardens, running around, and families having picnics together.

So if you’re looking for something affordable (or in this case… free), peaceful, and family-friendly, this is definitely worth checking out.

Final Thoughts:

If you’ve been trying to find ways to get out of the house without your “free day” somehow turning into an unexpected spending day… this is a solid option.

The Cummer Museum gives you art, nature, beautiful views, and family-friendly activities all in one.

I’ll leave the direct link to their calendar below so you can double-check dates and details before you go.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE LINK TO CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS!

And definitely check out my experience video below too so you can see what it was like for yourself.

Let me know if you try it — I’d love to hear what you think! Catch y’all in the next stop.