Museum Hours: 10 AM–5 PM, Tuesday–Saturday & 1–5 PM on Sundays
Located on the University of Florida campus, visitors love taking quiet moments to admire the art pieces at The Harn Museum of Art. And while the Florida Museum of Natural History is undergoing renovations until 2026, this is the perfect time to see what’s happening next door.
Walk through galleries of Florida impression art, thought-provoking contemporary pieces, or international collections that explore different cultures. As the exhibits rotate seasonally, your visit could be the one opportunity to view an installation you’ve been interested in.
Park Hours: 8 AM–6 PM daily
Step back in time to the Gilded Age, where the Hogan Cabin, built in the 1840s, stands as a living history farm of old Florida. Surrounding Morningside’s historical single-family wooden home are 400+ acres of wildflowers, heritage breed farm animals, a schoolhouse, a barn, and walking trails.
The months from September through May are especially lively. Every Wednesday afternoon from 3–4 PM, visitors can feed hay and vegetables provided by park staff to the farm animals. The program is free of charge, but donations of carrots, squash, apples, sweet potatoes, and melons are accepted. The first Friday of each month from 2–3 PM, the Frogs and Friends program introduces kids to the wonders of insects and amphibians through hands-on activities (and may include live animals!).
Apart from these programs, the nature center always features live reptiles and amphibians, as well as taxidermy animals for guest viewing. There’s also a public restroom with water fountains and trail maps, making it a comfortable stop for a day outdoors.
For a dose of live entertainment, check out the University of Florida’s Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This versatile venue does it all. One night could be a Broadway-level production, and the next a World Ballet Company performance of The Great Gatsby. With a 1,700+ seat theater flanked by two reception foyers and plenty of refreshments available, the Phillips Center is an exceptional experience to share in with community.
Be sure to look at their schedule in advance to secure tickets to summer performances. They offer a calendar subscription so you can be regularly updated on showtimes.
Taking a dip in the cool, fresh water of the surrounding springs is especially refreshing during Florida’s hot summer months. Inside Alachua County but just a quick drive from Gainesville, High Springs is home to a vast network of crystal-clear springs. Poe Springs, Blue Springs, Rum Island, Itchetucknee Springs and River are all perfect destinations for immersing in some of Florida’s best natural wonders. You can swim, kayak, paddleboard, and tube at all these locations.
Ginnie Springs, a more well-known spot, offers underwater caves for experienced divers, along with picnic areas and camping options for a weekend getaway. It’s important to get your family and friends out of the house as early as possible, as spots fill up quickly during the summer. Find out which spring you should visit using this Visit Gainesville guide.
If you’re a fan of vintage finds, antique shopping, or just love browsing for one-of-a-kind treasures, Antique City Mall is the place to go. Located just a short drive from Gainesville, this massive 30,000-square-foot space is packed with over 200 dealers offering a mix of antiques, collectibles, and quirky vintage pieces.
You’ll stumble upon everything from elegant furniture and classic jewelry to retro home decor and nostalgic trinkets. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or love browsing for something unique, each visit promises something new. Their inventory changes daily, so you never know what hidden gems might be waiting for you this summer!
Downtown Gainesville offers a lot to do, and one of the top attractions is The Hippodrome. This historic theater is known for its independent films, live stage performances, and immersive storytelling experiences.
This summer, The Hippodrome is putting on the summer musical Pump Boys and Dinettes until July 6. This charming musical tells the story of six friends on a roadside adventure sharing their lives, loves, and dreams through foot-stomping music. Check their summer schedule for any updates and performances that you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Just off West University Ave, you’ll find one of Gainesville’s most fascinating natural spectacles—the UF Bat Houses. Spring through summer is the best time to view the bats, as the longer daylight hours provide more opportunities to see them emerge from the houses.
The Florida Museum website recommends arriving just before sunset and watching toward the western sky over the pine trees and around streetlights. Benches line Museum Road for a great viewing experience. Before you know it, your “oohs” and “awes” will echo to hundreds of bats taking flight into the evening sky.
Getting outdoors in Gainesville doesn’t have to mean visiting nature parks or walking through museums. You can have the best of both worlds at Celebration Pointe, where shopping, dining, and entertainment blend with open-air spaces.
Along the Promenade is an expanse of green space for picnics, chats, and store-hopping, like Palmetto Moon for stylish apparel or Fit2Run for top-quality running shoes. When hunger strikes, you’ll also have plenty of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, all with outdoor seating.
Beyond shopping, visitors of Celebration Pointe appreciate the flexibility of entertainment. Dave & Buster’s for arcade games, Escapology for an immersive escape room challenge, or Regal Cinemas for the latest blockbuster film. Whether you’re out for a day of retail therapy or a lively night out, Celebration Pointe is where the whole family can have fun. Use our directory to plan your visit to the Pointe this summer!
Gainesville has endless summer activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in the rich history of Florida, crave an outdoor adventure and sightseeing, or love shopping, there’s something in this vibrant town for you. Make the most of the season by checking out these must-do experiences, and create unforgettable memories with your family!
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