National Park recommendations

Steve Florida · 28 Aug 19, 06:32 PM

We fancy doing a day at a National Park - do you have any recommendations based on experience?

Disney Planning · 28 Aug 19, 08:25 PM

We have been to Blue Springs state park. In the winter the manatees come into the springs from the colder river water. There is also a boat trip to see some wildlife which we enjoyed. Are you wanting to see anything specific or do any boating?

greekgranny · 28 Aug 19, 08:46 PM

floridastateparks/pa...ngs-state-park

We did the boat ride saw loads of wildlife, Ds did the swimming!

We all went to the Sugar Mill to make our own pancakes

**cornishfrogboy** · 28 Aug 19, 08:57 PM

Rainbow River at Dunellon is rather nice. It is a chrystal clear mineral spring and you drift down it for 4.5 miles on rings or kayaks that you hire. There is a very strict no Alcohol Policy and you can take picnics (but no disposable containers). An amazing day out and imho, the best of our recent vacation.

There are photos on my trip report.'Conclusions, Planes Trains and Automobiles'.

Steve Florida · 29 Aug 19, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Disney Planning

There is also a boat trip to see some wildlife which we enjoyed. Are you wanting to see anything specific or do any boating?

Nothing specific really, just something different to the usual Orlando days. Like the idea of walking, swimming, boats etc... something to keep the kids entertained for a few hours.

Disney Planning · 29 Aug 19, 11:25 AM

At Wekiwa Springs State Park you can swim and hire kayaks or canoes. Depending what time of year you go, the parks can be busy and they recommend getting there early especially if you go on a weekend.

Steve Florida · 29 Aug 19, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by Disney Planning

Depending what time of year you go, the parks can be busy and they recommend getting there early especially if you go on a weekend.

We are going early August

Disney Planning · 29 Aug 19, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by lazzareo

We are going early August

Plan to get there early then as they do close at capacity. Not had that problem as we normally go in December.

28 Aug 19, 08:25 PM	#2
	28 Aug 19, 08:25 PM Disney Planning Imagineer
Disney Planning Imagineer Join Date: Feb 18	We have been to Blue Springs state park. In the winter the manatees come into the springs from the colder river water. There is also a boat trip to see some wildlife which we enjoyed. Are you wanting to see anything specific or do any boating?

28 Aug 19, 08:46 PM	#3
	28 Aug 19, 08:46 PM greekgranny Imagineer
greekgranny Imagineer Join Date: Jun 18	floridastateparks/pa...ngs-state-park We did the boat ride saw loads of wildlife, Ds did the swimming! We all went to the Sugar Mill to make our own pancakes __________________

29 Aug 19, 11:25 AM	#6
	29 Aug 19, 11:25 AM Disney Planning Imagineer
Disney Planning Imagineer Join Date: Feb 18	At Wekiwa Springs State Park you can swim and hire kayaks or canoes. Depending what time of year you go, the parks can be busy and they recommend getting there early especially if you go on a weekend.