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, we invite you to explore a few ways you can recharge this summer.   

Explore the great outdoors 

• Explore campus walking maps and discover your new favorite spot on campus.  
• Tune into Calm’s walking audios for help you stay present on the go. Don’t have Calm? Sign up for a membership today!
• 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.  
• From beginner friendly day trips to extended overnight excursions, CORE offers a variety of Adventure Trips open to faculty and staff. You can even rent outdoor gear! 
• 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.  
• Visit the Get Out There webpage for more recreational resources. 

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 available to faculty, staff, students and their spouses/partners. Visit the UF Pools website for hours of operation, policies and membership information.  
• Don’t know how to swim? Register for swimming lessons with UF RecSports.  

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.  

Visit an attraction 

• 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, Water Shapes Florida.  
• With more than eleven exhibits currently on display, stop by the Harn Museum of Art to learn about artwork from different parts of the world. Don’t miss your chance to explore the Gateway to the Himalayan Art exhibit, on display now through July 28.
• 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.  
• UF faculty and staff can enjoy 20% off admission to the Georgia Aquarium now through May 31. And don’t forget, employees receive 10% off admission year-round through the GatorPerks program!  
• Use code THANKYOU24 to enjoy additional savings on Theme Parks, sporting events, concerts and other attractions through TicketsatWork as part of their Teacher Appreciation sale, now through June 3.
• Read this UF at Work article and discover even more summer savings!

Host a summer cookout 

• Getting ready to grill? Explore GatorCare’s food and cooking safety resources or read this article from UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County for tips on how to protect your outdoor meals from bacteria.
• Watch our webinar with UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Jill Breslawski for tips on how to build a healthy charcuterie board.  
• Take your cooking to a new level, watch our webinar with UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Andrea Nikolai to learn how you can use herbs and spices in your next meal.

Boost 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.  
• Sign up for either a Noom or Calm subscription; available to UF faculty and staff.  
• Explore our new Mindfulness and Resiliency toolkit, which features printable tip cards from our on-campus EAP counselors along with curated resources for coping with anxiety, managing anger, coping with depression or grief, boosting self-care and improving relationships. 
• Visit the Employee Wellness Series webpage to register for upcoming webinars and explore on-demand videos.   
• Explore the Get Healthy webpage for more wellness resources. 

Try your hand at gardening  

• Learn how to garden successfully in Florida’s summer heat by reviewing these gardening tips from UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County. 
• 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. 

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.  

And don’t forget — safety first! 

• Stay hydrated in the summer heat with these hydration tips from UF/IFAS Extension Suwannee County. 
• Protect your skin by reading the FDA’s article on sunscreen and sun protection. 
• Mosquito season is here! Read this article from UF Emerging Pathogens Institute experts to learn how to protect yourself. 

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 a prize packet!