Overview
Officially named Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs is located in Northwest Florida, about 20 minutes south of the state capital. It is the home of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater spring. Approximately 400 million gallons of water flow daily from the spring, running into the Wakulla River. This park is most well-known for its swimming in the crystal clear, 70-degree water, and narrated boat tours that float along the wilderness of the Wakulla River. The park is home to the Wakulla Springs Lodge where you can dine in the restaurant, play checkers in the expansive lobby, and take a look at Old Joe, the 11 foot long infamous alligator. Wakulla Springs is a great family park, especially for little ones.
Things To Do
Boat Tours
Riverboat tours are one of the main draws to Wakulla Springs. The approximately 45-minute tour goes up and back the Wakulla River. You can see manatees, alligators sunning themselves, turtles, and any number of birds. Bring your camera! It’s amazing how up close you get to these creatures in their natural habitat. The boat driver is good about spotting animals and pointing them out to the crowd. Their narration also includes some natural history about the springs and some fun facts. Did you know that Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) was filmed at Wakulla Springs?
Boat tours run 365 days a year, except during thunderstorms and very cold weather. Check into the Waterfront Visitors Center when they open at 9:30 to snag your tickets. Boat times vary based on visitor demand, but typically start at 9:40 and end at 4:30 or 5 pm. The visitor’s center has a small display of the underground caves and other interesting tidbits as well. It’s a good place to spend 15-20 minutes looking around (and cooling down in the AC if it’s hot out).
In addition to riverboat tours, Wakulla Springs also has glass-bottom boat tours. Although they used to be the main boating attraction, they rarely run recently due to cloudy water. Check their website or call ahead to see if they are running. I have yet to ride on one after 10+ trips to the Springs.
The boat rides are fun for kids of all ages. They will love spotting animals in the wild. The whole boat really gets into the fun and everyone will excitedly point out a manatee or hidden gator.
Swimming and Water Fun
The spring water is accessible from a narrow sand beach and provides zero entry to the water, unlike some other springs that have stairs leading down. Behind the sand is packed dirt and grassy areas you can set up your beach chairs as well. The water is clear and calm and good for toddlers who only want to dip a toe or go in knee-deep. Keep in mind, the water is cold! You will quickly get used to it though, especially on a warm day it will feel amazing. There are small fish in the water who will nervously approach. There are alligators and manatees in the water, however, they don’t approach the swimming area. The swimming area is roped off and several lifeguards stand watch.
There is a bathhouse with restrooms, and changing areas but no showers. An outdoor shower is located near the water to rinse off.
Diving Platform
A favorite Florida pastime is climbing the 22-foot dive tower and gazing out into the spring (possibly spotting an alligator or two on the bank!) before making a leap of faith into the clear blue depths. The platform has two levels, one for newbies and smaller kids that’s about a six-foot jump into the water. It’s intimidating, but once done you will want to jump again and again. My six-year-old nephew was a little nervous the first time but had a blast once he tried it. The second, much higher platform is where the teens and adventuresome young’uns tend to congregate. The jump is 22 feet and I have yet to try it myself.
Floating Swim Platforms
In addition to the diving platform, the springs has two floating wooden swim platforms about 30 feet from the shore. It’s fun to swim out to them and sunbathe, look out into the water, or just hang out. To get out to the platform you must swim, the water probably gets around eight feet deep, so if you’re taking a little one with you they probably should wear their swimmies, or take a float over. Floats and noodles are popular accessories and you’ll see lots of kids and grownups floating in the clear water. Bring your own as they are not available to rent, however, there are some available for purchase at the commissary.
Other Experiences
The Lodge
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is a historic hotel build in 1935 which exudes Old Florida with art-deco accents. The Lodge is a full-service hotel you can spend the night in with 27 hotel rooms. It is also a popular location for weddings and other events. The Lodge has a large lobby that all visitors can access, perfect for cooling down on a hot day or playing some checkers during a rainstorm. You can visit the soda fountain/gift shop for an ice-cream treat or visit Old Joe the alligator in a corner of the lobby.
