Kids Activities in Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville is the largest city in Alachua County in Florida and is home to both the University of Florida, one of the largest in the United States, and Santa Fe College. Gainesville offers visitors museums, historic sites, theaters, sports, shopping and a large amount of nature activities. There are plenty of activities for families and children of all ages.
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AMF Alley Katz Corner
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Alley Katz Corner is an AMF bowling center that caters to all the family. The center's late-night Xtreme Bowling events feature a light show, music, bowling challenges and food and drink. Visitors can also choose to join a league or club within the center and meet regularly once a week, or just pop in for a quick bowl. Food served at the center includes pizza and combo platters, with alcoholic drinks available for adults.
Florida Museum of Natural History
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Located at the University of Florida in Gainesville, the Museum of Natural History features both temporary and permanent exhibits. Permanent exhibits include the Butterfly Rain Forest, Florida Fossils, Waterways and Wildlife, and Evolution of Life and Land. There are also outdoor exhibits such as the Fossil Plant Garden and the Florida Wildflower and Butterfly Garden. The museum also offers an overnight stay for families, which includes dinner, breakfast and activities. During school vacations, the museum offers day camps where children learn about animals and nature and tour the museum.
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Lubee Bat Conservancy
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Lubee Bat Conservancy is a bat conservation center. Although it is not open to the public, a tour is available by appointment. The tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours and begins with a 20-minute educational talk "Bats are Superheroes," where children can learn all the basics about bats. Next is a walk around the Bat Center, where visitors can view all the different species of bats that reside at the center, including the large flying fox bats, with a wingspan of over 5 feet.
Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County Woodland Park
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For after school, weekend and school vacations, the Boys and Girls Club aims to provide a safe place for children to learn important life skills through fun and play. These skills include planning, decision making and contributing to the community. Children can learn about the arts, including crafts and visual, performing and literary arts. The Triple Play Wellness Program teaches children about diet and lifestyle, and includes sports and recreation. Other facilities include a basketball court, jungle gym, baseball field, fitness equipment, swings and slides.
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
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The Teaching Zoo is part of the Santa Fe College's Zoo Animal Technology Program, where students can get hands-on experience. This includes learning about zoo animal care and working with the public. For younger children, zoo and planetartium tours are available seven days a week. The zoo is situated on a 10-acre wooded forest, where visitors can walk along nature trails to explore more local wildlife.
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- Photo Credit kids image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
