Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Artisans' Guild GalleryArtist-cooperative gallery
- Hector Framing and GalleryArt gallery
- Matheson History MuseumHistory museum
Family
Things to do in Gainesville with kids
4 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Gainesville, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Library Partnership: A Neighborhood Resource Center912 Ne 16Th Avenue
- Headquarters Library401 East University Avenue
- Jail Library3333 Ne 39Th Avenue
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Lake Shore Group Camp38 mi southeast
- Ocean Pond Campground39 mi north
- Big Scrub Campground56 mi southeast
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Ocean Pond Campground39 mi north
- Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge47 mi southwest
- Juniper Springs Rec Area51 mi southeast
Get a feel for the city
A WALK AROUND TOWN
Downtown Gainesville Florida Walking Tour
A recorded downtown Gainesville walk, passing University Avenue, storefront blocks and the clock-tower area. Shared by Florida Streaming; the creator’s closing graphics are part of the original film.
Watch on YouTube ↗
A WALK AROUND TOWN
A Relaxing Walking Tour Downtown Gainesville, Florida | City Walk USA
A short recorded walk along downtown Gainesville’s palm-lined streets and pedestrian areas, including The Promenade. Shared by City Walk USA.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Gainesville with kids?
Indoor fun (6), Libraries (4), Picnic spots (7), Wildlife and nature (18). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Gainesville for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Gainesville when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.