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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.

Are you looking for a Florida spring close to Orlando? Wekiwa Springs State Park is your perfect escape into nature!

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay (up to 14 days!), Wekiwa offers endless activities like swimming, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, and paddling, all while surrounded by abundant wildlife. This historic park is a favorite among locals and tourists, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re a nature enthusiast, Wekiwa Springs will captivate you.

I may not have tried every activity during my visit, but I soaked in the essence of a day at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Backed by thorough research on Florida State Parks and the park’s official website, I’m excited to share my insights with you. Stay tuned as I continue to explore and update this guide with my firsthand experiences.

Keep reading to discover why Wekiwa Springs should be your next adventure!

When most people think of visiting Florida with kids, they usually think about beaches and theme parks, but the Sunshine State is also great for hiking!

Florida offers unique hiking experiences with sand, lakes, springs, sinkholes, underwater caves, and wildlife. There are even waterfalls, caverns, rocky coastlines, rapids, and coral reefs to explore! With low elevation and many smooth, paved trails, it’s perfect for kids of all ages and abilities.

I’ve been hiking Florida trails with my family for 13 years. We started with baby carriers and strollers, but now we can all strap on our hiking boots and go. We’ve experienced hot, sweaty walks, cool, windy ones, and even a few rainy 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 in Florida, the best times to go, and the essential clothes and gear for a fun and safe adventure on the trails.

Oh my! Glass-bottom boats, manatees, and pristine spring waters are just a sample of what Silver Springs State Park offers visitors of all ages. 

There are 175 state parks in Florida. And while you might not be able to visit all of them, I suggest adding Silver Springs State Park to your list. It is perfectly manicured and absolutely beautiful. It’s unlike any of the other parks I have been to. There are many paved paths and places to stop and enjoy gardens and wildlife. All ages and abilities can enjoy the park. And, if you want to extend your stay, there are a few options. 

I have been visiting Silver Springs since I was a kid! I went on field trips and with my parents. Now that I have a family of my own, I had to share this place with them, too. Oh, and I’ve paddled here with my hubby and Ella Ran, co-owner of Outsiders USA. Being local and having a Florida State Parks Annual Pass has made visiting our various state parks a breeze. 

Keep reading to learn about this wonderful state park and all it has to offer.

It’s the last day of chemo. For real, this time. My last chemo session should have been two months ago, but my doctor wasn’t satisfied with my previous scan. 

“Although I haven’t seen any growth, that blood flow near the tumor concerns me.”

He said some other things, but I didn’t really hear them. All I knew was that this wasn’t over quite yet. 

So, I had to get another round of chemo.

Florida is full of state parks—175 of them to be exact—and more than 40 of them are in Central Florida. So how do you choose the best ones? 

When visiting Central Florida, explore beyond the touristy areas and see what the Sunshine State is all about. Our state parks are the best way to do that. I will help you narrow down your choices with some of my favorites in the area. Some are refreshing springs with swimming and tubing, while others are best for hiking and paddling. And if you love to camp, I’ve got you covered there, too. 

I grew up in Central Florida and am now raising my family here. Whenever I can, I visit a state park, sometimes to revisit one from my childhood and other times to explore new places. My favorite thing is to go with my family at different times of the year and notice how the parks look; it’s almost like visiting for the first time.

Keep reading to learn more about my favorite Central Florida State Parks, which I’m sure you will love.