Central Florida enjoys some of its best weather during the spring months. The mercury isn’t quite climbing to the sweltering point yet, but the days are balmy enough to don a swimsuit for an adventure on the water, or to enjoy being outdoors without the threat of heat exhaustion. And beyond the theme parks of the tourist corridor and the concrete byways of Downtown, ways to commune with nature abound. Discover a taste of Orlando’s wild side with these adventures that will inspire smiles and create memories.

Get Up and Go Kayaking

A treasure trove of natural beauty lies just north of Orlando, where refreshing cold springs set the stage for an aquatic-themed getaway. At Rock Springs Run, embark on a guided tour in a clear kayak with Get Up and Go Kayaking. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like otters, alligators and fish in the crystal clear water. The waters flow to Rock Spring, a 68-degree cold spring located within Kelly Park, a popular spot for tubing. Rent a tube outside of the park to enjoy the leisurely 3/4-mile float.

(Courtesy Get Up and Go Kayaking)

Wild Florida

A visit to Orlando can get pretty wild and nowhere is that truer than with a visit to Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park. Make friends with hundreds of native and exotic animals in natural surroundings that feels like you’re on a daring adventure. And be sure to sample some local fare at their Chomp House Grill.

Wekiva Island

Ready to hit a spot that only locals know about? Grab your bathing suit and dive into the spring-fed waters of Wekiva Island. Enjoy paddle boarding right up to banks of this nature preserve where there’s plenty of outdoor space to chill including private cabanas and craft beer available at the local general store, The Tooting Otter.

(Courtesy Wekiva Island)

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

Getting out and enjoying the natural side of Orlando is best accomplished on a Boggy Creek Airboat Ride. These guided boat tours, along our scenic waterways, give visitors a thrilling journey to where wildlife thrives and a chance to get up close to our most famous resident, the alligator!

Gatorland’s Gator Gauntlet

There’s no better place to spot alligators and crocs of all sizes in Orlando than at Gatorland, and the best view in the park is 350 feet in the air on the Gator Gauntlet Zipline. Flyers soar nearly 30 mph directly over a breeding marsh, home to over one-hundred fearsome alligators! This ride is also designed for mobility challenged guests, so everyone can enjoy the thrill.

(Courtesy Gatorland)

Kissimmee Swamp Tours

If you’re on the hunt to sit right up front, Kissimmee Swamp Tours offers a front row seat to Florida’s wildlife with its smaller, and faster, 6 passenger boats. These personal boat tours transport riders deep into the swampy wilderness of Central Florida for an unforgettable adventure on Lake Kissimmee.

Revolution Adventures

Get ready for a day of playing in the dirt in a place where mud baths are not at all for relaxing. Here you can drive ATV’s with Revolution Adventures across more than 200 acres of rural land, sludge through wetlands in a ‘mucky duck’ amphibious vehicle and try your skills at archery, clay shooting and fishing. It’s the perfect way to get off the road and plunge into nature.

(Courtesy Revolution Adventures)

Safari Wilderness

Situated on a sprawling 260 acres, Safari Wilderness transports visitors to the plains of Africa where close up encounters with Zebras and Lemurs are a regular occurrence. Choose from a safari vehicle or a camel expedition to see over 700 animals that hail from six different continents.