Jessica Meinhofer

When most people think of Blue Spring State Park, they picture sunny days filled with swimming, tubing, and paddling. But winter? That’s when the magic really happens. From watching hundreds of manatees seek refuge in the warm spring waters to enjoying perfect hiking and camping weather, winter at Blue Spring offers a whole new experience. 

Keep reading to discover my top tips and things to do for an unforgettable winter visit to this Central Florida state park.

If you’re looking to connect with nature while learning more about Florida’s unique ecosystems, the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center is the perfect place to start. 

Located on the shores of Lake Beresford, this 10-acre space blends hands-on educational experiences with outdoor fun. From walking trails and native gardens to a public kayak launch, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while discovering how our local ecosystems work together.

Keep reading to see what makes this spot a must-visit for nature lovers and families alike!

If you love hiking and are thinking of adding kids to the mix, then you are in the right place! With preparation (and patience), hiking with kids is totally doable and great for you and them!

I’ve been hiking trails all over the USA with my family for 15 years. We started with newborns in baby carriers, but now we have teens who can strap on their hiking boots and outpace me. We’ve experienced hot, sweaty walks, cool, windy ones, and even a few rainy and snowy hikes. I want to share what I’ve learned so you can enjoy the trails and stay safe with kids, regardless of their age or mobility.

Keep reading to learn about hiking with kids, the best times to go, and the essential clothes and gear for a fun and safe adventure on the trails.

Winter paddleboarding in Florida? It’s not as chilly as you might think, but the right gear will keep you cozy and comfortable on the water.

In this post, I’ll be sharing the gear Robert and I use for our winter paddles, why we chose it, and why we recommend it. I’ll also talk about the gear we haven’t purchased yet, why we haven’t bought yet, and why we are considering buying it sooner rather than later.

Since I started paddleboarding in 2022, I’ve put our gear through its paces, replacing a few items along the way. With some trial and error and recommendations from more seasoned paddlers, we’ve found what works best for cold-weather paddling.

Keep reading to discover the essentials you’ll want for your winter paddleboarding adventures.

Ready to explore Volusia County’s natural beauty with your family without spending a fortune or getting lost on the trails and waterways? Well, I’ve discovered the perfect solution right in our backyard—Green Volusia programs!

Green Volusia offers a variety of outdoor programs and workshops, from guided hikes and paddles to eco-buggy rides, making it easy and fun to learn about our local ecosystems. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just looking for a relaxing day in nature, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? These programs are either free or super affordable, so you can bring the whole family along without breaking the budget.

I started signing up for events with my kids, and now we’re hooked. Each outing is not only educational but also a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories.

Ready to explore Volusia County like never before? Keep reading to learn more!

When people think of Florida wildlife, they usually think of alligators, but manatees are high up on that list, too. These sweet potatoes are wonderful to see, and people flock to the waterways to catch a glimpse of them during the coldest winter days. 

From state parks and other protected spaces to unexpected environments that supply the manatees with warm water during the cold winter months, I’ll be sharing some of the best places where you can see them no matter what part of Florida you are in. 

I’m compiling this list for you and for myself. I love manatees but haven’t been to some of these locations. They come highly recommended by other manatee enthusiasts and environmental groups.

Florida might be famous for its beaches and theme parks, but there’s a wilder, more adventurous side to explore—hitting the trails with your dog!!

Hiking in Florida with dogs is a unique experience. It’s a wild place, a land of sand, lakes, springs, sinkholes, underwater caves, beaches, and wildlife. There are also surprising areas with waterfalls, caverns, rocky coastlines, rapids, and coral reefs. And you can discover them all! 

I’ve been hiking Florida trails with my family and dogs for 13 years. When we first brought our dogs from Georgia, they were used to mountain trails. I’ll never forget our first hike in Florida—our golden retriever looked utterly puzzled by the sandy path, and we quickly learned that hiking here was a whole new ballgame! During our years of exploring the trails, we’ve experienced hot, sweaty walks and cool, windy ones. I want to share what I’ve learned with you so you and your dog can enjoy wooded paths and stay safe. 

Ready to explore Florida’s wilder side with your pup? Let’s dive into everything you need to know for a safe and fun adventure!

I’m not gonna lie.
I’m still emotionally healing from my 2020 cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I didn’t even know there would be aftermath.
I remember excitedly asking my oncologist,
“How soon will I be back to normal?”
He told me six months,
and you better believe I started the countdown.
I wrote down a list of everything I wanted to do once those six months had passed.

But the date came and went,
and I was still weak, unable to do much of anything.

Looking for family-friendly goat farm fun? Check out True Trail Farms!

This place has hands-on activities, live farm animals, and the opportunity to experience a working farm. The best part is that there is no admission fee, and all visits are donation-based. 

My family and I are DeLand locals. I grew up in the area and spent many childhood days strolling the historic downtown area. I even went to Stetson University, and now that I am married with kids, I get to share some of my favorite places with them. True Trail Farms is actually new to my family and me. I was looking for a local goat farm, and when I found it online, I immediately contacted the owners. They were eager to have us and our friends come out to the farm, and it did not disappoint.  

Keep reading to learn about everything you can do with your family at True Trail Farms.

Curious about paddleboarding with kids? You’re in the right place!

I used to wonder about paddleboarding with them, too. Now, after taking them out, I don’t wonder anymore. You can bring children of any age and swimming ability paddleboarding. It is a great way to bond and introduce them to wildlife, water sports, etc. I wish we had taken up paddleboarding when the kids were younger.

I want to give a big shoutout to Ella Ran, a paddleboarding enthusiast and the co-owner of Outsiders USA in DeLand, Florida, who has shared much paddleboarding wisdom with me. My family and I went on our first paddleboard outing with her; we’ve been hooked on the sport ever since. Without her, I wouldn’t be the paddleboarder I am today and would never have taken my kids on the water.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about paddling with kids, including what kind of board to buy, wildlife encounters, the best locations, and so much more.