The classic Florida glass-bottom boat ride, easy for every age from toddlers to grandparents. It is about two hours each way from ChampionsGate, so it rates a 4: plan it as a full day out, not a half day.
Overview
Silver Springs State Park sits on the headsprings of the Silver River near Ocala, about two hours north of ChampionsGate. Florida State Parks bills it as a place to ride glass-bottom boats over America's largest spring, and Visit Orlando traces the site's history back at least 10,000 years.
Glass-bottom boats (official prices):
- 30-minute tour: $17 adults, $15 seniors 55+ and children 3 to 12.
- 90-minute tour: $35 adults, $30 seniors and children.
- Children under 2 ride free.
Paddling: There is a canoe and kayak launch on the Silver River ($4 launch fee for your own boat). The launch closes 90 minutes before the park does. The park says that with luck you may see manatees while paddling.
On land: Trails (all open at last check), historic gardens, a playground, a concession and restaurant, and the Silver River Museum and Environmental Center ($2 per person, separate limited hours). Wildlife on the official list includes Sherman's fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
Getting in: $8 per vehicle for 2 to 8 people. The park is open 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year.
How to plan it: It is a long drive, so leave early, do the boat ride first and keep the afternoon loose for a paddle or a walk. Swimming is not listed among the park's activities.
Good to know
Swimming is not listed among the park's activities, so treat this as a boat-and-walk day. Portions of the park can close during concerts and special events. The Sea Hunt Deck has been closed since Oct 23, 2025.
Still being confirmed with the venue:
- How glass-bottom boat tickets are sold (at the dock or online)
- Whether swimming is allowed anywhere in the park (not listed on the official page)
- Drive time is measured to the park area on the map, not the entrance gate
