The Florida Park Service is proud to announce a new pilot program that will introduce reservations for day-use entry at Wekiwa Springs State Park.  lines to enter the park began forming hours prior to the park opening blocking Wekiwa Springs Road and delaying traffic daily.  The park entry fee will be collected online at the time of reservation There is no additional fee to make a day-use reservation.  Wekiwa Springs State Park will implement a reservation pilot program must have a reservation for entry to the park The window for advanced reservations opens March 10 The switch to a reservation pilot program from March 12 is intended to reduce entrance lines at Wekiwa Springs State Park that currently stretch into traffic causing significant disruptions and long wait times for visitors trying to enter the park.  The pilot program is only being implemented at Wekiwa Springs State Park The Florida Park Service will assess the success of the pilot program at Wekiwa Springs to determine whether it should be continued or expanded.  Advanced day-use reservations can be made starting March 10 Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance Same-day reservations may be made until the reservation limit has been met.   The number of available reservations is based on the maximum number of visitors the park can accommodate.   Visitors will need proof of their reservation receipt Annual passholders will need both their reservation receipt and their annual pass Guests who have reserved services through a concessionaire will need to present confirmation of their purchase Camping guests need only their camping reservation information.  a camping reservation or a concession reservation to enter the park.  If you would like to reenter the park during your reservation you must ask for a reentry ticket from the ranger station before exiting the park The day-use entry fee is refundable if the reservation is canceled the entry process will remain the same as before.   You may pay for the reservations of others in conjunction with a pavilion rental Please contact the park for more information on how to coordinate reservations for your event.  All forms of annual passes can be obtained at the Ranger Station at any time during regular park hours without a reservation.  We value your feedback and would love to hear from you Please send your thoughts to ReservationPilotProgram@FloridaDEP.gov.  The entrance lines to get into the park have been known to block roadways hours prior to Wekiwa opening FDEP’s Sarah Fayed said the department is hopeful that this will help visitors have a better experience entering the park and help cut down traffic for locals in the area whether they're visiting the park or they're just driving on by as many people do in that growing area,” Fayed said “We're hoping that with this system where the vehicles showing up are ones that are guaranteed to have their parking space that that will dramatically cut down on the congestion that's been happening on that road.” Instead of paying for parking when guests arrive the pilot program includes prepaid parking which secures a guest’s spot at Wekiwa Reservations can be made 60 days in advance and can be made the day of if spots aren’t filled The pilot program begins March 12 and runs through September 1 Wekiwa has seen over 400,000 visitors each year the Wekiva can draw anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 visitors For guests who want to make reservations for birthdays or group events with more than one vehicle Fayed said guests will need to call Wekiva staff directly Feedback on the program is encouraged by FDEP Fayed said the department is trying to spread the word to anyone visiting the parks about the pilot program A sign is now at Wekiva towards the entrance with a QR code and a link to reserve a spot in both English and Spanish “The idea is that no one is going to be blindsided by this program and that it will only serve to benefit visitors,” Fayed said “That's why we're just hoping to get the word out so everyone knows and can go ahead and preserve their spot.” Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More APOPKA, Fla. — Beginning March 12, Wekiwa Springs State Park guests must have a pre-paid reservation for entry Florida State Parks officials hope to limit capacity more efficiently and reduce long lines blocking Wekiwa Springs Road and delaying traffic daily." The new reservation pilot program comes as no surprise to frequent guest Mark McKinstry It’s a great place you can come here and see birds and alligators and all kinds of wildlife,” he said I’ve come here and not been able to get in especially in March and April when spring break is coming on.” are also usually packed on weekends.  but there’s not much you can do when you have the kind of demand that they have for these places,” he said a Melbourne resident who was a first-time visitor on Tuesday also believes the reservation system is a positive change “They know what the capacity of the park is going to be how to staff it and you know for sure you’re going to get in,” she said Florida State Park officials say by managing entry flow they can reduce congestion and provide a more serene environment.  The change will allow employees to better focus on maintaining the park’s trails then Florida State Parks will determine whether it will be continued or expanded SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – If you’re planning to visit Wekiwa Springs State Park this summer you may have visited the state’s website and seen that regular day passes are fully booked from late May through August there are open spots available within that window Our News 6 Team reached out to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and found out that reservations can only be made up to 60 days in advance We also called the park on Friday and were told over the phone that if you try to book a reservation past the 60-day mark the website automatically shows it as “booked.” Staff encouraged people with questions to give them a call if they need help navigating this new system [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos] We previously reported that the pilot program at Wekiwa Springs would begin on March 12 and all day-use visitors will be required to make a reservation to enter the park “Wekiwa Springs State Park is a true natural wonder I’m very proud of our team for finding a way to make it easier to visit this incredible park,” said Chuck Hatcher “These reservations will give guests the opportunity to see the Real Florida while reducing long lines and wait times.” When our team visited the park Friday afternoon there was no line of cars waiting to get in it was common to see congestion at the entrance on N The park had become so popular during the peak summer season that many families were forced to wake up and early and get in line in the hope of being granted admission before it hit capacity [RELATED: Why Wekiwa Springs State Park draws so many visitors] the reservation pilot program will be in use through Sept There are no extra fees associated with these reservations the standard day-use park entry fee will be paid online when the reservation is made The program does not affect visitors with camping reservations Wekiwa Springs State Park has operated under a first come the park has welcomed an average of over 400,000 visitors annually with peak visitation occurring from May to August If a specific day reaches full capacity this summer, a spokesperson with FDEP tells News 6 that additional reservations will become available as visitors leave the park. There is also a notification feature on the park’s reservation page, where people can sign up and receive an email notification when a spot opens up. Just click on the “Notify Me!” tab next to the pass and date you are searching for Here are some common questions answered by Florida State Parks: causing significant disruptions and long wait times for visitors trying to enter the park The Florida Park Service will assess the success of the pilot program at Wekiwa Springs to determine whether it should be continued or expanded Same-day reservations may be made until the reservation limit has been met The number of available reservations is based on the maximum number of visitors the park can accommodate Camping guests need only their camping reservation information a camping reservation or a concession reservation to enter the park the entry process will remain the same as before Please contact the park for more information on how to coordinate reservations for your event All forms of annual passes can be obtained at the Ranger Station at any time during regular park hours without a reservation We value your feedback and would love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts to ReservationPilotProgram@FloridaDEP.gov Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us / Follow on Social Media Careers at WKMG Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications EEO Report Disability Assistance Copyright © 2025 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group Some features on this page require the use of a different browser "The Wekiva's place in Central Florida's past and future is truly remarkable Where else in the nation can you find a spring-fed river beginning in the midst of a rapidly urbanizing area that leads like an ever expanding path out of the city and into a hundred miles of wilderness or the happy voices of children in a canoe on a sunny day the sounds and sights of the Wekiva will enrich the lives of countless generations yet to come if we are wise enough today to do what is necessary to preserve this ecosystem." - Charles Lee Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve is an exceptional place bubble up from deep within the limestone labyrinth that underlies Central Florida forming creeks and rivers that wind for miles through forested floodplains and swamps where birds and bears who explore the spring run as it flows to the Wekiva River The Wekiva River begins at the confluence of Wekiwa Spring Run and Rock Springs Run Its 15-mile northerly course alternates between wide sunny stretches of slow-moving water and narrow Blackwater Creek and more than 30 springs contribute their waters to the Wekiva as it winds its way north the character of the aquatic preserve changes noticeably Though this part of the aquatic preserve brushes against civilization it is actually a 22-mile corridor of aquatic beauty that ambles through thousands of acres of swamp Johns lies 600-acre Lake Beresford; Blue Spring winter home of hundreds of manatees; and Hontoon Island, site of ancient Timucuan middens abundant wildlife and archaeological intrigue all contribute to weave the rich tapestry that is Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve is a premier destination for anyone looking to get back to nature The exceptional natural beauty and quality of the aquatic preserve's waters entice the novice and experienced nature lover alike Recreational choices include not only water activities such as swimming but also activities that can be enjoyed in the uplands adjacent to the aquatic preserve horseback riding and geocaching are popular day uses there are numerous places and ways to camp in and around the aquatic preserve: under the stars on Hontoon Island in the comfort of your own RV or in an air-conditioned cabin at one of the state parks from the days of woolly mammoths to the heyday of the citrus industry in the 1800s old homes and historic sites await the curious Guided pontoon boat cruises provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and afford a chance to experience both the local color and history of the area Access points to the Wekiva River and Middle St Johns are located throughout the aquatic preserve Johns river basins provided abundant natural resources for pre-European communities Native American artifacts from several archaeological periods have been discovered in significant numbers at many sites within the Wekiva and St Remains of now extinct animals like giant sloths and mastodons also have been found at various locations in the aquatic preserve The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve and the designated reach of the Middle St Johns River consist primarily of nine different communities Communities associated with the aquatic preserve are all considered to be in good condition especially considering the extent of urban development adjacent to the aquatic preserve and within the basin Aquatic and terrestrial caves are characterized as cavities below the surface of the ground in karst areas of the state The limestone aquifers that underlie the entire state of Florida could be considered vast aquatic cave communities Troglobites (also called phreatobites) are organisms specially evolved to survive in deep cave habitats The occasional observation of various species of troglobites in deep water wells from several regions in the state suggests that this community could be widespread the dependence of troglobites on detrital inputs and other nutrients imported from the surface generally limits the distribution of well-developed aquatic cave communities to karst areas with surface connections The unique environment within spring boils (such as very low oxygen or high chloride content) provides habitat for animals generally not found elsewhere Several endemic snails and crayfish have specific adaptations allowing them to survive under these unique conditions - Wekiwa hydrobe pygmy siltsnail and Orlando cave crayfish Other species occasionally use the boils as refuge and Florida softshell turtles are occasionally found in the crevices running into the boils Blackwater