When you arrive at this museum you might think “heck no”. Just take a breathe and walk in! My son had an amazing time. There is a lot packed into the building but enough room for the kids to enjoy themself. I would highly recommend visiting and it won’t break you wallet.

Affordable. A cute little establishment with a decent amount of things for a child to enjoy. I wish they would turn the temperature down when it's 85 degrees outside or install a fan in the space room but other than that- it's a good spot for a play date. My Son is 18m and enjoyed basically everything except the wheelchair basketball area [since that's not something he can do].... Friendly establishment; with they would allow you to have a snack or food inside. It's a downer for those with hypoglycemia.

Just visiting from out of town and was looking for someplace to take my 6,4,2, and 6 month old kids. The outside doesn't do this place justice. So much to do inside. Lots of pretend play, dress ups, grocery shopping play, basketball, trains, building, and for babies who are just walking has their own room so they don't get trampled by all the big kids. Friendly staff who keeps up the place and cleans up after kids who are not cleaning up after themselves. Parents need to teach their kids to put things back where they found it. Came on a Saturday which was very busy. Overall, the kids had fun and had so much to do.

It was a good experience but my 1 yr old isn't quite ready for what they have to offer. But I look forward to taking her when she is a little older. It's really great for kids 3 and up. But that's just my opinion. My 10 yr old nieces love the place. It's great for kids w imagination and who like to pretend.

Photos looked super well put together and very nice; but it’s definitely ran down, isn’t very clean, toys are grungy, staff just sits around doesn’t walk around or supervise and bathrooms haven’t seemed to be cleaned in a while.. Definitely not worth the $22 it cost me to come here.

They recently updated a few of the areas and the restrooms. Was very clean in relation to previous visits. My 16 month old and almost 4 year old love it. Only $5.50 for adults and like $4 for most kids. Great value and great on a hot or rainy day!

This place is exactly what this area needs! It is too hot to run around on an outdoor playground. This place has all the little hands love for playing and learning. As an adult I noticed a few little things that needed cleaning, improvement, or upgrades, but nothing a child would care about and that is mostly what matters

We took our 8, 5, and 3 year olds here and they loved every minute. I really wish I would've found this place before our last day of vacation. There were so many themed rooms with so many toys we could have stayed all day! Definitely check this place out if you're in the area. Lots to do for all ages and the staff is very present and very friendly. We will absolutely go here again when we're back in the area.

My kids and niece and nephew loved Hands On. We are on vacation from Alabama and we came to visit. The kids had a blast. The only thing I would suggest is better air conditioning. It was extremely hot in there but other than that very fun place and experience for the kids.

There's a lot of things for kids to do of all ages, but my goodness! The amount of dust that I saw, the dirty toys, and mildew smell when you first walk in, I don't know if I'd ever visit again. At least not soon

Great place for kids. I've had it recommended to me quite a few times and finally got out there for a birthday party. Kids had a great time and, if we did have to pay, it wouldn't have been too expensive.

First time going there with my out of town guests. My god-daughther had so much fun! It's very informative, welcoming and practical. It's amazing how well put together it is and centered around Jacksonville community. I would return with my nephews. I'm also going to bring my students here for a field trip. I truly recommend educators (primary pre k to 2) to incorporate this location on their field trip list.

I’ll give two stars only because my son enjoyed it here. However, the front desk lady was extremely rude, wasn’t wearing a mask and I find it really odd they charge the adults to come in when all we do is monitor our children and clean up after them. The place is disgusting, my hands are black after throwing a few basketballs around. The steering wheels were sticky and most of the play areas were missing a lot of items so there wasn’t much to play with. Mind you, we got there at 10:00 so the place hadn’t been open for very long. They must just not clean it up. With us being in the middle of a pandemic, you’d think they’d be more on top of cleanliness.

Very fun time with my son and nepfew here. Always a good time here! Perfect for all ages. Many different areas to play pretend.

Went here to beat the heat and play indoors, and my son had a great time. I enjoyed the variety and the creativity of the different play areas available for kids, but it looks and smells like this place could really use a good deep cleaning.

Wish they had more indoor playgrounds like these, parking gets full pretty fast so go there early if you are planning a weekend

The kids had a awesome time exploring. The inside was much larger than I expected. The staff kept things orderly and was attentive to all areas.

