Cool off by tubing Florida’s natural lazy rivers

Not only is Florida nearly surrounded by water as a peninsula, but the state is fortunate to have crisp, natural rivers flowing through its interior ecosystems. This past summer when my family ventured to Gainesville for a gymnastics camp with our then 12-year-old daughter, my husband wanted to take a few days to explore that area of the state, as it’s so diverse and different from the beach-driven area of Fort Myers. Not only did we traverse through the treetops on zip lines above the canyons outside of Ocala, but we floated down Rainbow River via inflatable tubes.

Tubing in Florida is serene — a fabulous way for families to have some outdoor fun while enjoying nature. Plus, in the summer, it easily beats the extreme Florida heat, as these rivers stay cool and refreshing year-round.

We selected Rainbow River, because we had heard great things about the experience from friends who had also been tubing and due to its proximity to Ocala. The one tip we received was to arrive early, because the parking lot tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

On our visit, we rented tubes at the park. A round-trip shuttle was part of the rental package. However, be sure to check the park’s website or call ahead, as rental availability can change. Cost is generally $5 to $20, depending on the type of raft you rent, plus park entrance fee and, depending on the park, a tram fee. Some families bring their own tubes and pumps to inflate them.

In Florida, there are five state parks that offer tubing. “Tubing is unique in each of our parks,” says Florida Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson Jason Mahon.

Tubing on Rainbow River is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience “real” Florida, says Rainbow Springs State Park Manager Larry Steed.

“It’s an opportunity to see the outdoors from a unique perspective and allows three hours of family bonding while recreating on the Rainbow River,” he says. “First-timers should be cognizant of weather conditions that can rapidly change during your three-hour trip. The water is cold, and smaller children as well as elderly visitors can become chilled very quickly. Sunscreen is recommended. Insect repellant is suggested.”

Larry recommends children be at least 5 years old due to the length of the tubing trip and the water temperature. He also advises tubers to be aware of any local ordinances that regulate tubing on the river.

“It is also very important to remember this is not a man-made, controlled environment. It is a natural, wild ecosystem,” Larry adds.

Fort Myers resident and mother to three boys Amy Magsig went tubing at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in northern Florida.

“It is truly beautiful! Trees canopy the edges of the winding river, and you can see a variety of birds and small creatures, if you’re watching,” Amy says. “I love to be in the outdoors with my family, away from distractions and busyness. Tubing in Florida provided just that for my boys and me — a fun outdoor activity that was breathtakingly scenic. At times, we all talked and laughed noisily as we floated along the currents. Other times, we were all completely silent looking up at the sky and trees along the shore as we drifted along peacefully.”

One thing Amy says she was surprised by was the water’s chilly temperature, about 72 degrees year-round.

“Some would describe it as refreshing,” she says. “Others, like me, are pulling out the wetsuits.”

Amy recommends renting tubes, because it is so low-maintenance.

“There are several places to rent already inflated tubes of all shapes and sizes all along the roads leading to up to the park entrance, as well as at the park itself. You can even rent double tubes or tubes with bottoms to keep your legs out of the water,” she says. “The rental places are very helpful and will tie multiple tubes to the top of your car. You don’t have to worry about returning the tubes. They meet you at the tubing exit. Tying all the tubes together can help you all float along at the same pace, which is great for conversation.”

One other tip from Amy is to be sure to eat before you go, because there is no food or drink on the river to keep the river clean, although there is a concession stand at Ichetucknee.

“We are looking forward to our next tubing adventure,” she says.

Tubing at Florida State Parks

To get details on each park, visit floridastateparks.org.

» Blackwater River State Park, 7720 Deaton Bridge Road, Milton (near Pensacola); 850-983-5363

» Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City (north of Orlando); 386-775-3663

» Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 S.W. U.S. Highway 27, Fort White (northeast of Gainesville); 386-497-4690

» Madison Blue Spring State Park, 8300 N.E. State Road 6, Lee (near I-75 and the Florida-Georgia state line); 850-971-5003

» Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon (near Ocala); 352-465-8555