3 Fun Things to do with Kids in DeBary, FL

We know you’ll love living at your new townhome or single family home here in Rivington. Yet as great as your house is, you’re still going to want to explore all that DeBary has to offer! Luckily, there are many things to do right outside of the neighborhood. DeBary, Florida has something for everyone, even your kids!

DeBary is a beautiful town with enough outdoor fun, dining, shopping, and kid-friendly activities to keep your family entertained for days on end. Your weekends will fill up quickly with destinations like:

3 Fun-Filled Things to Do in DeBary, FL

#1 Blue Spring State Park 

It’s great to get kids outdoors and connected to nature. Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres. Here, you’ll see the largest spring on the St. Johns River. The park is also a designated manatee refuge, and in winter it’s home to the growing population of West Indian Manatees. You can’t live in Florida without seeing manatees! When the manatees aren’t around though, the spring’s crystal clear 73 degree water can be enjoyed by the whole family for swimming and even snorkelling.

Fun things your family can do at Blue Spring State Park include:

• Manatee Viewing: Spot these gentle giants from the boardwalk during manatee season (mid-November to March).
• Swimming & Snorkeling: Enjoy crystal-clear, 73-degree waters outside of manatee season. Guided snorkel tours are available for an educational twist.
• Tubing: Rent a tube and float from the upper entry to the main swim dock for a relaxing ride.
• Scuba Diving: Certified divers can explore the spring, with guided dive tours available through Florida Dive Company.
• Paddling: Canoe or kayak along the Blue Spring Run and St. Johns River. Rentals are available.
• Boat Tours: Take a two-hour narrated nature cruise with St. Johns River Cruises & Tours to spot wildlife and learn about the area’s ecosystem.
• Birding: Keep an eye out for the rare Florida scrub-jay and other native bird species.
• Fishing: Cast a line from the accessible dock on the St. Johns River (not permitted in the spring run).
• Hiking: Explore Pine Island Trail, the Sand Pine Scrub Trail, or take the accessible boardwalk to the spring.
• Picnicking: Use one of the shaded picnic tables or pavilions—perfect for a family lunch outdoors.
• Camping: Stay overnight at one of the 51 campsites or enjoy a rustic getaway in the sand pine scrub.
• Wildlife Watching: Beyond manatees, spot fish, turtles, alligators, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
• Historic Learning: Visit the Thursby House to see exhibits about early settlers and Florida’s history.

#2 Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Kids of all ages will love to see these animals! Nestled in lush tropical foliage, this popular zoo and garden experience is home to over 100 species of animals. These majestic creatures aren’t stuck in small cages. The zoo features around 23 acres of native gardens and foliage. Your kids can enjoy hands-on fun in the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo, where domestic animals such as pygmy goats, llamas, roosters, and alpacas live. They can even feed them. What a fun time!

#3 St. Johns River Eco Tours

Discover the beauty of Natural Florida around your new home! When you and your family are riding on this 28 passenger pontoon boat, you’ll feel like you’re on a real-life jungle cruise. You won’t be able to explore the back waters of one of the most protected areas of the St. Johns River any other way, meaning this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The time of year you go will make a big difference in what you see, but it’s great all year round. From November through March, many migratory birds and wintering manatees can be seen. During the summer months, your family may see the alligator hatchlings.

Is DeBary, Florida a Good Place to Live?

Absolutely—DeBary offers a perfect balance of small-town charm and access to big-city amenities. Families love the peaceful neighborhoods, excellent schools, and close proximity to Orlando. With parks, nature preserves, and local attractions just minutes away, DeBary makes it easy to enjoy an active, family-friendly lifestyle. Whether you’re raising young kids or just want to be near the action without the crowds, DeBary is an ideal place to call home.

One of the best things about DeBary is that it is such a short distance to Orlando, the fun capital of Florida- and maybe the world! It’s a great idea to get your family annual passes to your favorite theme parks, like Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Universal, Volcano Bay, SeaWorld and more. No matter what your family loves to do in your free time, you can do it in the DeBary, FL area. Wondering if there are new construction communities nearby? You’ll find plenty of beautiful options right here—which is why we’re so sure you’ll love living here!