Kelly Park Florida Springs is my childhood favorite of all the Orlando, Florida Attractions.
One of the best Florida springs to visit is Kelly Park. I used to frequent this place as child. Actually I haven’t been there in over ten years. My family and I decided to take a lazy Saturday and make the trip to see what’s new!
400 East Kelly Park Road
Apopka, Florida 32712
Kelly park is part of Rock Springs Florida located in Apopka. The drive from Orlando to Apopka is about 30 minutes or so. It’s a nice leisurely drive up I-4.
Make sure to stop at one of the two tube rental places before driving into Kelly park because you can’t rent them once you’re inside.
You can rent a tube the size of a tire for $5.00 (or just bring your own). Much better than the tubes that are offered at Blue Springs Florida State Park.
Here tube rentals are for the whole day. Once you get your tube you’re ready for a day of relaxation!
These tubes are BIG so if you’re in a car you may find yourself hanging it out the window like I did. Not the most comfortable position but luckily the entrance to Kelly Park isn’t much farther.
*As with any of the Florida springs get there early so you’re able to get in without a wait. Before 10 am or after 3pm will ensure you'll not wait long.*
The cost to get into Kelly Park is $5.00 a car load. There’s several places to park. Including places located close to picnic areas and several near the water areas.
There’s also an unloading zone close to where the water is to make it easier to lug all your belongings down to the common area.
I saw people that brought tents and chairs and some even looked like they brought the contents of their entire kitchens.
That's cool if that's how you roll but I like to travel light and just stick with the essentials. Chairs, boom box, snacks, and sun screen.
If you forget anything there’s a snack bar right near the bathrooms making everything easily accessible.
When we were talking about visiting I had a clear picture in my head of what I remember this Florida springs to be like. Once we were all settled in and I took a look around I realized everything matched what I had in my head.
It all looked so familiar. After all I was here a lot when I was a kid. The water is still crystal clear and the spring run is just as much fun as I remembered it!
There’s a really cool walking trail that gives you the option of many different paths.
Chris and I took a walk to get nice and hot so we could jump into the cool water of the Florida springs. It was fun to weave our way around the wooded trail.
At some points we were able to hear the people on the spring run laughing and swimming. But then it was just quiet and peaceful again.
The trails are dirt roads and they jet out into different directions. We had to decide at times whether to go straight or left or right. Decisions Decisions...
If a walk in the woods isn't what you're into, you can also get to the beginning of the spring by following the wood plank walkway.
Once you get there you’ll see a drop off area where you can jump into the water. This’s the deepest part of Kelly park springs.
The area to the right is blocked off but you’ll be able to see where the spring water is rushing from. It's a powerful gush of water coming out of that spring.
The drop off area is about eight or nine feet deep and about ten feet wide. So if you wanted to do a cannon ball into the water you could!
When you’re at the Florida springs the last thing you want to do is “ease your way in.”You’re gonna want to jump in whole heartily.
Otherwise you may find yourself standing at the edge for a very long time. Because this water is Cold. I mean 70 degrees cold!
Even on a hot day that can be a shock to the system. Luckily once you get used to it you’ll be fine. But then you get out and your body feels refreshed.....Bonus!
The spring run is rocky at some points and sandy at others.You'll want to bring water shoes and a snorkel to get the most out of your Florida springs experience.
The spring run at Kelly Park is pretty long. Much longer than Blue Springs. To go from one end of it to the other will take about 20 or 25 minutes. If you’re swimming it may take a little less time unless you don’t let the current take you.
If you’re on a tube you may have to get out of it a time or two because you may run into the grass on the sides of the run. But it’s a leisurely experience and a great way to spend a lazy day.
In the middle of the run you’ll find the swimming /lounging area. This’s normally where all the small children hang out and play.
If you don’t have (or like) children you may be a little overwhelmed by how many kids hang out at this Florida springs.
If you do have kids this will be a nice place to take them to enjoy a hot summer day in Orlando!
You can go through the middle swimming area and keep heading straight to the end of the run. At the end of the run you’ll see a bridge that you’re not supposed to pass.
That’s where the wildlife lives. Alligators are known to be there so don’t pass that line. It’s for your own safety! There’s always plenty of lifeguards to make sure everyone stays safe (and stays out of these roped off areas.)
Once you get to the end you can walk back via the wooded walkway or do like my Mom does and walk back against the current. You’ll get a workout and some nice scenery all at the same time.
You’ll probably do the run more than once. Most people do. Some people bring water toys so that they an entertain themselves when they’re hanging out in the common areas.
There's picnic areas and open feilds to play in also. So if you need a little distance from the other people there's room to spread out.
Kelly Park Florida Springs is so much fun. It still remains my favorite Florida spring to this day.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, Florida. Or, you just want an inexpensive way to spend the day I highly suggest you check this place out!
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