School is quickly coming to an end which means you may be looking for some enjoyable activities to do with the kids over the summer. After all, you want the kids to have fun, and you also want to avoid hearing those dreaded words, “I’m bored!”
Luckily, there is no shortage of fun activities in the Gainesville area – both indoors and outdoors! From parks to museums to planetariums, check out these places in Gainesville that are perfect for the entire family.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Want to get out and explore nature? Then Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is the place to go! You can go hiking, check out some wildlife, or even enjoy a guided tour on Saturday mornings with one of the rangers. It’s also an ideal spot for a picnic, with picnic tables and grills available for you to use.
Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History has SOOO much to offer. With many amazing permanent exhibits, it’s always a good time to take the children to this museum. But be sure to check for the “Limited Time Only” exhibits, too. Currently, you can see: Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils (through summer 2022) which is sure to be a hit with the kids.
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a great place to take your kids to learn about different animals and have a lot of fun. The zoo has a variety of animals, including alligators, monkeys, and otters. In addition to being able to see the animals up close, you can also learn about their habitat, diet, and behavior. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs for children. These programs include animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and hands-on activities.
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with children in Gainesville, a visit to the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention is a great option. Named after Dr. James Robert Cade, the inventor of Gatorade, the museum is dedicated to promoting creativity and invention. It offers a variety of engaging exhibits and hands-on activities. There’s also a makerspace where children can tinker and create and a gift shop where they can purchase their own inventors’ kits.
Morningside Nature Center
With 278 acres, the Morningside Nature Center is a great way to spend some time outside. Kids can explore the trails and look for wildlife. You can visit the Living History Farm, which was created to represent a single-family rural home in the year 1870. Additionally, the kids will definitely want to take a look at the nature center and education building, where they can see all sorts of reptiles and amphibians and some cool taxidermy.
Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Is your child interested in space, the stars, and the solar system? Then they’re guaranteed to love a visit to the Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. The Planetarium offers stunning visuals of planets, stars and galaxies that will leave your children in awe. In addition, the Planetarium has a number of interactive exhibits that will teach your children about astronomy in a fun and engaging way. Be sure to check their website for shows especially geared toward children. Certainly an out-of-this-world experience!
Living in Gainesville has so many benefits, and one of them has to be our proximity to so many fun places to take children. This summer, why not explore some of these fantastic places with your children? Which one are you heading to first?