streams are characterized as perennial or intermittent seasonal watercourses originating deep in sandy lowlands where extensive wetlands with organic soils function as reservoirs collecting rainfall and discharging it slowly to the stream The tea-colored waters are laden with tannins and dissolved organic matter and iron derived from drainage through swamps and marshes They generally are acidic (pH = 4.0 - 6.0) but may become circumneutral or slightly alkaline during low-flow stages when influenced by alkaline groundwater Relict marine sediment deposits and high chloride concentrations from springs result in a relative "saltiness" of water in the aquatic preserve most of the upstream reaches of Black Water Creek are near pristine and are difficult to traverse due to numerous fallen trees and submerged obstacles within Seminole State Forest and Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is more easily and more frequently navigated closed-canopy forest on terraces and levees within riverine floodplains and in shallow depressions Found in situations intermediate between swamps (which are flooded most of the time) and uplands the canopy can be quite diverse with both deciduous and evergreen trees More flood-tolerant species that are often present include American elm and red maple Wood storks and limpkins have been observed nesting in bottomland forests in the aquatic preserve Floodplain marshes are wetlands occurring in river floodplains and dominated by herbaceous vegetation and/or shrubs Floodplain marshes are found along rivers and streams from just below the headwaters to the freshwater portions of tidally influenced river mouths They also occur in river overflow channels and lakes with both input and output of river flow Several wading birds forage within floodplain marshes Floodplain marsh may burn periodically depending on dominant vegetation Floodplain swamps are closed-canopy forests of water-loving trees occurring on frequently or permanently flooded hydric soils adjacent to stream and river channels and in depressions and oxbows within floodplains It ranges from narrow strips of cypress along primary and secondary streams to expansive stands along large rivers to tidally influenced freshwater swamps near river mouths floodplain swamps immediately border the stream or river channel floodplain swamps are isolated from the main channel by riverbank levees and restricted to oxbows old stream beds and expansive flats commonly called backswamps The floodplain swamps of the Wekiva and St and the understory and groundcover are sparse The canopy is commonly bald cypress and swamp tupelo The “knees” arising from the root systems of both cypress and tupelo are common features in floodplain swamp Other canopy trees capable of withstanding frequent inundation may be present but rarely dominant these other floodplain hardwoods have dominated as second growth likely because most of the cypress trees were logged out during in the late 1800s and early 1900s maple and ash out-competed the slower growing cypress although a few large remnant cypress trees can be found along the Wekiva and Rock Springs Run and within the interior portions of the state parks and forest The wood stork and limpkin nest in floodplain swamp trees of the aquatic preserve Hydric hammocks are evergreen hardwood and/or palm forest with a variable understory typically dominated by palms and ferns occurring on moist soils wet sites where limestone may be near the surface and soil moisture is kept high mainly by rainfall accumulation on poorly drained soils seepage and spring discharge may also contribute to hydric conditions depending on several factors including how often the surrounding community burns and hammock size While species composition varies, the community generally has a closed canopy of oaks and palms, an open understory, and a sparse to a moderate groundcover of grasses and ferns. The canopy is dominated by swamp laurel oak, live oak and/or cabbage palm. Wekiwa Springs State Park contains Florida's largest known population of star anise Star anise occurs throughout the hydric hammock/floodplain swamp communities along Rock Springs Run River floodplain lakes and swamp lakes are shallow open water areas - with or without floating and submerged aquatic plants - that are surrounded by basin swamp or floodplain swamp although water levels often fluctuate substantially and they may become completely dry during extreme droughts Except for the fringe of water-loving trees plants may be absent altogether or they may almost completely cover the water surface Several swamp lakes and floodplain lakes occur near the western banks of the St The state-listed least tern is occasionally observed foraging on Lake Beresford and was also observed in the St Johns River near its confluence with the Wekiva River Slough marshes are primarily herbaceous communities growing in a narrow to broad shallow channel with intermittently flowing water in flat sandy landscapes sedges and emergent herbs dominate the mainly treeless landscape common buttonbush and wax myrtle are often scattered in deeper pockets of peat Florida sandhill cranes often nest in the sloughs formed by oxbows within the St Johns River portion of the aquatic preserve Drought conditions can entirely dry out the marsh and associated sloughs Spring-run streams are perennial water courses that derive most of their water from artesian openings in the underground aquifer There are 35 identified spring groups within the aquatic preserve (including the first-magnitude Volusia Blue Spring) and its watershed Waters issuing from the aquifer are generally clear circumneutral to slightly alkaline (pH=7.0-8.2) These conditions saturate the water with minerals allow light to penetrate deeply and reduce the limiting effects of environmental fluctuations all of which are conducive for plant growth spring-run streams are among the most productive aquatic habitats Volusia Blue Spring and its run are widely recognized as an important winter ground for the Florida manatee due to the constant temperature of the spring water and proximity to the St Spring-run streams generally have sand bottoms or exposed limestone along their central channel Calcareous silts may form thick deposits in quiet shallow zones while leaf drift and other debris collect around fallen trees and quiet basins along with limestone outcrops and rock debris form important aquatic habitats for many small aquatic organisms submerged aquatic vegetation covers most of the spring-run stream bottom and provides shelter and an abundant food source Human activity also can substantially affect the quality of spring waters residential and industrial pollutants may readily leach through soils especially when they are improperly applied or disposed If polluted groundwater infiltrates the deep aquifer feeding a spring-run stream Excessive applications of herbicides to control aquatic plant growth are also detrimental because their use often induces eutrophication of the stream Other human-related impacts to spring-run streams include the trampling and destruction of aquatic vegetation by overuse or misuse and the introduction and proliferation of non-native plants and animals Both of these impacts have proved very difficult to control native vegetation is absent and new vegetation is not likely to recruit due to high use Lack of vegetation in swimming areas is likely to persist because of the limited number of publicly owned springs and the continued desire of the population to enjoy the clean aesthetic qualities and unique recreational opportunities that springs provide Non-native species are often severely detrimental to native species and they may also disrupt recreational activities Maintaining the delicate balance between recreation and preservation is an ongoing challenge for resource managers There are currently no Events/Public Notices that match the selected criteria Get our Weekly Top Picks of Things to Do Around the Orlando Area A draw for locals and travelers since its discovery in the 1860s, Wekiwa Springs became the first tourist attraction in Central Florida. Today, the park welcomes several hundred thousand visitors each year. Wekiwa Springs State Park is a treasure trove of fun for a great day out and one of our favorite outdoor activities in Orlando – especially for adults IMPORTANT: Effective March. 1, 2025: A new day-use reservation pilot program will be implemented at Wekiwa Springs State Park from March 12, 2025, to Sept. 1, 2025. All day-use visitors will be required to have a reservation to enter the park Pack a picnic and a sense of adventure for a fun-filled day of swimming plan an overnight camping trip for exclusive access to the trails and activities the crystal clear spring head pool is an invitation to anyone suffering the extreme heat of Florida’s summers Bring a snorkel mask or a personal-sized tube or floatation device for added fun while enjoying a swim in nature’s swimming pool.  Wekiwa Springs State Park is extremely popular in the summer and will reach capacity early in the morning Try to visit on a weekday or in the off-season like Fall or early Spring.  Note that due to shallow waters in the pool diving or jumping in is prohibited for safety Swimming is only allowed in the designated springs pool area For an easy and enjoyable paddle, travel the one mile (each way) from Wekiwa Springs to Wekiva Island where you can cool off at their full-service bar or grab a bite at their onsite food truck before paddling back.  Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the park concession or visitors can launch their own from any launch site along the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run consult the Wekiwa Springs website for options on the many river routes available Explore more kayak rentals in Orlando Wekiwa Springs State Park offers camping facilities for both tents and RVs The campground has a total of 60 campsites equipped with picnic tables Due to the park’s proximity to civilization you don’t need to go far to pick up any necessary supplies at the local grocery stores.  with all the Longwood restaurants at your fingertips Weekend camping trips can be spent at the campsite virtually in Orlando’s backyard without spending much time in the car to get there Ideally, the closest nature-filled retreat for camping in Central Florida, Wekiwa Springs campground is typically sold out, so reserve campsites online in advance.   there are even two primitive sites that can only be accessed by canoe or kayak the park provides picnic areas with tables and grills for day-use visitors Large groups can reserve pavilions for cookouts or bring your picnic basket and set up on the hill overlooking the springs pool for a simpler outing don’t worry – the park concession stand has you covered the adult beverages can only be consumed in the concessions area and not brought further into the park.  Wekiwa Springs State Park has 25 miles of trails from lengths less than a mile to nearly 14 miles long perfect for any level of hiking or mountain biking expertise For a respite from the crowds of the springs pool try a hike to Sand Lake for a peaceful picnic easily accessible from the main hiking trails Adhere to fishing regulations and licensing rules Signs posted around the park entrance share details about how to react to a bear Always provide the bear an exit route and stay still Bears aren’t all you may find in this suburban forest, though. It is common to come across deer, turtles, turkeys, and many species of birds as well. A large number of birds inhabit the sandhills, scrub, hardwood hammocks, and waterways of Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail For an added thrill, try your hand at geocaching – a niche treasure hunt of sorts, using a GPS to find hidden trinkets along trails. For more information on geo-seeking, read up on the Florida State Park website in advance of your trip Pick up a park map at the ranger booth for more trail information upon arrival, or learn more in advance here Once the park reaches capacity in peak season If the nearly mile-long turning lane into the park is any indication realize that car lines can be very long to get in Scope out the best spot for your day by finding a shade tree along the pool’s edge or along the sides of the sloping hill leading to the pool.  