Spring is officially in full swing..which means summer is just around the corner, taunting us with nearly triple-degree weather. We don’t know about you, but when the heat strikes, we’re most comfortable surrounded by H2O.
Thankfully, there are several springs within road-trip distance from Polk County — and they’re all less than two hours away. If you decide to go with your school of friends or just ride solo, these parks feature springs that will have you cooled off in no time. Now water you waiting for? Head on down to these parks and float your troubles away, We’ll sea you there! 🌊
*Note: Due to COVID-19, some of these springs may be closed. Call ahead of time to find out.
Eureka Springs Park
Eureka Springs Park | ~30 min. from Downtown Lakeland | $2 per car | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Amenities and features of this spring in Tampa include a greenhouse, lush forests + orchid room.
Lithia Springs Park
Lithia Springs Park | ~45 min. from Downtown Lakeland | $2 per car | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | Although swimming is currently closed due to COVID-19, this spring in Lithia also provides places for bird-watching, hiking, fishing + many more family-friendly activities.
Purity Springs Park
Purity Springs Park | ~45 min. from Downtown Lakeland | Prices Vary | 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Hidden in Tampa, this spring has amenities that will have you spending time right next to the Hillsborough River. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop at Bo’s Ice Cream which is just two minutes away.
Boyette Springs Park
Boyette Springs Park | ~1 hour from Downtown Lakeland | Free | 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | This spring in Riverview is family-friendly and offers creeks, places for picnics + hidden nooks, and crannies that are ready to be explored.
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park | ~1.5 hours from Downtown Lakeland | $6 per car | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Not only does this spring offer perfect 73-degree water temperatures, hiking trails, + picnic spots, but it is also a well-known manatee refuge.
Rock Springs Kelly Park
Rock Springs Kelly Park | ~1.5 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Prices Vary | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | With a free-flowing spring of 68-72 degrees year-round, this park also offers nature lovers to go tubing down the water.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park | ~2 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Prices Vary | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | At this spring, you’ll not only be surrounded by waterfalls + gardens but will be able to take a trip 10,000 years ago when the park was first discovered.
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park | ~2 hours from Downtown Lakeland | $6 per car | 8 a.m-8 p.m. | Previously called “Healing Waters” by Mayans who lived in the area, this spring is open for fishers, hikers, swimmers + adventurers.
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area | ~2 hours from Downtown Lakeland | $6 per person | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Doubling as an archeological site, this park places for swimming, snorkeling + canoeing in a spring that pours into Lake George, the biggest of the St. Johns River Chain of Lakes.
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park | ~2 hours from Downtown Lakeland | $2 per person | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Not only does this park have gorgeous springs to visit, but it also offers glass-bottom boats, hiking + and an on-site museum.
Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs | ~2 hours from Downtown Lakeland | Prices Vary | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Found in Crystal River, FL, this spring not only offers five swimming spots but trolley rides, guided walking tours on the boardwalk + manatee viewings.
Crystal Springs Preserve
Crystal Springs Preserve | ~30 min. from Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Visits by reservation | This spring in Zephyrhills not only offers a two magnitude spring system but butterfly gardens, trails, pavilions + more.
Whatever your plans are for the warm weather, make sure to put on sunscreen, wear loose clothing + stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke. Just think: there are only 100+ days until fall, but who’s counting, right? Stay safe + thriving, Lakeland. ☀️
