Love it or hate it, summer is here, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Though some Floridians embrace the sweltering heat and humidity, others struggle to find fun things to do that won’t end in heat exhaustion. Here are a few places that will make your Florida summer a little more exciting:
1. Wakulla Springs Lodge
Don't let the heat keep you from staying in Florida's state parks. At Wakulla Springs, you can swim in the springs and view wildlife during the day and relax in a historic hotel at night.
2. Wet 'n Wild, Orlando
Whether you have lots of fond memories or you've never been there before, this will be your last chance for a day of fun at this iconic water park. It will be closing its doors at the end of 2016.
3. Florida Caverns State Park
If you're looking for a way to get the kids out of the house this summer, why not try a cave tour? The temperatures are always considerably cooler inside the caverns, and it's quite a fascinating experience for first-time visitors.
4. Pensacola Beach, Red White & Blues Air Show
You're probably headed to the beach anyway, so you might as well catch an awesome air show too, right? Visit Pensacola Beach on July 15th and 16th for the Red White & Blues Pensacola Beach Air Show, featuring everyone's favorite flyers, the Blue Angels.
5. Ichetucknee Springs, Fort White
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White is required on every Floridian's bucket list. Go hiking, tubing, or just relax and recharge in the cool, crystal-clear water.
6. Summer Nights at Busch Gardens, Tampa
Most Floridians know it's too hot to go to theme parks in the summer, but this new nocturnal event at Busch Gardens just might change that. It's always cooler outside when the sun is down, and it's pretty cool to see a theme park after dark. Come check out the shows, fireworks and thrill rides until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, through August 7th.
7. Key West, Hemingway Days
You don't have to have a reason to visit Key West, but this event taking place July 19th through the 24th promises tons of literary fun in quirky Key West fashion. The event includes a Hemingway look-alike contest, "Running of the Bulls," and even a marlin tournament.
8. Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant, Dania Beach
Use the scorching temperatures as an excuse to try one of Florida's most iconic ice cream parlors. Bring a friend, because these sundaes are HUGE.
9. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
If the summer heat makes you want to run indoors, head to The Florida Aquarium. This fun and educational place will introduce children to a whole new underwater world. There's also a brand new splash pad for little ones.
10. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Take the kids for a summer road trip down to this classic Florida attraction. Catch a mermaid show, but also be sure to bring bathing suits for the small water park on the springs, Bucaneer Bay.
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