Note that consumption of alcohol is not permitted Pets are allowed at Wekiwa Springs State Park Wekiwa Springs State Park 1800 Wekiwa CircleApopka FL 32712407-553-4383 $6 per vehicle, unless camping (entry fee is included in the camping fee). March 1 – September 1, 2025, All day-use visitors will be required to have a reservation to enter the park natural born storyteller and creative writer She’s a wine and gin enthusiast and charcuterie builder extraordinaire Seeking to inspire others to “Travel More” destination spotlights and more at her site AlwaysPackTissues.com (813) 949-4400info@datenightguide.com320 W This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page a move that has drawn mixed reactions from visitors Starting Wednesday, March 12, guests will need to book their entry online before arriving at the popular Central Florida destination [RELATED: Wekiwa Springs State Park to roll out day-use reservation pilot program. Here’s how it works] The Florida State Parks system says the pilot program aims to improve the visitor experience by reducing traffic backups and ensuring access for those who plan ahead especially on weekends,” a park spokesperson said “This system will help manage demand and create a more enjoyable visit for everyone.” saying it will make trips to the springs more predictable “I think it’s a good idea for people who like to plan in advance,” said Ian feel the system limits accessibility and takes away the spontaneity of visiting the park “You can’t just go with the flow anymore,” said Nico “Now I have to plan my spring break weeks ahead and what if all the spots are already taken?” The reservation system will remain in place through Sept after which officials will evaluate its effectiveness the state may make the change permanent or expand it to other parks Reservations open Monday. Click here to make your reservations Just outside the busy city of Orlando Wekiwa Springs State Park is my go-to spot when I need a breather from the daily grind Recently, they’ve introduced a new reservation system to help manage the crowds which is great news for those of us who love the park but dread the long lines The springs themselves are what keep me coming back There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in the crystal-clear water or paddling around in a kayak The water’s always the perfect temperature (72 degrees year-round!) and the surrounding greenery and wildlife make it feel like a little slice of paradise The quiet is a welcome change from the city’s hustle and bustle The last time I was there a spotted a little armadillo and laid out in the sun surrounded by birds—it’s incredibly calming It’s one of those places where anyone can truly unwind and enjoy the natural beauty around Central Florida Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for a casual walk Each one offers a unique look at Florida’s diverse ecosystems you might even spot some wildlife like deer or turkeys Wekiwa Springs State Park is a favorite for good reason Its natural beauty and close proximity to Orlando make it a hit with both locals and visitors Whether I’m up for an adventure or just want to relax I’m hopeful that more people will get to enjoy this beautiful place without the hassle of long waits APOPKA – Wekiwa Springs State Park will soon require day-use reservations making it the first Florida state park utilizing a reservation program The pilot program will kick off on Wednesday Day-use park guests and annual passholders will be required to make a reservation online if they’re planning to visit "The switch to a reservation pilot program from March 12 causing significant disruptions and long wait times for visitors trying to enter the park," Florida State Parks said in a release this program is only being implemented at Wekiwa Springs State Park and it will "assess the success of the pilot program at Wekiwa Springs to determine whether it should be continued or expanded." Advanced day-use reservations can be made starting on Monday If you’re planning to visit the park, you can head to the park’s reservation website. There is no fee to make the reservation but the park entry fee will be due when you make the reservation online you will just select “Annual Passholder” as the payment option and show your pass when you enter the park Click here for the park reservation site. Florida State Parks said reservations can be made up to 60 days before your visit Same-day reservations can be made as well until the reservation limit for the day has been reached “The number of available reservations is based on the maximum number of visitors the park can accommodate,” a release said What do you need to bring to the park after making a reservation you will need to bring proof of your reservation receipt (digital or printed) Annual passholders will need the reservation proof as well as their pass Can you get into the park without making a reservation in advance a camping reservation or a concession reservation to enter the park.” You’ll be able to receive a refund if you’re unable to make your reservation For more information on the pilot program, click here. If you’d like to provide feedback on the program, you can email ReservationPilotProgram@FloridaDEP.gov Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021 She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday you might need a backup if you can’t get a spot into the Wekiwa Springs this summer lesser-known springs in the Central Florida area Rainbow Springs is my favorite springhead in Florida If you feel like making the trip up to Dunnellon If you’re looking for an especially wild experience, visit Silver Springs in Marion County. Nearly 100 years ago a tour boat operator released six Rhesus macaque monkeys near Silver Springs Park Now there are almost 300 monkeys in the area You can also kayak and hike in the park, but unfortunately, there is no swimming at this time Paradise Springs is one of the deepest springs in Florida The waterway actually started as a sinkhole but it’s open to the public for swimming and you’ll find the “Grim Reaper Sign,” warning you to stop there unless you’re fully cave-certified Juniper Springs a gem nestled between Ocala and Ormond Beach is temporarily closing its watercraft launch but still offers plenty of fun where you might spot playful otters and rare albino gray squirrels camp under the shade of the beautiful live oaks and dive into the crystal-clear spring waters for a refreshing swim Juniper Springs is also home to the historic Mill House where you can learn about the area’s history Alexander Springs is another great option if you’re trying to cool off during the summer and don’t have a Wekiwa Springs reservation These springs are perfect for swimming and splashing around and scuba divers can plunge into the nearly 30-foot-deep water All of the springs I mentioned are great alternatives to Wekiwa Springs if you find yourself in need of a cooldown without a reservation remember that every springs location in Florida is extremely popular so I suggest arriving early or calling ahead anywhere you go to make sure there will be a spot for you If you have any other local summer activity ideas Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — At Rock Springs, just north of Orlando, water gushes from a limestone cliff. Hundreds of gallons of water pour from an opening in the rock every second. Mike Cliburn, with Friends of the Wekiva River says "This is basically rainwater that percolates down through the recharge area." Rock Springs is one of more than a thousand freshwater springs in Florida. Because of its unique geology, the state has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs anywhere in the world They're magnets for wildlife and for people who want to swim or paddle in crystal-clear water But development and pumping of groundwater are taking a toll Some springs no longer bubble up from the aquifer and even the largest are now seeing their flow steadily reduced State policymakers acknowledge the problem but so far have been reluctant to do anything about it Florida's springs provide important habitat for endangered and threatened species, including manatees attracting locals and visitors who come to paddle A boom in housing construction has led central Florida's water management district to issue more permits allowing groundwater withdrawals. So much water is now being pumped from the aquifer that the amount that flows from Rock and nearby Wekiwa springs has gone down And with additional construction being approved all the time requests for groundwater permits are only increasing "We know that there's going to be such a strain on the groundwater that the result is going to be a decrease in flow at Wekiwa and Rock Springs In some parts of Florida, springs have stopped flowing or become choked by algae because of low flows and pollution caused by development The group's executive director Ryan Smart says the new rules are essentially the same as the ones that have long been in place "They have a lot of discretion on what those rules look like," Smart says which are the same as the rules they are proposing Florida's DEP didn't respond to requests for an interview Smart says the environmental group and regulators agree on one thing — Florida's springs are in trouble "The DEP and the water management districts have determined that significant harm which is typically over 15% of habitat loss "We need to stop the destruction before things get so bad that it's ruined." The water that gushes from Rock Springs eventually flows into the Wekiva Florida's spring-fed ecosystem looks in pretty good shape red-bellied woodpeckers fly overhead and little blue herons wade in the shallows Orlando has been the nation's second-fastest growing region and new residential construction is booming Jay Exum says that's why it's important for the state to adopt environmental protections for the springs that were ordered by lawmakers nearly a decade ago Exum says there need to be changes in how Floridians use their precious groundwater "Fifty percent of the water withdrawn from the Floridan aquifer is used to irrigate residential lawns," Exum says But it's what we do after the development that may cause the biggest impact Florida's Department of Environmental Protection is moving forward with its proposed rules the Florida Springs Council says it will challenge them in court Become an NPR sponsor Copyright 2025 Central Florida Public Media Florida is well-known for its theme parks, abundant sunshine, and sparkling coastlines But Florida's springs are an often overlooked natural wonder and aquatic activities like tubing and kayaking make Florida springs near Orlando the perfect day trip We've compiled everything you need to know into one place including information about Florida springs which Florida springs are closest to Orlando and which ones are definitely worth the drive Cool off at these places to go tubing in Orlando Keep reading for what makes each of these natural springs near Orlando worth a visit!  We've also included additional springs near Orlando that are worth a 2 hour drive to get there Distance from Orlando: 30 minutesHighlights: Kayaking 2025: A new day-use reservation pilot program will be implemented at Wekiwa Springs State Park from March 12 All day-use visitors will be required to have a reservation to enter the park Wekiwa Springs State Park‘s beautiful spring waters made for Central Florida’s first tourist attraction with a bathhouse and hotel established in 1870 The swimming area is an average depth of four feet Bring a picnic and beach gear to really enhance your experience There are over 25 miles of hiking trails too We love arriving early, renting a canoe or kayak, and then cooling off for the afternoon in the refreshing spring water. You can launch your canoe or kayak from the springs area, follow the Wekiva River for about a mile, and then you’ll come across Weikva Island Weekends are very popular.Admission is $6 per vehicle Distance from Orlando: 30 minutesHighlights: Tubing Kelly Park is popular with tubers eager to float down the short but serene 3/4-mile tube run Pack a picnic and stake out a sunny spot in the grass along the water after you’ve had your fill of floating down the crystal clear water Tube rentals are available outside the park from multiple vendors (or bring your own tube — must be less than 5 feet in length or width) We recommend visiting during the week or outside of the busy summer season (October is a surprisingly great time to tube!) IMPORTANT: It is critical that you visit Kelly Park / Rock Springs on a weekday or any other season other than summer the line of cars to enter this park on weekends and especially in the summer is at least an hour And the park does reach capacity quickly on such days (usually by 10am) If tubing isn’t your thing, pass the entrance to Kelly Park and continue to King’s Landing where you can rent kayaks and hit the water Several local kayaking companies also launch guided tours from this area Distance from Orlando: 55 minutesHighlights: Manatee viewing 2025: The boardwalk leading to the spring boil at Blue Spring State Park is temporarily closed for construction In-water activities are closed while the shoreline stabilization is ongoing diving and paddling in the spring run and spring head Blue Spring State Park is located in Orange City, Florida, and is best known for its incredible manatee watching on cold winter days In the spring and summer when the manatees have gone Take a walk along the hiking trail or lovely boardwalk winding through the woods and along the water’s edge to the headwaters of the spring A camp store and concession stand offer good There is also a guided river boat tour along the St Blue Spring State Park is now offering daily tram tours at 10:00am they will be offering free tours on June 1st Inquire at the Ranger Station upon arrival Distance from Orlando: 1 hourHighlights: Old Spanish Sugar Mill DIY pancakes Sometimes you just need a little time in Florida's natural beauty without heading to one of the major landmarks You can explore a few local Central Florida springs that are lowkey and relaxing Please note the following local springs have recreational areas and facilities swimming is not an option at these locations Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutesHighlights: Lots of natural space Swimming is ideal at Juniper Springs but there are a few features that make this park worth the trip from Orlando Its location within the Ocala National Forest provides one of the vastest encounters with Florida’s natural beauty There is also a millhouse with a working waterwheel that adds a unique charm A limestone wall acts as an inviting entrance into the crystal clear waters which offers 7 miles of canoeing or kayaking and a 1-mile hiking trail that leads to another spring Fern Hammock Spring (swimming or boating is not allowed in this section) Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutesHighlights: Swimming Alternatively, Alexander Springs is also within the Ocala National Forest