|
Ever wish you could hit a button and slow down our high-speed go, go, go world?
By PJ Goetz
Here’s your Rx: How about a lazy afternoon tubing with the kids?
Our state is host to over 700 freshwater springs and boasts the largest concentration of freshwater springs on earth. Archaeological evidence indicates that Florida’s springs have been a favorite among animals and people as far back as the last Ice Age.
The water that flows from these treasures is crystal clear and a constant 72 degrees. Deep inviting pools form around the springs and then run to the rivers.
Here are some great tubing and water play destinations that you’ll want to download into your life. So grab the kids, some sunscreen and go play!
Rainbow River Tube Float: Dunnellon
This is the fourth largest spring system in Florida with over 500 million gallons of crystal clear fresh water flowing each day to the river. One of the great things about living in Florida is the opportunity to spend the day on a tube floating down the river reconnecting with your kids. You have to slow down and let the gentle flow of the river carry you along. If you are going to bring food, it can only be in a non-disposable container such as Tupperware. No plastic bags or water bottles are allowed. A good rule to follow is if you bought the container with food or drink already in it, you can't have it on the river. The river is beautiful because of this law.
Dragonfly Water Sports (352) 489-3046
KP Hole Park (352) 489-3055
Manatee Springs State Park & Fanning Springs State Park
An easy Sunday afternoon drive from Tampa-these first-magnitude freshwater springs are two of my personal favorites. Manatee Springs offers a boardwalk that leads to breathtaking views of the Suwannee River. Fanning Springs has a high-jumping platform that will keep the kids busy all afternoon. Huckleberry’s BBQ, just outside the entrance of Fanning Springs, is a great spot for lunch or dinner.
Manatee Springs State Park
11650 N.W. 115th St. Chiefland, FL 32626
352-493-6072
Fanning Springs State Park
18020 N.W. Highway 19
18020 N.W. Highway 19
Fanning Springs, Florida 32693
Phone: 352-463-3420
Wakulla Springs State Park – Just Outside Tallahassee:
Over 250 million gallons of water flow from this colossal spring every day. Wakulla Spring has been a popular place among people for thousands of years. A four-acre natural pool forms above the deep spring. Fossilized mastodon bones have been found here as evidence of Wakulla’s active past. Creature from the Black Lagoon was filmed here! A high platform above the spring allows the kids the height to get in some great cannonballs as they splash into the water. Make sure to take the riverboat tour. You’ll be amazed at how much wildlife surrounds the spring and the river. "You can even spend the night here". The lodge is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
550 Wakulla Park Drive Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
(850) 925-0700
Lithia Springs- Lithia
Only have an afternoon to go exploring? Right here in our own backyard is Lithia Springs. This 160-acre park, located on the Alafia River, offers varied plant communities, river cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks and high sand hills that provide terrain not often seen in Hillsborough County. The park’s major attraction is the natural spring that provides an excellent swimming experience since the water temperature remains at 72 degrees year around. In addition to swimming, there is a bath house, playground and picnic facilities. Lithia Springs is also a popular camping spot with 40 sites and two shower houses.
Lithia Springs Park (813) 744-5572
October through March
ICHNETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK- tubing
In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of the Interior. From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area. In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Scuba diving is available October through March in the Blue Hole only(you must be cave certified). White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from the river. Picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, are available throughout the park. A full-service concession offers food and outdoor products from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tubes plus snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented from private vendors outside the park located four miles northwest of Fort White, off State Roads 47 and 238.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 SW Us Hwy 27 Fort White FL 32038 (386) 497-4690
Good things to think about before you go
- Tubing and swimming in springs is a popular college student activity. Make sure to check the alcohol policy of the park before you go. (State parks do not allow alcohol). If you go on a weekend it is best to go first thing in the morning before the college kids wake up.
- Rent your tubes instead of bringing them. Tubes are usually very cheap (around $5.00 a person)and you don’t have to worry about blowing them up once you get there. Tubes are very large once inflated and it is very hard to fit more than one or two in the back of your car. If you rent, you don’t have to worry about getting there and discovering your tube has a hole.
- Sunscreen! The number one mistake I have seen with fellow tubers is they forget to put on sunscreen. The water is usually cool and you are moving, so you might not think you’ll need it. If you don’t apply it before going and reapply often you will get burnt. Don’t forget your nose!
