Family Fun for Spring Break

If your life revolves in any way around an academic calendar, then you know it's Spring Break season. While the beach is always a classic Spring Break option, you might want to try something different. So Ellison and I decided to put together a list of fun family activities that incorporate the natural side of Florida. That being said, the picture below is of Ellison at the beach with her cousins many Spring Breaks ago. Adorable. So, the suggestions below are very general ideas - just click on the link to get more regionally specific details. We're going to be hitting up the springs - probably Blue Springs - next week to do some canoeing (and hopefully have a manatee sighting or two). 

Here are ways to explore the more natural side of Florida this Spring Break:

• U-Pick Farms

There are a number of u-pick farms offering all sorts of fruit throughout the state. Kids love to pick fruit, y'all. They just do. 

• ​ Florida's various freshwater springs
  

Florida has more freshwater springs than any other state. And we also have manatees. Enough said.

*image courtesy of nationalgeographic.com

• ​ Florida National Scenic Trail

Obviously you're not walking the whole thing. Or maybe you are. That would be impressive. Especially if you brought your kids. 

• Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Divided into 5 different birding regions, Florida has a huge variety of bird and wildlife. Spring is a great time to catch the migratory birds before they fly north for the summer. 

* Image courtesy of bioexpedition.com

• Trailwalker Hiking Program 

This program would be perfect for families to do together as it encourages you to visit Florida state forests by providing you with a trail log, postcards to mail in after each visit (you get mailed back stickers to put on your log) and reward patches upon completion of a certain number of forests visited (It's 10, then 20 and then 30). 

•   Trailtrotter Horeseback Riding Program

This is the equestrian version of the Trailwalker progam. The number of trails to visit in order to receive your patches is different, but the concept is the same. A log, stickers and patches. 

* Image courtesy of deepcreekstables.net

In addition, there are numerous state and national parks, monuments and historic sites throughout the state that are beautiful this time of year. While this list is Florida-specific, there are sure to be similar options in your area. Just check your local Department of Agriculture website for natural activities in your state.  

​See you back here soon!