area hiking and canoeing are popular activities here Alexander Springs is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutesHighlights: Tubing Florida and offers some of the best tubing near Orlando For a glorious day in the sun spent swimming or tubing for hours Visiting Rainbow Springs State Park allows you to experience multiple aquatic adventures from swimming in the 72-degree headsprings to renting a canoe or kayak to explore the scenic river While tubing is not permitted within the headsprings area of the park tubers can float down the Rainbow River by way of a separate tubing entrance Tube rentals are $24 (plus a $2 park entry fee) and the experience lasts about 2 hours For a longer tube run (we’re talking 4-4.5 hours of floating!), KP Hole is an alternate park nearby offering tube rentals Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutesHighlights: Manatee viewing Crystal River is one of the best places in the state to view the Florida manatee it's also the only place in which you're permitted to swim with manatees while on a guided tour Three Sisters Springs is a fantastic place to observe manatees on foot from the winding boardwalks which offer views of the springs full of manatees in the colder winter months If you’d rather view these gentle giants from the water, book a manatee snorkeling tour (in season) or join a guided kayaking tour in clear kayaks with Get Up and Go Kayaking Tour options include visits to Three Sisters Springs getting an unobstructed view of the manatees directly below your kayak Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutesHighlights: Glass bottom boat tours You'll find Silver Springs State Park located in Silver Springs This park's claim to fame goes beyond the typical swimming and hiking available at most Florida springs you can experience this spring best from aboard one of the park's beloved glass bottom boat tours allowing you to observe what's in the water below with extended 90-minute tours available on weekends.Park admission is $2 per person and boat tours are $15-$30/person depending on which tour you choose.Pro-tip: When you pre-book your boat tour your admission to the park is included – so do this to save time Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutesHighlights: Mermaid show Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is best known for its iconic mermaid show offered twice a day at 11am and 3pm there's so much more to explore at this Florida State Park canoe and kayak rentals to paddle the Weeki Wachee River You can splash and play in the spring at Buccaneer Bay (open seasonally) the natural waterpark complete with water slides rent a tandem kayak to paddle 5.5 miles of the Weeki Wachee River.Admission is $13  Related: A Cool Day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutesHighlights: Manatee viewing, unique wildlifeRead our Expert's Guide to Visiting Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park combines everything you love about Florida State Parks into one visit What started off as a tourist attraction in the 1950s has now grown to be a Florida State Park and remants of the old roadside attraction are apparent in places there are natural walkways and landscapes to explore plus abundant opportunities to see wildlife There are a small number of manatees year round that are kept at the park as they are not fit to return to the wild Admission is $13 per person ages 5 and older Distance from Orlando: 2 hoursHighlights: Snorkeling and diving While most springs in Florida offer swimming, Devil's Den is unique in that it is open for snorkeling and diving only as the spring is located underground in a cave with a huge opening into the blue sky above This illuminates the clear spring water below as you snorkel or dive Keep your eyes out for wildlife like turtles and fish Distance from Orlando: 2 hoursHighlights: Tubing Crystal clear, 72-degree spring-fed water and a fantastic tube run make Ichetucknee Springs State Park one of the state’s best tubing spots Choose your own adventure for a float as short as 45 minutes to as long as 2 hours Tube rentals are available online in advance or you can bring along your own or rent from vendors outside the park Expect to pay around $8-15 in addition to the $6 park entry fee Distance from Orlando: 2 hours 15 minutesHighlights: Cave diving Located near Gainesville, Ginnie Springs is one of the only places where certified divers can go cave diving in Florida rent tubes and relax as you float down the Santa Fe River with your love The facility also offers overnight rental cottages and picnicking if you’d like to turn your visit into a weekend getaway Admission is $20 – $25 depending on the time of year and rentals are available for an additional fee Did you know there are more than 700 Florida springs located throughout the state The wealth of natural beauty surrounding us in Central Florida is astounding many springs are located within Florida State Parks you'll be able to soak up the scenery while enjoying the additional amenities provided by our state park system but especially so in the steamy summer months Floridians looking for a reprieve from the heat flock to the springs because the water is a refreshing 67 – 72 degrees year-round other activities include tubing (at select Florida springs only) Many springs located within state parks also have hiking trails and some even have overnight accommodations it's important to do your part to aid in their protection Simple actions like cleaning up your trash choosing sunscreen free of harmful chemicals and using reusable water bottles instead of plastic all make a difference in preserving our state's natural playgrounds chances are you already know that alligators can be present in any body of water in Florida We have seen baby alligators in Florida springs before Florida springs that are especially popular for swimming and tubing are generally close to the public if alligators are present Many swimming areas also feature netting to provide an added layer of safety Your best bet is to always err on the side of caution and assess your personal comfort level. Opt for an activity like canoeing, kayaking, or hiking instead of tubing or swimming if that feels more in your comfort zone. We also recommend checking out this resource on living with alligators from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission If you're visiting Florida from another state it's especially important to educate yourself about alligators and familiarize yourself with safety tips never ever feed or approach an alligator or any wildlife for that matter Stephanie Patterson is a local photographer, travel blogger, and food tour guide with a passion for creativity, the beach, and great food. When she's not taking pictures or writing, you can find her hanging out with her boyfriend and their dog, trying new restaurants, or baking something sweet. Find her online at www.spattersonphotography.com and www.traveltasteclick.com Governor Jeb Bush signed The Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act into law on Tuesday The law authorizes building the Wekiva Parkway and provides protection to the Wekiva River system The Act requires a comprehensive approach to protecting the Wekiva River system involving local governments The act requires the Florida Department of Health to address nitrogen reduction through appropriate onsite disposal standards The following document is visual in nature and may not be accessible to screen readers If you need assistance with the information contained in this document please contact the Onsite Sewage Programs' Tallahassee office.  Map of the Wekiva Study Area - Map of the boundaries of the Wekiva Study Area and Wekiva River Protection Area Department of Health rulemaking for the Wekiva Study Area was put on hold by the Legislature until the conclusion of the Nitrogen Reduction Strategies Study Please contact the Onsite Sewage Program office with any questions or comments There will be detailed field sampling within the Wekiva Study Area (WSA) at a few conventional septic systems. The WSA boundary was defined by incorporating data from various contributing sources to the Wekiva River System.  The question that this field work portion of the Wekiva project will address is how much nitrogen is transported to the groundwater by analyzing samples of septic tank effluent in the saturated zone underneath a drainfield and in shallow groundwater.  There is an increased level of uncertainty when measuring away from the source but electrical conductivity as tracer and nitrogen isotope tests are expected to help differentiate between organic and inorganic nitrogen This will aid the researchers in determining the relative inputs from the inorganic forms found in many commercial fertilizers versus the inorganic forms found in wastewater There will be a maximum of three systems assessed.  Each site location will be within the boundaries of the WSA and will be chosen based on a comprehensive list of criteria that RRAC developed. The criteria include being able to reach the actual water table with the equipment choosing a location within each of the three affected counties having a minimum lot size to allow for identification of the wastewater plume etc. Once the field work has been completed there will be a better understanding of what one septic system in the WSA contributes to the groundwater and whether this contribution is different from literature values This task will further discuss differences between nitrogen loading by different categories of septic systems (e.g depth to saturated zone and soil organic content) The next part of this step is to then look at the different potential categories of contribution to come up with an estimate of overall loading the estimates from Task 2 will be compared with the amount of loading estimates from other sources (wastewater treatment facilities etc.) to determine what percentage of the nitrogen inputs are from septic systems This task is to recommend a range of cost effective solutions if contributions of nitrogen from onsite systems are found to be significant. RRAC has advised the Department staff to perform preliminary research for this task.  Further results from the first three tasks will influence how this task will be completed. The approach will be to obtain cost information from each county Additional research information can be found at the Research Review and Advisory Committee webpage (CBS12) — A tornado swept through western Seminole County late Monday morning as a storm swept through that caused significant damage to homes in Longwood A National Weather Service’s (NWS) preliminary assessment determined the twister touched down on the eastern edge of Wekiwa Springs State Park and headed northeast through the city The tornado rated as an EF-1 for much of the time it was on the ground as it bore down on the homes in the vicinity of Blue Iris Place See Also: Strong winds cause damage in Okeechobee neighborhood, public urged to avoid area The Seminole County Fire Department shared some images of the destruction that happened when the twister slammed into one of the homes there Two people were inside the now-destroyed house at the time and managed to escape unharmed More damage was found along Markham Woods Road as the tornado continued toward Interstate 4 it is believed to have cut a path about 1.8 miles long NWS officials planned to continue surveying the area through the afternoon at which point they can figure out the exact location it ended Did you have any pictures or video from the storm? Click hereto Chime In and share them Find more ways to stay up to date with your latest local news. Sign up for our newsletter to get the day's top headlines delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and can't miss video SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman traveling on Interstate 4 in Seminole County captured the moment an EF-2 tornado crossed the interstate. The National Weather Service said the tornado touched down at 9:35 a.m in Wekiwa Springs and traveled 4 miles across the county [RELATED: TIMELINE: Here’s the path EF-2 tornado took across Seminole County] Video from Pamela Tompkins showed traffic stopped on the interstate as heavy rain whipped against vehicles on I-4 hopefully it’s just a little one,” she says in the video The tornado damaged several homes, destroyed a two-story house in a Longwood subdivision and numerous snapped oak trees News 6 Chief Meteorologist Candace Campos said one of the concerns with a tornado threat is if it’s tied with torrential downpours pointing out in the video that “you never saw a tornado coming.” “Sometimes you don’t even see the threat coming until it just completely reduces your visibility,” she said She also said tornadoes of this magnitude are very rare in Central Florida we see tornadoes ranging from EF-0 to EF-1 the tornado crossed over I-4 before it dissipated Monday’s tornado was the strongest to hit Seminole County since an EF-3 on Feb Copyright © 2025 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. highly curated editorial content brings attention to hidden gems Share LinkGrab the Wool Socks for This Hike in Florida That’s 100% Worth Braving the ColdThe Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail is a 5.8-mile loop trail in Apopka The trail is part of Wekiwa Springs State Park One of the state's best hikes is in central Florida near Apopka: the Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail which manage moisture well and are durable For more details about the trail, visit the Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail listing on AllTrails Alicia Lynch/AllTrailsWekiwa Springs