- The list below includes 21 free or cheap things to do in or near Gainesville, Florida, including 35 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, National & State Parks, Nature & Wildlife Areas and Parks.
- From Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park to Paynes Prairie, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Gainesville.
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Participants test their driving skills on a track filled with twists and turns during this autocross experience
12.4 Miles
93%
315 votes
18700 S. CR 325, Gainesville, FL 32640
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Named for Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is managed by the Florida State Parks Department. Rawlings' original house and farm buildings remain on the premesis and are open for touring.
0.1 Miles
Nature lovers flock to Paynes Prairie in Gainesville, Florida. This state park is a popular campground and features multiple hiking and biking trails. It is also a state wildlife preserve and features many endangered plant species.
0.5 Miles
Operating since 1853, covering 2,000 acres and ranking 14 in US News &World Report, University of Florida has no less than 33 buildings on its campus which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
5.6 Miles
84%
347 votes
4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL 32653
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Visited since the late 19th century, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park is a 120 foot-deep sinkhole filled by a miniature rain-forest. There are trails which lead to the bottom of the sinkhole, while on the top there are designated picnic areas.
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Kanapaha Park offers a wide open expanse of greenery perfect for picnics and outdoor sports. The park is lines with grand trees and offers walking trails, a soccer field, a playground, picnic tables and grilling areas.
0.1 Miles
Running through some of Florida's most beautiful natural landscape is the Florida National Scenic Trail. Stretching through over three counties the trail is popular for cycling and nature walks to enjoy the beautiful and varied scenery.
5.5 Miles
Dogwood Park is a 15-acre expanse of green grass, swimming ponds and sand pit digging areas where visitors can brings their furry friends. Dogs are allowed off-leash so that they may run and play freely in a safe environment.
2.1 Miles
Gainesville’s Alfred A. Ring Park offers visitors more than a mile of winding trails that stretch through scenic woodlands. The park also features a playground and a covered picnic pavilion.
2.9 Miles
The Butterfly Rainforest features a population of more than 1,000 butterflies, from 60 to 80 different species, from all over the world. There are also exhibited in here birds, turtles and fish, among other creatures.
14.0 Miles
98%
96 votes
8528 East County Road 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
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Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation rescues exotic animals and houses them in natural grass enclosures where visitors can see them during 2 hour guided tours. They have 62 animals of 23 species including many big cats.