Yes, YOU CAN become a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park!

Have you ever dreamed of being a real mermaid? Or maybe you just want some really cool pics during an unforgettable day with your kiddo?

Well, friends … the Mermaid Experience is your chance to become a part of the magic at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park!

This all-new experience is a rare opportunity to swim in the same underwater theater where the world-famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform while your friends and family watch. But, before you dive in, you’ll get some one-on-one time with a mermaid for your mermaid makeover and fitting for a tail to use (not to keep).

And here’s what’s really cool — kids can participate too! It’s open to adults and kids ages 7 and older.

Get ready to mark those calendars! The Mermaid Experience is hosted every Wednesday and Thursday through Sept. 25, 2025. The experience is $125 per person. While park admission is not included, you will definitely want to stay and play after.

We caught up with John Athanson, with Florida’s Adventure Coast, to dive into what makes Weeki Wachee Springs State Park so special and why it’s a must-visit if you haven’t been already.

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Our state is changing and growing rapidly, but there’s something special and nostalgic about Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Is this what you think attracts so many visitors to the park each year?

John Athanson: Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions that still exists today. Not much has changed since it opened in 1947. That nostalgic charm is a huge part of what makes Weeki Wachee Springs State Park so magical. Florida is changing fast, but there’s something timeless about Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Maybe that’s what makes it so special. It feels like a step back into Old Florida — where the water’s crystal clear, the mermaids still swim and the magic never left.

People come for the beauty, but they come back for the memories. It’s the kind of place grandparents remember visiting as kids and now bring their grandkids to experience that same wonder. In a world that’s always moving forward, Weeki Wachee is a reminder of how sweet it is to slow down.

Tell us about the history of Weeki Wachee Springs.

John Athanson: Founder Newton Perry had a vision of taking the concept of synchronized swimming and implementing it underwater. When he discovered the spring at Weeki Wachee, he realized it was next to US 19, a major thoroughfare back in the day, and he knew he had the location. He recruited a group of synchronized swimmers from St. Pete called the Aquabelles.

As a Navy diver trainer, he developed the air hose we still use to this day and taught the ladies how to breathe underwater using this apparatus. After choreographing underwater ballet maneuvers and building a small, 22-seat theater, Perry opened the park on Oct. 13, 1947. Perry’s underwater show became an instant hit, making it a must-see when vacationers traveled to Florida.

With a now larger theater, Weeki Wachee remains a popular destination. The underwater theater at Weeki Wachee is the only theater in the world of its kind.

When did the mermaids start performing at the park?

John Athanson: The “mermaid” began performing on opening day in 1947. But the concept of “mermaids” did not come about till the mid 60’s. Before then, the ladies did not wear “tails”, but were still considered mermaids.

There are so many things to do as a family, from the Buccaneer Bay Water Park, mermaids and even kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River. Do you have any tips on how to map out a day trip to the park?

John Athanson: A day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park can be packed with fun, so a little planning goes a long way. If you're coming for the day, it’s a good idea to get there early — especially during peak season — since the park does reach capacity. Start with a classic: Catch one of the live mermaid shows in the underwater theater. It’s a must-see and something you’ll talk about long after the day’s over. After that, you can cool off at Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed water park. The lazy river, waterslides and beach area are perfect for all ages.

John’s Pro Tip: To make the most of your visit, download the official Weeki Wachee app before you go. It has a super handy map, showtimes and push notifications for important updates like park capacity and weather changes. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop while you focus on having fun.

Learn more: friendsofweekiwachee.com

Fun Facts at Weeki Wachee Springs:

• Weeki Wachee Springs is one of the deepest naturally formed underwater caverns in the United States. It is so deep that the bottom has never been found!
• More than 117 million gallons of water flow up from the caverns EACH DAY!
• The spring is the start of the Weeki Wachee River, which flows 12 miles to the Gulf.
• Weeki Wachee is Seminole Indian for “winding river.”

Originally published in the August 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.