State Park is a 7,000-square-foot park popular for many activities It's open every day from 8 am until sundown People often visit the park to hike; it has a series of trails varying from 0.8 miles to 13.5 miles in length Many visit the park to swim in Wekiwa Springs clear second-magnitude spring that's always 72 degrees The park is also a great place to mountain bike Apopka is about 20 miles northwest of Orlando a bustling city with tons of unique attractions Choose your stateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasNorthern CaliforniaSouthern CaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSubscribe... Enjoy your own private fishing pond and then head to one of Missouri's underrated fishing spots with a stay at this cozy cabin. Thanks for subscribing. We’ll see you in your inbox! Orlando-News.com Law enforcement authorities are still searching for a missing woman who was last seen entering a body of water at Wekiva Springs State Park three years ago Paola Marie Miranda-Rosa was last seen by family members as she left her grandmother’s house located near S Semoran Boulevard in Orlando witnesses saw Miranda-Rosa entering a body of water near the Otter Camp section of Wekiva Springs State Park Police say they found her vehicle parked at the facility Miranda-Rosa stands 4’10” tall and has brown eyes and reddish/violet-colored hair If you have seen Paola Marie Miranda-Rosa or know her whereabouts the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call 407-348-2222 Dozens of people concerned about the health of Florida springs gathered for a rally Thursday ahead of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s public workshop on a new draft rule to better protect those freshwater springs a primary source of drinking water for the state In Northeast Florida and in Central Florida, where Thursday’s rally was held, more than 90% of people get their water from the aquifer, according to the St. Johns River Water Management District But many of Florida’s springs are in trouble, polluted by high concentrations of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. That’s why FDEP in 2018 adopted Basin Management Restoration Plans, or BMAPs to guide efforts to restore water quality in the 24 springs deemed to be “impaired” by such nutrients “The common denominator is flow,” Smart said explaining the inherent connection between water quality and water quantity Two years before FDEP adopted those BMAPs, state lawmakers passed the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act of 2016 The law directs FDEP to adopt “uniform rules” for issuing water use permits also called consumptive use permits or CUPs that don’t harm Florida’s 30 statutorily-designated Outstanding Florida Springs (OFS) the law directs FDEP to actually define the clause “harmful to the water resources” so the state’s water management districts have a common standard to refer to when determining whether or not a water use permit would be harmful In 2016, the agency issued a notice of rulemaking development that it has since extended twice, citing the need for “additional time to further develop and solicit public comment on the rules associated with this rulemaking effort.” Johns River Water Management District’s office in Apopka marks the third time FDEP has introduced a draft rule that is insufficient to protect Florida springs according to the 2016 law’s mandate [FDEP] has made zero progress in adopting a valid rule,” Smart said at Thursday’s rally [FDEP] is once again proposing the same permitting rules that were already in place more than a year before the law was amended: the same rules that have already proven to cause significant harm to Outstanding Florida Springs.” Smart described it as “a never-ending cycle.” “The very idea that the same rules that cause significant harm could prevent any harm [to springs] would be laughable said Florida’s freshwater springs are not only important for the environment but they're also integral to the wellbeing of our environment and our communities It impacts every part of our lives,” Eskamani said we find ourselves in this situation time and time again pushing [FDEP] to do what's right and to do what is legally required of them.” Another, separate definition for important water resources exists in Florida statute, in addition to OFS. More than 350 Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW) are designated worthy of special protection due to their natural attributes, like excellent water quality or exceptional recreational value, per FDEP Some of Florida’s OFS are also designated as OFW — but not all. Ensuring that all 30 OFS are also categorically listed as OFWs could be one relatively simple way of boosting protection for springs, according to a report published by the Environmental and Land Use Law Section (ELULS) of The Florida Bar Such a change would also make “explicit the link between water quantity and water quality,” according to that 2019 report which states “spring flow is directly related to the spring ecosystem’s health and indicates how much water is stored in the aquifer.” Jay Exum, a board member for the group Friends of the Wekiva River reminded rally attendees of where exactly they all stood outside the District’s Apopka office: within the Rock Springs and Wekiwa springshed The flow of water from Wekiwa and Rock Springs is already too low to sustain those springs’ ecosystems Johns Water Management District study of minimum flows and levels it’s critical for FDEP to not only consider impacts from future water use permits but also permits that have already been issued “Develop rules that not only stop future permits from impacting these systems but you've also got to look at those current permits that are already degrading the natural resources of the springs,” Exum said Many people continued voicing their concerns to FDEP directly at the agency’s workshop immediately following Thursday’s rally Members of the public can submit comments on the draft rule for the next three weeks What better way to enjoy the beauty of Florida than renting a kayak and hitting the water it can get a bit expensive to rent kayaks for each trip My girlfriends and I put together this list to share our kayaking secrets for five kayaking rentals in Central Florida around $50 check out these reasonable kayaking in Orlando rental options King's Landing in Apopka is a kayaker's paradise stunning waterway that weaves past large oaks draped in Spanish moss For $69 for an entire afternoon of fun ($49 for a single kayak) you’ll definitely need to put this on your list You can also save a few bucks renting a canoe instead of a kayak When my girlfriends and I paddled this trail There is no shuttle service with this option so be prepared to paddle back to the launch site – it's a fun adventure King's Landing RentalsDouble Kayak $69 – Each double kayak can seat 2 people max weight 450 lbs.Single Kayak $49 – Each single kayak can seat 1 person If you really love the water and want to spend 4.5-5 hours exploring the area, embark on the full 8.5-mile paddling trip with shuttle service from the endpoint The cost is $79 for a tandem kayak ($59 for a single kayak) VIDEO – See what it's like to enjoy a guided tour kayaking at King's Landing near Orlando: Stay with me here, I know that kayaking next to the touristy highway 192 might not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, but once you're on the water you'll hardly know you're anywhere near a busy roadway. Park under the shaded oaks and make your way to The Paddling Center‘s rental office to get situated you can rent a tandem kayak for two hours ($30 for a single) or a stand-up paddle board for $30 This is one of the closest kayaking options for the entire Orlando area Although two hours doesn’t seem like enough time You’ll wind under bridges and slowly paddle under giant oaks and through Cypress swamps You should be able to explore in both directions from the launch area within the allotted two hours The staff members at The Paddling Center usually have a pretty good idea of where you may spot them from day to day Manatees, manatees, manatees! Blue Spring State Park is one of the best local spots to see these gentle giants You can rent a tandem kayak for up to four hours from St Paddle along the trails using the map provided at the ranger station and then stick around for a walk along the boardwalk trails and gift shops There are so many great picnic spots so be sure to bring along a picnic lunch to refuel after your paddle There is also a small general store with snacks and a small menu of casual eats It's the perfect spot to spend the day together You may also want to consider the cabin camping here FYI: the spring and spring run are closed to all water activities including kayak rentals during manatee season from mid-November to March And summer 2024 the springs run is closed to water activities for restoration Admission to the state park is $6 per vehicle Plan the perfect trip to De Leon Springs State Park by combining a kayak rental with a delicious breakfast. Either dine at the famous Old Sugar Mill Pancake House or visit the lunch window. After fueling up it's time to hit the water. You can rent kayaks inside De Leon Springs State Park or paddle four miles along Spring Garden Creek to explore Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Reserve $22 each additional hourSingle Kayak – $18 first hour $8 each additional hourTandem Kayak – $22 first hour Pro-tip: Save $1 – If you plan to grab some food at De Leon Springs visit the concession stand BEFORE securing your float or other rentals Hours: Daily 8am-sunset (Note: The Old Sugar Mill is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving)Automatic 18% gratuity applied at The Old Sugar Mill Restaurant (you can join the waitlist online!) If you happen to have a weekday available to enjoy nature then this is an affordable and easy way to rent a kayak Secret Lake Park in Casselberry is a favorite among locals is connected to other lakes thanks to multiple little canals Pricing is affordable if you are a resident of Casselberry Even if you're just beginning to kayak or canoe these rentals are a great choice because you'll be on the water surrounded by a neighborhood It's a good way to get used to paddling on the water without being in the remote wilderness Kayak/canoe rentals are available at the center Monday through Thursday This is the place to be in summer and fall! From Wekiva Island (located outside of the state park) ranging from $35 – $55 depending on time of day Make your way down the Wekiva River at your leisure Then circle back to chill out at Wekiva Island Spend the day at Wekiva Island to enjoy local eats and some of the BEST central Florida brews There is a $5 entrance fee to the park on weekends and holidays And despite the popularity of this place there is plenty of natural habitat to enjoy Be sure to check out the state park's kayak rental options as well. There are single double, and even triple kayaks for rent here!On the northern side of the Wekiva River, you can rent kayaks and canoes right from Wekiwa Springs State Park This is the best option to go kayaking at your own pace While it is a popular place for kayaking in Orlando The most popular natural springs in Orlando is Wekiwa Springs State Park This place is SLAMMED in the spring and summer So try to visit in February or March if possible You can rent kayaks inside Wekiwa Springs State Park in order to paddle along the Wekiva River Just be sure to park on the far side of the parking lot Rentals stop at 6:30PM from June through September Pick up your kayak for just $35 for a half day rental and hit the water! Rent a double kayak from Rainbow River Kayak shack for $55 for a half day rental ($40 for a single). You'll be transported to the entry point at KP Hole (a popular spot for tubing where the team will bring your kayak to the water and help you get settled The team will be happy to give you a map of all of the canals so you can work your way through all the breathtaking paddling Rainbow Springs has to offer Expect to spend 2-3 hours on the water before exiting at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park where a shuttle will pick you up to go back to your car This kayaking trip is one of my all-time favorites You can also rent a tandem kayak directly from KP Hole ($55, seasonal; call ahead to confirm) and Rainbow Springs State Park ($50 and up This destination is just over an hour from Orlando Impending change in Florida National Park - from this date you will need to book in order to enter - all the information here If you’ve ever tried to visit Wekiwa Springs State Park on a hot summer weekend, you know the struggle is real. Long lines, full parking lots and that sinking feeling when a ranger tells you the park is at capacity Florida State Parks is rolling out a reservation system for Wekiwa Springs meaning visitors will need to book their entry in advance No more hoping for the best when you show up at the gate —if you don’t have a reservation This system will be in place until September 1 as a way to manage crowds and make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy one of Florida’s most beautiful natural spots without the chaos Here’s everything you need to know before planning your visit you’ll need to reserve your visit online before heading to Wekiwa Springs.For years people have lined up hours before opening just to secure a spot This new system means you’ll know ahead of time if you can get in So if you’ve been used to rolling in last-minute and hoping for the best You’ll just be paying in advance instead of at the gate so it’s not a money grab—it’s all about managing visitor numbers