The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer
With more than 900 natural springs, about 40 of which are open to the public, Florida is the perfect state to explore via its waterways. What better way than hopping into a tube to drift alongside your family?
Here are our picks for the best places to go tubing in Florida from the water parks to Florida’s natural springs and rivers!
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Where to Go Tubing in Florida at Water Parks
Maybe you’d prefer to float down a lazy river at a theme park with quick access to restrooms, snacks and plenty of family-friendly fun! Here are some of our favorite spots to go tubing at Florida theme parks:
Adventure Island in Tampa
Grab a tube and float along the Rambling Bayou, a half-mile-long lazy river that takes you through the water park among the water slides and beautiful landscapes.
Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill
Buccaneer Bay is Florida’s only natural springs water park! In addition to the water slides and real mermaids there’s also a short natural lazy river that hugs the water park. Tubes are available for rent on site for an extra fee. Plan to arrive early because the park often fills to capacity, especially on weekends.
LEGOLAND Florida
One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven
The Build-a-Raft Lazy River circles 1,000 feet around the water park. Be on the lookout for floating bricks to add to your LEGO tube. You need a separate admission ticket to go to the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park—it’s worth the ticket upgrade!
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World
1145 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando
If you’ve got a trip planned to Walt Disney World this summer, a cool escape is Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon! There are waterslides for all ages and thrill levels and of course, the Cross-Country Creek Lazy River at Blizzard Beach which stretches 3,000 feet through the park, and Castaway Creek at Typhoon Lagoon, where you float down a lazy, scenic river that encircles the park.
Note: Blizzard Beach is currently closed for renovation.
Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando
From raft rides to drop slides, chilling on the beach to catching thrills on an aqua coaster, Volcano Bay has a ton of water fun to choose from. Their Kopiko Wai Winding River provides a relaxing respite in between rides and even takes you beneath the volcano’s lava rocks for a magical night sky cavern tubing experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the tube for a lifejacket to feel the rush of The Fearless River’s whitewater rapids.
The Best Tubing at Florida Springs and Rivers
Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park in Apopka
400 E. Kelly Park Rd., Apopka
Park entry: $3-$5 per vehicle (depending on how many people are in the car)
Wekiwa Springs converges with Rock Springs, a crater-edged creek within Kelly Park, to form the headwaters of the 17-mile-long Wekiva River leading to the St. Johns River. Rock Springs Run is a brisk 68°F stream adored by tubers and kayakers. Be sure to bring your own float or rent one at the roadside concession before entering the park (around $7 each). It’s okay to use a pool noodle or float less than 5 feet in length.
This is a shorter tube run that can easily be enjoyed multiple times throughout your visit. Pack a picnic to enjoy during a break from the water. Plan for a drive of about 1 1/2 hours from Tampa.
You can also launch a canoe or kayak from Kings Landing to twist your way amongst alligators, birds, turtles, otters and rarely-seen monkeys. Like Orlando-area theme parks, Kelly Park can get packed, so arrive early before park capacity is met. You can also check their website or call 407-254-1906 to see if the park is full.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White
12087 SW US Highway 27, Fort White
Park entry: $6 per car. $5.50 tram service or $7.50 shuttle service
Considered the crown jewel of tubing destinations, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located about 2.5 hours north of Tampa, just beyond Alachua. Ichetucknee is actually a cluster of nine springs that collectively gush well over 200 million gallons of brisk water every day. Named as a National Natural Landmark, archaeologists discovered two Indian mounds and a village site on the grounds.
The 72-degree spring-fed water is crystal clear so you can see all the way down to the white sandy bottom. You’ll discover fish, turtles and more. Ichetucknee Springs is described as a peaceful place where stress simply drifts away. To experience it, bring your own tube or rent one from either the park stand or an outside vendor. Tubing is accessible from the south entrance.
Bring your mask and snorkel for an unforgettable experience snorkeling in the Blue Hole, the biggest natural spring in the park that feeds the Ichetucknee River.
FYI: the park limits the number of daily visitors (so arrive early) and imported items, i.e. potential trash such as food and disposables.
Rainbow Springs State Park Dunnellon
19158 SW 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon
Park entry: $2 per person
Archaeologists believe that people have been using Rainbow Spring, Florida’s fourth largest spring with a pool 250 feet wide, for nearly 10,000 years! For about 30 years starting in the 1930s, the site was a privately-owned family amusement park with gardens, waterfalls, a zoo and even a rodeo space. Eventually, the land was restored and preserved, earning a National Natural Landmark designation.
Situated about 1.5 hours north of Tampa, visitors are often amazed by this spring’s unusual sand boils, lush aquatic plants and brilliant white limestone, paired with remaining man-made park elements including waterfalls and azalea gardens.
Those looking to tube should access the tube-specific entrance. It’s about nine miles from the main headsprings entrance. (Tubing is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park.) Once inside, rent a tube ($22) and catch the shuttle service. You’ll then embark on a two-hour leisurely drift. For a longer float, start outside the park at KP Hole.
FYI: Tubing is offered Memorial Day through Labor Day: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., seven days a week, and after that on weekends only through the end of September. Tubing is not available October-March.
Ginnie Springs in High Springs
7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd, High Springs
Tube across the Santa Fe River at Ginnie Springs. Not far from Gainesville, it's a prime spot for relaxing in a tube down the river or swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. Their crystal clear water is 72 degrees year round and on certain days (typically summer through early fall). you can spot gar, bass, mullet, catfish, turtles, and many other critters.
You can bring your own gear or rent directly from Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Note: because the Santa Fe is a navigable waterway, state law requires you to have a flag and float at all times. Tube rentals start at $8 for a single tube and $16 for a double, and snorkeling equipment starts at $8. There are also canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards for rent.
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City
2100 W. French Ave, Orange City
Park entry: $6 per vehicle
Just over 2 hours from Tampa, Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. John's River, spewing 104 million gallons of water every day. The stunning 73-degree waterway is famous for its record population of manatees (724 counted in 2022!), which migrate south during the winter.
Outdoor enthusiasts can rent tubes and launch off of a gravel bank. Florida State Parks suggests you “enter the water at the upper entry, swim to the spring boil, and float back down to the main swim dock.” The float run is just an eighth of a mile.
You may also want to dive within the circular spring to explore the vertical cave; take a boat cruise on the St. John’s River; and enjoy a plethora of park amenities, such as birding and hiking. Rest up overnight in a cabin or tent.
Blackwater River State Park in Milton
7720 Deaton Bridge Road, Milton
Park entry: $4 per vehicle. Campsite fees vary
Float under the pines down the Blackwater River. Most of the stream flows through undeveloped lands of the Blackwater State Forest and Blackwater River State Park, which are core areas of the largest contiguous longleaf pine and wiregrass ecosystem remaining in the world. In addition to tubing, you can canoe or kayak or take a hike through one of the trails. To stretch out your trip, you can even book a spot at one of their 30 campsites (RV and tent accessible).
Spring Creek in Marianna
4841 Highway 90, Marianna
Head north to Marianna for the pristine waters of Spring Creek, one of Jackson County's most well-known ecotourism spots. Tube down 4 miles of springs from one of three starting locations: Spring Creek Park, Turner's Landing, or Bear Paw Adventures (where you can also rent canoes and kayaks).
*Originally published in July 2021 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine and updated April 2024.