Jacksonville, North Carolina, is in Onslow County, approximately 101 miles southeast of Raleigh. The city serves as home to the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Air Station New River, and ranks as a major cultural and business center for the county, explains the city's official website. Throughout the city, residents, service members and visitors can find attractions and activities aimed at children of all ages.
Jacksonville Council for the Arts
The Jacksonville Council for the Arts -- on New Bridge Street near the intersection of Johnson Boulevard, of downtown Jacksonville -- offers activities for children year-round, including classes and special event performances geared toward preschoolers that include music, puppets and live theater.
In the "Learn from the Masters" series of classes, kids spend two hours alongside accomplished local artists, creating projects and learning new techniques. A series of Mommy and Me courses let preschoolers and their caregivers work together to create a craft or art project. The council also offers weekly art classes for home-schooling students. You must register in advance for classes, some of which are free.
Lynnwood Park Zoo
The 10-acre Lynnwood Park Zoo, on Wells Road, off Richlands Highway northwest of downtown Jacksonville, is a privately owned facility that has served as a children's attraction since 1994. Visitors will find more than 80 animal exhibits at the zoo, including zebras, ocelots, American alligators and silver pheasants. The zoo's picnic area lets families have lunch overlooking a half-acre pond. Open to the public Friday through Monday, the zoo closes Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and on major holidays. General admission cost $6 as of October 2010, and children enjoy discounted admission prices. Parking is free at the zoo.
Onslow County Public Library
The Onslow County Public Library's main branch location, on Doris Avenue East between Plaza Drive and Gum Branch Road, sits in the north end of downtown. The public library system in the county has existed since 1936, and the Jacksonville branch opened in 1952 at its present location.
The branch offers three story-time programs -- aimed at youngsters from birth to age 5 -- with one or two sessions for each age group held during the week. Children listen to a read-aloud story, and then participate in activities such as movement, singing and finger plays. For second- to fifth-graders, the library hosts an American Girl book club that meets once per month to discuss an installment of the "American Girl" novel series.
The library also hosts a family movie night once per month; other events, such as children's performances and craft workshops, occur throughout the year. You'll find schedules of the library's free children's events online and in print at the library. Free, on-site parking is available.
Tags: Onslow County, American Girl, Council Arts, County Public, County Public Library