the park won’t be free during the off-season you might be wondering why this change is necessary that over 367,000 people visited last year You can get the mental picture: lines of cars stretched outside the park entrance before opening and people turning frustrated back home when told Wekiwa didn’t accept any more guests Wekiwa Springs is one of the few places in Florida where you can swim in a crystal-clear But with popularity comes problems—too many people This reservation system is meant to protect both visitors and nature If you do want to book a visit with your family or friends don’t worry—Florida has no shortage of gorgeous parks Each one offers a different slice of Florida’s natural beauty The new system might take some getting used to Don’t be the person who drives all the way there only to be turned away at the gate and enjoy one of Florida’s best nature spots without the chaos Some days you just need to get away from it all and experience nature. While there are plenty of ways to get active and enjoy Mother Nature, kayaking in Orlando is ideal for discovering Central Florida’s diverse lakes and springs all while spotting local wildlife We’ve listed five ideas that are an ideal destination for your next kayaking adventure below – all a reasonable drive from Orlando If you need to rent some gear, you can scope out more places to go kayaking in Central Florida, for under $50 for two one of the best places for kayaking in Orlando than Wekiwa Springs State Park Just make the 25 – 30 minute drive for a day of kayaking the river and cooling off in the cold spring keep your eyes out for alligators sunning themselves on the riverbank You’ll also spot many of Florida’s native birds like osprey and eagles where you can also rent kayaks and swanky river cabanas there is a $5 admission fee during holidays and other peak periods Wekiwa Springs gets especially busy on hot days and weekends so arrive early in the morning to kayak and beat the crowds Kayaking in Orlando will never be the same after you’ve experienced this nighttime kayaking adventure under the stars Even the tiniest disturbances in the water activate the bioluminescence making the water around you come alive with blue light seeing a dolphin or fish light up the water while swimming is a surreal sight schools of flying mullet fish congregate in certain areas and may just jump into your kayak to hitch a ride This is a leisurely trip led by a guide, and you’ll have plenty of time to paddle around at your own pace. When you’re not admiring the bioluminescent organisms, known as dinoflagellates, drift with the current while looking up at the night sky. One of my favorite kayaking tour companies for this is A Day Away Kayak Tours Drive time to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is about 1 hour from Orlando Leave early to allow a little extra time to locate the launch site Details will be provided in your confirmation email MORE INFO: Bioluminescent Kayaking in Central Florida If you’re looking for a day trip and don’t mind a bit of a drive South Lido County Park is home to a series of mangrove tunnels facing Sarasota Bay While kayaking in the shallow mangroves may at first seem a bit intimidating (and you may be worried about the likelihood of getting lost I know I was) the tunnels are surprisingly well marked and easy to navigate The currents will do most of the work for you making this an easy paddle even for beginners Choose from a guided tour or rent kayaks for a half day and explore on your own Either is a great option for enjoying the scenery Spotting a manatee in the wilderness is exciting in its own right but imagine seeing one in the water right next to you. The Crystal River area offers your best chance at doing just that The warmer water temperatures bring hundreds of manatees to the area in the winter but even when the Gulf waters have warmed in the summer The best time to visit is in the cooler fall and winter months but manatees can potentially be spotted year-round Opt for a guided tour with a reputable company instead of attempting to find manatees on your own the crystal-clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River are ripe for exploring and wildlife viewing Weeki Wachee State Park is also home to the famous Mermaid Show the journey begins in the state park and is a self-guided 5.5-mile trip that will take about 3 hours without stopping Bring along water and a picnic lunch if you’d like to travel at a slower pace The clear water makes wildlife sightings easy Kayak rentals are available in the state park along with a shuttle service to take you back to the park after you reach the designated stopping point on the river. Make sure to stick around for the Mermaid Show Park admission is $13.00 and includes shows King's Landing in Apopka is another Orlando area favorite You can either book a tour or launch your own kayak VIDEO – Here's what it's like to paddle the clear waters of King's Landing near Orlando: Located in Tampa Bay, the designated Hillsborough River Paddling Trail covers 30 miles from Hillsborough River State Park to the City of Tampa’s Rowlett Park and is a great place to launch a canoe or kayak Because of the length of the route and differences in skills required to negotiate different parts of it the paddling trips have been separated into four sections based on paddlers level of difficulty: North Though a longer distance away than the other spot, Suwannee River is said to be one of the best places to kayak in Florida The Suwannee River Paddling Trail lies along the 171-mile Suwannee River Wilderness Trail which starts in White Springs and ends at the Gulf of America Only in Florida can you experience this! Head out to the Brevard Zoo on the Space Coast for a kayaking experience you cannot find anywhere else. The Brevard Zoo is the only zoo in the country to offer guided kayaking tours around an animal exhibit Choose a guided kayaking tour through Expedition Africa or go off on your own adventure in the Wild Florida area Kayaking tickets are available for purchase from Kayak Beach in Expedition Africa or the Zoo’s main gate Tickets for kayaking in the Wild Florida area can be purchased at the Zoo’s Cape to Cairo train station or at the Wetland Outpost Children under 5 are not permitted to kayak and children under 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult Traveling through the state? Many other state parks and national parks have kayaking trails to check out as well SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Wekiva Island is hosting its 19th annual Wekiva Paint Out where artists from around the country visit Wekiva Island and Wekiva Springs to paint outdoors and capture the beautiful nature the park has to offer The event raises awareness and funds to protect the Wekiva River, with all proceeds from the event benefiting the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and Keep Seminole Beautiful [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos] Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in creativity and nature all in one place for the week-long event Those who cannot attend in person can visit the virtual exhibition, where they can browse and purchase art created during the event, all online, according to their website. Check out the artwork here “The Wekiva Paint Out has become a tradition not only for our artists but for the community,” Mary Weinaug the event’s organizer and executive director of Keep Seminole Beautiful said in a statement “It’s a celebration of this incredible natural resource we have in our own backyard Everyone in Central Florida should stop by and watch these artists work for a few minutes and come away with a whole new outlook on the area and art.” Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Crystal-clear and a refreshing temperature year-round Florida's springs are the swimming holes of your dreams Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure price and everything else you need to know State’s natural freshwater sources offer great way to cool down during summerKendal Asbury Florida’s brutal heat is nothing new We are all used to the “feels like” temperature often being over 100 degrees One of the best ways to cool down during the blaring summer months is diving one of the state’s natural resources: freshwater springs These natural water sources are typically colder than pools and even the ocean There are several freshwater springs across Central Florida that provide a great way to beat the heat with your family Most just require a low-cost admission fee to enter the parks they reside in Wekiwa Springs is a crystal-clear water spring in Orange County that remains a refreshing temperature of 72 degrees all year there are canoes and kayaks available to rent on-site There are also places to relax by the water or have a picnic along with a campground for those wanting to spend more time in the park Wekiwa Springs also consists of several miles of nature trails to be explored and it is highly likely visitors will spot wildlife Blue Spring State Park is a nature preserve and freshwater spring located in Volusia County along the St Johns River that stays in the low 70s all year round snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the extensive underwater cave system There are also camping areas that offer the option to stay at the park along with a half-mile boardwalk that runs along the bank and features panoramic views or picturesque “old Florida” and displays that chronicle the history of the natural area Blue Spring is a popular gathering area for manatees for in-water activities for construction projects Rainbow Springs State Park is home to the headspring of the Rainbow River which used to be a family-owned attraction until it became a part of the state park system Swimmers can enjoy a large roped-off area for swimming at the main park spring that resembles the crystal-clear nature of a pool as the white sandy bottom lies between areas of smooth limestone canoes and kayaks available to rent for further water-based entertainment Silver Springs State Park is one of the largest springs in the U.S and home to the famous glass bottom boat tours There is also a bit of history to check out Don’t miss out on the Silver River Museum and Environmental Educational Center where you can check out exhibits on geology archaeology and natural history of north Central Florida De Leon Springs State Park is a refreshing spring that offers opportunities for swimming and fishing located in west Volusia County It is a great spot to cool off in clear waters or explore nature trails that wind through a lush subtropical forest that features a massive old-growth bald cypress tree The park’s signature restaurant, the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House and you can make your own pancakes right at your table There are additionally boat tours that immerse visitors in the rich history and ecology of the protected area Rock Springs is a crystal-clear natural spring encompassed by lush greenery at Kelly Park though there are no rentals available on-site This park also has several nature trails and a campground for those interested in immersing themselves in the vibrant natural environment that surrounds the springs Juniper Springs and the surrounding recreation area is one of the most popular destinations in the Ocala National Forest The crystalline water of the headspring allows for swimming with the adjacent Juniper Springs Run being considered one of Florida’s most scenic kayak excursions There are additional opportunities for hiking birding and wildlife viewing in the deeply shaded lush natural areas surrounding the limestone-enveloped spring Silver Glen Springs is a popular swimming destination as rentals are available for a trip down Silver Glen Run There are also two nature trails through the surrounding canopy of palms and other natural greenery in the area round trip Lake George Trail and the 0.75-mile Alexander Springs is another spring in the Ocala National Forest It is perfect for swimming and relax near the water This recreation area also has a camping area and lies along the Florida National Scenic Trail meaning there are several hiking opportunities A 0.5 mile blue-blazed trail leads from the camping area to the main Trail Alexander Springs to Clearwater Lake is 9.7 miles south Alexander Springs to Farles Lake is 7 miles north Salt Springs is a diverse recreational area with the mineral spring known for its slight salinity from various minerals The water maintains a temperature of 74 degrees year-round and is ideal for swimming Salt Springs Run is also perfect for boating and fishing The campground at Salt Springs is the largest in the Ocala National Forest and has RV Hookups a scenic loop of less than two miles through the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest and the natural habitats that reside here You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved and aquatic activities like tubing and kayaking make Florida springs the perfect 4th of July Weekend day trip for the holiday weekend – or even year round And there are dozens of natural Florida springs to explore this 4th of July We've compiled everything you need to know for your 4th of July springs day trip into one place including which Florida springs are closest to Orlando remember to bring some cash for entry fees since internet can be spotty in the wilderness and perfect for a Central Florida 4th of July you'll be able to soak up the scenery this 4th of July weekend while enjoying the additional amenities provided by our state park system but especially so on hot holiday weekends like Independence Day With the water at most springs a refreshing 