Home of the University of Florida, Gainesville oozes with college-town vibrancy. However, this city in North Central Florida is also an outdoor wonder boasting more than 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) of scenic hiking and biking trails. To discover Gainesville’s natural beauty, visit Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. This park features a 120-foot (36.58-meter)-deep crater leading to a breathtaking miniature rainforest that’s a must-see! Nature lovers wouldn’t want to miss Kanapaha Botanical Gardens either. It’s a lush destination with the most extensive herb garden and the largest public showcase of bamboo in the southeastern region of the United States.
When the weather turns stormy here, you may need to change plans quickly. To discover what to do in Gainesville when the forecast is bleak, scroll down for a list of the best things to do indoors in Gainesville, Florida.
1. Reserve your spot with Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits (from USD 14.0)
Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits is a must-visit place, especially for nature lovers. This establishment boasts over 50 types of butterflies housed in an enclosed, forest-like setting that mimics Florida’s natural environment. A knowledgeable crew is on hand to answer questions about the collection of butterflies. Moreover, birds are also a part of this colorful mix.
Plus, with this ticket, visitors can witness a Calusa Indian welcoming ceremony.
Gainesville Butterfly Rain Forest and Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 hours
2. Flex your brain power at America’s Escape Game Gainesville
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have you tried out #PANDEMIC yet? Save the planet from The Red Death, a mysterious and seemingly unstoppable pathogen...
Posted by America's Escape Game Gainesville on Tuesday, February 12, 2019
America’s Escape Game Gainesville is a cure for the doldrums when the weather is wet. Gather your friends to find clues, solve puzzles, and decode messages in a race against time. The themed escape rooms are dramatic, so you can have lots of fun.
Looking for a true challenge? Opt for the mental hospital setting of Asylum with only a five percent escape rate. If saving the world from annihilation is more your thing, choose Crisis at 1600 where you must reach the Oval Office to deactivate a series of nuclear missiles.
America’s Escape Game Gainesville
Address: 239 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Website: America’s Escape Game Gainesville
Opening hours: Sun, Tue - Thu: 1pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am (closed on Mon)
Price: From 27.99 USD
3. Explore the compelling Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Happening THIS Friday, prepare to party with the Cade Museum as we celebrate our 5th birthday in style! Join us for a...
Posted by Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention on Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention is dedicated to producing exhibits and educational programs that inspire wonder and creativity in future inventors. Hands-on programming is a central tool here, so be prepared to make slime in the Creativity Lab. In addition, this museum was founded by the creator of Gatorade, Dr. James Robert Cade. Thus, it’s no surprise the permanent exhibit The Sweat Solution traces the science and history behind this popular sports drink.
In Petty Family Gallery, kids aged five and below are exposed to science via dance, music, and more.
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Address: 811 South Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Website: Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 4pm
Price: 15 USD for adults, 10 USD for youths between 5-17 years of age, and 12.50 USD for seniors and college students.
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4. Enjoy a variety of entertainment at Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is an all-around performance hall where visitors can enjoy everything from top-notch Broadway shows to inspiring music concerts. If you’re in the mood to laugh, buy tickets to the upcoming Bored Teachers We Can’t Make This Stuff Up! Comedy Tour.
This handsome and prominent ultra-modern structure is the central performing arts venue on the University of Florida campus and is equipped with more than 1,700 seats, 2 spacious reception areas, and a well-stocked refreshment area.
Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 3201 Hull Road, PO Box 112750, Gainesville, FL 32611-2750, United States
Website: Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 6pm (Box office)
Price: Varies depending on the performance
5. Get your tumble on at DEFY Gainesville
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Kids can burn off their energy at DEFY Gainesville for it has everything from battle beams to basketball. Along with the little ones, this diversion is for anyone who wants to enjoy the ultimate extreme air and gravity-defying experience.
The options are limitless here. You can go old-school on a trampoline or test your agility at the challenging Ninja Course. Pick up the pace with a game of Extreme Dodgeball or pretend you’re in a Hollywood action flick and try the thrilling Stunt Fall.
