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
Chattahoochee Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. on the banks of Lake Lanier, Chattahoochee Golf Club has been one of the premier public golf courses in North Georgia since 1960. Built on 183 acres of rolling farmland, the course design allows for easy walking, and is enjoyable for both scratch and high-handicap golfers. As is typical of a Robert Trent Jones design, the course has large undulating greens averaging 7,000 square feet.
Facilities:
- Clubhouse:
- 1,000 sq.-ft. full-service Pro Shop. Services include custom club fitting and club repair
- The Chattahoochee Grill
- Putting lab
- Driving range
- Practice area with a sand bunker and chipping green
- Two bentgrass practice putting greens
Gainesville, GA 30503

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
Engine 209 Park
Engine 209 Park, nestled along Gainesville’s Midland Greenway, offers a captivating blend of history, art, and recreation. At its heart stands the restored 1930s Gainesville Midland steam locomotive, Engine 209, inviting visitors to connect with the city’s rich railroad heritage. The park features vibrant public art, a playground, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families and history enthusiasts alike . Whether you’re exploring the trails or enjoying a leisurely afternoon, Engine 209 Park provides a unique glimpse into Gainesville’s past amidst a lively community setting.
Gainesville, GA 30501

Frances Meadows Aquatic Center
The Frances Meadows Aquatic Center in Gainesville, GA, is a premier destination for both competitive swimmers and families seeking fun. The facility features a 10-lane indoor competition pool, a four-lane warm water instructional pool, and a fully equipped fitness center offering land and water fitness classes . During the warmer months, the outdoor Splash Zone comes alive with two towering three-story water slides, a lazy river, interactive play structures, and a zero-depth entry pool, providing entertainment for all ages . Whether you’re training for a swim meet or planning a family outing, Frances Meadows offers a versatile and welcoming environment for aquatic activities year-round!
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
Lake Lanier Olympic Park is a premier waterfront venue with a rich Olympic legacy and a wide range of event capabilities. As the only Olympic rowing and canoe/kayak venue in the Southeast, it’s a top choice for competitive water sports events of all sizes. Beyond the water, the park’s plaza offers a scenic and flexible space perfect for fundraising galas, outdoor concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. For smaller-scale needs, the newly renovated Olympic Timing Tower provides a unique and inspiring setting for corporate meetings and retreats. The park is also open daily to the public, featuring water access, competition boat docks, a small beach area, and stunning public art installations.
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
Station 300 Gainesville is a premier destination for both sports enthusiasts and families seeking fun-filled entertainment. Featuring 24 modern bowling lanes, including kid-friendly bumper options, it caters to casual bowlers and league players alike. Beyond bowling, guests can enjoy a vibrant arcade with over 40 games, laser tag, and a full-service restaurant and bar, making it an ideal spot for birthday parties, corporate events, and group outings. With weekly specials, cosmic bowling nights, and a welcoming atmosphere, Station 300 offers a dynamic blend of competitive play and family-friendly fun in the heart of Gainesville!
Gainesville, GA 30504