The kids had a great time, the price is reasonable....I gave 3 stars because in my opinion, the museum seems a little old...kinda creepy vibes.the staff looked tired and don't seem to have social skills related to a child's play environment. Some youth or brighter smiles upon entering would be a nice way to welcome guests. You're responsible for your child's safety and behavior...So parents who let their kids run loose, there is no one (besides other parents and yourself) emphasizing safety in the play areas.. I also suggest they get better lighting, and upgrade the grocery and play areas (seems like the most used areas)

My kids have so much fun here. And since they have reopened, the place looks really clean and has new toys for kids to play with.

My son (4 years old) absolutely loves this place, my 7 year old has fun too, but not as much as my 4 yr old. The staff is very friendly and they keep the place clean and sanitary, as well as they could with kids running around! I absolutely recommend it for affordable fun for young kids!

Awsome place for kids to be kids .. my son had a blast.. friendly staff also

This place was a blast for me and my son!!! There were staff members there to keep up the organization required and the choice of attractions were wonderful for my son. It’s great for a lot of ages! My suggestion would be a little more safety precautions and separation between older children attractions and younger children attractions. Mostly what I mean is to have an adult around the area with slides because the parents don’t watch as much as they should and another kid almost hurt my son on a few occasions. Just a suggestion. This place was great and I will definitely return and recommend to other parents! I also think it’s great that they allow people to perform community service here.

This place was amazing and so affordable! For all 6 of us it was less than $50. We all had a blast. The staff was great, the place was clean. We will definitely be doing back.

The kids love this place to where we purchased the 1year membership Edited: EDITED EDITED: I called today to see if they were open and what are their safety precautions and are they extending your membership for the time that they were closeD. I was advised that the owner will not.. I repeat the owner is not extending your memberships during their closure. I don’t think that’s fair to our community, our kids, and/or OUR families.. All other theme parks and different memberships are extending their MEMBERSHIP WHY ISNT THIS LOCAL COMMUNITY BASED MUSEUM DOING THE SAME... SUPER DUPER SHAME Hands on of JACKSONVILLE CHILDREN!

Being new to the area we were looking for something comparable to the "please touch" museum in Philly. While this is smaller, it's easily as good or better in quality of the exhibits and activities for young children. They are taking sanitization and social distancing and mask policy seriously also. Our grand daughter had a blast there today. We have certainly put this on our list of regular haunts to spoil her!!

Cool concept… but we will never return :/ It’s run down and the toys were VERY dirty. For instance, the light wood Melissa and Doug train set is turning dark brown. My kids didn’t seem to mind though. The museum was crowded—birthday parties allow up to 42 people plus the general public. The staff was not sanitizing anything. We are just hoping none of us don’t get sick after our visit.

Gem of a find in Jax for parents of littles! I’ve been twice once on a Saturday and once on a weekday with my 4 yr old and 1 yr old. Saturdays are crowded but not impossible. Weekdays are better if possible because the crowds are very low. Reviews say it’s dirty but not in my experience. Maybe they have taken note and made changes because both times I’ve been there were workers walking around wiping down surfaces and picking up any trash. We have a membership and will be going regularly!

What a great, inexpensive way to spend an afternoon. Kids can play vet, fireman, banker, go grocery shopping and so much more. Yes, the items are a little old but I saw employees cleaning often. We took a 3 year old that loved it so much she refused to leave but it may not be as fun for kids over 7.

Great spot to stop and have the kids running around. There are many areas for kids to play, from a puppet show, fire fighters, grocery store and many more. The price is also very reasonable for a single entry, for both kids and adults. The only comment I have is that some of the areas didn't smell so good. I guess that's what happens when so many kids are running around, but a cleanup and some air refreshment will help :) Bottom line: great place, we will be back next time we are in the area :)

A really nice indoor facility for kiddos to burn off energy. My two year old had a great time playing in different sections. A lot of variety of toys and activities and great for a wide range of ages.

It's ok for little kids, my daughters loved the little winn dixie and the restaurant- all areas could be more well stocked but is fine for them. they have fun Playing different roles.

If you're planning on going more than once in a year, definitely get the membership because even though it's not expensive to go once it does add up quickly. Also their military discount is great. You essentially get one free adult if you purchase a membership. The place itself is a little rundown and some of the equipment is very dated but overall my kids always have a blast and they don't care what it looks like lol. The employees are always extremely nice as well. I would give five stars but the big slide they have over the ball pit really needs to be fixed because it has a crack in the window and is occasionally shut down.

