Fun for the Whole Family!
Gainesville has a great selection of family friendly activities so that you and your children to enjoy during your stay in our community!
Family-Friendly Destinations and Tours
Elachee Nature Science Center
All ages, come DISCOVER, LEARN, PLAY through self-guided visits of interactive exhibits and scheduled guided programs!
- Get close to nature with our Live Animal Exhibit and scheduled showcases.
- Play while learning in the interactive Discovery Room; activities updated monthly.
- Check out a Discovery Backpack to make your hike an exploration adventure.
- Get active and have fun in multiple outdoor play areas.
- View original artwork of native nature species.
- Seasonally, watch our live beehives hard at work.
- Sign up for educational programming. There is something for all ages and knowledge levels.
- Enjoy a hike! Elachee is the gateway to 12.26 miles of Chicopee Woods hiking trails.
Gainesville, GA 30504
Frances Meadows Aquatic Center
Features:
The Frances Meadows Aquatic Center is a conveniently located state-of-the-art aquatic facility.
- 10-lane indoor competition pool, 25 yards x 25 meters
- 4-lane indoor instructional pool
- Stadium seating for 300
- Viewing lounge
- Locker rooms
- Concessions
- Seasonal outdoor waterpark
- Fitness Center
Gainesville, GA 30501
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Inc.
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, inc. (INK) is a one-of-a kind unique, fun destination for the entire family. The hands-on Children’s Museum, geared towards visitors ages 2 – 12, allows children to role play and learn through practical experiences. All exhibits are designed to provide a unique experience and to actively engage young minds with 20 exhibits including GrandPappy Airlines, a dentist office, bank and grocery store.
In addition to monthly community events, INK also offers weekly crafts, 2-hour play blocks and field trips for groups.
Gainesville, GA 30501
Lake Lanier Olympic Park
The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue was built for the 1996 Olympic Rowing and Canoe/Kayak Competitions. The original timing tower remains today and is the last remaining venue from the 1996 Olympic Games that continues to be used for its original purpose.
Two clubs operate out of the park: Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club and Lake Lanier Rowing Club. Both clubs host events and offer competitive and recreational programs.
Sporting and Recreational Activities
- Canoe/Kayak
- Fishing
- Rowing
- Swimming (Open Water)
- Team Building
- Wakeboard
Gainesville, GA 30506
Northeast Georgia History Center
The Northeast Georgia History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing our regional history and being our community’s pathway to history education. Through our educational programs, community events, exhibits, and historic structures, we strive to be a leading resource for promoting a greater understanding of local, state, and national history.
Gainesville, GA 30501
Solar System Walking Tour
This 1.8 mile walking tour of our solar system stretches from the downtown square to the end of Longwood Park on Lake Lanier and is a scale model walking tour (1:2,000,000,000) created by the North Georgia Astronomers for its “Millennial Project.” After the 3.6 mile round trip, you will have traveled four billion miles and explored each planet and a few other celestial bodies along the way. After traveling all that way, you might be ready for a drink and a bite to eat. Consider finishing your tour at one of the great, locally-owned restaurants on the square.
View a short 8 minute video overview of the Solar System Walking Tour by Lost Woods Studios.
Gainesville, GA 30501
Station 300 Gainesville Bowling
Features
- 24 modern bowling lanes
- Full sports bar & restaurant
- Top arcade games & laser tag
Gainesville, GA 30504