67 – 72 degrees Florida springs are the perfect reprieve from the heat there's plenty to do in the water to stay cool and some even have overnight accommodations for a 4th of July weekend campout When visiting Florida springs this 4th of July Weekend Wekiwa Springs State Park‘s beautiful spring waters were Central Florida’s first tourist attraction Pack a picnic and beach gear this Independence Day to really enhance your experience We love arriving early, renting a canoe or kayak, and then cooling off for the afternoon in the refreshing spring water. You can launch your canoe or kayak from the springs area, follow the Wekiva River for about a mile, and then you’ll come across Weikva Island Located north of Orlando, Kelly Park is popular with day-trippers and tubers so be sure to arrive early for Independence Day (before 10am) since the park fills up quickly in the summer Pack a picnic and stake out a sunny spot in the grass along the water after you’ve floated down the short and serene 3/4-mile tube run we recommend visiting Kelly Park during the week or outside of the busy summer season (October is a surprisingly great time to tube!) approximately 4 miles west of the intersection of State Road 40 and State Road 19 Distance from Orlando: 1 hour + 20 minutesHighlights: Swimming Step into the inviting, crystal clear, limestone-bordered spring waters at Juniper Springs but there are a few other features that make this park the most visited recreation facility within the National Forests of Florida worth the drive from Orlando this 4th of July holiday Its location within the Ocala National Forest features unique subtropical vegetation surrounding the complex Follow the 1-mile hiking trail to enjoy another spring Alternatively, Alexander Springs is also within the Ocala National Forest system although the Holiday weekend may affect that Distance from Orlando: 1 hour + 30 minutesHighlights: Tubing For a glorious Independence Day in the sun spent swimming or tubing for hours, you just can't beat the Rainbow River. Rainbow Springs is located in Dunnellon and offers some of the best 4th of July weekend tubing or rent a canoe or kayak to explore the scenic river tube rentals are $22 (plus park entry fee and shuttle service) and the experience lasts about 2 hours Tubers should use the separate tubing entrance to float the Rainbow River, since tubing is not permitted within the headsprings area of the park. Tubing hours change so check their website before planning your visit plan to arrive early since the park closes to all visitors when the headsprings entrance reaches capacity For a longer tube run (we’re talking 4-4.5 hours of floating!), KP Hole is a natural spring to visit nearby offering tube rentals Admission is $2 per person for the Headsprings area Distance from Orlando: 1 hour + 40 minutesHighlights: Manatee viewing where you can see the spring full of manatees in the colder winter months If you’d rather view these gentle giants from the water, book a manatee snorkeling tour (in season) or join a guided kayaking tour in clear kayaks with Get Up and Go Kayaking Admission is $12.50 per adult in the summer 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutesHighlights: Glass bottom boat tours Want to experience the crystal clear waters of a Florida spring a little differently? Step aboard one of the beloved glass-bottom boats that Silver Springs is known for A glass-bottom boat tour is an awesome way to observe what's in the pristine water below especially since swimming is not permitted at this spring with extended 90-minute tours available on weekends canoes and paddleboards to explore the 5-mile Silver River Park admission is $8/car and boat tours are $12-$25/person Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is best known for its iconic mermaid show rent a tandem kayak or canoe to paddle along 5.5 miles of the beautiful Weeki Wachee River Related: A Cool Day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 40 minutesHighlights: Manatee viewing Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park combines everything you love about Florida State Parks into one Independence Day visit and remnants of the old roadside attraction are apparent in places There are a small number of manatees year round that are kept at the park as they are not fit to return to the wild There are plenty of ways to enjoy Florida's natural beauty at a spring without getting in the water or dealing with the crowds at popular springs Here are a few Central Florida springs that are lowkey and have recreational areas and facilities and seeing them on a Memorial Day visit is possible Your best bet is to always err on the side of caution and assess your personal comfort level. Opt for a 4th of July holiday activity like canoeing, kayaking, or hiking instead of tubing or swimming if that feels more in your comfort zone. We also recommend checking out this resource on living with alligators from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission — As Central Florida turns to cleanup and the aftermath of Hurricane Milton a Spring Oaks neighborhood is dealing with flooding Spectrum News 13's Destiny Wiggins visited the area Thursday afternoon Use the video player above to watch the report SEMINOLE COUNTY – Take in the sights of the Wekiva River with a new scenic boat tour launching from Wekiva Wild The Wekiva Wild River Tours take up to six people on an hourlong journey on the river “giving a comfortable and immersive way to explore one of the state’s most scenic and pristine waterways.” The tour launches from Wekiva Island the indoor/outdoor recreation complex in Seminole County people could only explore the Wekiva River as far as they could paddle unless they were one of the lucky handful with a private way to access the river,” Angel Ramos “We are excited to open a wider window and share this Central Florida gem and we’re thrilled to call Wekiva Island our home port The tours take off every hour and 15 minutes and are offered daily “Guests will have the opportunity to explore and learn about the river’s unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife aboard a custom boat they can grab bites or a drink at Wekiva Island and soak up the Florida sun riverside,” a release said there will be daily “sleigh” rides with a holiday-inspired boat Tickets are $42 for adults and $32 for kids 12 and under. To learn more or buy tickets, click here. festivals and more by signing up for our Central Florida Happenings newsletter Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: And while being outside together is proven to be a great way to bond with your partner it can be exhausting spending time in the Florida sun There are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor activities together – especially when the weather is pleasant.  Explore the best outdoor places and activities that Orlando has to offer By the way, if you have kiddos with you, then hop over to this parent's guide of outdoor places for kids in Orlando Wekiva Island offers tons of outdoor activities while serving as the ideal spot to relax along the river or pull up a chair at the outdoor bar or wine bar and listen to live music Take advantage of all that Central Florida's best swimming hole has to offer including a refreshing dip in the spring-fed Wekiva River rent one of Wekiva Island's cabanas for the afternoon and this is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Orlando Of course, spending the day in Wekiwa Springs State Park is another great outdoor activity It's the closest state park in the Orlando area Orlando proudly bears the name The City Beautiful in part due to all the lovely parks and recreation sprinkled throughout the city. The Orlando Urban Trail weaves through some of Orlando’s best spots including Ivanhoe Village READ MORE: 9 Bike-Friendly Dates in Orlando Once upon a time, Central Florida was mostly farmland. Clearly, this has changed, but you can still find some thriving farms if you know where to look. Plan a visit to Lake Meadow Naturals in Ocoee to stock up on fresh meats Stick around to say hi to the farm animals and enjoy the grounds A favorite of ours is Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis (they have a Williston location too) With marvelous events throughout the year it's a wonderful outdoor date idea Keep the farm theme going and continue 30 minutes to Sunsational Farms in Umatilla for some ice cream and farm-fresh goods — bring a cooler One of my favorite scenic roads is in Oviedo in the Black Hammock area. You'll end up on this scenic road if you head to Black Hammock Bee Farms This bee farm rescues bees from all over Central Florida bees that are in areas where they are unwanted you can browse a variety of honey and honey products This bee farm is located among a range of tree farms please check their website or Google listing for hours Want a different experience? Visit a farm for goat yoga! Alaska Farms offers this unique experience every Saturday and Sunday at multiple times. Or, head to a farm to pick your own berries and produce and spring is a great time to visit so you can feed the baby goats before they get too big Leu Gardens is a lush botanical garden with multiple pathways and picture-perfect spots This is one of the ultimate outdoor activities in Orlando It's also the gateway to Orlando’s Audubon Park Garden District a lovely little neighborhood teeming with cafes Visit the gardens during normal hours or check out the events calendar for monthly outdoor movies Discover more and Plan a Date to Explore Springs in Florida Near Orlando Get Up and Go Kayaking – Winter Park offers a unique guided eco-tour experience through the scenic Winter Park Chain of Lakes guests are treated to a breathtaking view of Winter Park’s stunning nature and charming landscapes Located just a short distance from Orlando’s popular attractions and Orlando International Airport Get Up And Go Kayaking Winter Park's tours provide a unique adventure into nature for both tourists and local residents Versatile paddling options include daytime tours soaking up the Florida sunshine Get Up And Go Kayaking – Winter Park's tours are perfect whether you're a first-time paddler or a seasoned pro Being led by knowledgeable and professional tour guides Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful paddle or experience the magic of incredible outdoors Get Up and Go Kayaking – Winter Park provides a memorable journey through a piece of paradise located right here in Central Florida The weekly farmers market at Lake Eola is an Orlando must-do but also pick up produce and sample food from all of the unique food and beverage vendors too Florida has many natural blessings, including incredible wetlands. Boggy Creek Adventures in Kissimmee is a great way to experience an airboat ride plus smaller attractions Lily’s Butterfly Garden and Lorelei’s Critter Collection make it fun for kids too Catch the sunset on a romantic airboat ride across Lake Toho Are you looking for a getaway to the great outdoors without roughing it? There are lots of places to go glamping and camping near Orlando These spots allow you to slow down and escape together Spring and Fall are pleasant times of year to stroll along the St. Johns River at the scenic Sanford Riverwalk You'll enjoy a beautiful riverside stroll past sailboats venture to 1st Street or Sanford Ave where you can hop around notable spots like The Tennessee Truffle READ MORE: 35 Date Ideas in Sanford From rivers to lakes to breathtaking sparkling springs, there are so many waterways to explore in Central Florida. Guided tours offered through kayak companies take the pressure off of trying to navigate on your own, making it a more relaxing date for you and your honey. Here are a few of our favorite kayaking adventures and tours or join an eco-tour that includes time to take a dip in the spring-fed water or enjoy a hike along the Wekiva River In Clermont, you’ll find Revolution Off Road Adventures which has one of the longest lists of adventurous experiences in all of Central Florida explore the wilderness on a tour of the 230-acre property in a Myakka 20-seater canopy truck with tree-top views or drive your own Mucky Duck The Central Florida Zoo is located just off the St. Johns River in Sanford. The zoo itself is one of our favorite outdoor activities in Orlando. As an added bonus, located near the entrance is Seminole Aerial Adventures You don’t have to pay admission to the zoo to visit this treetop park The zip line is coupled with a ropes course among the beautiful treetops and there are options for all skill levels Purchasing timed entry tickets in advance is recommended In Kissimmee, just past the attractions area, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park offers a ropes course and zip lining for adults and kids The courses get more challenging as you progress We also love The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Tours in Ocala Related: 7 Places to Go Ziplining in Orlando and Beyond Green Springs Park in Enterprise (near Deltona) is worth a visit The unique green color of the spring is due to the sulfur in the water Walking trails are well-marked and easy to navigate And the trails are relatively short making it easy for an outdoor date idea without a big commitment Leave it to Walt Disney World to take an existing golf course and change it up ingeniously. The Oak Trail 9-hole golf course now offers an 18-hole FootGolf course FootGolf takes the precision of golf and combines it with soccer This new activity is growing in popularity worldwide and is perfect for a double date Most people think summer is water park season Visiting during the summer is perfectly fine but if you