When the outside temperature inches closer to the triple digits, do you have trouble keeping your cool? Are all your good intentions for kid-centered fun melting in the heat?

Maybe it’s time for a mid-summer splash. Just a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida are cool, bubbly springs, refreshing saltwater beaches and clean, clear lakes ready to wash away those heatwave blues.

Imagine fresh flowing water that remains a constant 72 degrees no matter how hot the air gets. Think sandy beaches shaded by a canopy of trees. You can stretch out on a blanket, set out a picnic lunch and drift off into daydream-land while the children laugh and play in a springfed lagoon.

Wekiwa Springs and Blue Springs State Parks are two of the most popular natural springs not only because of their close proximity to urban hubs but because of the expansiveness, beauty and tranquility of their settings.

Bubbly Springs
Wekiwa Springs gets it’s name from the Creek Indian word “Wekiwa” meaning “bubbly water”. Located NW of Orlando it is easily reached by either taking SR 436 west to Wekiwa Springs Rd. or by taking exit 49 off I-4 and heading west to Wekiwa Springs Rd.

Once there, you will enter an 8,000-acre preserve of wild scenery and sparkling water. But be prepared: this is a popular spot so expect crowds. The park offers so many activity options that it can be hard to choose what to do first. There is a wonderful beach and swimming area, rental canoes, hiking, bike trails, playground areas...There is even an on-site museum and visitor center if you wish to squeeze in a quick natural history and culture lesson.

For the Water-oriented
Blue Springs is located 2 miles west of Orange City, north of Orlando. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing are very popular here. To make the day extra special, rent a canoe for a leisurely paddle down the crystal clear river.

You are bound to see plenty of aquatic and wildlife as you navigate the slow current of the river. This is the same river that is frequented by manatees November thru March. These rare mammals swim into the springs to be warmed by the 72 degree water—the same temperature that will help you keep your cool on a hot summer day!

The park also has miles of interpretive nature trails to explore, overnight camping facilities and a small convenience store and concession stand on the park property.

Saltwater Splash
If a saltwater splash seems more appealing than a spring-fed dip then head on over to Canaveral National Seashore where there are two wonderful national park beaches.

Apollo Beach is accessed via New Symrna Beach and Playalinda Beach through Titusville but both are connected by the longest stretch of undeveloped wilderness beach in Florida. Twenty-five miles of white sand beach lies between rolling dunes and rushing waves, anchored by the space station at the far south end and the bustling commercial beach areas of New Symrna at the north.

If you go to the Playalinda area, take time to explore the Black Point Wildlife Drive or the Oak Hammock trails.

Note that these are primitive beaches with few amenities onsite so come prepared with food, water, sun protection and beach toys. Both park areas have bathroom facilities and Apollo Beach also provides cool water showers for washing off the sand and salt at the end of the day. Lifeguards are located at Parking Area #1 at Apollo Beach and Parking Area #8 at Playalinda.