DeLeon Springs State Park

This was a completely wonderful surprise!  Located just off US17, six miles north of Deland, this is a jewel of a park, and the webpage does not do it Justice, http://www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/ .  Admission is only $6.00 per car load, up to six people and then an additional $2.00 for each person after 6.   The grounds were amazingly well kept and there is plenty of parking. 

There are five covered pavilions, four of which that can be rented out for private parties.  There were plenty of picnic tables scatted around the swimming hole and plenty of areas to just throw down a blanket and sunbath.  There is also a welcome center that is rather small, but showcases various periods of history of the Springs, from Native American fishing ground to 1950's amusement park.

There is a restaurant on site that serves all you can eat pancakes for $4.50 along with burgers and various sandwiches and salads, all at a reasonable price.  There was quite a long line (45 minute wait) for the Pancake House, so we passed it on this trip.

There are several nice nature trails showcasing natural Florida.  We took the short ¼ mile paved trail.  It was a breeze with the stroller, and we saw lots of butterflies and various flora.  I would suggest bringing bug spray, as there were lots of mosquitoes on the trail.  My oldest enjoyed walking the trail and pointing out various sights, while my youngest napped.

After our walk, it was time to cool off in the spring.  The water is a crisp 72 degrees year round, so the best advice is jump in!  There is a roped off area that is quite large where the water is only 3 feet deep, which was chest high on my four year old.  My youngest could not touch the bottom, so he stayed on the steps splashing his brother.  There is a diving platform, where the water is up to 30ft deep, and my husband enjoyed doing cannon balls for the children's amusement.

The restrooms were clean and stocked.  There was a changing table and a bench in the women's room to help change in and out of swim suits.  The stalls were quite large and doubled as changing rooms.

There is a small play area that consists of only 5 slides, very small but my oldest enjoyed it.  There is also a volleyball court.

I give this park a true THUMBS UP!  My family and I will be back for more.