As a former nanny, I understand the daily challenge of keeping your tiny boss(es) entertained all day. Most of the time, all a child wants is to be with their parents, so it’s a necessity to have something epic planned to distract them from the fact that you’re not Mom or Dad. 

If you’re bored of the beach and the same old local playgrounds and are looking for some new places to spice up your nanny days, consider these options below that are fun for your kid and fun for you! 

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Location: 370 Zoo Parkway Jacksonville, FL 32218

Pros:

• Ranked as one of the top attractions in the whole city!

• Home to over 2,000 animals, representing more than 300 species

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming navigating alone as a nanny

• Not an option when it’s raining, scorching hot, or cold

Pricing: 

• Adults: $29.95 - $34.95

• Ages 3-12: $24.95 - $29.95

• Children under 2 are free

The “Hands On” Children’s Museum 

Location: 8580 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL

Pros:

• Spacious indoor playspace with tons of themed play areas: a firefighter, EMT, and police area, grocery store, lego building, basketball court, kitchen, immersive outer space area, coloring tables, ball pit, and more!

• So much fun for ages 2-6; you can spend multiple hours here without them getting bored.

Cons:

• It’s very big and hard to chase a toddler, with many places they can get lost if they run off. Not designed for crawlers/kids younger than 1, either.

• No seating for adults or designated snack area.

• They have toys for sale up front. Your kid will beg you to buy a toy and then throw a tantrum when you say no every time. 

• Some reviews say that it has a “run down,” dirty feel with unhappy employees.

Pricing:

• Ages 1-3: $6.50

• Ages 4-99: $7.50

• Children under 1 are free

The Enchanted Cottage

Location: 2344 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Pros: 

• Indoor playspace with fun climbing structures such as a wooden treehouse and swing set, along with multiple themed rooms: a dress up room with tons of costumes, kitchen area, building room with giant magna tiles and blocks, and tiny tots area specifically for babies and nursing moms.

• Complete open line of sight, so you can see your kid from anywhere!

• Plenty of comfy seating for you to relax while they play

• Designed specifically for ages 0-4 (the sweet spot being under 2), so it’s a safe place where you don’t have to worry about them being trampled by big kids

• Peaceful, clean, safe ambience. Chasing and taking care of a child all day can be stressful and exhausting, and coming here is such a great place where you and the child can relax and recharge. 

• Designated snack area out in the lobby, along with complimentary coffee, tea, and filtered water! 

• Friendly staff of moms whose kids are built-in playmates!

• Bonus fun: bi-monthly craft days for kids, weekly crocheting and book club for caregivers, and daily story time!

Cons:

• If your child is over 4, it will probably be boring for them. However, there is an enclosed lego room specifically for kids 5 and up!

• Closed from 12-2 pm (convenient for nap time, though!) so you will need to time your day to come either in the morning from 9-12 or afternoon from 2-5. 

Pricing:

• Drop-in play: $19 for 1 child, $29 for 2 children

• $80 unlimited monthly membership, $59 for 4 play sessions a month

• Adults and babies under 4 months are free

If The Enchanted Cottage existed when I was a nanny, I truly would have come every single day–because that’s what it’s designed for! By becoming a member and coming every day, it creates a safe, predictable anchor for both you and your kid. They have a community full of friendly faces and toys that your child will feel both comfortable with and stimulated by; it’s like a giant living room, with friends and without the cleanup!

The Enchanted Cottage is so easy to build into your rhythm. If I were a nanny again, my perfect day would look something like:

1. Breakfast

2. Pack snacks and water and head to The Enchanted Cottage

3. Play at The Enchanted Cottage from 9 am to 12 pm and let them have an absolute blast playing with friends and getting some energy out, while I have a relaxing morning sitting on the couch enjoying a cup of complimentary coffee. We would stay for story time, of course!

4. Head home for a nap at 12

5. After nap, eat lunch

6. Head to the park for a few hours

7. Home for dinner
   

Shout out to all you nannies out there; it truly takes a village to raise a child, and you are a vital part of that village. I hope this list inspires you to create beautiful new memories together!