Alachua County schools take spring break March 15-19, 2027, and UF is off March 13-20. City camps, museums, Paynes Prairie and what is open that week.
Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the Alachua County Public Schools calendar, the University of Florida’s 2026-27 dates and deadlines, the City of Gainesville’s youth programs and camps and each venue’s own page, linked below. City of Gainesville: 352-334-5000.
Spring break 2027 lines up for families and students: Alachua County Public Schools are out Monday, March 15, through Friday, March 19, and the University of Florida’s break runs from Saturday, March 13, to Saturday, March 20. Below: the dates, the city’s day programs and the parks and museums open that week.
What this means for you
- Public schools: off March 15-19, 2027; back Monday, March 22
- Also off: Monday, March 29, is a student holiday and teacher workday
- UF: no classes March 13-20
- City camps and programs: When School is Out, 352-334-5000
School and college dates
| Who | Spring break 2027 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alachua County Public Schools | Monday, March 15, to Friday, March 19 | District calendar |
| University of Florida | Saturday, March 13, to Saturday, March 20 | UF registrar |
The district’s calendar also marks the end of the third nine weeks on Friday, March 26, and a student holiday on Monday, March 29. Private schools and Santa Fe College set their own dates; check with the school.
Camps and programs
- City of Gainesville: the parks department’s When School is Out page lists options for spring break, winter break and teacher workdays. Registration is online through the city’s ActiveNet system or in person at the parks office on the third floor of the Thomas Center, Building B, 306 NE Sixth Ave.
- Morningside Nature Center runs the city’s seasonal children’s programs from September to May; they are listed under Seasonal Programs.
- Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention runs camps as well as general admission from Thursday to Sunday.
Camp spots fill quickly; register as soon as the city or museum opens sign-ups.
Things to do
| Where | What | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy | Wild bison and horses, eight trails, a 50-foot observation tower, Lake Wauburg | 8 a.m. to sunset daily | Per-vehicle fee |
| Florida Museum of Natural History, UF Cultural Plaza | Exhibits and the Butterfly Rainforest, reopening Nov. 23, 2026 | See museum | See museum |
| Harn Museum of Art, UF Cultural Plaza | Rotating art exhibitions | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday | Free |
| Cade Museum, 811 S. Main St. | Hands-on invention museum at Depot Park | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday | Admission charged; under 5 free |
| Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive | Gardens and trails | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Thursdays | Admission charged; under 5 free |
| Depot Park, 874 SE Fourth St. | Playground and splash pad | Play area 7 a.m. to sunset | Free |
The Harn is free, and Kanapaha and Paynes Prairie are each a short drive south and west of downtown. More ideas are in our kids’ activities guide, free things to do and walking and biking trails.
What is open
Spring break is not a public holiday. City offices, trash and recycling, RTS buses and the library keep their usual schedules unless the agency posts a change; check RTS before you ride. Paynes Prairie is open 365 days a year.
What this means for you
- Book camps early; city programs fill fast.
- UF and the public schools are off the same week, so plan family outings knowing college students are away too.
- Plan museum days around the Cade’s Thursday-to-Sunday schedule and Kanapaha’s Thursday closure.
Related: Easter in Gainesville and summer camps and pools.
Frequently asked questions
When is spring break 2027 for Alachua County schools?
Alachua County Public Schools’ spring break is Monday, March 15, through Friday, March 19, 2027, according to the district calendar.
When is UF spring break 2027?
The University of Florida’s spring break runs from Saturday, March 13, to Saturday, March 20, 2027, with no classes, according to the UF registrar’s dates and deadlines.
Are there spring break camps in Gainesville?
The City of Gainesville lists options for children during spring break, winter break and teacher workdays on its When School is Out page, with registration through its parks and recreation office.
Is the Florida Museum of Natural History open for spring break 2027?
The museum says its exhibits, including the Butterfly Rainforest, reopen Nov. 23, 2026, after its expansion, so it should be open for spring break.
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