TOP 20 Best Family picnics outdoor fun in Gainesville, Florida

Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, FL is a local government office and tourist attraction located at 33 North Main Street in Gainesville, Florida, United States. Visitors can enjoy world-class museums, performing arts, and live music, as well as explore 8 state parks with over 100 miles of trails for biking, birding, and hiking. Cool off in crystal-blue freshwater springs or plan a road trip adventure for the family with affordable local attractions and fun things to do. The institution also offers a list of upcoming spring festivals in Gainesville and Alachua County for travelers to plan their visit. Explore the outdoors on hiking and biking trails, paddle on the Santa Fe River, and relax at the end of the day on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail. For more information and travel planning assistance, contact the Alachua County Visitors & Convention Bureau at (866) 778-5002 or (352) 374-5260, or email info@visitgainesville.com. Photo of Sweetwater Wetlands Park by Wesley Hetrick.

Albert Ray Massey (Westside) Park is a charming and family-friendly park located in Gainesville, Florida. Situated at 3100-3346 Northwest 8th Avenue, this park is a popular tourist attraction for both locals and visitors. With its lush greenery, picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails, it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply relax in nature, Albert Ray Massey (Westside) Park is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 1500 Northwest 45th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Florida with its lush greenery, winding trails, and diverse wildlife. The park is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a fun adventure with family and friends, Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

The T.B. McPherson Center, located at 1717 Southeast 15th Street in Gainesville, Florida, offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. These amenities include parking, restrooms, basketball courts with lighting, diamond fields for baseball and softball, tennis courts with lighting, unpaved trails, picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, playground, and a pool. Dogs are allowed on leashes in the park. The center also features fitness stations along the trail for activities such as sit-ups, push-ups, and dip-training. Gainesville's Aces in Motion (AIM) program operates from the park, providing after-school activities for disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities. The tennis courts are frequently used by the program.

Squirrel Ridge Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 1603 Southwest Williston Road in Gainesville, Florida. This popular tourist attraction offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, winding paths, and a serene pond. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including playful squirrels that can be spotted darting across the grounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun outing with family and friends, Squirrel Ridge Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Green Acres Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 643 Southwest 40th Street in Gainesville, Florida. This lush green space offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with winding pathways, shady trees, and beautiful gardens to explore. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. With its tranquil atmosphere and scenic views, Green Acres Park is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Northside Park is a beautiful recreational facility located in Gainesville, Florida, United States. Situated at 5701 Northwest 34th Boulevard, this park offers a wide range of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages. From playgrounds and sports fields to walking trails and picnic areas, Northside Park is the perfect destination for outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, host a family barbecue, or join a pickup game of basketball, this park has something for everyone. Come and explore the natural beauty and community spirit of Northside Park today!

Owen Illinois Park is a charming and picturesque park located in Gainesville, Florida. Situated at 11309 Southeast 16th Avenue, this park is a popular tourist attraction for both locals and visitors alike. The park offers a serene and peaceful environment where visitors can enjoy nature, take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and unwind. With its well-maintained grounds, beautiful landscaping, and various amenities, Owen Illinois Park is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. Whether you're looking for a place to spend quality time with family and friends or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Owen Illinois Park has something to offer for everyone.

Jonesville Park is a scenic green space located on Northwest 143rd Street in Gainesville, Florida. This peaceful park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages, including playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. The lush surroundings and well-maintained facilities make it the perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day in nature. Whether you're looking to play a game of soccer, have a leisurely stroll, or simply enjoy a picnic with loved ones, Jonesville Park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this beloved community park in the heart of Gainesville.

Springtree Park, located at 2700 Northwest 39th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, is a beautiful outdoor space that offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park features a small playground, picnic pavilion, fitness equipment, and nature trails that wind through the flatwoods with towering pines and fern-covered slopes near Three Lakes Creek. Visitors can relax on the deck overlooking the creek or take a leisurely stroll along the improved trails. The recent improvements to Springtree Park, completed in July 2020, have enhanced the overall experience for visitors. The addition of a new playground, adult fitness stations, a pavilion, and park signage have made the park even more welcoming and enjoyable. The project, which cost $197,609, has transformed Springtree Park into a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cynthia Moore Chestnut Park and Clark Butler Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located at 2315 Southeast 35th Street in Gainesville, Florida. This institution offers visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida, with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and native plants, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk in the woods or a relaxing picnic with family and friends, Cynthia Moore Chestnut Park and Clark Butler Nature Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

Westside Park Playground is a vibrant and engaging recreational space located in Gainesville, Florida, United States. This beloved community institution offers a wide range of amenities for children and families to enjoy, including colorful play structures, swings, slides, and picnic areas. The playground is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a safe and welcoming environment for kids to run, climb, and explore. With its convenient location and well-maintained facilities, Westside Park Playground is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day outdoors.

