When the Florida sun is blazing, there’s only one thing to do—get out and cool off! Whether you’re looking to splash around with the kids, paddle through crystal-clear springs, or unwind with a scenic boat ride, Orlando North has something refreshing for everyone. From thrilling airboat rides and lazy river tubing to hidden boardwalks and kayak tours, this guide is packed with the best ways to beat the heat while soaking in the natural beauty of Central Florida.
Enjoy a Scenic Boat Tour with Wekiva Wild
There’s now a wild new way for those in Central Florida to experience the true old Florida. Wekiva Wild is now offering guided boat tours that will take up to six people on a one-hour adventure on the Wekiva River, allowing them a comfortable and immersive way to explore one of the state’s most scenic and pristine waterways. All tours will start from Wekiva Island.
Learn to Bass Fish with Florida Big Fish Adventures
Learn from a fishing pro with a quarter, half-day, or full-day freshwater bass fishing tour with Florida Big Fish Adventures. Tours can depart from the St. Johns River and include two anglers (with options to add more to the reservation).
Cool Off at Fort Mellon Park
Cool off on a hot Summer afternoon at Fort Mellon Park’s Splash Pad – fun for the whole family, but especially a hit with the littles. Not looking to get wet? Rent a pavilion for as little as $15 an hour and take in the picturesque views of Lake Monroe. The Splash Pad is also directly next to one of Orlando North’s largest public playgrounds and is home to two public basketball courts.
Airboat Ride Black Hammock
Experience the wild side of Florida with a thrilling boat ride offered by The Black Hammock. Try your luck at spotting American Alligators, turtles, and native birds – including bald eagles! All tours quietly circle Bird Island, which is believed to be the largest colony of wading birds in the county, according to the Seminole Audubon Society.
Explore the Lake Monroe Riverwalk
Hoping to take in the Summer beauty of Lake Monroe without getting wet? Embark on Sanford’s five-mile riverwalk on foot or traverse the distance by bike. Golf cart and bike rentals are available through Sanford Tours and Experiences, but you’ll need to stay within the designated golf cart zone if you use this form of transport.
Explore the St. John’s River by Steamboat
Transport yourself back in time with a gentle river cruise on Sanford’s very own steamboat: the Barbara-Lee. Years ago, Sanford’s economy relied on steamboats as a primary form of transport for goods and people. On your journey, you’ll get to take in the beautiful St John’s river waterscape and all that nature has to offer. Tours are available throughout the week, morning and night, with rotating unique cruises such as a Bridgerton-themed High Tea cruise or Wine Wednesday blind wine tasting experience.
Ride on Horseback at the St. John’s River
Get up close and personal with natural Florida through the ears of a horse. Traverse land and river by horseback with an expert guide from Scenic Florida Horseback Trail Rides, who will take you along the banks of the St. John’s River.
Groove Out at the Cabana Live
Enjoy Florida’s largest poolside video boards with live sports, entertainment, groovy music, and betting odds, all while indulging in Tempura Shrimp, Macaroni and Cheese Bites, Mahi Sandwiches, and Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Waffle Fries. Cabana Live provides an unmatched sports entertainment experience with family-themed amenities in mind. Cabana reservations are priced based on a 2-hour minimum to be used towards your final group’s minimum tab. There is no additional fee for the cabana!
Traverse the Swamp at Spring Hammock Preserve
Hike over 1,500 acres of protected swampland along Lake Jesup at the Spring Hammock Preserve, home to some of Florida’s oldest and largest cypress trees. About two-thirds of this preserve is swamp, with boardwalks designed to let you traverse easily through the dense Florida forest of tulip poplars, Okeechobee gourds, rare cuplet ferns, and cabbage palms. In October 2024, Seminole County broke ground on new ADA-accessible trails.
Snorkel at Wekiva Springs
Did you know that you can snorkel in the crystal-clear Wekiwa Springs? Water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, making it an enjoyable spring to spot aquatic wildlife and swim. You can also canoe or kayak the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run; rentals available on-site. Make sure to reserve your entrance to Wekiva Springs prior to arrival.
