Is there anything more relaxing than floating down a river? Tubing is the perfect activity to cool down and make the most of getting outdoors with kids and Orlando has several natural springs nearby for a fun filled day trip. So if are looking for a natural lazy river in Orlando, how about trying these six places to try tubing near Orlando and cool off?
1. Wekiva Island
Distance from Orlando: 30 minutes/ 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL 32779
Wekiva Island is a whole day of fun. From tubing to canoeing or kayaking, there is some sort of water activity for everyone looking for tubing in Fl. If you wish, you can rent a cabana or a canoe. Later, enjoy a picnic or a drink on the dock and relax!
2. Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park
Distance from Orlando: 35 minutes /400 E. Kelly Park Road, Apopka, 407-254-1902
Rock Springs Run is a great spot for tubing near Orlando and an easy day trip. The tubing run lasts about 30 minutes and is a popular place with full-service concession, picnic pavilions and playground. Tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park; guests may bring their own pool noodles or floats, which must be less than five feet in length or width. The waterfront closes one hour prior to park closing.
3. Blue Spring State Park
Distance from Orlando: 50 minutes/ 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, 386-775-3663
If you are looking for easy, short Florida tubing rivers over the summer months, then Blue Spring State Park may suit your needs. The ride is short but in crystal clear waters which lead to the main swimming area.
Swimming and tubing are two of the park’s most popular things to do in Orlando during the summer months. Visitors can take their own gear, or rent tubes, mask & snorkel and fins.
Do note that during the winter months, Blue Springs is a designated manatee refuge when swimming and water activities are not permitted.
4. KP Hole and the Rainbow River
Distance from Orlando: 1.5 hours / 9435 SW 190th Ave., Dunnellon, 352-489-3055
If you are looking for the ultimate long ‘lazy river’ and full day tubing, then KP Hole and the Rainbow River takes about 4 hours, so is best suited for older kids and teens. Note you cannot tube at Rainbow River headsprings.
5. Ginnie Springs
Distance from Orlando: two hours/ 5000 NE 60th Ave., High Springs, 386-454-7188
From innertubes, to kayaks, to paddleboards and canoes there’s many ways to experience Ginny Springs. The seven crystal clear springs are 72 degrees year round. For tubing, enter the water at the Beaver’s Landing river access point and spend a relaxing hour floating down the river to the Tube Exit at Twin Spring.
Getting back to your car is easy and only takes 15 minutes from the exit here at Twin Spring. Just follow the Tube Trail which leads you to the Ginnie Spring parking lot.
If you have forgotten your tube, then worry not, tube rentals are available at the Ginnie Springs General Store. There is also a free air fill station for tubes and rafts if you choose to bring your own.
6. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Distance from Orlando: two hours 15 minutes from Orlando / 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, 386-497-4690
As Florida tubing rivers go, there are several tubing options at Ichetucknee Springs State Park which start in different areas (depending on the season) and have various lengths. Dampier’s Landing, is the shortest, a 45-minute float. The longest is by North entrance, (open during the summer season only) which last about 3.5 hours. Tube rentals and tram service available at the general store.
Which places do you recommend as the best springs in Florida for tubing?
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