20 outdoor Florida adventures your dad would probably be into

Try the canoe-only Juniper Run

(352) 625-3147, 26701 E Highway 40, Silver Springs Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs
Breathtaking springs mixed with some of the most accommodating campgrounds in Florida can be found in the Ocala National Forest where multiple springs, rivers and trails, including the canoe-access-only Juniper Run, can be explored.

Photo via chestnutsschoolherbs/ Instagram

Paddle your way to a colony of rhesus monkeys

(352) 236-7148, 1425 NE 58th Ave, Ocala Silver Springs State Park
Whether you want to camp, mountain bike, or just simply to gaze at some of the reasons that set Florida apart, including the oddly located rhesus monkeys, the gem that is Silver Springs State Park has you beyond covered.

Photo via Anoldent/Flickr

Help these guy search for the legendary Skunk Ape, Florida's version of Bigfoot

(239) 695-2275, 409044 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee Skunk Ape Research Center
Sitting on the Trail Lakes Campgrounds, this research center has been hoarding information on Florida’s infamous Skunk Ape for as long as the beast has eluded society. Arming yourself with the information the center so graciously offers is steps ahead of an intelligent idea, as you do not want to find yourself face to face with a blurry buffoon that you cannot make out as human or Skunk Ape, and your final chapter should not involve a smelly monkey man looking to keep witnesses silent.

Photo via Skunk Ape Headquarters/Facebook

Don’t miss out on this underwater psychedelic plant life

Get Up and Go Kayak Tours Tours at Merrit Island
Socializing at night seems to be the norm more often than not, so why not take that constant and apply it to the group kayak experience. If you were to do that around Merritt Island the rewards would be an underwater light show that would both astound and encourage you to explore this great planet even further.

Photo via tony_catalano/Instagram

Combine camping and tubing at these springs

(407) 254-1902, 400 E Kelly Park Rd Kelly Park & Rock Springs
Apopka’s 245 acres of forest and its interwoven spring has stirred up enough of a following to inspire the state to allow camping in this local getaway. With picnic pavilions and concessions in tow, this spot can assist the day tripper as well as the overnight camper in achieving the leisurely spring inner tubing dream that everyone strives for.

Photo via igorsaringer/Instagram

Dive into Crystal River for some one-on-one with a manatee

(352) 564-8687, 498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal RiverCity Of Crystal River
We suggest that you visit the home of the manatees in Crystal River, Florida because a life lacking a dip with the most beloved beast of the sea is one to look back on with shame and sadness. Fix whatever is wrong with your life and accept these animal’s hospitality.

Photo via you.and.a.pack/Instagram

Kayak with this crew and you’ll find that knowing is half the paddle

(407) 733-8338, 390 Ollie Ave, Winter Park Peace of Mind Kayak Tours
Based in Winter Park and servicing the surrounding Central Florida area with tours and buyable and rentable kayak equipment, P.O.M. makes it easy for you to explore the local waterways without going all out with large purchases.

Photo via Peace of Mind Kayak Tours/Facebook

Swipe right on this mini island camping getaway

(386) 736-5309, 2309 River Ridge Rd, DeLand Hontoon Island State Park
There is something truly elevated about camping on an island. Seclusion is amplified by an inability to be accessed and that is exactly what this state park supplies. With 6 one-room cabins with electricity attached as well as overnight boat slip rentals, this state park can set you up for an adventurous vacation within arms reach of civilization.

Photo via Lauren Brinkoet/Facebook

Tube warriors, consider yourself called upon

(386) 497-4690, 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White Ichetucknee River
Yet another state park to add to your achieve-before-mortem list, this hammock framed 6-mile river provides both bioluminescent and sunrise enthusiasts a chance to paddle alongside a park ranger through some of the best sights Florida has developed over the centuries.

Photo via Lori Marks/Facebook

Boat fans are likely to find happiness in the everglades with their counterpart, the fan boat

(407) 572-3561, 4275 Neptune Rd, St. Cloud Marsh Landing Adventures
With tours that push you above marshy brush and fanau with the grace of an air hockey puck, Marsh Landing Adventures helps show what makes this Florida ecosystem so unique and special.