Biking Trails
Biking and hiking are available on three trails throughout the park. The paths are mostly shaded.
Playground
The playground is located in front of the Lodge, close to the parking areas and picnic pavilions. It’s good to stop by when you’re ready for a swim break, or the kids can play while mom and dad start the grill.
Where to Eat
Edward Ball Dining Room
The Edward Ball Dining Room in the Lodge is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. They serve classic Florida food. There is no children’s menu, but children are welcome and will have no problem eating off the adult menu.
Soda Fountain
Soda Fountain offers classic soda fountain fare such as ice-cream sundaes, hotdogs, chips and soda. It has a small gift shop area too as well.
Picnic or BBQ
Charcoal grills and picnic tables are located near the picnic pavilion and playground area. Plenty of shady trees are available to enjoy a picnic lunch under as well. We usually bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks to munch on throughout the day.
What to Bring
It’s a long walk from the parking lot to the beach area so if you’re swimming, we like to bring a wagon to throw in our cooler, beach chairs, etc. Bring swim stuff and towels if you’re swimming.
Overall the park is very shady with beautiful canopy oaks and cypress trees, however, bring sunscreen for the hot Florida sun.
Water fountains are located at several places around the park so bring a water bottle to fill up. Several vending machines are also available near the restrooms.
You can have lots of fun swimming, but bringing a float or noodle really adds to the fun. Same with snorkeling gear if you have any. For little ones, a sand bucket and shovel will entertain. Water shoes are not absolutely necessary, but some people prefer them. The entrance to the water and the water itself is a mixture of sand and rocks. Snacks are good to bring, however, the Soda fountain is nearby with drinks, snacks, and fountain-type food like hotdogs and chips (and ice cream, of course.)
When to Go
The best time to go to Wakulla Springs is in the summer, cooling off in the 68 to 70 degree fresh spring water is very refreshing. Keep in mind, swimming at the springs is very popular though, and tends to get crowded on the weekends. Go early in the day to grab a spot on the little beach.
The springs are open year-round, and although you may not want to go swimming in the winter, you can still take a boat ride or have a nice lunch at the restaurant. Wakulla Springs is a favorite for taking out-of-state visitors. It’s our go-to destination whenever family members visit.
Location
Wakulla Springs is located in North Florida, about a 20 minute drive south of Tallahassee.
What Else?
How Long Do I Need?
When we visit we typically stay a half-day, although there is enough to do to spend a whole day or even spend the night in the Lodge.
Sample Itinerary with Kids
Get to the park early to start your day, the park opens at 8 AM. Throw down your chairs or beach equipment then take some time to walk around the grounds and explore the Lodge, it’s a beautiful historic site.
The visitor center opens at 9:30 AM so head over and buy a ticket to the boat ride. The first ride usually leaves at 9:40, so you should be done around 10:30.
After riding around the water and seeing the kids jump off the dive platform you’ll want to get in the water yourself! As the day is starting to heat up it’s a perfect time to cool down in the 68-degree water.
After a morning of swimming the kids should be exhausted so head over to the picnic pavilion for a picnic lunch or to grill some hot dogs. The kids can play at the playground nearby while you cook. Or stop by the authentic soda fountain for a hotdog and Sundae.
With a small baby, my family is usually done after lunch, but if you have time or older kids you can head back to the spring for more swimming. There are plenty of shady trees perfect for napping under by the beach if need be. The park is open until sundown so you have plenty of time!
Activities Nearby
There are tons of options if you’re in the Tallahassee area and looking for something to do with kids. My favorite activity is the Tallahassee Museum, an outdoor museum with animals, a small farm, a playground, ropes course, an old train to explore, and more. Wakulla Springs is also close to St. George Island, a beautiful family-friendly beach.
Other Resources
Check out these resources for more information about Wakulla Springs.