Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash

It’s the midst of summer, and what better way to seize the remainder of it than through having a list of the best playgrounds in the Gainesville area to take your little ones to when they need to burn a off a bit of that end-of-summer anxiety. Below, you'll find some of the best and most unique playgrounds in the Swamp. Hopefully, this article gives you and your little ones at least one last thing to do before the start of school.

Depot Park
5.0  5 Rating (1)
200 SE Depot Avenue, Gainesville FL, 32601
Sitting on the edge of a lake lays a playground and water park combination. This Gainesville park includes a faux tree to climb, colored orbs sticking out of the mulch, and tunnels to run through. Just next to that lays the water play area. The water play area has water cannons, ground jets, splash pads, and waterfalls. All of this looks over the lake, Cade Museum, the general store, and lake.
Community & Government $
105 SW 128th St Ste 200, Newberry FL, 32669
For a fresh take on what a playground can be, you might want to check out Tioga Town Center’s. The miniature slanted houses for the kids to poke around in, slides, and raised platforms to climb on make this a park to behold. Some of the other offerings are a set of regular and baby swings plus a tire swing, sandbox, and see-saw. It’s not a large park, but it’s a nice change in pace from the traditional playground. If you live close or find yourself Gainesville with your tot, it's definitely worth checking out.
Recreation
2062 NW 36th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, Gainesville FL, 32605
The Kiwanis challenge playground is a spread-out park that lays under the shade of various oak trees scattered around the premise. One noteworthy aspect of this Gainesville spot is the level of wheelchair accessibility. The swings and playground itself are both accessible to children in wheelchairs. Some of the attractions at this spot include swings, a fairly shaded track, picnic area, baseball diamond, and basketball court.
Recreation
1500 NW 45th Ave Gainesville, FL 32605, Gainesville Fl, 32605
This place in Gainesville is great for both parents and children alike. With a walking trail meandering around the nearby forest and a zip-line for the kids, there's something for everyone at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park. There are also workout stations that include both cardio machines and pull bars.
Recreation
4819 NW 8th Ave Gainesville, FL 32605, Gainesville Fl, 32605
Whether you fancy the little nature trail, playground, tennis court, or garden, Cofrin Nature Park in Gainesville has something for everyone. The playground includes slides, little rock features to climb, and other equipment in the same vein. The park is also surrounded by towering pines and has a small creek basin were shark teeth can be found.