want to avoid crowds and have a better day in paradise My favorite water park in Orlando is Universal's Volcano Bay Plan the Best Day at Universal's Volcano Bay with Tips for Couples One of Central Florida’s longest-running experiences (since 1938), the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a must-do whether you’re new to Central Florida or have been here quite a while you’ll cruise along the Winter Park Chain of Lakes via picturesque canals connecting the lakes The tour is most enjoyable during the cooler months On the Northern edge of Central Florida in West Volusia County lie De Leon Springs State Park and DeLand. Start your day at the state park by making your own pancake breakfast at the Old Sugar Mill then wrap up your visit with a refreshing swim in the springs Then head down the road to DeLand home of one of the best main streets in the state and boutiques that line the main and side streets 2025: The boardwalk leading to the spring boil at Blue Spring State Park is temporarily closed for construction Boat tours and paddling are only allowed in the St Not to be confused with Blue Springs State Park in Marianna, Blue Spring State Park is in Northern Central Florida and is famous for the arrival of hundreds of graceful manatees every winter If you are heading to view the manatees in the winter be sure to get there as early as possible The park usually reaches capacity during the weekends Come spring the manatees move back out to coastal waters but Blue Spring is still worth a visit for those who love to be in the water The water is crystal clear and surrounded by natural beauty Alternate route: start at Chapin Station and bike to the peaceful Buddhist Temple at the Apopka Vineland Road outpost The 23-mile Cross Seminole Trail spans across much of Seminole County There are five trailheads/access points making it pretty convenient for a run Beyond the attractions area at the gateway of Central Florida Lake Wales, a place that is home to one of Florida’s oldest and most beautiful attractions. A visit to Bok Tower Gardens is a delightful experience both for the eyes and ears especially in the spring when the azaleas and camellias are in peak bloom Pleasant music chimes from the Carillon bells in the Singing Tower throughout the day Bring a picnic (you can even bring in your own bottle of wine) or dine in the cute on-site cafe When you rent or take lessons you also have access to the quiet beach area and beach volleyball Related: Where to Elope or Have a Small Wedding in Orlando Dive into a day exploring Florida's signature fruit with a visit to a citrus farm. At Showcase of Citrus you can enjoy the great outdoors and good old-fashioned fun including u-pick citrus and the world’s largest 4×4 truck adventure Experience multiple outdoor activities in Orlando with just one visit Orlando is a premium spot for outdoor movies. Nearly every city in Central Florida has at least one location for viewing outdoor movies. Watch Hollywood flicks under an evening sky for one of the most budget-friendly outdoor activities in Orlando. Here's our year-round guide to outdoor movies Alternatively, hit up the nearest drive-in movie theater to catch screenings of classics and first-run movies Step back in time and walk along the boardwalk winding through the lush woods and hammock of Big Tree Park “Senator”–the oldest bald cypress tree in the world–was lost in 2012 to arson there is still much to see and celebrate here including the Senator's sister tree an approximately 2,000-year-old Bald Cypress Tree The park is also a trailhead for the 23-mile Cross Seminole Trail another one of our favorite outdoor activities in Orlando Nestled alongside UCF’s bustling campus is a peaceful arboretum You don’t have to be a student to take advantage of this haven for nature lovers Anyone can visit the nature trails or schedule a tour If you’re into Geocaching (a great thing to do as a couple) you’ll have a great time exploring the arboretum Lukas Nursery is more than just a place to pick up beautiful flowers for your garden it is a lovely place for a scenic stroll and offers a butterfly encounter Admission to the Butterfly Encounter is $8.95/person This butterfly encounter is one of our favorite outdoor activities in Orlando Feature image credit: The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Tours Debbie is a long-time volunteer and member of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust citizen support organization She has served as the group’s president in the past and currently serves as vice president Debbie plays a vital role in the interpretive experiences offered to visitors at Wekiwa Springs State Park She tracks and ensures that there is daily coverage of volunteer staff at the park’s Nature Center to take care of our park ambassador animals and to be on-hand to answer questions from visitors Debbie notices repairs needed and relays the information to the volunteer manager to ensure that our Nature Center facility continues to be one of the highlights of the Wekiwa experience she also helped coordinate the safety of all the animals Debbie enthusiastically encourages skilled people to volunteer at the Nature Center For many years Debbie has ensured that the Nature Center has been staffed daily so visitors can learn about the different animals that inhabit the park She coordinates vet visits and transports animals when needed She had navigated through many storms over the years with coordinating evacuation and temporary arraignments for the ambassador animals Debbie serves on the Wekiva Wilderness Trust board and consistently brings up items that need to be repaired or replaced to better serve our community Debbie’s contributions should be recognized for the 2022 Adult Volunteer Administration Award Her enthusiasm and organizational skills are valued at Wekiwa Springs State Park Elaine Fisher volunteers to help with prescribed fires at the park she shares her knowledge of medicine and safety with other team members She puts emphasis on preventative measures like proper foot care and the importance of hydration She also describes and demonstrates the many different uses of a cotton bandana that can be stored easily in our fire helmets Elaine provides thorough and detailed descriptions of how to address medical concerns or situations so all staff can be vigilant thus highly augmenting the safety of all involved.   Elaine recognized the early signs of dehydration in a student and was able to provide them with quick and effective medical care which allowed them to be able to safely continue participating in the course Without her presence in trainings and her involvement as an extra crew member several of our personnel might have been unable to proceed.   In addition to her countless hours of volunteering during fires Elaine has also served as medical person at the Engine Academy a training course focused on wildland fire engines She has even offered her services for strike teams throughout the entire state Elaine is always willing to help and contributes greatly to our prescribed fire program It is always an asset to have someone with her knowledge Elaine is professional and adapts well to high stress situations Dennis has been volunteering at Wekiwa Springs State Park for the last five years Dennis repairs the bear-proof dumpsters at the parks he removes or replaces all the rusted metal and repaints the cans His efforts have saved the park tens of thousands of dollars maintenance of the dumpsters helps protect the bears from becoming acclimated to interactions with humans The Wekiva River Basin state parks serve an important role in the Florida Wildlife Corridor providing nearly 50,000 acres of vital black bear habitat Many people flock to Wekiwa for recreational opportunities Dennis has played a key role in helping us provide resource-based recreation while preserving and protecting our natural resources Dennis can fix most small engines or power tools His maintenance skills keep the park’s equipment running smoothly He has fabricated a new skid plate for the park tractor made a custom drip torch to be used during prescribed fires and he wired, painted and installed new floorboards on the park’s trailers Your skills and workmanship are appreciated Girl Scouts Love State Parks Event Volunteers are the recipient of the 2022 Special Event of the Year for Greener Initiative the statewide focus for the Girl Scouts Love State Parks event was to foster stewardship and promote conservation in our youth 114 Girl Scouts gathered to pick up litter in September 2022 The success of this important community event can largely be attributed to the dedication of five volunteers who stepped up to work alongside Park Services Specialist Val Hahn Thanks to the volunteers who helped with the 2022 Girl Scout Love State Parks event the park was cleaned and more than 110 Girl Scouts learned about park stewardship Parents Valerie and Gabriel Nieves and their two daughters are part of the Girl Scouts of Citrus County and are also heavily involved with the Citrus Council which is how they came to be involved with the park After attending a guided hike with Park Services Specialist Val Hahn they immediately wanted to use their newly acquired knowledge about conservation to make a difference 8-year-old Emelie proudly stated that it was her dream to pick up trash and help the environment everyone in their family has their own pair of trash pickers which they use everywhere they go.   Despite that three of the four family members are currently in school and both parents work full time on top of being heavily involved in the community with the scouts they still make it a priority to come to the park to volunteer Since they began, the family has contributed over 300 volunteer hours. They participate in park cleanup events, river cleanup, community involvement events, the Junior Ranger program Valerie and Gabriel proudly wear their volunteer uniforms and assist in translating to Spanish to help our interpretive messages reach a more diverse audience Valerie serves as a proofreader for items that will be displayed in both languages She also assisted in promoting the importance of conservation by joining with local Latino conservation groups to get the Hispanic community involved – even offering translating/interpreting services for Spanish-only speaking volunteers and/or visitors.  Valerie created the zone and parking maps that were sent out to over 200 registered participants She also served as a point of contact throughout the event and ensured participants and activities stayed organized.  Don is the current president of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust that supports Wekiwa Springs State Park Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park and Rock Springs Run State Reserve He also served recently as a board member and past president of the Florida State Parks Foundation and the National Association of State Park Foundations a certified interpretive guide and a photographer he has developed a magical ability to inspire others and build relationships that have netted millions of dollars in donations to support state park goals One of his latest projects is documenting the township of Ethel at Rock Springs Run Reserve All that remains is the small fenced-off cemetery but we now know so much about Ethel that we can locate where the school was store and almost all of the homestead cabins interpretive panels will tell the full story of Ethel and historic markers will be placed at sites of special interest there is a free e-book that can be downloaded We are honored to recognize Don Philpott with the Gold Medal Award for 30,000 hours of volunteer service Don serves as the president of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust a citizen support organization that supports Wekiwa Springs State Park he has developed his magical ability to inspire others and build relationships that have netted millions of dollars in donations to support state park goals Your support of Florida’s state parks is appreciated Don is well-known across Florida and serves as an excellent example of volunteerism with Florida State Parks Learn How You Can Get Involved When Lee Wood started working as a park ranger at Tomoka State Park in 2003 he never imagined he would still be a part of the team 20 years later Transplanted from Pittsburgh to Florida at a young age he spent his childhood camping at state parks such as Blue Spring and Ichetucknee Springs These fun-filled trips helped him develop a love of nature.  his goal was to find a role allowing him to work outdoors one of the best advantages to working at Florida State Parks is the opportunity to experience something different every day assistant manager and maintenance mechanic over the course of his tenure allows him to mentor new employees especially when training during Ranger Academy held at Wekiwa Springs State Park.  Lee can be found performing any number of tasks related to fleet repairs plumbing fixes and park protection work such as gate operations He appreciates working at a park that houses the district headquarters and finds the wintertime slow season especially enjoyable thanks to cooler temperatures he can be found introducing his young son to the joys of the natural world while kayaking on the Wekiva River.  Lee hopes to continue being an adviser for younger team members by teaching them skills gained during his employment He dreams of encouraging today’s youth to spend more time outdoors by offering on-the-job training for local students If we can foster continued appreciation for Florida’s flora and fauna found at state parks we can continue to grow the wildland conservators of tomorrow.