JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach said Wednesday that it is closing its doors for good after serving for 30 years as a community staple.
The park was in the middle of its haunted house season when the closure was announced.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Adventure Landing announces permanent closure after 30 years of bringing family fun to Jacksonville Beach
Kaden Young, a former actor at Haunt Nights, described the park as “almost like a second home,” adding that he cried before saying one last goodbye to the business that created so many cherished memories for him.
“Honestly, I shed some tears, and I went to Adventure Landing yesterday just to say one last goodbye,” Young said. “I saw a bunch of the staff who weren’t even on the clock, just sitting around tables, sharing stories or walking through the park. Or just hugging each other for the last time that they’re gonna be able to.”
Danielle, the former casting director for Haunt Nights, explained how the event was more than just a job for many involved.
“People have had their children come through and then haunt with them. It was a staple in the Jax Beach community. And it’s very, very sad for such a giant part of everyone’s lives to just be gone like that,” she said.
A sign now marks the park’s parking lot, signaling the end of an era. Despite the closure, employees say the memories and bonds formed will last a lifetime.
“Not many high schoolers will cry if the place they’re working at gets closed because they’ll just go out and find another job,” Young noted. “But it says something when they’re bawling tears and uncontrollably crying because they genuinely cannot find a better family than the one they had there.”
Danielle added, “We are now a full cast without a home. None of us want to be done, but the choice was kind of made for us.”
Hank Woodburn, who opened Adventure Landing in 1995, released a statement expressing gratitude for the park’s role in the community. He said, “We’ve been honored to be part of countless birthday parties, family traditions, and year-round memories. Watching generations of families create joy together—from parents who visited as children now bringing their own kids—has been an extraordinary blessing from God.”
Adventure Landing also informed guests that tokens, gift certificates, or redemption arcade tickets from the Jacksonville Beach location can be redeemed at their St. Augustine park.