DeLeon Springs State Park

Last weekend we decided to do a family fun day because we hadn’t had one in awhile.  I knew my parents were leaving so I wanted to do something that they would enjoy as well.  I decided on a visit to The Old Spanish SugarMill in DeLeon Springs State Park and then stop by Smooth Waters Wildlife Park on the way home.   We arrived at the park at 7:30am because I knew that there is a usually a wait to get in and on busy days you might not get in if they get to capacity.  There were a few other cars in line but we got in and made our way to the restaurant.  We were immediately seated and the restaurant began to fill quickly.  We ordered the pancakes with a side of bacon.  The pancakes come with 2 different types of batter: a whole grain and a white.  We tried the whole grain first and I was pleasantly surprised.  I liked it better than the white.  My mom and I ordered blueberries for our pancakes and I ordered chocolate chips for the kids.  The pancakes were so good that even the baby loved them.

Pancakes at Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant

After eating, we made our way to the natural bottom pool where there were tons of people swimming and floating in the crystal clear water.

DeLeon Springs State Park

It started raining so we decided to make our way to Smooth Waters Wildlife Park.  Smooth Waters is a fairly new attraction the West Volusia region of Central Florida.  They have crocodiles, alligators, turtles and more.  The owner of the park let us pet Walter a cute little alligator that is about 2 years old.  As we made our way around the park (which is covered to keep the harsh Florida sun or rain off of you), we discovered Trapper.  Trapper is a 13 foot alligator who is just beyond cool.  The owner even gave us a little show by luring Trapper out of the water and feeding him a special food.  The kids had a great time and we will certainly go back.

Smooth Waters Wildlife Center

This was a relatively inexpensive family fun day as entry to the park is only $6 per car, breakfast was $37 for 2 adults and 2 kids, and entry to the wildlife park was just $5 per person.