Discover ways to recharge this summer

Summer often provides a brief respite from the more hectic activities of the fall and spring semesters at UF. It’s a time when we can hit reset before starting a new academic year and enjoy some quality time with our loved ones. With this in mind, here are a few ways you can recharge and renew without straying far from home.

Explore the great outdoors

• Did you know Gainesville has more than 40 parks you can visit? Grab your picnic basket — or your hiking gear — and explore some of our local parks! Not in Gainesville? Find a park near your home. 
• Grab your binoculars and head over to one of the birding sites in Alachua County to observe the amazing birds that live near us.  
• Add a little adventure to your summer by canoeing, kayaking or paddling down one of our springs. 

Take a dip in a pool 

• Stave off the summer heat by visiting one of the three City of Gainesville pools. Not in Gainesville? Find a public pool near your home. 
• The Florida, Graham and O’Connell Center pools are open to faculty, staff, students and their spouses/partners with a valid Gator 1 Card. Visit the UF Pools website for hours of operation and policies. 
• Don’t know how to swim? UF RecSports has you covered! Register for swimming lessons — available for adults and children. 

Visit a museum 

• Stop by the Butterfly Rainforest, learn about Florida fossils and don’t miss your chance to see the Florida Museum of Natural History’s new exhibit, Spiders Alive! 
• With more than eight exhibits currently on display, stop by the Harn Museum of Art to learn about artwork from different parts of the world. 
• In addition to permanent exhibits highlighting A. Quinn Jones, Florida educational history and civil rights, the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center also features rotating exhibits on a variety of subjects.  
• Stop by the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention for weekly programs, summer camps, special events and more. 
• Explore more museums in Gainesville or find museums near you. 

Go to a Farmers Market 

• If you’re looking for fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods and more, explore our Farmers Market Directory to find a market in Gainesville and the surrounding area. You can also visit the LocalHarvest website to search for a market near you. 

Work on your well-being 

• Explore in-person and virtual fitness classes for UF faculty and staff. 
• Register for the Depot Park Parkrun. This is a free, family-friendly activity that takes place every Saturday at 7:30 a.m. 
• Explore the Get Healthy webpage for mindfulness workshops, nutrition resources and more. 
• Listen to our Wellness Talk podcast, which features wellness content from UF experts. 
• Sign up for either a Noom or Calm subscription; available to UF faculty and staff. 

Pick up a new hobby 

• Visit the Get Inspired webpage for hobbies and leisure activities you can register for through UF. 
• From sports to gardening, arts and more, visit the Get Connected Directory for a list of interest groups in Gainesville. 

Improve your financial literacy 

• Register for upcoming workshops and watch past webinars in our Financial Literacy Workshop Series. 
• Explore the retirement and financial planning resources on the Worklife at UF website 

Work on your professional development 

• Explore the Summer Training Calendar and register for courses to help you improve or learn new skills. 
• Visit the Get Inspired webpage for career and professional development courses, programs and additional resources. 
• Register for UF classes through the Employee Education Program. 

Volunteer 

• Visit the Gator Volunteer website for a list of on- and off-campus volunteer activities. 
• Visit the Get Connected Directory for a list of volunteer and advocacy groups you can join. 

Try your hand at gardening 

• Want to grow citrus trees in your home garden? Check out the UF/IFAS Home Citrus program. 
• Explore programs, workshops and resources on the UF/IFAS Lawn and Garden website. 
• Watch our Dimensions of Wellness & Gardening webinar to learn how to start your own vegetable garden. 

Whether you stay close to home, venture out of Florida, pick up a new hobby or take a walk through an exhibit, remember to take a picture of your summer vacation and submit it to our UF at Play Summer Photo Contest for a chance to win UF prizes!