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Four Weeks, Four Activities: National Great Outdoor Month at De Leon Springs in Volusia County

Date: June 26, 2026
Category: Blog

National Great Outdoor Month Florida

June is National Great Outdoor Month, and there are few better places in Central Florida to celebrate than De Leon Springs State Park.

While many visitors think of De Leon Springs as a place to swim, paddle, or enjoy pancakes at the famous Old Sugar Mill, June brings something different: a full month of outdoor adventures, with a different activity highlighted each week.

Instead of trying to squeeze everything into a single visit, guests can experience the park through a rotating schedule that encourages them to explore every side of this unique Florida destination.

For families searching for things to do at De Leon Springs in June, this month-long celebration offers four different ways to experience one of Volusia County’s most beloved state parks.

June Has Four Themes, Not One

National Great Outdoor Month isn’t just a single event at De Leon Springs.

It’s a month-long invitation to experience the park from different perspectives.

Each week highlights a different outdoor activity, giving visitors a reason to return again and again throughout June.

The schedule typically features hiking during the first week, boat tours during the second, kayaking during the third, and tubing during the final stretch of the month.

That structure makes it easy for visitors planning a Volusia County state park summer adventure to choose the activities that best match their interests.

Of course, many locals simply decide to do all four.

And honestly, that’s the best way to appreciate how much variety exists inside a single state park.

Week One: Discover the Old Methuselah Tree on Foot

Volusia County state park summer

The first week of June focuses on hiking.

While the spring itself attracts most of the attention, the trails surrounding De Leon Springs reveal a completely different side of the park.

One of the most fascinating stops is the Old Methuselah Tree, a bald cypress estimated to be more than 500 years old and believed to be the oldest known bald cypress tree in Florida.

Standing beneath its massive trunk gives visitors a sense of perspective that few attractions can match.

The hiking routes also pass through areas connected to the park’s colorful history, including sections associated with the old Monkey Trail, named after the era when a former attraction housed exotic animals near the springs.

For visitors interested in history, wildlife, and old Florida landscapes, the hiking week offers one of the most rewarding experiences of the month.

Week Two and Three: Boat Tours and Kayak Adventures

Things to do at De Leon Springs in June

The second week shifts from land to water.

The Fountain of Youth Boat Tour has become one of the signature experiences at De Leon Springs, offering a narrated journey through the spring run, surrounding wetlands, and Spring Garden Lake.

Passengers glide past lily pads, cypress trees, and wildlife while learning about the area’s ecology and history from experienced guides.

It’s an ideal option for visitors who want to enjoy the scenery without paddling.

The following week focuses on kayaking.

For guests interested in creating their own adventure, kayaks provide a more flexible way to explore the waterways at their own pace.

Visitors searching for family activities near Daytona Beach often discover that kayaking offers the perfect balance of recreation, wildlife viewing, and relaxation.

Unlike a guided tour, paddlers can stop, explore, and enjoy the spring-fed waterways on their own schedule.

The calm waters make it approachable for beginners while still offering plenty of scenery for experienced paddlers.

Week Four: Tubing Through the Spring Run

Family activities near Daytona Beach

By the final week of June, temperatures are typically at their highest.

That’s exactly why tubing becomes the featured activity.

Floating through the spring run offers one of the most refreshing ways to experience De Leon Springs during the height of summer.

The clear spring-fed water stays cool while the gentle current creates a relaxing drift through one of the most beautiful natural areas in Central Florida.

Many visitors choose to begin their day with breakfast at the Old Sugar Mill before heading to the water.

The combination has become a favorite summer tradition for locals and visitors alike.

For families looking for things to do at De Leon Springs in June, tubing often becomes the highlight of the month.

It combines cooling water, beautiful scenery, and a pace that encourages people to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

And after three weeks of hiking, boating, and kayaking, it feels like the perfect finale.

Why Great Outdoor Month Works So Well Here

What makes De Leon Springs unique is that every activity begins in the same place but creates a completely different experience.

One week you’re hiking beneath ancient cypress trees.

The next you’re floating through wetlands on a narrated boat tour.

Then you’re paddling through spring-fed waterways before eventually drifting down the spring run on a tube.

That variety is exactly what National Great Outdoor Month is meant to celebrate.

For visitors exploring National Great Outdoor Month in Florida, De Leon Springs offers an entire month of outdoor adventures without requiring a long drive between destinations.

You simply keep coming back and discovering something new.

 

FAQ

What is National Great Outdoor Month at De Leon Springs?

National Great Outdoor Month is a June celebration featuring different outdoor activities throughout the month, including hiking, boat tours, kayaking, and tubing.

Can you tube the spring run at De Leon Springs State Park?

Yes. Tubing offers one of the most popular summer experiences at the park during warm-weather months.

What is the oldest tree at De Leon Springs in Volusia County?

The Old Methuselah Tree, a bald cypress estimated to be more than 500 years old, is believed to be the oldest known bald cypress in Florida.

Are there discounts at De Leon Springs in June?

Visitors should check current promotions and seasonal offers directly with De Leon Springs Adventures before visiting.

What are some popular family activities near Daytona Beach?

Many visitors enjoy boat tours, kayaking, tubing, hiking, and other family activities near Daytona Beach available at De Leon Springs.

What makes De Leon Springs a great summer destination?

The combination of spring-fed water, outdoor recreation, wildlife, history, and easy access makes it one of the best options for a Volusia County state park summer adventure.

Plan your Great Outdoor Month visit at deleonspringsadventures.com. Pick a featured week, or experience all four and discover why June is one of the best times of year to visit De Leon Springs.