This control panel describes what kinds of cookies are present on this website and allows you to enable or disable different types of cookies.
Cookies are small pieces of text saved by websites to your computer. Cookies are how your computer remembers things you’ve already done on the internet and are an important part of making modern websites work properly.
Because cookies may contain information about your browsing habits, some people prefer to turn them off entirely. However, turning off cookies can prevent websites from working the way you expect.
Essential cookies
These cookies are critical to the functioning of this website and cannot be disabled through this control panel. They don’t contain any information about your identity. They can be disabled through your browser, but doing so could cause some parts of this website to stop working.
WordPress
wordpress_, wp-
Always enabled
Analytics cookies
These cookies collect information on visitors to our website to help us understand how well our website is working and how to improve it.
No vendors are present in this group.
Targeting cookies
These cookies collect information on your browsing habits to help our advertising partners show you more relevant ads.
No vendors are present in this group.
Social media cookies
These cookies help social media sites understand your likes and dislikes so they can show you more relevant content. They also make it easier to share contents from other websites such as ours to your social media profiles.
10+ Family-Friendly Adventures in Gainesville + Alachua County
Road Trip to the Center of the State!
Gainesville and Alachua County offer the perfect family-friendly summer getaway. This affordable destination packs adventure for kids and adults alike, with natural springs, wildlife preserves and interactive museums that won’t break the budget. Discover why this lively area in the heart of Florida has become a favorite for families seeking memorable experiences without the crowds and high prices of coastal attractions.
Explore the Great Indoors and Expand Your Kids’ Sense of Wonder
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Did you know Gatorade was invented in Gainesville at the University of Florida? The Cade Museum is named after lead inventor Dr. Robert Cade and celebrates the spirit of invention and discovery for all ages. A permanent exhibit explores the history of Gatorade, while rotating exhibits focus on specific inventions and interactive demonstrations to keep each visit to the museum unique. The Cade Museum is adjacent to downtown Gainesville gem Depot Park which features a playground, splash pad, nature trails, and dining.
Right next door to the Florida Museum is the Harn Museum of Art with major collections of Asian, African, modern, contemporary art and photography, and even has a Claude Monet and Kehinde Wiley. Release your family’s inner artist with the Harn’s “always-on” art experiences, including the Art Cart which offers art activities, tactile opportunities, games and more. The Harn also has scavenger hunts to take into the galleries to engage in conversation and spark excitement.
Pro-Tip: The Harn has a great gift shop with affordable, family-friendly items to keep your kids entertained on the drive home!
Carson Springs is top-rated on Trip Advisor for a reason – this conservation and educational facility has over 100 animals, including rare and endangered species, which are cared for on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland. Carson Springs has tigers, hyenas, panthers, and is the home of famous best friends, Tuesday the cheetah and Penzi the tortoise. Click to meet the animals.
Have you ever seen a tree kangaroo, gibbon, or lemur? Now’s your chance at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has over 70 different species of animals and is maintained by about 100 students enrolled in the college’s premier Zoo Animal Technology program.
Marvel at the Bald Eagles, White-throated capuchin monkeys, American alligators, Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo and Asian small-clawed otters in a naturally shaded (think cool) environment. The 1/4 mile trail through the wooded environment is lined with mulch and is stroller and/or wheelchair accessible.
Admission is just two carrots, but you’ll want to bring plenty more for the friendly residents. At Mill Creek Farm, you’ll meet 126 horses, two donkeys, and one mule spread across 335 acres of peaceful sanctuary.
Open only on Saturdays, this equine haven provides a home for older, neglected, and abandoned horses who now roam freely in the pastures. It’s a sweet, heartwarming experience that’s well worth your weekend visit.
Every evening at sunset over half a million free-flying bats emerge from the University of Florida Bat Houses and fly out over a field and Lake Alice, eating up mosquitoes and other flying insects. If you arrive early, you can explore the beautiful Baughman Center and gardens that are near the bat houses, and during certain times of the year, the field and garden will be filled with blooming flowers!
