If you’re a parent in Duval, Clay, or St. Johns County, you already know the drill: Florida heat (or a surprise rainstorm) hits, and suddenly you need a plan for toddler play that doesn’t involve bouncing off the living room walls. Lucky for us, Northeast Florida has some genuinely great indoor toddler play spaces, and I wanted to round up my favorites in one place.
These four spots span from Ponte Vedra Beach to St. Augustine, from Fleming Island to Riverside, so no matter where you’re coming from, there’s a toddler play space nearby. Here’s the lineup, with everything you need to plan your visit.
1. The Little Social — Ponte Vedra Beach
The Little Social is a Montessori-inspired children’s play café tucked into Ponte Vedra Beach, and it’s an easy favorite for toddler play with a side of actual parent comfort. Think sensory exploration stations, a STEAM playground, imaginative play zones, cozy reading nooks, and a dedicated baby and toddler section, all inside a space that also runs a full café so you can grab a coffee while your little one plays. They round things out with mommy and me yoga, art and music classes, and private party rentals for birthdays. There’s a reason why they are ranked at #1 on my list – they are personally my favorite! The staff and owners are so wonderful, and they truly have your best interest at heart. I also host Personality Portraits and Mommy & Me Portraits there a couple times a year and they are my actual favorite.
- Address: 145 Hilden Rd., Ste. 122, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
- Phone: (904) 553-3894
- Website: thelittlesocial.com
- Instagram: @the.little.social
2. The Shanty & Co — St. Augustine
The Shanty & Co is more than a toddler play space, it’s a full community hub in the heart of St. Augustine. Along with open play and kids’ classes, they host social events, support homeschool families, and rent out their 2,000+ square feet of indoor and outdoor space for private parties and gatherings. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for toddler play plus a genuine sense of community, all in one spot. Be sure to check out their calendar and IG for upcoming events and classes!
- Address: 96 S Dixie Hwy, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Phone: (239) 784-0128
- Website: theshantyandco.com
- Instagram: @theshantyandco
3. Bunny Hive Jacksonville — Riverside
Bunny Hive just opened its Jacksonville location in the Riverside area, and it’s shaping up to be one of the best new spots for toddler play in the city. This is more than a play space, Bunny Hive bills itself as a social club for little ones and their grownups, with grownup-and-me classes, themed pop-ups, and private party rentals for birthdays and baby showers. Memberships cover the whole family, so siblings can share. They have an extensive list of groups, classes and events to choose from!
- Address: 3567 Saint Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205
- Email: jacksonville@thebunnyhive.com
- Website: thebunnyhive.com/jacksonville
- Instagram: @thebunnyhivejax
4. Little Land Play and Grow — Fleming Island
Out in Clay County, Little Land Play and Grow is a bright, Montessori-inspired indoor play space built specifically with babies, toddlers, and young children in mind. They have a simple, clean setup made for open play, birthday parties, and easy weekday visits, with a weekday membership option if toddler play is becoming a regular part of your routine.
- Address: 4479-4 Hwy 17, Fleming Island, FL 32003
- Phone: (904) 495-2272
- Website: littlelandplayandgrow.com
- Instagram: @littlelandplayandgrow_32003
Find the Toddler Play Spaces Closest to You
I know that when my kids were little, I was constantly looking for fun, safe and engaging places for them to play. I love that all of these options also provide tons of opportunity for community and connection among parents as well. So the next time you need to fill your rainy day (or blazing hot Florida afternoon), these four spots make toddler play easy on the kids and genuinely relaxing for the grownups too. Always double check hours and reservation requirements before you head out, since play cafés like these often need advance booking for busier days and times.
+ Comments