Let’s face it, summers in Jacksonville are hot! While we love that there are some great splash pads around town to cool off, sometimes you want to just relax and float along in some cool waters. Lucky for us, there are quite a few lazy river options when it comes to keeping cool in North Florida.
Natural Lazy Rivers to Visit
Our Florida Springs are a treasure trove of spots to explore. Several of these springs have lazy rivers where you can float through the real Florida while taking in the beautiful scenery. Always double check with the state or county park where the spring is located to find out the rules on what you can and can’t take with you on your float. And yes, you should assume there are gators in the water.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Located in Fort White, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a popular destination for tubing down its six-mile-long lazy river. The river is crystal clear and surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a beautiful and tranquil experience.
Ginnie Springs Outdoors: Ginnie Springs Outdoors is a popular spot for tubing down its seven crystal-clear freshwater springs. The park features several lazy river routes, including the Santa Fe River Run and the Ginnie Springs Run. Ginnie Springs is on private property and they do allow alcohol, unlike the state parks. Because of this it can get rowdy on weekends and during holidays.
Blue Springs State Park: Located in Orange City, Blue Springs State Park features a lazy river that flows from a spring, providing a relaxing and refreshing experience. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking in the park. If you visit in the winter, the waters are closed off to visitors to protect the manatees.
Rainbow Springs State Park: Rainbow Springs State Park has a lazy river that flows through lush tropical vegetation and past several small waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy tubing down the river or renting a kayak or canoe to explore the park’s many natural wonders.
Rock Springs/Kelly Park: Just north of Orlando, Kelly Park and Rock Springs has some of the most beautiful springs in Florida. Tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park or guests may bring their own pool noodles or floats. All floats must be less than five feet in length or width.
Water Park Attractions with Lazy Rivers
We’re lucky to have lots of great water parks just a short drive from Jacksonville. Many of fantastic lazy rivers, so you can take a break from the water slides and enjoy a peaceful float.
Summer Waves Water Park: Located in Jekyll Island, Summer Waves features Turtle Creek. This slow moving lazy river meanders through the park, making it the perfect spot to sit back and chill.
Adventure Landing: Located in Jacksonville Beach, Adventure Landing is a family-friendly water park that offers a lazy river called the Lil’ St. Johns River. It’s a 720-foot-long river that moves at 5 miles per hour.
Daytona Lagoon: Located in Daytona Beach, Daytona Lagoon is a water park that features a 500-foot-long lazy river called Pelican’s Drift. It’s a popular attraction for families and provides a fun and relaxing experience
Wild Adventures: Located in Valdosta, Georgia, just across the state line from North Florida, Wild Adventures is a theme park and water park that offers a lazy river called the Paradise River. It’s a 900-foot-long river that winds through the park’s tropical landscape.
Aquatica Water Park: Located in Orlando, Aquatica actually offers guests multiple river options. If you’re looking for something more chill then hit Loggerhead Lane. But for those interested in a river with rapids, be sure to check out Roa’s Rapids.
