Family Fun

Chattahoochee Golf Club

• 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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Quinlan Visual Arts Center

The Quinlan Visual Arts Center offers a creative and elegant setting for special events, with five spacious galleries showcasing rotating fine art exhibitions. Located in Gainesville’s historic district, the venue features flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, a sculpture garden, and a catering kitchen—perfect for weddings, receptions, and corporate gatherings. Guests have the freedom to choose their own vendors, and the space can accommodate up to 300 people with extended rental hours available. The galleries are also open to the public daily, inviting visitors to enjoy inspiring artwork year-round!

Solar System Walking Tour

Embark on a cosmic journey with Gainesville’s Solar System Walking Tour, a 1.8-mile, to-scale model stretching from the Downtown Square to the shores of Lake Lanier. This self-guided experience features stainless steel planet sculptures and informative plaques, offering a tangible sense of our solar system’s vastness. As you traverse scenic parks and greenways, you’ll not only explore celestial wonders but also enjoy Gainesville’s natural beauty. Pick up a free map at the Gainesville Welcome Center to guide your interplanetary adventure!