I'm eager to explore Gainesville, but I want to beat the heat. Where are some places I can go where I won't melt in the sun?

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Hub University
Hub University Apartments are located right in heart of Downtown Gainesville.

Summer is here and beating the heat is a priority for most! However, keeping cool doesn't mean you have to sit inside your Gainesville apartment all day. There are so many things to see and do around town, all while enjoying the luxury of air conditioning. Whether you are trying to avoid the Florida humidity or stay dry during an afternoon shower, there are several good ways to spend a summer day away from the heat.

Florida Museum of Natural History

Gainesville is full of local history! For a day of summer fun indoors, check out the Florida Museum of Natural History in West Gainesville. Many Gainesville apartments are only a short distance from the museum, which is located on the University of Florida campus. The museum's events calendar is always full of enjoyable activities and new exhibit offerings. Certain exhibits stay at the museum year-round, such as the Butterfly Rainforest. The Rainforest is an outdoor, screened-in exhibit that features hundreds of free-flying butterflies, turtles and fish. By far one of the best exhibits at the museum, you can even watch live butterfly releases at scheduled times
throughout the week, weather permitting of course. Some of the other year-round exhibits include: Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land, Northwest Florida: Waterways and Wildlife, and South Florida People and Environments.

From now until September 16th, you can catch the Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats Exhibit. Visit the Museum's websitefor more information about the museum and events.

Sun Country Sports

If you live in an apartment near Haile Plantation or Tioga, Sun Country Sports is just around the corner. This rock climbing center is open seven days a week and they even offer discounts for students, with student ID of course. No experience with rock climbing? No worries! Classes are available for all different skill levels. Before you start climbing on over 2,500 square feet of rock wall, you have to get your belay certification and waiver signed. The certification is included with admission. This would be perfect for getting a group of friends together to spend the day rock climbing. The best part? It's inside! Here, you don't have to worry about melting in the sun and you can still enjoy a physical activity without risk of rain or sunburn!

Main Street Billiards

Right in the heart of downtown Gainesville you can find Main Street Billiards. This pool hall is within walking distance of most apartments near downtown Gainesville. This is the perfect spot to meet up with a few friends or to make some new ones. It also happens to be Gainesville's largest pool hall with 15 Brunswick Gold Crown tables. This pool hall does not allow smoking inside, so you don't have to worry about going home smelling like an ashtray. Main Street Billiards even offers pizza from 5 Star Pizza along with other snacks such as chips, peanuts and candy bars. Even if you aren't trying to avoid the summer heat, this is a "cool" spot no matter what time of year it is.

Don't let the summer heat rain on your parade! Be sure to check out all of the fun, indoor activities near your Gainesville apartment. You won't be disappointed you did!

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of SwampRentals.com or any of our advertising partners.