Think it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg to have a good time in Gainesville? Think again!
There is such a fantastic range of free things to do in Gainesville!
Whether you’re looking for a good date option, something for the kids, an escape to mother nature, or to be inspired by science and culture.
So put away your credit card and get thrifty with our top 15 free things to do in Gainesville.
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Free Things to Do in Gainesville At a Glance
- Walk through time at the Florida Museum of Natural History and discover the history of South Florida and fossils of what roamed the land before us
- Laugh the night away at the free comedy shows at Swamp Head Brewery
- Be amazed at the bat houses of Lake Alice as masses of bats take flight at sunset
- Wrangle up the 2-carrot admission and spend your Saturday at the Retirement Home for Horses with some of the most amazing and gentle horses at Mill Creek Farm
- Enjoy a hub of fun at Celebration Pointe listening to live music at The Keys, and visiting the weekly farmers market and local art.
Keep reading to get the full guide on all the fun and free things to do in Gainesville today!
1. Swamp Head Brewery
Swamp Head Brewery may be in the heart of the city but you will feel like you are out enjoying some great country fresh air.
This family-friendly brewery hosts much more than its beer tasting room, every other Tuesday is their free comedy show at 8 p.m.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
There is always something going on at the brewery from free live entertainment and music on their outside stage and events for all to enjoy.
You will find kids out playing, a peaceful pond with a huge outdoor space, people out watching the sunset, and even a food truck if all the fresh air gives you the munchies.
It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from 11 p.m. to 7 p.m.,. and closed on Mondays.
Location: 3650 SW 42nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608
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2. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Open most days from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., this fantastic art gallery is run by the University of Florida and offers free admission to its general collection, which, by the way, is huge.
A facility covering a vast 108,800 square feet, the museum features exhibition space, 10 gallery spaces, five gorgeous gardens, an auditorium for special events, and (of course) the obligatory museum café and shop.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
Every Thursday the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art stays open late for their Art After Dark and every second Thursday of the month they have special events going on so be sure to stay up to date on their calendar.
The collection spans a wide geography, starring works from Africa and Asia in addition to contemporary and ancient American and oceanic art.
Best of all, The Harn Museum of Art is a totally free thing to do in Gainesville and parking is free on weekends and evenings including handicap parking spaces.
Location: 3259 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
3. Stroll Downtown Gainesville and Enjoy the Artwork and Local Culture
Sometimes it’s not about going to one specific place, and it’s more about soaking up the very essence of the destination. Downtown Gainesville is just the place for this.
As the pumping heart of the city, Downtown Gainesville has it all, from bars and restaurants to theaters, parks, and shops.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
Meander down the tree-lined avenues and absorb the sound of live music as it fills the streets, spilling out from the Bo Diddley Plaza.
Every Thursday is the GNV Market at Heartwood, a fun farmer’s market that takes place with lots of local booths.
And after a day of mooching around the shops, and lazing in the pretty parks, perhaps treat yourself to a ticket for tonight’s mainstage show at the Hippodrome theatre.
4. Explore Lake Alice (near the campus of the University of Florida)
Basking in the toasty Florida sun, you’ll find the local alligators taking it easy on the banks of Lake Alice, a small lake in a dedicated wildlife zone on the University of Florida campus.
On the southwest bank of the lake, there’s a really peaceful space – the Baughman Center – designed for private meditation and special events.
During weekdays you can go in for free to sit within the quiet space and take in the most beautiful Florida scenery with its grand windows. It’s one of the best free things in Gainesville if you are looking for peace, quiet, reflection, and meditation.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
The bat house across the road from the lake is home to around 300,000 bats. Pop in and let yourself be mesmerized by these largely misunderstood creatures of the night. The observation area is typically open to the public in the spring and summer, in the period immediately after sunset.
Be sure to get there right before sunset though, because as sunset hits the bats fly out about 10 to 15 minutes after in the masses. You don’t want to miss it, it is a cool experience and a FREE thing to do in Gainesville.
Location: 982 Museum Rd, Gainesville, FL 32603 (Baughman Center)
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5. Alfred Ring Park
When you want a break from the buzz of city life, escape to an alternate reality at the Alfred A. Ring Park.
