If you are looking for a great place to spend a day with the kids, check out DeLeon Springs Park, located in DeLeon Springs, which is right here in Volusia County. It's a beautiful place that has plenty to do. The whole family will have a great time!

DeLeon Springs is located at 601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd. You will find plenty of area to roam, let the kids play, and have a picnic. They have a 50-minute eco boat ride, a short nature walk back to a 500 year old tree, and swimming in the spring. There is also a longer trail you can take if you want a lengthier hike. The spring is enclosed, so that you don't have to worry about any alligators, too! The spring remain a constant 72 degrees. When you first get in it's cold, but once you go under the water completely you are fine and it actually feels great. Also, you will find a beautiful butterfly garden, featuring several kinds of butterflies making stops.

There is a special shallow area for the kids (see picture below). This park also offers tube rentals, kayak rentals, a little museum, covered pavilions, and plenty of shady grass areas to put your chairs and hang out. The park is also filled with gorgeous live oak trees. Be sure to check them out in the parking lot and inside the area around the spring. 

While you are there you may also want to check out The Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant, which is right in the park next to the springs. The restaurant features make your own pancakes, where the tables have a griddle in them and you make the pancakes right at your table. If you want to dine inside the restaurant, get your  name on the wait list when you first arrive. If it's a summer day there is usually a 1-2 hour wait. You can also get take-out food from the walk-up window at the restaurant. 

If you like mountain bike riding, you may want to take your bike and hit up the great trails at Chuck Lennon Park, which is right by DeLeon Springs. My husband and son go bike ride, then go to the spring to cool off. They love the trails at Chuck Lennon Park and the two are pretty much next to each other. 

Here are some pictures from our recent day spent at at DeLeon Springs State Park:

Gorgeous live oak trees throughout!

View of the river

Shallow area for kids.