Looking for a kiddie pool, kayak rentals and a family fun environment? Then look no further, Weeki Wachee has a kayak rental place and much more. A city located in Hernando County, Florida, Weeki Wachee is famous for the mermaids.
In 1946, Newton Perry scouted Weeki Wachee as a good site for business and began experimenting with underwater breathing hoses. With the air hose, humans could give the appearance of thriving underwater with no breathing apparatus. After the 18-seat theater was built, the first mermaid show at the Weeki Wachee Springs underwater theater opened on October 13, 1947.
Since then, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has been thriving and has become a well-known attraction. Aside from the mermaid shows, there’s plenty to do in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Things to do in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Before heading to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, make sure to check out their website for information on their attractions. Some attractions do close during certain seasons. For instance, the kiddie pool and water slides are closed during the winter.
Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals
If you’re looking for a paddleboard and kayak rental place, Weeki Fresh Water Adventures is the only rental facility located on the river at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Prices:
Single Kayak Rental: $32
Tandem Kayak Rental: $48
Paddleboard: $32
Buccaneer Bay
Inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is Buccaneer Bay, which has the water slides, kiddie pool and the lazy river. The two slides located in Buccaneer Bay is the Cannonball and Pirate’s Revenge flumes. There’s also a sandy white beach and crystal-clear spring waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
While the water slides, kiddie pool and lazy river are closed for the winter, they do open around March. During the wintertime, the Buccaneer Bay is excellent for swimming and enjoying the sandy white beach. Buccaneer Bay is free with paid admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
The Wilderness River Show
When paying for admission to the State Park, you will receive a wristband with a time on it. That time is your reservation on the Wilderness River Cruise. This attraction runs between 9:30 and 12:30 and takes you around where you can see fish and turtles. The attraction is about 20 minutes long.
The Ranger Experience
If you want to learn more about Florida’s Native Wildlife and their habitats, then you will enjoy the Ranger Experience. One of the Park Rangers goes through the information along with a look into the many animals in Florida. This experience has many different times – 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm and lasts for about 30 minutes.
Underwater Mermaid Shows
The main attraction of the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the Underwater Mermaid Shows. The shows are usually themed, and they last about 30 minutes. When I went to the show, I got to see The Little Mermaid, which was absolutely wonderful. The story, the singing and the swimming were so much fun to watch.
The theater doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime, and seating is first come, first served. The times may vary, but when I went there were two shows. One started at 11:00am and the other at 3:00pm.
Retail Shops
There are three different retail shops around Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. There’s the Gift Locker, Gift Ahoy and the Mermaid Cove. I went to the Gift Locker, which had all sorts of mermaid items. From mermaid dolls to fins, this is a great place to get all your mermaid things. You can also find some wonderful souvenirs and other unique items such as collectible spoons.
Food & Beverages
There are about five places where you can get some food. Each one offers something different, but you will find foods such as burgers, wraps, salads and much more. There’s also snacks and ice cream in the other food spots. The restaurants/shops you’ll find are the Mermaid Galley, Captain’s Quarters, Pirate’s Grub, Snack Shack, and Weeki Hut.
Other Things to Do
Aside from all the fun attractions, there’s also other things to do in the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Some of the things to do is walk around the tranquility trail, kids can play in the playground and there’s also a picnic area.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a great place to visit and definitely worth the price. For only $13, you get to enjoy all the attractions for free. The only ones you would need to pay for are the kayak rentals and the tube rentals.
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