Stay Cool: 6 Local Springs For Family Fun Tubing & Swimming

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As summer heats up the Florida coast, it seems like everyone is heading out to the water. While swimming is a fun way to beat the heat, there’s nothing quite like tubing down Florida’s springs. Choose your excursion, from a brief ride to a leisurely afternoon, and enjoy some summer tube time relaxing with your family and friends.  

 

Before you go, here are some great tips for families while tubing at a local park.

 

Tubing Tips for Families

 

1. Arrive early! Visiting Florida springs is a very popular family attraction. Only a limited amount of cars are allowed in at a time. But don’t worry it usually takes about two hours to travel down the spring, so more spots will open up.
2. The water is probably colder then you expect, once you settle in, you should be good.
3. Bring lots of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
4. Plan on doing more then just tubing. Try snorkeling paddle boarding, kayaking or canoe down the beautiful springs.
5. Stay hydrated! Bring your drinks and snacks with you in your own Pool Drink Holder Floats .

6. If your tubing with your kids, you may want to bring a rope to tie your tubes together so you all will stay close to each other.

7. Rent your tubes for pretty cheap. You can always purchase your own, if you plan on using it multiples times.  Check out this nice and heavy duty tubing float or a sports lounge.

 

8. Wear cheap sunglasses to avoid the sun and ones you don’t mind losing in the water just in case.

Looking for the best places to hit the tubes or swimming? You’ll never go wrong with any one of these Florida favorites. 

 

1. Weeki Wachee Springs –

Visit Buccaneer Bay for the lazy river float. Kick back, relax, and float your way around the natural river that flows around the swimming area. Weeki Wachee Springs also features live mermaid shows, as well as paddleboard and kayak rentals. Located at 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Other highlights include:

  • Snorkeling & Swimming 
  • Thrilling water slides 
  • Kiddie pool 
  • Mermaid Show
  • Concession stand and seasonal restaurant 
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

 

 

2. Rainbow Springs –

Located at 19158 SW 81st Place Rd. in Dunnellon, the natural beauty of this park draws in visitors daily through the summertime. The water stays at a consistent 72 degrees all year around, making it the perfect cool spot for hot Florida families. A two-hour or four hour float down the Rainbow River provides relaxation and fun. Tram service provided for a fee.  Other highlights of Rainbow Springs include:

  • Snorkeling
  • Canoe and kayak rentals 
  • Food services 

Contact Guest Services at (833) 945-2925 for tube rental and shuttle fees.

 

 

3. Blue Springs State Park –

Arrive early at this family friendly destination at 2100 W French Avenue in Orange City, because it fills to capacity frequently. This naturally preserved location attracts masses of wildlife, such as wading birds, fish, and of course, the ever-popular manatees. Tube rentals available at the park’s concessionaire, with a tube run that lasts about an eighth of a mile. Other activities at Blue Springs State Park include: 

  • Hiking & Fishing 
  • Canoe and kayak rentals
  • Guided riverboat cruises 
  • Swimming, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
  • Camping 
  • Cabins

 

 

 

 

 

4. Ichetucknee Springs State Park –

Bring your own or rent one from the park, then spend a long lazy day tubing down the natural river. The float time provides 3 ½ hours of leisure, but entry at different points of the park can cut the time down to 1 ¾ hours or even as little as 45 minutes. Tram services are available for the return trip. Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located at 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27 in Fort White. Other activities include: 

  • General store and concessions 
  • Snorkeling & Scuba Diving  
  • Swimming & Paddling 
Photo Credit: Florida State Parks

 

 

5. Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park

– Located at 400 E Kelly Park Road in Apopka, tubing is one of the family favorite activities at Kelly Park. Bring your own or rent one at the Rock Spring bar and Grill inside the park. The park typically fills to capacity on weekend, so get there early. Other activities include: 

  • Picnic & Playground areas
  • Kayaking & Canoeing
  • Concessions 

 

 

 

6. Lithia Springs –

Head out to 3932 Lithia Springs Road in Lithia to your swimming at this natural spring and recreation area. Here you’ll find cool clear waters that provide the perfect place to beat the heat as you relax among the wonders of nature. Swim times are divided into two, four-hour time limits with a maximum capacity of 200 swimmers during each time slot. Time Slot #1: 9 AM – 1 PM and Time Slot #2: 2 PM – 6 PM.

Other activities at Lithia Springs include: 

  • Picnic shelters and grills 
  • Swimming
  • Camping 
  • Hiking & Fishing 
  • Volleyball & Playground area 

 

 

 

 

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