Jessica Meinhofer

With more than 1000 springs scattered across Florida, there’s a spring for every kind of adventure. Some are safe winter homes for manatees, others are famous for snorkeling, and still others are hubs for boating and family fun, and some are all of the above. One thing’s for sure—Florida’s springs have always been a gathering place. From a life-sustaining water source for early Floridians to the recreational hotspots they are today, these springs are both beautiful and essential.

Having grown up within 30 minutes of four different springs, my love for these natural wonders started early. Now, I get to pass that on to my kids, who spend hours at the springs each week. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted, and it’s a big reason why I care so much about preserving these places for future generations.

If you’re ready to enjoy Florida’s springs while keeping them healthy and thriving, keep reading for tips on how to make your visit a responsible one.

Florida is wild, and one of the best ways to experience it is via state parks. Blue Spring State Park is one of the area’s best.

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Explore trails, have a picnic, spot wildlife, and see if the hype is real. Blue Spring State Park caters to all—whether for a day or an extended stay, there’s plenty to keep you and your family engaged. Bonus: it’s wheelchair, walker, and stroller-friendly!

I grew up visiting Blue Spring State Park with my parents. When I had my own family, I brought them here too. Over the years, we have visited many times as day visitors, on field trips, as tent campers, and as RVers.

I’ll share 14 things you can do at Blue Spring State Park in this post.

It’s been four years, but every sharp pain brings me back. Healing is slow—never linear. Trauma lingers, yet with every step forward, I move toward trusting my body again. This is my journey through the aftermath of cancer.

Silver Springs State Park is a must-visit year-round, but winter offers something extra special. Growing up, I loved coming here as a kid, marveling at the glass-bottom boats and the wildlife. Now, I’ve returned with my family to experience the park in a whole new way. Winter is the perfect time to explore without the heat and humidity, making everything more comfortable and enjoyable.

Florida’s winters might not bring the dramatic seasonal changes seen in northern states, but they do offer a break from the sometimes oppressive summer heat. The cooler temperatures make paddling with manatees, hiking the trails, or strolling through the gardens a much more pleasant experience.

In this post, I’ll share why winter is such a great time to visit Silver Springs. From spotting wildlife to enjoying cozy indoor spaces, there’s plenty to explore during the cooler months!

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.