9 Best Things to Do with Kids in Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville, Florida, is a great city to explore with kids. Its diverse offerings make it a great family destination.

Let’s get started.

Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History

The Florida Museum of Natural History is a great place to take your family if you’re interested in learning about the state’s natural history.

The museum has exhibits on Florida’s ecosystems, fossils, Native Americans, and more. There are also plenty of educational programs and activities for kids.

Take a walk or bike ride through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Florida, located south of Micanopy and northeast of Gainesville.

The park includes a 20,000-acre (81 km2) prairie and is one of the largest remaining near-natural dry prairies in the United States. It is home to many endangered and threatened species including the Florida panther, wood stork, and sandhill crane. The park also has a variety of recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, fishing, and bird watching.

Get up close and personal with alligators at the Gainesville Alligator Farm

The Gainesville Alligator Farm is a great place to learn about and experience alligators up close.

The staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and they are more than happy to share their expertise with visitors. The farm offers a variety of tours and programs that allow guests to get an up-close look at these amazing creatures.

Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding at Lake Alice

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature with your family.

Lake Alice is a great place to paddleboard, as it is surrounded by trees and has a calm surface. Paddleboarding is a great workout, and it is also a lot of fun. You can rent paddleboards at many local stores, or you can bring your own.

Cool off with a swim at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a great place to take the kids for a swim.

The gardens have a large pond with a sandy beach area and plenty of shady areas to relax in. The staff is very friendly and the grounds are well-maintained.

Take a scenic drive down the Country Road 441

The Country Road 441 is a great place to take a scenic drive with kids in Gainesville.

The road is full of twists and turns, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way to take in the sights. The kids will love seeing all of the different animals that live along the road, and they’ll also enjoy getting out to explore the many different nature trails.

Visit the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History

The Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History is a great place to take the family to learn about and see butterflies up close.

This exhibit features a variety of live butterflies from around the world in a tropical setting. Visitors can also learn about the lifecycle of butterflies, their ecology, and how to identify different species.

Get your adrenaline fix at Gainesville Raceway

Gainesville Raceway is a great place to take the kids for an adrenaline fix.

The track is fast and exciting, and the kids will love watching the races. There are also plenty of other activities to keep them entertained, including a playground and a variety of food options.

The Harn Museum of Art

The Harn Museum of Art is a great place to take kids in Gainesville.

The museum has a wide variety of art to view, and also offers many interactive activities for kids. There are often special events and programs for children, making it a great place to learn about art and culture.