DEFY Gainesville
Address: 6250 NW 23rd St Suite 8, Gainesville, FL 32653, United States
Website: DEFY Gainesville
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 10pm
Price: From 18.99 USD
6. Unleash your child's curiosity at Learn N Play, LLC
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We are open today from 1-5pm. Come see us before or after kindergarten round up. Fun for the kids and air conditioning + coffee for the adults. $16 per child
Posted by LEARN N PLAY on Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Learn N Play, LLC is the choice for restless children on a rainy day. Let your youngster’s imagination run wild at this establishment that offers the ultimate indoor playground. Set in a boisterous and fun environment, Learn N Play, LLC is designed to spark your child’s willingness to explore and learn in their own way. This venue boasts four roomy activity spaces packed with appealing sensory, immersive, and interactive equipment to engage your little one’s mind.
What’s more, open-play options are available if you don’t want to commit to a membership, and party packages are also on hand.
Learn N Play, LLC
Address: 4127 Northwest 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32605, United States
Website: Learn N Play, LLC
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu: 9:30am - 1:30pm; Wed, Fri: 1pm - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 1:30pm, 2pm - 5pm
Price: 16 USD on weekdays and 18 USD on weekends
7. Scale new heights at The Knot - Climbing Gym
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Don’t let inclement weather stop you from enjoying exciting climbing. For top-notch indoor rock climbing, check out The Knot - Climbing Gym. This fully equipped venue is a cut above the rest when it comes to climbing gyms because it was designed by experienced climbers. Moreover, select training gear such as proper shoes, harnesses, and handy chalk bags are complimentary here. The Knot - Climbing Gym also provides instructional climbing classes and yoga.
If you’re a newbie, take the Intro to Climbing class. For more seasoned climbers, improve your climbing endurance with the Conditioning for Climbers class.
The Knot- Climbing Gym
Address: 704 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Website: The Knot - Climbing Gym
Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu: 7am - 10pm; Tue, Fri, Sat: 7am - 11pm
Price: 75 USD per month (Membership only)
8. Be a pinball wizard at Arcade Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Diehard video game fans will be in heaven at Arcade Bar. This three-level adult venue is the go-to destination for non-stop fun in a casual atmosphere. Arcade Bar boasts fully supplied bars, comfortable seating, and an ample collection of games. If you want to go traditional, visit the first floor for bygone-era arcade games and pinball machines. In addition, this floor also has a snazzy tiki-inspired bar for replenishment between activities.
On the third floor, you’ll find games, such as foosball and skeeball, along with another well-stocked bar. If you want to slow down the pace, head to the more relaxed second floor to chill with friends.
Arcade Bar
Address: 6 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Website: Arcade Bar
Opening hours: 5pm - 1:45am (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Sharpen your axe-throwing skills at The Hatchetbury
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Hatchetbury is a one-of-a-kind experience in Gainesville. Learn the art of axe throwing from professionals. Comprised of 9 specifically crafted axe-throwing lanes and 18 nifty targets, visitors can play with plenty of guidance and instruction - so safety is never a concern here. When you want to chill, head to the well-supplied bar for a glass of wine or a sudsy beer or taste the satisfying snacks available. Plus, there’s a VIP space for private parties.
All ages are welcome, but those up to 17 years must have an adult with them.
The Hatchetbury
Address: 213 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Website: The Hatchetbury
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 7pm; Mon - Tue (privately booked events only of 30+ persons); Wed - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm
Price: 26.95 USD per person for one hour and 42.95 USD per person for two hours.
10. Hone your bowling abilities at Alley Gatorz Bowling Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The new flat screens are up, consoles start tomorrow and hopefully up and running by the weekend
Posted by Alley Gatorz on Wednesday, March 18, 2015
If you get a thrill from throwing strikes and spares, then Alley Gatorz Bowling Center is the place to be. Bowling is a classic rainy-day activity and you can’t go wrong here. This place is a first-rate establishment offering 32 snazzy bowling lanes in a contemporary atmosphere. For fun with your brood, opt for the Family Special offering two hours of unlimited bowling and more.
The full-service lounge provides a great spot to unwind between frames and enjoy a wide array of tasty food and refreshing drinks.
Alley Gatorz Bowling Center
Address: 2606 NE Waldo Rd., Gainesville, FL 32609, United States
Website: Alley Gatorz Bowling Center
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Wed, Sun: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am
Price: 10 - 20 USD (Various specials)
Indoor fun is always available in Gainesville
Gainesville offers a sunny environment most of the time. But on those occasional rainy days, you can be covered with many indoor diversions in Gainesville. To ensure your visit is as exciting as it can be, choose a few of these enticing activities for an exciting adventure in Florida.
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