Kayak at Sunset at King’s Landing
Explore the Emerald Cut of Rock Springs Run (named after its crystal waters) “after hours” with an exclusive two-hour sunset kayaking tour leaving from King’s Landing in nearby Apopka. The first half of the tour is paddled upstream against the current, paddling over and under trees and through the twists and turns of the river until you reach the bridge at Kelly Park. During your journey upstream, your guide will show you their favorite spots on the river to stop and swim! In the second half of the tour, you’ll sit back and go with the flow as the current takes you back to the launch point.
Splash Around at the Central Florida Zoo
Enter a cool oasis at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground featuring streams, sprinklers, and sprays inside the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford! This themed Splash ground features animals, “raining trees”, and a bucket dump sure to satisfy your littles. Admission is free with a regular Zoo ticket.
Party at the Oviedo Aquatic Facility
A hit for Summer birthday parties, the Oviedo Aquatic Facility is home to an Olympic Swimming Pool, Activity Swimming Pool, and Splash Zone complete with tables, umbrellas, lifeguards, and ample seating upon reservation. The children’s waterpark area (which includes several slides) has very shallow water for the smaller swimmers, with a maximum depth of four feet for children with more experience.
Tube Down Rock Springs
Known affectionately as “Florida’s Lazy River” – Rock Springs is a local favorite spot for tubing. The spring flows an average of 26,000 gallons per minute, ensuring a constant flow that makes tubing a pleasure. If you’d like to join in on the action this Summer, make a plan to bring your own tubes – they are not available for rental on site. To begin your journey, follow the boardwalk path to the spring head. From there, the journey will take about 25-30 minutes over three-fourths of a mile. Undoubtedly unique to this experience is the Florida wildlife. You may see pileated woodpeckers, bobcats, barred owls, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and more. Like sledding, you can repeat the run over and over again while the park is open.
Take Advantage of Resort Amenities at Local Hotels with Resort Pass
Visiting Orlando North but not staying at a resort? With Resort Pass, you can take advantage of daytime access to Resort Amenities at some of Central Florida’s top hotels without needing to stay the night. Purchase Pool/Lazy River Day Passes, Family Passes, Cabanas, Spa Passes, Daybeds, and more to gain access to The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, Hilton Orlando, Omni Orlando, Signia at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and others as low as $20 a day.
Paddleboard at King’s Landing
Rent a kayak, double kayak, or paddleboard at Kelly Park and paddle down the 8.5-mile run toward Wekiva Island. Along the way, pass by Indian Mound, Big Buck, and Otter Camp before reaching the end of the run. The journey, on average, takes about 4.5 hours with the option to board a daily shuttle from Wekiva Island each day at 3:30 pm (must be reserved in advance). Keep your eye out for larger turtles, fish, birds, and alligators!
Surf the Waves at New Smyrna Beach
Just a half-hour by car beyond Orlando North are the famous seventeen miles of white sands at New Smyrna Beach. Take advantage of world-class surfing conditions or lounge in the sun while feeling the cool wind lift off the waves. There are also opportunities to paddle, walk, hike, ride on horseback, and even fish in the area; New Smyrna Beach is the redfish capital of the world! If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or manatees! Animal lovers can bring their furry friends to the designated dog beach at Smyrna Dunes Park.
Enjoy The Lakeview on the New Sylvan Lake Boardwalk
The beloved Lake Sylvan Park recently received a massive upgrade with the addition of the new Loop Trail. This 1.5-mile paved, ADA-accessible trail takes users through the quiet parts of the park and across three newly constructed boardwalks. Fishing is permitted near Pavilion Two, in the southeast corner of the park, looking over Sylvan Lake.
Splash Around at the Trailblazer Park Splash Pad
Cool off at Lake Mary’s premier splash pad at Trailblazer Park. The Splash Pad is welcome to all, without reservations or fees required (unless you are part of a large group)! Picnic tables can be rented for $30 an hour, with a 15% discount applied to residents of Lake Mary.
Whether you’re floating through emerald waters, chasing gator sightings by airboat, or making a splash at one of our family-friendly parks, Orlando North is your go-to for a Florida summer done differently. Looking for more trip ideas, local tips, and hidden gems? Follow us on social media @DoOrlandoNorth and start planning your coolest vacation yet.