If you’re looking for something indoors to get out of the heat or a rainy day I highly recommend checking this place out! I have been coming here almost a year with my toddlers and every time they have a blast! The staff is always amazing, and it seems like they are always trying to improve the exhibits they have. Definitely one of the best businesses to support in this area for the kids, and can’t beat the price! (Their memberships are definitely worth it!)

Came here for a birthday party and not really what I was expecting. My son had fun, but nothing was really educational, so don't think museum really fits.

6 yo grandson loved it. As a grandma I found it very loud during our afternoon trip. Lots of kids running around being kids with few adults present to supervise due to summer programs. Not being a Karen so don't get angry just speaking truth. I would go back again just not during Summer breaks. Worth the small fee they charged since we were there for 2 hours on a rainy day.

Kids had a great time. There is something for everyone. Great option for vacation or repeat visits. My kids were entertained for 4.5 hours and didn’t want to leave. Towards the end my son found a group of four who wanted to play firefighter together. Love the price.

Way too crowded!!! They should have a maximum occupancy so people can enjoy it better. Parents just let their kids run wild so my toddler was almost trampled quite a few times. The toddler area was nice but everything could use a good cleaning. We probably will not be back. It’s a nice place but the atmosphere killed it for me. Also caught Covid a few days after visiting and this was the only crowded place I was at prior to.

Really good place for kids 4-9 to play and opportunity to learn

People who give these 5-star reviews must be related to owners. Unfortunately my 2 grandkids like this place but even they were bored there today. It is run down, smells & individual sections have less interactive stuff every time we go. I don't profess to know what their overhead is but they should be able to do better. I feel that we all need a shower when we leave.

2023 UPDATE: I am absolutely thrilled to share my raving review for Jacksonville's hands-on children's museum! This place is an absolute gem for children and their families, offering an interactive and educational experience like no other. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be captivated by the wide array of exhibits and play areas designed to stimulate young minds and foster creativity. One of the highlights of this museum is the puppet castle, where children can let their imaginations run wild as they bring the colorful characters to life. The grocery store is another favorite, complete with carts and checkout lanes, allowing kids to role-play as customers or cashiers, learning about commerce in a fun and engaging way. The theatrical stage with dress-up costumes and seating for an audience is perfect for budding performers, instilling confidence and a love for the arts. For aspiring chefs, the 50's diner and kitchen area provide an opportunity to whip up delicious imaginary meals, while the climbing structures with slides keep the little ones active and entertained. The bank teller area, complete with fake money and coins, teaches valuable lessons about money management and responsibility. And who wouldn't love the chance to be a veterinarian in the dedicated area with kennels and exam tables? The fire truck exhibit is a definite crowd-pleaser, where kids can don firefighter coats and hats and slide down the fire pole on a rescue mission. The wooden train station area sparks the imagination of young train enthusiasts, while the wheelchair challenge basketball area promotes inclusivity and empathy. But wait, there's more! The radio and television broadcasting station, equipped with a teleprompter, allows kids to explore the exciting world of media and communication. And hidden away in the back, beyond the restrooms, lies a hidden treasure—a unique area with a spaceship and an exhibit simulating a moonrock dig. With astronaut gloves on, children can embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover buried treasures, sparking their curiosity about outer space. The museum also features a small gift shop, perfect for finding unique and educational toys or mementos. Whether you're planning a birthday party or simply want to spend a day of fun and learning, they offer options to purchase daily entry tickets or even a membership for frequent visitors. I must mention that they also provide discounts for first responders, military personnel, and veterans, which is a wonderful way to honor those who serve our community. One of the best things about this children's museum is its ability to provide a haven for families, regardless of the weather outside. Whether it's seeking refuge from the rain or escaping the harsh sun or heat, this place offers a safe and stimulating environment for children to learn and play. Affordable and far superior to any play area found in local malls, Jacksonville's hands-on children's museum is a must-visit destination. It not only entertains children but also nourishes their minds, helping them develop essential skills while having an absolute blast. Trust me when I say that this museum will leave a lasting impression on your child's imagination and create cherished memories for the whole family.

