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 

• From day trips to extended adventures, join UF RecSports Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation Braja Smith on July 3 at noon to discover local outdoor gems and learn the basics for choosing your location, activity and gear.
• Explore campus walking maps and discover your new favorite spot on campus.  
• 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.  
• Add a little adventure to your summer by canoeing, kayaking or paddling down one of our springs.  
• Grab your binoculars and head over to one of the birding sites in Alachua County to observe the amazing birds that live near us.   
• Visit the Get Out There webpage for more recreational resources. 

Visit an attraction 

• 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 Silver Linings exhibit, on display now through July 6.
• Enjoy free live music every Friday at Bo Diddley Plaza with the City of Gainesville’s Free Fridays Concert Series.
• 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.
• Visit the Matheson History Museum to explore exhibits on Alachua County and Florida history, plus enjoy 10% off your purchase in the museum gift shop through the GatorPerks program.
• UF faculty and staff can also enjoy 10% off admission to the Georgia Aquarium year-round, plus discounted tours, animal encounters and more.
• Enjoy savings on a variety of theme parks, sporting events, concerts and other attractions through TicketsatWork with company code UFLEDU.
• 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 Monroe County to learn how to protect your outdoor meals from bacteria.
• Enjoy a safe and stress-free picnic with these tips from UF/IFAS Extension Collier County.
• Watch our recorded webinar with UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Science Agent Jill Breslawski for tips on how to build a healthy charcuterie board.  
• Take your cooking to a new level — watch our recorded webinar with UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Science Agent Andrea Nikolai to learn how you can use herbs and spices in your next meal.

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.  

Try your hand at gardening  

• Join UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Agent Amanda Marek on June 26 at noon to discover the benefits of gardening with native plants and how to get started.
• Join UF/IFAS Urban & Residential Horticulture Agent Jeremy Rhoden on July 17 at noon to learn how to grow healthy food at home using hydroponics.
• Read GatorCare’s Food for Thought article to learn the benefits of gardening and review safety tips.
• 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 more 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.

Boost your well-being  

• Visit the Employee Wellness Series webpage to register for upcoming webinars and explore on-demand videos.
• Register for the Depot Park Parkrun, a free 5K that takes place every Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
• Explore free in-person and virtual fitness classes, or browse available health & wellness discounts, exclusive to UF faculty and staff.
• Sign up for a free WeightWatchers or Calm Health subscription.
• Explore the Get Healthy webpage for more wellness resources. 

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!