Looking for an affordable adventure? Spend a day at Weeki Wachee Springs, the perfect place to see Florida's natural beauty while educating and entertaining the entire family.
Since its opening in 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs is one of the most popular roadside attractions in North Central Florida. Over the years, many people from around the state and country have traveled to the state park to see their world-famous underwater mermaid show. Even Elvis stopped by to see the mermaids when he visited Florida in 1961!
Still luring audiences far and wide, the mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs is a unique experience nothing short of spectacular. The beautiful mermaids put on a live show from the depths of the spring in a convincing underwater theatre. If it weren’t for the ladies using breathing tubes, your family would swear they were seeing real mermaids!
Do you secretly want to be a mermaid? You can become “a part of their world” by auditioning for the mermaid show on Saturday, January 13th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. At the audition, you’ll be asked to swim 300 yards and tread water for ten minutes-straight in order to prove your place under the sea (or, in this case, under the spring!).
If the little ones want to be mermaids, too, they’re in luck as well because Weeki Wachee Springs hosts a special mermaid camp where they can learn swimming tricks with a certified instructor in 14 feet-deep water under the watchful eye of trained personnel. The park also offers junior lifeguard camp and junior ranger camp for kids who would rather keep their land legs!
Although the mermaids are still the main draw, Weeki Wachee Springs has other fun things to do like see a nature show where your family can see birds of prey such as the red-shouldered hawk and barred owl. You will also get to learn about these magnificent native creatures as you see them firsthand with experienced handlers. Weeki Wachee Springs also houses gorgeous reptiles such as snakes and baby alligators that you can see up-close.
At Weeki Wachee Springs, you can also take the family on a boating tour through the crystal-blue waters of the springs surrounded by lush trees and other native plants. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a manatee! The park also has kayak eco-tours and rentals for those who want to explore the springs independently and paddle their own boat.
The fun doesn’t stop there at Weeki Wachee Springs! Inside the park is Buccaneer Bay, the only spring-fed water park in the state. The whole family can cool off from the Sunshine State’s sweltering heat with waterslides, pools, and, of course, the refreshing spring water. There is something for everyone at this water park including a flume slide for thrill-seekers and kiddie pools for toddlers monitored by lifeguards.
Weeki Wachee Springs is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and adult tickets are $13 while kids’ tickets are $8 each. Children five and under get into the park for free.
Have a fun adventure with the family at Weeki Wachee Springs where you can see mermaids and other beautiful creatures up-close, go on a scenic boat ride, and cool off at the state’s only spring-fed water park. Immerse yourself in Florida’s natural beauty and all of the excitement it has to offer at this unique state park that has stood the test of time.
Find more family fun in the area by checking out our Things to Do In North Central Florida, Family, and Travel pages. Also, be sure to register on 352area and stay connected to everything in North Central Florida.