Only one work W O W My 4 and 2 years all were immerged into this place and we spent 4 hours there... My sons favorite area is the one with the train table and my daughters the 50's cafe. We were visiting my sister and got a membership we will be back in 2 months

Need new rules or the rules enforced or maybe make announcements about adults wearing mask and the children wearing socks and be control some of the playing times in sections or even have a limit on how many kids and parents are allowed in each section at a time do to covid. Wonderful place for kids to play my girl had a blast while I worried about others maybe spreading covid because they weren't following the rules of the pandemic.

Kids had fun here but I am not sure about going back. Germs are a scary thing but for the once that we went they loved it

My son loves this place

Good place for the kids to have fun

I loved it was amazing and very fun

Was the best place I have been for smaller children! They gad something to do for kids ages 1-10! They also have a separate staging area for the smaller children! Their prices was so GREAT! There is also a separate area for parties!! Worth visiting for sure

Very nice place, friendly staff, kids loved it 4 and 1

So many different games and it is very clean. Staff are friendly.

Not very clean.

Lots of activities

My kids are STILL talking about your wonderful museum days later and how they want to go back!! They just had such an amazing time!! We have never seen a place that was so we'll put together to teach our kids with fun!! Nothing disappointed. And the price was absolutely so low that we couldn't believe it! We will definitely come back every time we go to Jacksonville!!!!

Had a great time with my 13 mo in the toddler room. I wish the staff had been friendlier but we’ll definitely be back soon.

A great place for kiddos of all ages. Lots of great toys that are fun educational

You walk into toothless grandma taking money. Once inside all you hear is kids screaming and running around knocking over my 1 and 3 year old. After the second time of a child snatching something out my child’s hand I asked for a refund and left. Doesn’t look very clean and neat as pictures look online. Not impressed and would never return.

Nice place for children to explore the many different ways of life. They have a voting booth, kitchen, and grocery store, along with many other sets. The museum was clean and organized. Staff was friendly and tentative to cleaning behind the kids (the ones who didn't put things back after they played with them). During these uncertain times of COVID, wish there was a bit more sanitization or limiting the amount of people allowed in the museum at a time.

This Museum is amazing! There's so many things for children of all ages to do! The prices are very good and you can get yearly memberships as well!

So much fun for children of all ages. We'll definitely be returning. We took two 2 year olds, but will be going back with the 5 and 7 year old when they're out of school.

Wonderful place for the kids, price odd right just no food but that's ok we had a blast

This place was so cool. My boys had a GREAT time playing here! The prices are great and you can come and go as much as you like the day you pay.

This is the place where a kid can be a kid, adults can revisit their childhood watching their kids play and have fun. Really recommend.

Really awesome had lots of fun with the kids

My daughter loved this place! Very affordable and so much to do!

Cute place for the kids

It was a nice place for kids to play. Need to be more cleaner.

A nice, clean, safe place for kids to have fun. My children love coming here. 🥰

Honestly, the only redeeming quality of Jacksonville. Sorry my daughter's diaper exploded at one point!

Wonderful play place for the kids. They played non-stop for 2 hours.

Excellent zoo, but its a straight path and not a circle like most zoos.

Wonderful clean and easily able to social distance simce. Not many people are in there.

It's alot of fun for toddlers and babies. Many different activities and areas to explore and to let the creativity flow. It's really good for the imaginary stage of childhood. Will be back!

So much for young kids to do here; great way for parents to get a break

My kids love it there

My kids have always enjoyed playing here at the hands on museum. It’s a great way to connect kids with other little ones and most importantly the kids are hands on and exploring. This place reminds me of when I was a kid at fun zone I love it.

Went here with my two boys (2and4) today and we had a blast. They loved it so much they didn't want to leave. Seriously they were crying when we had to leave. When they say hands on they mean it. Theres a lot of stuff for kids to play with here. And for all of you bougie-selves complaining that it isn't clean, just stop. The place is clean and neat. We can't wait to go back.

My kids loved it here and it was super affordable

Great place to take your kids especially if you have toddlers and you want something different to do with your kids. Lots of other kids to play with. I thought this place was pretty cool as my toddler son likes to have freedom to touch and play freely. I’m one of those parents who watch their children closely so I did just that. I think the other parents did a great job watching their kiddos as well. I totally recommend!