Hey Gainesville parents! Get ready for a fun weekend with the kids (Feb 7th & 8th). We found some cool spots, check out the Dino Discoveries on Saturday and maybe some creative fun on Sunday!
See our top picks
Early Bird Nature Walk
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
A free, guided morning hike to spot wildlife before the day gets busy.
Sunday Family Art Jam
The Art Spot Studio
Perfect indoor option to let the kids paint and create without making a mess at home.
Children's Book Reading & Craft
Local Bookstore Name
A calm, early afternoon storytime session ideal for children under seven.
· February 7
3DINO DISCOVERIES DAY : Bring your future paleontologists for a special day of dinosaur facts, fossil digs, and maybe even a simulated dig site! It's a hands-on way to learn about ancient history right here in Gainesville.A special, limited-run event focused entirely on dinosaurs, which is always a hit with elementary and middle schoolers.
EARLY BIRD NATURE WALKFREE : Catch the sunrise and spot local wildlife with a guided tour focusing on bird watching and identifying tracks. Great for older kids who enjoy nature documentaries!An early morning, guided outdoor experience offering great wildlife viewing opportunities before the crowds arrive.
LITTLE CHEFS: PIZZA MAKING WORKSHOP : Kids get to make their own personal pizzas from scratch—kneading dough, choosing toppings, and learning basic kitchen safety. Everyone gets to eat their creation!It combines cooking, which is a fun life skill, with the highly appealing reward of eating the final product.
· February 8
3SUNDAY FAMILY ART JAM : Time to get messy! This session lets kids choose their own canvas project and offers guided help for the little ones. Perfect for a relaxed, creative afternoon indoors.It's an unstructured, creative session allowing young kids to explore art without a rigid theme.
CHILDREN'S BOOK READING & CRAFTFREE : A sweet, low-key event featuring a popular children's author reading their newest book, followed by a simple take-home craft activity. Perfect for the little ones.This is one of the few explicitly designated story-time events this weekend, ideal for the youngest audience members.
JUNIOR HISTORIANS WALKING TOURFREE : A slightly more in-depth walking tour designed with teens in mind, focusing on cool old buildings and strange local legends. Wear comfy shoes!It turns local history into an adventure quest, which appeals more to the older kids in the target age group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Gainesville this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 07-08) there are 3 free events: the Early Bird Nature Walk at Sweetwater Wetlands Park on Saturday morning, a Children's Book Reading & Craft on Sunday afternoon, and the Junior Historians Walking Tour downtown on Sunday afternoon.
Are there any hands-on science or discovery events for kids this weekend?
Yes! The Dino Discoveries Day at the Gainesville Science Center on Saturday, February 7th, offers fossil digs and hands-on learning perfect for future scientists.
What is a good activity for my 10-year-old on Sunday?
The Junior Historians Walking Tour in Downtown Gainesville on Sunday afternoon is geared towards older kids and turns local history into an interesting exploration.
