At the Y, we believe that foundations for a healthy future begin at home. That’s why we’re offering Families Unplugged as a way for families to connect with one another without the distraction of electronics and as a break from the everyday routine. Most activities are included with a YMCA membership!
Activities include:
- Parent’s Night Out
- A great night for both parents and kids! Parents enjoy a night out while kids engage in fun and safe activities such as, cool games, arts and crafts and snack. This is FREE to our valued members and an added benefit to your membership.
- Family Arts & Crafts
- Family Movie Night
- Family Dances
- Holiday Special Events
- and so much more!
Activities vary by branch.
See online listings and Register Now
New Worlds Reading Initiative
Jacksonville, FL – The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has announced that, in collaboration with the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs, it will Implement the New Worlds Reading Initiative. The initiative will offer free books & literacy tools to VPK-5th graders in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay & Baker County. The program, funded by the Florida Legislature in 2021 and administered by The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, allows the YMCA of the Florida’s First Coast to implement the program locally to students within its geographical service area.
The New Worlds Reading initiative is designed to help children develop early learning and reading skills with free books and literacy-focused activities. The Y is creating partnerships with over 50 Title I elementary schools in the Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay & Baker County School District, in hopes of reaching as many children as possible in the VPK-5th grade range that qualify for the program. The Y will host several events highlighting the program, which includes the distribution of free, age-appropriate books to each participating student and providing a meal and literacy workshop for all in attendance.
Join the New Worlds Reading Initiative and the First Coast YMCA for upcoming family-friendly literacy events throughout Northeast Florida. Families can connect, have fun and discover resources that help children build a lifelong love of reading.
Upcoming Events
Whitehouse Elementary
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m.
11160 General Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32220
Argyle Elementary School
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m.
2625 Spencer Plantation Blvd.
Orange Park, FL 32073
Coppergate Elementary School
Thursday, October 8, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m.
3460 Copper Colts Court
Middleburg, FL 32068
Lake Lucina Elementary School
Thursday, October 15, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m.
6527 Merrill Road
Jacksonville, FL 32277
YMCA at Baptist North
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00–11:30 a.m.
11236 Baptist Health Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Middleburg Elementary
Tuesday November 10, 2026
5:30-7:00 p.m.
3958 Main Street
Middleburg, FL 32068
Westview Elementary School
Thursday, November 12, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m.
5270 Connie Jean Road
Jacksonville, FL 32210
University Park Public Library
Saturday, November 14, 2026
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
3435 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32277
To register for a New Worlds Reading Event, please contact Rachelle Ragsdale at rragsdale@fcymca.org.
