by Becky Robbins

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

The last day of school, your child walks in and says, "So what are we going to do this summer?" Whether it is a good or bad economy, you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on summer activities. Gainesville, Florida offers many free activities that will keep your children busy until the first day of school.

One way to start the summer is to take the kids back to school; the University of Florida that is. Located on the university's campus is the Harn Museum of Art. Your family will enjoy the artwork that ranges from photography to contemporary and modern art. There are even special events designed for the family. Tot Time takes place on the first Friday from 11:00am until Noon and the last Tuesday from 3:30pm until 4:30pm every month. Ages 2 through 5 will enjoy tours of the museum galleries combined with explanations of age-appropriate concepts. Materials, books, and games enhance the learning experience. Several times a year, the Harn Museum of Art also holds a Family Day. This is a time for the entire family to come together and enjoy hands-on art activities. For a regular visit, the museum is open from 11:00am until 5:00pm on Tuesday through Friday, 10:00am until 5:00pm on Saturday, and 1:00pm until 5:00pm on Sunday. The museum is located at SW 34th Street and Hull Road.

If you want to make a day of museums, head over to the Florida Museum of Natural History, also located on the campus of the University of Florida. General admission is free, although special exhibits do have a charge. Enjoy the Florida Fossil exhibit which houses five hundred fossils, 90% which are real. Get a glimpse into Florida's deep history when Florida was underwater to when the first humans arrived. The popular event at the museum during the summer is the Discovery Room. From June through August, children of all ages will enjoy the hands-on discovery room. There are plenty of activities to complete at the self-guided discovery stations. The Discovery Room also has scheduled programs, like natural history related crafts, story time, and even puppet shows. Although the Discovery Room closes at 4:30pm every day, the Museum is open on Monday through Saturday from 10:00am until 5:00pm and Sundays from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. It is located near the Harn Museum of Art at SW 34th Street and Hull Road.

If you are looking for a family friendly event providing live shows and concerts, a sure bet will be the Let's Go Downtown "Free Fridays" Plaza Series. Every Friday from 8:00pm until 10:00pm, the community comes together for some great music. The musical selection will vary, offering everything from jazz to bluegrass and rock to pop. It takes place on the corner of SE 1st Street and E. University Avenue. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs so you can relax and enjoy the entertainment and the outdoors.

If your children are active, then the summer should include plenty of outdoor time. Gainesville has thirty municipal parks. These parks allow you to enjoy playgrounds, picnics, and fitness options. Some of the parks even offer swimming pools. You can also go on an alligator hunt at Lake Alice. Take a stroll around Lake Alice and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you are there near dusk, you can head to the Bat House to watch thousands of bats take flight across the lake.

Having a great summer does not have to break the bank. If you cannot afford that vacation this year, plan a stay-cation to fit your budget and keep the kids happy. There are plenty of activities in Gainesville to keep the kids talking about their summer long after the first school bell rings in the new school year.

Learn more about this author, Becky Robbins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.