Central Florida Springs – Quick Guide (Family-Friendly)

Here’s a snapshot of some fan-favorite natural springs around Central Florida—you’ll find a variety of scenery and activities to suit any outing:

Rock Springs at Kelly Park (Kelly Park/Rock Springs)

  • Best for: Laid-back float trips and easy family fun.

  • Experience: Often called Orlando’s “natural lazy river,” this crystal-clear stream stays around 68–72 °F year-round. You can rent tubes or bring your own to float downstream. Picnic areas and a playground round it out.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

  • Best for: A mix of swimming, paddling, hiking, and relaxation.

  • Experience: Just minutes from Orlando, this spring offers clear waters at a consistent 72 °F, plus trails, picnic zones, bike and horseback paths, and camping amenities.

Blue Spring State Park

  • Best for: Wildlife spotting (manatees) and a variety of water fun.

  • Experience: The largest spring along the St. Johns River, pumping around 100 million gallons daily at a warm ~73 °F. Swimming, tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking are all on the menu. In winter, it's a manatee haven—though swimming is restricted then.

Alexander Springs (Ocala National Forest)

  • Best for: Peaceful swimming, snorkeling, and exploring nature.

  • Experience: A first-magnitude spring with crystal-clear water at a stable 72 °F. It features a sandy, gently sloping bottom perfect for families, plus snorkeling, certified scuba diving, paddling, hiking, and camping options. ADA facilities are available.

Juniper Springs

  • Best for: Scenic immersion and silent wilderness.

  • Experience: One of the oldest recreational springs, with bubbling vents in a subtropical forest setting. Offers swimming, canoeing down a 7-mile run, camping, and abundant wildlife.

Rainbow Springs State Park

  • Best for: Tubing, swimming, and family nature time.

  • Experience: A striking first-magnitude spring that feeds the Rainbow River with around 400 million gallons daily. Offerings include tubing, kayaking, swimming, gardens, waterfalls, trails, and picnic spots.

Silver Springs State Park

  • Best for: Classic experiences and wildlife views.

  • Experience: One of the oldest attractions in Florida, famous for glass-bottom boat tours since the late 1800s. Enjoy kayaking, river paddling, wildlife spotting (monkeys, birds, turtles), hiking, and a trip back in time.

Family Tip Round-Up

  • Chill & simple: Kelly Park is perfect for easy, slow-paced float fun.

  • Adventure + nature: Wekiwa, Juniper, and Alexander give you a full outdoor activity mix.

  • Wildlife magic: Blue Spring in winter brings manatees to your beachfront view.

  • Iconic and classic: Silver Springs offers a living-history vibe with its glass-bottom boats.

Check out some great options for visiting the Florida Springs below!