# Timucuan Preserve Winter Marsh Boardwalk Hikes & Observation Tower > Place to go for families in the Jacksonville area (FL). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open daily sunrise to sunset; parking area gate closes at 5:00 PM - Where: Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve, 13165 Mt Pleasant Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 - Ages: All ages welcome (scenic nature walks, wildlife observation tower, and historic Timucuan shell middens) - Price: Free admission; Free trailhead parking - Schedule: Open daily sunrise to sunset; parking area gate closes at 5:00 PM - Organizer: National Park Service (NPS) - Official page: https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/troosevelt.htm - 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/timucuan-preserve-winter-marsh-boardwalk-hikes-and-observation-tower--listing-50dab6df62f7d7df20dd167b ## About Comprising 600 acres of protected maritime forest, salt marsh, and ancient wetland ecosystems, the Theodore Roosevelt Area within the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a natural treasure for family winter explorations. Named after the conservationist president, this serene natural wilderness features well-marked trail networks traversing ancient Timucuan oyster shell middens dating back thousands of years. Families can trek the flat 2-mile circuit to the elevated marsh observation tower, which affords sweeping 360-degree views across Round Meadow and the winding tidal waters of the St. Johns River. In the cool winter months, flocks of migrating white pelicans, bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons feed in the glistening salt marshes. Wooden boardwalk bridges over wetland ravines give children an up-close look at fiddler crabs and coastal marsh grasses without getting their shoes muddy. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Trailheads start with packed earth and wooden boardwalk segments; heavy-duty jogging or all-terrain strollers recommended due to occasional exposed tree roots on dirt paths. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Wooden benches are situated at scenic trail overlooks and atop the marsh viewing tower; rustic trailhead facilities available near the main parking lot. • Age Suitability: Excellent for active toddlers, school-age children, teens, and nature-loving parents who enjoy gentle hiking adventures. • Sensory Tips: Incredibly tranquil forest sanctuary with crisp woodland aromas, rustling leaves, and gentle marsh bird calls; shaded canopy protects children from intense Florida sunshine. ## Similar picks in Jacksonville - [Fort Caroline National Memorial Winter Nature Trails & Timucuan History Exhibit](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/fort-caroline-national-memorial-winter-nature-trails-and-timucuan-hist--listing-6f7e569412bf1a43bde55269) — Open Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Visitor Center open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM… · Fort Caroline National Memorial · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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