For starters, Myra A. Terwilliger Elementary School is one of Oakmont’s next-door neighbors. Part of the Alachua County Public Schools system, Terwilliger Elementary is located at 3999 Southeast 122nd Street, also known as Parker Road, just south of Oakmont.
For Oakmont parents who love to plan ahead, Gainesville is the hometown of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.
But since we’re talking fun (yes, school can be), read on for a sample of where Oakmont kids can have fun in Gainesville. All are a short drive away, and some can be sneaky educational too!
In your backyard
Oakmont’s Residents Club is Fun Central with its resort-style swimming pools, sundeck, interior meeting and social spaces, event lawn, sports courts and fitness center.
An extra treat is Oakmont’s Tortoise Reserve, 40 acres of residents-only conservation land that features a walking trail through local Florida terrain.
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
As kid-centric as it gets. And much fun for youngsters and adults.
Named for Dr. James Robert Cade, a UF physician and professor known as the primary founder of the Gatorade sports drink, the Cade Museum’s 21,000 square feet is dedicated to inspiring entrepreneurship, creative thinking, and hands-on ways for kids to explore their imaginations. It offers numerous exhibits, summer camps and special events, and is an A-plus, rainy-day option.
Located at 811 South Main Street. Note fees.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
This paved greenway is a multi-purpose recreational trail that begins in Gainesville and ends 16 miles later in the town of Hawthorne. It’s a rails-to-trails project that follows old railway beds through north central Florida scenery. Perfect for a family cycling adventure, there are informational kiosks along the way and four trailheads with parking.
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail begins at Boulware Springs Park in Gainesville, located at 3300 Southeast 15th Street.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
It’s right around the corner from Oakmont and children age five and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Kanapaha’s 68 acres feature multiple specialty gardens, including a dedicated children’s garden, and many stunning sights such as bamboo and water gardens.
Located at 4700 Southwest 58th Drive, off Archer Road.
Paynes Prairie State Preserve
Take the kids to see wildlife at Florida’s first state preserve (note entrance fees). It’s amazing for innumerable reasons, but herds of wild horses and buffalo can be seen safely from distant trails.
Located at 100 Savannah Boulevard in nearby Micanopy.
Butterfly Rainforest
Put this one in a back pocket.
It’s located at the Florida Museum of Natural History, closed due to an expansion project as of this writing. Once the Museum re-opens, the Rainforest is well worth admission fees, with colorful butterflies swooping about.
Located at 3215 Hull Road.
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