Not far from Downtown Gainesville, the Alfred Ring Park offers over a mile of trails through dense forest, following the course of Hogtown Creek.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
Sheltered from the beating sun with the beautiful tree canopy, and calmed by the steady skipping of water over rocks in the creek, this is a soothing way to pass an afternoon in Gainesville without spending a dime.
Beyond the obvious attraction of nature and the 1.5-mile winding trail, there’s a good playground for kids, plus a picnic area under the pavilion, gorgeous boardwalk space, and koi pond.
Location: 1801 NW 23rd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605 and the parking lot is at Elks Lodge.
6. Solar Walk
If a trip to space with Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos is slightly outside your budget for now, why not enjoy the Gainesville Solar Walk instead.
The walk, situated on NW 8th Avenue, is a 4 billion to 1 scale model of our solar system, spanning 0.9 miles.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
It’s a fun walk to do especially in the mornings before the afternoon heat and it’s really neat to see a representative distance of the planets and how they all relate.
Launched in 2002, each planet is represented by a monument designed by Elizabeth Indianos, paired with informational plaques designed by Tim Malles.
In 2008, Indianos returned to add two Helley Comet sculptures to the popular public art installation.
Location: 3349 NW 8th Ave Gainesville, FL 32605
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7. Florida Museum of Natural History
The University of Florida is leading the way with great free things to do in Gainesville.
The university’s museums are top dollar and generally don’t cost a cent… unless you got wooed by the gift shop, of course.
The Florida Museum of Natural History features a gorgeous butterfly rainforest (with an entrance fee), that will have children and adults equally inspired.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
There’s also a really interesting (free) permanent exhibition about the history of South Florida’s native population and all the fossils of creatures that have lived here too.
It’s truly a first-class museum and one of the best natural history museums. It’s amazing that it’s free and I highly recommend this as one of the best free things to do in Gainesville for visitors and locals.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Location: 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611
8. Mill Creek Farm
Ok, this one’s not quite free… admission is two carrots for the beautiful horses who live at this very special sanctuary.
The self-styled “retirement home for horses” offers a safe and comfortable environment for elderly horses who haven’t been treated so well by their former owners.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
I absolutely love this free thing to do in Gainesville because first off where else can you get admission with just carrots, plus it’s also a really fun and beautiful way to spend a Saturday in Gainsville.
You can visit the horses at Mill Creek Farm and show them your love any Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You are more than welcome to feed them more than just the two carrots!
Take my word for it, you will want to bring a lot more, the horses adore them and you will love feeding them and seeing how happy they are.
It is such a special and beautiful experience. They are such amazing and gentle horses that after a difficult life have come to live out their life in peace finally.
It may become one of your favorite free things to do in Gainesville on the weekends.
You are welcome to stay and go for a hike while you’re here too! They have different walking loops from 1.6 to 2.9.
Location: 20307 Co Rd 235A, Alachua, FL 32615
9. Cofrin Nature Park
Sticking with the horse theme, once upon a time Mrs. Gladys Cofrin kept a horse farm and homestead on the site of the present-day Cofrin Nature Park.
The pet-friendly half-mile nature trek can be found at 4810 NW Eighth Avenue and is open to the public for free from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (November to April) and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (May to October).
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
The half-mile-long loop trail is an easy trail that’s perfect for a bit of solitude and peace for those looking for a short walk in the woods.
You can do some birdwatching and bring your dog and even have them off the leash to run free and play in certain areas of the trail.
Bring a picnic, and take your time in this beautiful environment. There are toilets at the start of the trail, and some (though few) parking spaces) – it’s easier to arrive on foot or bike.
Location: 4810 NW 8th Ave Gainesville, FL 32605
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10. Loblolly Woods Nature Park
Another fabulous free thing to do in Gainesville is to lose yourself in the 159 acres of Loblolly Woods Nature Park.
Feel like an old-school explorer as you venture along leafy trails and duck in and out of the forest undergrowth where Possum Creek and Hogtown Creek come together.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
It is a great nature walk and one of the best places for birding in Gainesville and to see some wildlife.
Open from dawn until dusk it is a peaceful spot to walk that is easy, tranquil, and relaxing. You can even hear the sounds of the water and can rest along the way at the beautiful creek if you want.
