About
Happy Acres Ranch is a farm and forest learning center, fully accredited preschool, and summer camp in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1953 by Marion Scarborough (née Nichols), it has remained family owned and operated for more than 70 years.
Set on 10 wooded acres in the Holiday Hill–Glynlea neighborhood on Jacksonville’s Southside, the campus features nature trails, an archery area, an indoor swimming pool, a large covered outdoor gym, a full-sized tennis court, open playing fields, a large spring-fed lake, and designated wetlands along Silversmith Creek. The ranch maintains a 9-stall horse barn with two exercise areas, plus 4+ acres of playgrounds and fields, 1.5 acres of dedicated preschool-only outdoor play areas, and 9,000+ sq ft of classrooms.
Happy Acres Ranch offers playschool, preschool, and kindergarten programs, along with seasonal programs and summer camps organized into themed weeks. It hosts school field trips and provides event space rentals for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and community events.