Kelly Park or Wekiva Springs?

[LauraR]

Planning a trip for January of 2012, and I thought it would be nice to throw in some nature in between all the theme parks. I'm trying to decide between a day trip to Kelly Park for some tubing, or one to Wekiva Springs for canoeing or kayaking. Anyone have any experience with either, or both places? They both sound pretty, and I'm having a hard time making up my mind. Thanks for any input!

 

[MommyBoss]

My girls and I have been tubing at Kelly Springs twice. We really enjoyed the park and highly recommend it. Both of our trips were in August and I was glad to be able to warm up in the sun between trips down the spring. We are from FL and are not used to swimming in such cold water. I could never go in January. The park has lots of picnic spots as well as grills and a snack bar. The walk to the start of the springs was easy for my dd6 and dd8. They don't rent the tubes in the park. There are several places as you get near the entrance that rent them for about $7.

 

[safetymom]

Just be aware there are lots of gators in Kelly park.

 

[Art 1]

Either or.

 

[MommyBoss]

Just be aware there are lots of gators in Kelly park.

We were told the the water where the tubing is allowed is too cold for the gators and they do not swim that far up. There is a certain point where the spring is blocked off and you can not swim any farther. The actual park where camping is allowed, swimming is not. We did not see any gators while we were tubing down the spring. We were told by the lifegaurd that occasionally a gator may swim up too far and must be rescued as the cold water paralyzes them. My friend did see a bear as we were entering the park, much to the excitement of the admissions booth worker, who had been working there for two years and had not yet seen a bear.

 

[GEM]

We love both...and have been to both many times. The tubing is so much fun! But...no way would I do it that time of year. Waaaay too cold. Let me throw another option at you, though. Take a drive up to Blue Springs State Park near Orange City. It's gorgeous and at that time of year you can see the manatees as they come in to enjoy the warm (relatively, lol) waters of the river to escape the cold. It's really neat!

 

[Art 1]

We were told the the water where the tubing is allowed is too cold for the gators and they do not swim that far up. There is a certain point where the spring is blocked off and you can not swim any farther. The actual park where camping is allowed, swimming is not. We did not see any gators while we were tubing down the spring. We were told by the lifegaurd that occasionally a gator may swim up too far and must be rescued as the cold water paralyzes them. My friend did see a bear as we were entering the park, much to the excitement of the admissions booth worker, who had been working there for two years and had not yet seen a bear.

Gators are everywhere around here but you don't need to worry about them really. There are bears in the area, you probably won't see one. I have seen a few over the years. Deer are easy to see if you know where to look.

 

[LauraR]

We love both...and have been to both many times. The tubing is so much fun! But...no way would I do it that time of year. Waaaay too cold. Let me throw another option at you, though. Take a drive up to Blue Springs State Park near Orange City. It's gorgeous and at that time of year you can see the manatees as they come in to enjoy the warm (relatively, lol) waters of the river to escape the cold. It's really neat!

Thanks for the fun idea (I love manatees)! I will definitely check on Blue Springs. I guess it may be too cold for tubing, as you and a PP mentioned, so I guess kayaking or manatee watching may be a better bet.

I appreciate everyone's comments!

 

[Detailor]

Thanks for the fun idea (I love manatees)! I will definitely check on Blue Springs. I guess it may be too cold for tubing, as you and a PP mentioned, so I guess kayaking or manatee watching may be a better bet.

I appreciate everyone's comments!

There's also an absolutely terrific nature cruise that leaves (and ends) at Blue Spring State Park. The cruise staffs are very knowledgeable and do a great job in pointing out a wide variety of wildlife - including gators. As I recall the river tour takes about two hours. It's well worth it if you have the time after visiting the manatees in the spring run.

Dick Taylor

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We were there in December and went to the Blue Springs State Park to see the manatees - worth the trip