Lubee Bat Conservancy is an international non-profit organization dedicated to saving bats and their habitats through research, conservation, and education, with a focus on children and community engagement. They provide a unique educational setting, permitting visitors close viewing of animals in a working conservation center environment. Lubee is located on 110 acres of beautiful old Florida country in a very secluded and peaceful setting. Tours can be given any day of the week and typically last 1-2 hours. Check out their live bat cam!
Explore Nature’s Playgrounds and Take in the View at Parks and Gardens
Depot Park: Something for Everyone!
Families will love Depot Park’s playground and splash pad for an active day out. Children can enjoy a variety of play equipment including a shaded train-themed plaground while the blue grotto splash pad features interactive water features inspired by local caverns, complete with authentic fossils. The park offers excellent biking and skating opportunities along waterfront paths and through conservation areas, connecting to the Rails-to-Trails network and Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail.
For refreshments, visit the historic Depot Station building where Parkside Convenience offers snacks and treats, Goldie’s Burgers serves delicious options including smash burgers and vegetarian choices. Adults can relax at Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offers magical wildlife viewing and outdoor experiences. Climb the 50-foot observation tower at the South Entrance to see wild horses, bison and eagles across this natural wonder. The Visitor Center (open 9am-4pm daily) showcases the area’s natural and cultural significance. At the separate North entrance, La Chua Trail leads to a boardwalk with views of the sinkhole and wildlife including birds and alligators.
One of Gainesville’s more popular attractions is Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Pet-friendly, paved pathways help navigate the collections spanning 68 acres. The children’s garden features special plants, fish ponds, and waterfalls. Listen to the whistling wind create an amazingly peaceful sound in the stunning bamboo garden, the largest public display of bamboo in Florida. It’s a perfect place to pack a lunch and enjoy the splendor.
Don’t miss this jewel of a park—a 125-acre environmental sanctuary with 3.5 miles of flat trails and boardwalks where visitors can observe diverse wildlife, including birds, butterflies and alligators. The parks offer public walking tours on the 1st Sunday (8:30 a.m.) and 2nd Saturday (2 p.m.) of the month from September – May. You can also book a tour in an accessible tram on Mondays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 2 p.m. here.
Dave & Buster’s at Celebration Pointe features state-of-the-art games and a varied menu for all ages. Enjoy exclusive games you won’t find elsewhere, with half-price gaming every Wednesday.
For unlimited play with a single admission fee, visit locally owned Bragging Rights in Downtown Gainesville, home to classic arcade games and pinball machines, where children 3 and under play free.
Mini-Golf at the Pink Flamingo
Mini-Golf at The Pink Flamingo Diner Located behind the polished stainless steel diner in High Springs, an 18-hole mini-golf course tees up family fun perfect for the kids to burn up extra energy. Each hole represents a Florida spring, complete with educational signs. The Pink Flamingo Diner is a great place to sit down and enjoy great food, milkshakes and more!
Gator Spirit (and selfies!) at the Swamp
If visiting the University of Florida, check out Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, a.k.a. The Swamp. The stadium hosts Gators football games and is open to the public year-round, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. via Gate 18 (double-check before you head out, the schedule may change). The nearby Heavener Football Complex showcases Gators history, and the Gator SportShop offers team merchandise. For a great family photo, pose by the 15-foot Bull Gator statue outside Gate 18. Chomp!
Seasonal Festivals
Plan Ahead for Local Art, Music and Cultural Festivals
Make the most of your stay with festivals and special events in Gainesville and Alachua County.
During the Florida Museum’s large-scale expansion project, exhibits are temporarily closed to the public. The anticipated reopening date is in late 2026.
North Florida boasts over 1,000 springs, including the largest collection of First Magnitude springs in the United States. Find your chill in the crystal-clear waters that bubble from underground at 72°F year-round. Plan your adventure at an Alachua County or Florida State park, or visit a local outfitter for rentals and guided tours.
