Discover a few of the best family-friendly springs in Florida where kids can splash, swim, and play in the crystal-clear waters.

Exploring the Springs

Florida is home to an abundance of beautiful springs that are perfect for family adventures. Exploring the springs is a great way to connect with nature and create lasting memories with your kids. Whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or simply wading in the water, there are endless opportunities for fun and discovery.

One of the most popular springs for families is Rainbow Springs State Park. Here, kids can explore the spring’s crystal-clear waters, marvel at the vibrant colors of the surrounding vegetation, and even spot fish and turtles swimming by. With designated swimming areas and gentle currents, it’s a safe and enjoyable experience for children of all ages.

Kelly Park at Rock Springs is great for families as well! Even better, it’s one of two springs that are close enough to the Disney area, making it a great addition to your already planned theme park vacation. The main attraction of the park is the crystal-clear natural spring, which remains a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. Kids can splash around in the spring, swim, or float down the spring run on inner tubes, making for a fun and unique water activity. You can bring your own tubes, though they must be no bigger than 5ft in width or length. There is also a local store that offers affordable tube rental available, located just a mile or so before you turn to enter the springs. Kids life jackets are available on site, on a first come, first served basis! Rock Springs typically has lifeguards on duty during peak times, providing an extra level of safety!

The second spring in close proximity to the theme parks is Wekiwa Springs State Park. The spring’s emerald green waters are perfect for cooling off on a hot day, and the park’s picnic areas provide a great spot for a family lunch. Wekiwa Springs offers educational programming and guided tours that can help kids learn more about the natural environment and history of the park. Kids can learn about the importance of conservation and how they can help protect the environment. In addition to swimming and hiking, Wekiwa Springs offers a variety of recreational activities for kids, including kayaking and paddle boarding.

Last, and possibly the best options for toddlers, is Alexander Springs, located in the Ocala National Forest. One of the things that makes it best for toddlers is the large, shallow spring pool that allows toddlers to easily wade and play in the water without fear of deep areas. It also has a sandy beach area, perfect for toddlers to play in the sand. Another great thing is the fact that Alexander Springs also has lifeguards on duty during peak times. 

Picnic Areas and Facilities

To make the most of your day at the springs, be sure to take advantage of the picnic areas and facilities available. Many springs have designated picnic areas where you can enjoy a family meal surrounded by nature. Pack a delicious picnic lunch and take a break from swimming and exploring to refuel.

In addition to picnic areas, most springs also have facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and even playgrounds. These amenities make it easier for families to spend a full day at the springs, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and entertained.

Remember to clean up after your picnic and leave the area as you found it, so that future visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the springs.

Wildlife Encounters

One of the highlights of visiting Florida’s springs is the opportunity to encounter wildlife up close. From fish and turtles to birds and even manatees, there’s a whole world of creatures to discover. Here are some tips for wildlife encounters at the springs:

– Respect the wildlife: Remember that you are a guest in their natural habitat. Keep a safe distance and observe from afar.

– Do not feed the wildlife: Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural behavior and lead to dependency on humans.

– Bring binoculars: Binoculars can help you get a closer look at birds and other wildlife without disturbing them.

– Stay quiet and still: Wildlife is more likely to appear if you are quiet and still. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements.

By following these guidelines, you can have a memorable wildlife encounter while ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.

Safety Tips

While visiting Florida’s kid-friendly springs, it’s important to prioritize safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

– Always supervise children: Keep a close eye on your kids, especially when they are in or near the water. Even in shallow areas, accidents can happen.

– Use life jackets: If your child is not a strong swimmer, make sure they wear a properly fitted life jacket. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

– Check water conditions: Before swimming, check for any posted warnings or advisories. Avoid swimming in the springs during times of high water flow or poor water quality.

– Stay hydrated: Florida’s heat can be intense, so make sure you and your kids drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

– Protect against the sun: Apply sunscreen regularly and provide your kids with hats and sunglasses to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays.

Which springs did I miss that are perfect for little ones? Let me know in the comments or on any of my social media channels!