# Castaway Island Preserve Winter Salt Marsh Overlooks & Boardwalk Nature Walks > Place to go for families in the Jacksonville area (FL). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open daily 7:30 AM to sunset (approximately 5:30 PM in winter) - Where: Castaway Island Preserve, 2885 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 - Ages: All ages welcome (paved and boardwalk trails with educational wildlife signs and kayak launch) - Price: Free admission; Free parking on-site - Schedule: Open daily 7:30 AM to sunset (approximately 5:30 PM in winter) - Organizer: City of Jacksonville & Preservation Project Jacksonville - Official page: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-activities/castaway-island-preserve - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/castaway-island-preserve-winter-salt-marsh-overlooks-and-boardwalk-nat--listing-166e1a6b2932cf071f54c08e ## About Bordering the Intracoastal Waterway along San Pablo Road, Castaway Island Preserve protects more than 300 acres of pristine coastal salt marsh, maritime hammock, and tidal creek ecosystems. The preserve is an exceptional family walking destination, featuring a completely ADA-accessible, elevated wooden boardwalk that extends gracefully over shimmering marshlands. Along the path, colorful, interactive interpretive signs teach children about fiddler crab colonies, marsh snails, manatee migrations, and coastal wading birds like snowy egrets and roseate spoonbills. Two scenic observation platforms equipped with mounted spotting viewers offer sweeping panoramas across the Intracoastal Waterway where kids can watch passing tugboats and motor yachts. The adjoining education center offers hands-on nature discovery exhibits, while a sheltered canoe and kayak launch invites families to paddle peaceful tidal tributaries on calm winter afternoons. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Outstanding accessibility featuring wide, level wooden boardwalks and paved perimeter loop trails perfect for strollers and wagons of all sizes. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Covered marsh overlooks with built-in wooden bench seating, plus clean public restrooms with changing counters at the education center pavilion. • Age Suitability: Perfect for all ages, from infants riding in strollers to active elementary school children eager to spot coastal wildlife. • Sensory Tips: Cool, refreshing coastal breezes and gentle rippling tides provide a soothing outdoor ambiance; elevated railings ensure safety for toddlers observing tidal flats below. ## Similar picks in Jacksonville - [Dutton Island Preserve Winter Marsh Walks & Fishing Pier Strolls](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/dutton-island-preserve-winter-marsh-walks-and-fishing-pier-strolls--listing-55192d1d2e9129fb6c385c71) — Open daily 7:30 AM to sunset (closing around 5:30 PM in winter) · Dutton Island Preserve, Atlantic Beach · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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