Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum is an affordable indoor play area where children have a wonderful time and can burn off energy. It is described as a great place, especially for toddlers and young elementary kids, with lots of really great play areas and so many things to do. Parents appreciate that they can get involved with their children’s play, which is often not allowed elsewhere. The space is very big, featuring a room meant for younger kids with items easy to reach. It is considered a good way to waste a rainy day or tire kids out. However, the place is frequently described as dirty and a little run down. Common observations include a musty or overwhelming smell, dust in places, and children's feet turning black from the floor. Some toys are noted as obviously dirty. Maintenance issues are mentioned, such as a mop bucket left out, an unlevel floor, and a generally dingy appearance. While some note workers wiping surfaces, the cleaning is often seen as insufficient during busy hours, with suggestions for better daily disinfection and a potential child cap limit. The experience can depend on the day, with Saturdays being extremely busy and crowded, while weekdays are much better with very low crowds. The attitude of workers receives mixed feedback, with one report of a worker speaking to children with a nasty attitude. Despite the concerns about cleanliness and upkeep, most children have a great time, play for hours, and do not want to leave, making it a gem of a find for parents on a budget seeking a different activity.
Great exhibits and kept my grandson busy for hours! I loved that so many staff members were cleaning up areas and resetting the items for use. We will be back!
May 2026
Kids had a blast here. My daughter's favorite part was the wheel chair basketball and my sons was the train set.
April 2026
Place is awesome for the younger kids. It has so much to do and is a learning experience at the same time..
