6 Ideas for Family Fun in Crystal River, FL

Discover outdoor adventures and fun things to do for your entire family.

Visiting Citrus County, FL, with your family? Check out our top six suggestions for interactive and immersive activities that will make your whole family happy.

1. Meet a Manatee

We’re known as one of the only places in Florida where visitors can swim with manatees. Get to know these gentle sea creatures with a visit to one of our gorgeous natural springs. Choose from a variety of interactive manatee experiences, including boat tours, kayak tours, stand up paddleboarding, and guided diving and swimming tours.

2. Play in The Water

There are so many swimming options in Crystal River. Fort Island Gulf Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots for families. You can take a dip in the ocean and enjoy ample free parking, showers, restrooms, and the boardwalk. Other good swimming options include our beautiful natural springs, lakes, or local swimming pools.

3. Pick Blueberries At a Local Farm

Treat your family to a day of picking fresh blueberries at a local farm. The peak blueberry season typically runs from mid-March through May in Florida. There’s nothing sweeter than fresh berries plucked right off of the bush. Top farms for picking include Crystal River Orchard U-Pick, Simple Life Farms, and Bette's Blueberry Farm.

4. Mermaids in Citrus County?

Yes, you read that right! Head over to Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter and see an underwater world like never before. With touch tanks and various displays, and even a 15,000-gallon Caribbean Saltwater Aquarium where you might even see a mermaid or two! They offer guided tours and animal encounters and offer a truly unique experience for the entire family.

5. Head to The Speedway

Visit Citrus County Speedway for an evening of white-knuckle fun. With ongoing events featuring a variety of vehicles (think school buses doing figure-eights!), the speedway will keep your whole family on the edge of their seats. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 17 and under. Kids ages 6 and under get in free!

6. Visit a Bird Sanctuary

Ziggy's Haven Bird Sanctuary offers self-guided and guided tours of their facility Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Ziggy's Haven, a distinguished 501c3 non-profit rescue, proudly celebrates over two decades of compassionate service. Their mission centers on providing a haven for birds in need, operating as a no-breed/no-kill facility where the welfare of our avian residents takes precedence above all else. It is a truly unique experience!

Get more travel tips with our blog highlighting the top free and affordable things to do in the area. Or visit our things to do page for all of the top attractions and activities in Citrus County.