Now I know what you're all thinking, we are college students at UF so we are usually doing 1 of 5 things. We are either (1) in class learning, (2) in the library studying, (3) contributing to our personal freshman 15 in the dining hall (4) out at midtown or (5) sleeping - my personal favorite.
Well contrary to popular belief there are actually other things to do in the Gainesville area that are overlooked and don't involve books or IDs.
I think you all should keep these in mind when you and your friends are free on a Friday night and Fats or Grog just doesn't seem like the best idea.
1. Go bowling
Bowling isn't too expensive when you have a good group. I know we are all on a budget but splitting a lane with a few pals is reasonably priced and super fun. There is the bowling alley "Splitz" or you could even go right down to the Reitz Union. For those of you who did not know, there is a 14 lane bowling alley with late hours at the Reitz. The best part is it only cost $2.00. What a bargain!
2. Go See a Movie
There are a few movie theaters in Gainesville including the one on Newberry and there is one in the butler plaza. Additionally, there is a brand new one at Celebration Pointe. This one has reclining chairs and is perfect for nights where you and your friends just want to have a chill night and relaxing night. So go get your tickets and go see the new Incredibles movie!! Tip: you can usually get a discount if you bring your student ID.
3. Go Explore Payne's Prairie
There are so many things to do at Payne Prairie and it is literally in the backyard of the University of Florida. You can go boating, fishing, trailing and much more. This is the perfect way to spend a weekend in nature.
4. Go to Lake Wauberg
Lake Wauberg is a lake located a few miles south of UF campus. Its a great place for UF students to let loose and have some fun. You can go sailing, paddle boarding, rock climbing, disc golfing and more. It's so much fun! Go take advantage of the opportunity while it's still hot outside. Don't forget your student IDs!
5. Go Pet Elephants
Outside campus, near Micanopy, is a little place called "Two Tails Ranch." It is a cute little ranch that is the home to seven elephants. Every heard of it? Its $10 dollars to get in and it seems totally worth it. The next time you're looking for something different and adventurous to do, I think you've found your answer.
6. Go to the Springs
The springs are beautiful and fun (especially in the summer). Here's a list of springs not too far from UF: Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Alexander Springs and Juniper Spring. Bring a tube and some cold drinks and enjoy the day!
7. Go to the Pool
Now, if you don't have a good group to go to the springs and you just want to tan by the pool today, then GO FOR IT! The problem is, many UF students don't know where to do this. Of course if you have friends living at The Standard or The Retreat then thats always a great idea to use their pool. However, this is not always the case. If you did not know, there is a pool facility at Southwest Recreation Center, Broward Pool, Florida Pool, Graham Pool and there is one at the Steven O'Connell Center. Bet you didn't realize that!
8. Go to a State Park
Aside from the obvious Payne's Prairie, there are many other state parks around Gainesville. There is Loblolly Woods, Cofrin Nature Park, Dudley Farm, Alfred A. Ring, and my personal favorite: Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park which has an awesome sinkhole. Its so interesting to go to these parks and see all the wildlife and really take in the nature.
9. Go to a museum
As a UF student you can enter The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art and The Florida Museum of Natural History for FREE! There's not many things to do for free so you must take advantage when you can, and you might learn a thing to two.
10. Go Ride a Bike
If you don't have your own, you can always rent a bike from UF or borrow from a friend. Gainesville has so many beautiful sights to see and riding a bike downtown would be the perfect way to enjoy the sights of the town.
