Discover Tubing, a Popular Water Sport in Florida

From Ichetucknee Springs to Blue Spring State Park, tubing has become a beloved recreational activity in the Sunshine State.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Tubing, the act of floating on an inner tube down a river or stream, has become a popular water sport in Florida. The article highlights four of the most popular tubing destinations in the state, including Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park, and Blue Spring State Park, providing details on the unique features and logistics of each location.

Why it matters

Tubing has emerged as a beloved summertime activity in Florida, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy the state's natural waterways in a relaxed and scenic setting. As the article notes, these tubing destinations have become popular family-friendly attractions, drawing tourists and locals alike to experience the state's natural beauty from a new perspective.

The details

Tubing, once primarily used for inflating tires, has evolved into a popular recreational activity in the United States, particularly in Florida. The article highlights four of the most well-known tubing destinations in the state: Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park, and Blue Spring State Park. Each location offers unique features, such as crystal-clear water, man-made waterfalls, and scenic views, making them popular among tubing enthusiasts. Visitors can either bring their own equipment or rent it on-site, and some destinations offer shuttle or tram services to transport them to the starting point of the tubing course.

  • Tubing has become a popular recreational activity in the United States since the late 1990s.
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, and Blue Spring State Park are open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
  • Tubing is not available at Rainbow Springs State Park from October to March.

The players

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

A state park located about two and a half hours northwest of Orlando, known for its crystal-clear water, white sand, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular tubing destination.

Rainbow Springs State Park

A state park in Dunnellon, Florida, that was once a private family amusement park and now offers tubing enthusiasts access to man-made features like waterfalls and azalea gardens.

Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park

A popular family theme park in Apopka, Florida, that offers a short tubing circuit, making it a convenient option for visitors.

Blue Spring State Park

A state park located less than an hour from Orlando, where tubing enthusiasts can rent equipment and launch from a gravel bank to float down the 200-meter course.

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The takeaway

Florida's diverse array of tubing destinations, from the crystal-clear waters of Ichetucknee Springs to the man-made features of Rainbow Springs, offer residents and visitors alike a unique and relaxing way to experience the state's natural beauty. As a popular summertime activity, tubing has become an integral part of the Sunshine State's recreational landscape.