Photo via Marsh Landing Adventures/Facebook

Learn to paddle in on of our many many lakes and streams

(407) 960-7815, 115 N Orlando Ave. #109, Winter Park Paddleboard Orlando
Providing paddleboard rentals across the area surrounding their three separate locations, Paddleboard Orlando helps locals and tourist types alike to explore Wekiva, Shingle Creek and Lake Killarney (the only one lacking gators) while standing as the forefathers of our species intended.

Photo via Orlando Paddleboard/Facebook

Learn to do sick butterslide 180 at the Orlando Watersports Complex

(407) 251-3100, 8615 Florida Rock Rd Orlando Watersports Complex
With two separate cable wires for both beginner and intermediate, this water complex provides the Orlando waterbug with the chance to better their skills and enjoy a day out on the water while skiing, skating and more.

Photo via Orlando Watersports Complex/Facebook

Hang out with some foreign animals

(813) 362-2120, 10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland Safari Wilderness
Sitting between Orlando and Tampa sits the experience closest resembling a trip to the African wilderness, and with daily tours that cut through the habitat of the vast assortment of animals there, this unique and zoo-like experience is beyond worth a visit from the Central Floridian. Available camel rides, horse rides, llama rides, kayak rentals and more all ensure a day to remember.

Photo via Safari Wilderness/Facebook

Explore these 85 miles of mountain bike trails

(352) 369-2693, 3080 SE 80th, St Ocala Santos Mountain Bike Trail in Ocala
It is apparent that this state failed to create any truly overbearing mountains, but what it does have is a plethora of windey, and wet hill-riddled trails that are excellently capable of testing the peddling abilities of any mountain biker worth his salt.

Photo via Michael McQueen/Facebook

'Brap' into this dirt layden Nirvana of a bike track

(352) 468-1860,19400 E Colonial Dr Bithlo Motocross
Whether you're looking to compete or learn how, this Bithlo dirt track, with its surrounding amenities and pine trees, is capable of addressing the needs of both the beginning and the weathered motocrosser.

Photo via Double Zero Productions/Facebook

There's 46-mile of paved trail outlined with nature waiting to be explored

(352)726-0315, 310 S. Old Floral City Rd, Inverness Withlacoochee State Trail
There are plenty of perfectly wonderful trails around the Orlando area to ride, but if you are looking for a challenge and a trail that allows you to take in Florida’s better aspects then head towards Tampa as this is by far and away the best cycling, rollerblading and running trail the state has to offer.

Photo via leola.levack/Instagram

Grab your crew and come kayak with the best.

(407) 924-3375, 3208 E Colonial Dr #261, Orlando Adventures in Florida
Whether you are trying to test your limits with one of their weeklong kayaking trips through the Florida Everglades, or if you are just trying to enjoy your day off in Orlando, this company offers multiple packages that will take you across the state for a spectrum of skill levels.

Photo via Adventures in Florida/Facebook

Take a breath and socialize with over 6,000 sea creatures

(407) 939-8687, 200 Epcot Center Dr Epcot Divequest
Let me first pop some of your bubbles by mentioning that this requires scuba certification and yes, apologies are being packaged and prepared for shipping those of you affected as we speak. But for those of you still interested and eligible, know that this 3-hour-tour of the Disney facilities behind the aquarium as well as around 40 minutes of underwater scuba time. If you bite, however, submersion into this nature below the surface will wipe the concept of time from your thoughts with haste.

Photo via Scuba Girls/Facebook

Call these guys if you've go that intoxicating itch for dirt

(352) 400-1322, 4000 State Rd 33, Clermont Revolution Off Road
For some time now, off-roading practitioners have had a group to ride, mucky duck, shoot skeet, bass fish, atv, and dune buggy with and to become a part of their community all you must do is commit to booking one of their seemingly endless fun inducing opportunities.

Photo via Revolution Off Road/Facebook

Try swimming with animals that are likely smarter than you

(407) 513-4600, 6000 Discovery Cove Way Dolphin Lagoon
Discovery Cove is quite popular with their vast offering of things to do, but what may have slipped by your notice is the Dolphin encounter that allows you to dive in with some of the planet’s smartest and most majestic creatures. Go ahead and treat yourself to this truly unforgettable experience.

Photo via devin_keays/Instagram