Family Friendly Day in Crystal River: Clear Kayak Tour + Nearby Attractions
Are you planning a fun-filled vacation to Florida with your kids? There is no better way to make life-long memories than kayaking the Crystal River and seeing manatees together! Not only that, but there are plenty of educational and historic sites to visit in town while you’re here with your family. Here are our suggestions for a kid-friendly day in Crystal River:
100% Clear Kayak Tour With Get Up And Go Kayaking
If you want to provide a unique experience that will have your children talking about that one amazing vacation for the rest of their lives, check out our 100% clear kayak tours! No matter when you visit Florida, we run tours all year with two different tour options.
During the wintertime (mid-November through March), we offer our , which gives your kids the opportunity to see a unique, native species –the Florida manatee! Your family will love learning about these gentle giants from our educated guides and a front-row seat in your clear kayak. The best part is witnessing them in their natural habitat!
During the summer time (April through mid November), we offer our , when your family can actually swim in the bright blue, fresh spring water! If your kids love swimming, they will adore paddling through these incredible springs and get all of their energy out for the day. If you bring a snorkel, they’ll also be able to get an incredible underwater view, spotting fish, turtles, and maybe even some small crabs!
Nearby Parks
If you’re looking for more activities to do before or after your clear kayaking experience, there are plenty of other kid-friendly areas to explore! For your clear kayak tour, you’ll be meeting us at , where a wonderful playground for your kiddos awaits! Take advantage of any extra time you have and let them play on the slides, jungle gym, and swings. Nearby are also benches and bathrooms. If you’d like to have a picnic, there are plenty of picnic tables and free grills as well.
If your child loves swimming and didn’t get enough on the tour, take them to , a freshwater spring area! You can expect a shallow, sectioned-off swimming area with a sloping beach and soft sand that is safe for all ages to enjoy!
Three Sisters Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Most visitors say one of their favorite spots in Crystal is the for it’s engaging, educational, and picturesque activities.
It offers an accessible boardwalk along the springs, providing a unique perspective of the lush green environment and turquoise water. During the right season, you may even have manatee viewing opportunities here!
If you stop in at the Visitor Center, you will learn about spring science, why it is important, and understand why manatees call the springs their home for the winter! The friendly rangers and volunteers are always willing to share their in-depth knowledge and would love to answer any questions your child may come up with!
Homossassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Only about 15 minutes away from Crystal River, the offers another opportunity to take your children to a wonderful, educational experience. At the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, there are opportunities to see non-releasable wildlife that have been rehabilitated–including manatees! Furthermore, there is more educational material available for your kids to learn more about the local wildlife and ecosystem. You may even get the chance to catch a Ranger Talk at one of their free programs!
This park features another boardwalk that takes you through native Florida wildlife in their natural ecosystem, an exciting opportunity for your animal-loving kids! Don’t forget to take a picture with the family with their 60-foot manatee statue out front!
Sweet Treat
With all this learning and adventure, your family may want to indulge in a sweet treat! For homemade ice cream and donuts, check out . Between the freshly baked donuts, creative ice cream flavors, and coffee shakes, there should be something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If your family is looking for a fun-filled and educational day trip from Orlando or Tampa, Crystal River is your answer! Get your Florida family trip started by booking your clear kayaking tour with today. Spots fill quickly! See you in Crystal River!