A Florida trifecta: family adventures on land, water and through the air

An off-the-beaten-track Florida family vacation sweeps Jim Bamboulis back to his childhood and reminds him, again, why he loves the natural side of the sunshine state.

Transparent kayaking, Rainbow River

As a kid, family vacations to Florida were special. I couldn’t wait to strap into the stationwagon and enjoy the sites. Although going to places like Walt Disney World was fun, exploring the hidden gems was always more engaging. Even to this day, I’m enthralled by the raw, natural beauty of places like Crystal River, Ocala and Lake County, all of which promise to amplify a Florida family vacation and create unforgettable memories.

Swimming with manatees, Ocala County

Start your Florida family vacation with a Manatee Tour

Ninety minutes north of Tampa, Crystal River is an oasis for the senses. Start your day with a three-hour Manatee Tour from Paddletail Waterfront Adventures.

As well as family bonding at its best, this safe experience lets you swim with the gentle sea creatures in King’s Bay alongside knowledgeable guides who emphasize responsible interactions and habitat conservation. “It’s a life-changing, educational experience”, says Captain Paul Cross. “Manatees are so sensitive; we always want to emphasize the importance of properly interacting with nature, which adds more value to the tour”.

Also, Hunter Spring Kayaks offers a chance to paddle Florida’s Nature Coast, spotting wildlife at every turn and viewing the mystical manatees at sea level. Besides that, keep a close watch on the water’s surface, and you’ll surely spot a manatee’s snout break through for a breath of air.

Heritage House, Downtown Crystal River

Old town heritage and more incredible Florida wildlife

Explore the town’s Heritage Village, a collection of renovated homes and cottages turned gift and apparel shops dating back to the 1800s. Lovely murals dot the town centre, highlighting its artistic side and nautical soul. Additionally, stunning oak, palm and magnolia trees line North Citrus Avenue, which is filled with eclectic boutiques and delicious dining options, including Amy’s on the Avenue, a perfect lunch spot home to stellar sandwiches and delectable desserts.

Then, post-lunch, head to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where families can experience Florida’s wild side, offering unbeatable up-close encounters with gators, panthers and even flamingos.

Hunter Springs Park is perfect for a mid-day freshwater dip, or stay dry at Three Sisters Spings, the crown jewel of King’s Bay’s 70 springs, for unobstructed views of the manatees gliding through the turquoise waters.

Minutes away, the National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center “is designed to engage families by offering hands-on experiences that teach about manatees, the delicate balance of their habitat and the vital role we all play in protecting them”, says Lace Blue-McLean, President of Friends of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Cap the day with dinner at Bayside Kraft Kitchen, Tipsy Tarpon and Waterfront Social. All offer diverse, family-friendly menus paired with quintessentially Floridian waterfront views.

Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, Marion County

Make time for Marion County on this Florida family vacation

Enjoy a free hot breakfast at the Hampton Inn by Hilton before checking out and heading east to Marion County. Your first stop:  Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, a beautiful 40-acre farm in Ocala, home to Gypsy Vanner horses. Fun, interactive tours make this a top-rated family experience with a chance to meet, greet, and feed stallions and mares.

Nearby, the 2,000-acre World Equestrian Center cements Ocala’s status as the Horse Capital of the World, offering a wide range of dining, shopping and entertainment options, including free, live horse shows.

Ocala’s historic downtown square is home to free live music, art walks, and stylish shops. Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is an experience in and of itself; its $5 Candy Buffet is a crowd favourite, letting guests pack their box with as much candy as it can hold.

But for a proper dinner, Brick City Southern Kitchen and Whiskey Bar specializes in delicious barbeque and has an extensive list of fine whiskeys.

Glass bottom boat tour, Silver Springs State Park

Why your kids will love Silver Springs State Park

Ocala is synonymous with Silver Springs State Park, a 5,000-acre playground home to hiking trails, camping and kayaking/canoeing.

Home to one of Florida’s largest springs, Silver Springs churns out over 500 million gallons of water per day, and visitors can see this gushing underwater spectacle firsthand, courtesy of the park’s iconic, family-perfect glass-bottom boat tours. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for birds perched on trees and turtles, fish and manatees frolicking in the depths.

Besides all the activities, on the other side of the park, the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, an interactive, kid-friendly museum featuring hands-on activities highlighting Florida’s geology, cultural and natural history while promoting responsible environmental stewardship.

Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park

A real Florida family vacation needs some ziplining fun

Have lunch at Brooklyn’s Backyard, a casual family spot serving classic American fare in a rustic, back porch motif, or Mojo’s – Food. Music. Soul, which offers giant portions of filling favourites in a funky blues bar setting.

Once fully satiated, head to Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park for kayaking, horseback riding, and zip lining. Home to Florida’s longest, fastest and highest zip lines over water, these three-hour family-geared, adrenaline-filled guided tours offer breathtaking views of Ocala’s natural terrain through the air. “Every activity we offer is designed to bring families together”, says GM Bobby Walker. “You’re sure to make memories that last a lifetime.”

Unless you want a more calming experience, then take a guided two-hour clear kayak tour of Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon’s KP Hole Park and explore the enticing cove off the beaten path, where you’ll discover what locals call ‘the Instagram tree.’ Finally, try dinner at nearby Swampy’s Bar & Grille which offers a fun, Cajun-focused menu with bayou-inspired views along the Rainbow River.

Jones Brothers Seaplanes, Tavares

Hard to believe this much nature is so close to Orlando

Before leaving the Comfort Suites in Ocala North, relax with a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool and enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast before heading to Lake County and visiting Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. This 120-acre, family-owned and operated farm has a year-round calendar of family-friendly events, including u-pick seasonal strawberries and sunflowers. Also, it’s located minutes from Orlando’s theme parks, so makes for an entertaining and delicious day trip from the city.

Once you’ve checked into the spacious Citrus Boutique Hotel in downtown Tavares, you can add panoramic Lake Dora views and easy lakeside fun to your Florida family vacation. As well as a great place for lunch Puddle Jumpers  laid-back, family-friendly American restaurant is also just steps from the seaplanes.

Since it’s known as “America’s Seaplane City”, you won’t be surprised to find Tavares is a hub for aerial adventures, and Jones Brothers Seaplanes offers thrilling ways to experience the region from above. As well as the choice of several ‘flightseeing’ tours, including the Lake Dora Splash & Dash or Fly Out, Paddle In, you can also pair a scenic flight over the Harris Chain of Lakes with a guided kayak tour through the Dora Canal. “Kids love the thrill of riding in a seaplane, and parents enjoy their reactions”, says President Peter Closi. “Experiencing the rush of skimming just above the water, hopping from lake to lake; it’s an experience that families talk about for years.”

Mount Dora Lighthouse, Lake County

End your Florida family vacation with some old fashioned charm

Mount Dora is a cozy enclave known for its quaint shops, artistic flair and southern charm. Although once known as the ‘Antiques Capital’, it’s now dubbed ‘Festival City, ’ hosting over 30 events annually, including the Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair and Mount Dora Arts Fest: two of the top annual events in the country.

Before you do anything, snag a snack at Cody’s on the 4th then embark on a chivalrous 30-minute e-carriage ride through town with Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company. No Florida family vacation is complete without a picturesque sunset, so visit Sunset Park or head to Grantham Pointe and see the Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of the few inland lighthouses in the state.

Then for dinner, Goblin Market’s book-lined dining room setting makes for an intimate and delectable dining experience, while Pisces Rising serves fresh Floridian cuisine in a century-old refurbished bungalow. Pro tip: End your meal on a sweet note with Bananas Foster; made tableside, it’s an unforgettable treat.