There’s also a great bike route through the park if you enjoy a spot of off-road cycling. Restrooms are available at the 5th Avenue trailhead.
Location: 3315 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
11. Depot Park
Your kids are going to love Depot Park! And there’s plenty for adults here too.
This urban park, which opened in 2016, runs its own activities program and events.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
As well as being a well-maintained park, it’s a great place where you can just turn up and relax, bring a picnic, hang out under the pavilion, or stroll the beautiful promenade.
The playground is so much fun and is open from dawn to dusk.
If the weather’s good, get the kids ready for splashing around in the Blue Grotto – a water park zone inspired by the underwater caverns of Central Florida.
Nearby (at 811 South Main Street), visit the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention – inspiration for the whole family and children 4 and under are free. The Fab Lab is such an immersive, hands-on experience.
Location: 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
12. Celebration Pointe
Celebration Pointe has a bit of everything, all in one place.
So, if you’re in the mood for one of those bit-of-this-bit-of-that days, Celebration Pointe is the place to be.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
You’ll find shops, restaurants, a movie theatre, and breezy outdoor space at this popular spot and it’s a great free place in Gainesville to come out and explore.
They have weekly farmers markets, live entertainment throughout the week and, even local art at Hotel Indigo every Friday.
It’s a hub of fun where you can easily stroll around to all the free things to do at Gainesville Celebration Pointe.
Check out their events calendar to see if any special concerts or events will be happening when you’re in town.
Location: 4949 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608
Join the fun at Dave & Busters sports bar, or attempt to escape the brand-new Escapology escape room whilst you’re there.
13. Tom Petty Park
Two miles from the University of Florida campus, in the northeast of the city, is a park where Tom Petty spent much of his childhood.
It used to be called Northeast Park, but it was officially renamed Tom Petty Park in 2018, honoring the much-loved rock musician.
At the entrance, there’s now a bright red sign with Tom Petty and his guitar welcoming you to the park of his youth.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
If you love to get out into the Florida sunshine then you will love this Gainesville free place to visit.
They have tennis courts and ball fields, a playground, colorful murals, and even your furry friends can come too. It’s pet-friendly with some great dog parks too.
Plus it has all the amenities you could want with restrooms, shaded parking, picnic tables, and grills, you couldn’t ask for a better day out in Gainesville.
YouTube video of the dedication here.
Location: 501 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville 32601
Recommended: 15 Things to Do in Gainesville at Night: A List of Places to Go When You’re Bored
14. Devil’s Millhopper Sinkhole
This one’s not entirely free, but less than the price of a cup of coffee – so it counts. Especially as the Devil’s Millhopper Sinkhole is such an incredible place to visit.
You’ll be able to catch views of the sinkhole from the Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park nature trail. There’s a there-and-back trail that leads you deep into this surprising rainforest.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
There is so much greenery and wildlife it is an amazing hidden gem that is only a short drive to escape from the hustle of the city.
The park is open It is open 7 days a week all year long from 8 a.m. to sundown.
Location: 4732 Millhopper Road Gainesville FL 32653
15. Take a Stroll Around the Historic University of Florida Campus
The University of Florida is massive and the campus offers loads of space to explore.
Of course, there are specific sites and museums dotted around the city too (check the Florida Museum of Natural History), but sometimes it’s nice just to wander around and pretend to be living the life of an undergrad again!
Why We Love This as One of The Best Free Things to Do in Gainesville
You can actually jump on a campus tour with a legit University of Florida student to get the down-low on what life’s like as a Gator.
Campus tours last about ninety minutes if you want to hang out with the student guides. Otherwise, download the UF GatorWay app for your smartphone and you can take the self-guided tour at your own pace.
Location: Gainesville, FL 32611
Wrapping Up Fun and Free Things to Do in Gainesville
Gainesville, Florida is leading the way for free things to do, which is why the city is so popular with locals and tourists alike.
It doesn’t need to cost a fortune to have a good time in Gainesville, and with a list of freebies as strong as this, the challenge becomes what to choose first.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite free thing to do in Gainesville, Florida? Let us know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
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(Original Article Date: November 29, 2021/Updated by Editor on January 19, 2024)