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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.

If you’re looking for a secluded paddleboarding location in Central Florida that’s an easy drive, Callalisa Creek is for you!

Callalisa Creek is conveniently located for a quick day trip from Orlando and can accommodate paddlers of all skills and abilities. It’s most popular for paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and non-motorized boats. The creek gets bonus points for having serene water with plenty of views of water birds and wildlife.

I’ll share route options for beginner, intermediate, and expert paddles in this post. I’ll also suggest apps, gear, and the best times to visit. 

Looking for year-round activities for your whole family? Check out Lyonia Preserve and Environmental Center!

This place offers hands-on activities, hiking trails, guided hikes and events, live animal exhibits, and actual wildlife encounters on the trail. The best part is that most of the activities are free or nearly free, so everyone can attend. 

My family and I have been visiting Lyonia Preserve and Environmental Center since 2014. First, we attended their Tiny Trekkers program. Now, we attend homeschool classes during the school year, activities for older kids, and miles and miles of trails. 

Keep reading to learn everything you can do at Lyonia Preserve with your family all year long.

Central Florida has countless paddleboarding locations; how can you pick just one? 

Don’t worry—I’m going to help you narrow down the list! Whether you are new to the area or a local, I’ve got a fantastic list of places to paddle that are good for all skill levels and abilities. There’s something for everyone, from beach-like splendor to emerald waters meandering through lush forests. The best part, all of them are less than two hours from Orlando!

Shout out to Ella Ran, avid paddleboarder and co-owner of Outsiders USA in DeLand, Florida, for introducing me to the best spots in Central Florida!

I have been to most of these locations, and the ones I haven’t gone to yet, you get to see the research I do before I paddle somewhere! I’ll reference these when it’s time to add these paddles to my calendar. 

Grab your boards, and let’s get paddling!

If you are new to hiking, you might not know what gear you need. 

I’ll share the gear Robert and I have, why we selected it, and why we recommend it. We will also share the gear that we don’t have yet but feel is important to consider depending on your particular needs.

I’ve been hiking for over 20 years. In that time, I’ve really put some wear and tear on our gear and replaced everything multiple times. We selected a lot of our gear via trial and error. Hopefully, my tips will help you avoid some of our mistakes.

Keep reading to learn more about the hiking gear you need to get started.

Looking for the best paddleboard to buy? Here are the best inflatable and hard paddleboards you can buy in 2024. 

This post is a collaborative effort between myself and expert paddleboarders. We share what the best boards are and why and tell you about the boards we have been using for years. 

There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to paddleboards, but I’ve narrowed it down to 9 of the best! Keep reading to see if you agree.

Florida is full of wildlife and raw land, and one of the best ways to experience it is via its state parks. De Leon Springs is a terrific option with plenty of history.

Explore the depths of the spring, follow the trails, have a picnic, and spot wildlife. De Leon Springs State Park is great for day visits, and there’s plenty to keep you and your family engaged. Bonus: it’s wheelchair, walker, and stroller-friendly!

I grew up visiting De Leon Springs with my parents and on school field trips. When I had my own family, I brought them here too. Over the years, we have visited many times as day visitors, on homeschool field trips, and for birthday parties.

I’ll share 13 things you can do at De Leon Springs State Park in this post.