Tom Petty Park, formerly known as Northeast Park, is a popular tourist attraction located in Gainesville, Florida, United States. Renamed in honor of the legendary rock musician Tom Petty in 2018, this park offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. From parking and restrooms to diamond fields for baseball and softball, a multipurpose field, racquetball courts, tennis courts with lighting, a paved trail, picnic tables, grills, pavilions, a playground, and even a dog park where furry friends are welcome on a leash, Tom Petty Park has something for everyone. In 2020, an irrigation well was installed for the softball fields at a cost of $18,995. The park is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on observed holidays. Don't miss the chance to explore this beautiful park in the heart of Gainesville!

Monteocha Park is a charming and picturesque tourist attraction located at 803 Northwest 192nd Avenue in Gainesville, Florida. This serene park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and tranquil ponds. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and unwind in nature, Monteocha Park is the perfect destination. Come and explore this hidden gem in the heart of Florida.

Boulware Springs Water Works is a historic institution located at 3300 Southeast 15th Street in Gainesville, Florida, United States. It serves as a trailhead for the popular 17-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, attracting hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. The facility offers picnic facilities, parking, and a designated area for unloading horses. City staff and volunteers are actively working to restore the surrounding sandhill and upland pine forest. Recently, a new metal roof was installed on the Boulware Springs Park pavilion by American Roofing Company, a local business. The project cost $5,495 and was completed in January 2020. The institution is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from March 15 to September 30, and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October 1 to March 14. The institution is also open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on observed holidays. Visit Boulware Springs Water Works to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities it offers.

Earl P. Powers Park is a stunning park located at 5910 Southeast Hawthorne Road in Gainesville, Florida. This beautiful tourist attraction offers visitors a peaceful and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With well-maintained walking trails, lush greenery, and picturesque picnic areas, Earl P. Powers Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a family picnic, or simply soak in the natural beauty of Florida, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and charm of Earl P. Powers Park today!

Lincoln Park is a charming 35 acre park located behind Lincoln Middle School in Gainesville, Florida. Tucked away under large trees, this small playground offers plenty of shade and a peaceful atmosphere. The park features a set of swings, a playground structure with slides, and unique climbing features for children to enjoy. Additionally, there are basketball courts with lights, a baseball/softball diamond, picnic tables, and grills for visitors to use. Lincoln Park is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on observed holidays. It is a perfect spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy outdoor activities in a serene setting.

Sweetwater Park is a charming tourist attraction located at 532 Southeast 2nd Avenue in Gainesville, Florida. This picturesque park offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, with lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and a tranquil lake. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in the serene surroundings. Sweetwater Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a family outing. Whether you're looking to unwind or explore the natural beauty of Gainesville, Sweetwater Park is a must-visit destination.

Pleasant Park is a charming green oasis located at 510 Northwest 2nd Street in Gainesville, Florida. This serene park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and plenty of open space for picnics, leisurely strolls, or simply relaxing in the sunshine. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of birds chirping, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the tranquil atmosphere that makes Pleasant Park a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking to unwind with a book, have a leisurely picnic with family and friends, or simply enjoy nature's beauty, Pleasant Park is the perfect place to escape and rejuvenate.

Westchester Pool and Pavilion is a premier recreational facility located in Gainesville, Florida. Situated on Northwest 82nd Boulevard, this institution offers a serene and inviting atmosphere for individuals and families looking to relax and unwind. The pool is impeccably maintained and perfect for swimming laps or simply lounging by the water. The pavilion provides a shaded area for picnics, parties, and gatherings, making it an ideal spot for hosting events. With its convenient location and top-notch amenities, Westchester Pool and Pavilion is the perfect destination for those seeking a fun and enjoyable day out in the sun.

Unity Park, located at 1710 Northeast 31st Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, is a vibrant community park that has been recently renovated in 2021. The park features new playground equipment and play areas, as well as two basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic tables, a pavilion, and grills for visitors to enjoy. In addition to these amenities, Unity Park also offers a walking loop with fitness stations and a community garden for those looking to stay active and connect with nature. Dog owners are welcome to bring their furry friends along, as long as they are kept on a leash.