5 family friendly fun things to do in Citrus County

Fort Island Gulf Beach16000 W. Fort Island TrailCrystal River, Fl. 34429(15 acres) Ft. Island Gulf Beach is a family friendly beach that has beautiful white powdery sand, restrooms and showers, and ample parking. There is a boat ramp and dock accessibility. Stroll along the beautiful boardwalk and observe some of the natural wildlife or bring your tackle box and fish off of the pier.Dolphins are often seen swimming in the gulf waters.Photo Gallerybocc.citrus.fl.us If you're looking for an inexpensive family activity don't miss a chance to see Floral Park. It's perfect for a family picnic, a family game of disk golf, basketball, tennis, baseball or softball game, shuffle board, an energizing workout, or just a lovely day in the park, be sure to check out Floral Park in Floral City, Florida and you won't be disappointed.  Also, don't miss the annual Strawberry Festival in Floral Park the first weekend in March. This year, it's on March 2nd and 3rd. See more about it in my article here, or at the main website here.Floral City Florida is located on the south east edge of Citrus County, flanked by the Withlacoochee River on the east. Floral City has an “old” Florida feel about and the residents take pride in preserving the local heritage.View slideshow of Floral Park: Floral Park slideshow in Floral City FL Homossasa is a small friendly community in Citrus County, and just a short trip north from Tampa.  Homossasa's Butterfly Garden is a perfect place to take your camera, the kids and even Grandma and Grandpa. There is so much to enjoy there, for both young and old, everyone will have a good time, and for only a minimal admission fee to boot. The photographer in the family will be thrilled with the climate controlled photo-ops, the kids as well as adults will be amazed at the beauty these small creatures bring. Email; info@homosassabutterfly.com for more information at Homosassa Butterfly. Be sure to read my article on this great place for more about the Homosassa Butterfly Garden.Homosassa ButterflyPlace page6991 West Cardinal StreetHomosassa, FL 34446-3055(352) 628-6362Get directions  View the list »
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There are so many family friendly fun things to do in Citrus County that it would be difficult to list them all, but here are five of the best you just can't miss.

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1. Butterfly Garden:

Homossasa is a small friendly community in Citrus County, and just a short trip north from Tampa. Homossasa's Butterfly Garden is a perfect place to take your camera, the kids and even Grandma and Grandpa. There is so much to enjoy there, for both young and old, everyone will have a good time, and learn more than you ever thought you'd want to know about butterflies, and for only a minimal admission fee to boot. The photographer in the family will be thrilled with the climate controlled photo-ops, the kids as well as adults will be amazed at the beauty these small creatures bring. Email; info@homosassabutterfly.com for more information at Homosassa Butterfly. Be sure to read my article on this great place for more about the Homosassa Butterfly Garden and see a gorgeous slideshow.

2. Floral Park:

If you're looking for an inexpensive family activity don't miss a chance to see Floral Park. It's perfect for a family picnic, a family game of disk golf, basketball, tennis, baseball or softball game, shuffle board, an energizing workout, or just a lovely day in the park, be sure to check out Floral Park in Floral City, Florida and you won't be disappointed. Also, don't miss the annual Strawberry Festival in Floral Park the first weekend in March. This year, it's on March 2nd and 3rd. See more about it in my article here, or at the main website here. View slideshow of Floral Park: Floral Park slideshow in Floral City FL.

3. Fort Island Gulf Beach:

Beautiful beach with lovely sand, a boardwalk, and a fishing pier. 15 acres of fun for the whole family!

4. Monkey Island in Homosassa Springs at Riverside Resort:

This place has a great restaurant and an even better view of the famous 'Monkey Island' where you can watch the monkeys play, eat and lounge around their own little island right from the deck of the restaurant. Lots of local things to do like; fishing with local guides by boat or special outfitted kayaks, swimming with the loveable manatee, taking a leisurely River cruise followed by a casual wonderful waterfront dining experience, or whatever floats your boat.

See the live "Monkey Cam" here where you can check out what the local monkeys are up to. And read the true story all about how 'Monkey Island' came to be right here.

5297 S. Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL 34448 352-628-2474 800-442-2040

5. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park:

Captive manatees, can be seen year round at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, 7 miles south of Crystal River on Highway 19. Super fun time for the whole family.

See more at: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

4150 S. Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, Florida 34446. Ph# (352) 628-5343.

You may also like to check out

Hernando Beach:

Tons of fun for the whole family, whether you want a picnic, fishing, hanging out in the 3 acre park, or waterskiing, you'll find lots of great things to do.

Also make sure to also see my article Top 5 things to do in Citrus County here.

Nearby Offbeat Places

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Click here for more information about Citrus County Parks, Beaches & Recreational Activities.

2013 Spring Events in Citrus County:

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  • Homossasa is a small friendly community in Citrus County, and just a short trip north from Tampa.  Homossasa's Butterfly Garden is a perfect place to take your camera, the kids and even Grandma and Grandpa. There is so much to enjoy there, for both young and old, everyone will have a good time, and for only a minimal admission fee to boot. The photographer in the family will be thrilled with the climate controlled photo-ops, the kids as well as adults will be amazed at the beauty these small creatures bring. Email; info@homosassabutterfly.com for more information at Homosassa Butterfly. Be sure to read my article on this great place for more about the Homosassa Butterfly Garden.Homosassa ButterflyPlace page6991 West Cardinal StreetHomosassa, FL 34446-3055(352) 628-6362Get directions  
  • If you're looking for an inexpensive family activity don't miss a chance to see Floral Park. It's perfect for a family picnic, a family game of disk golf, basketball, tennis, baseball or softball game, shuffle board, an energizing workout, or just a lovely day in the park, be sure to check out Floral Park in Floral City, Florida and you won't be disappointed.  Also, don't miss the annual Strawberry Festival in Floral Park the first weekend in March. This year, it's on March 2nd and 3rd. See more about it in my article here, or at the main website here.Floral City Florida is located on the south east edge of Citrus County, flanked by the Withlacoochee River on the east. Floral City has an “old” Florida feel about and the residents take pride in preserving the local heritage.View slideshow of Floral Park: Floral Park slideshow in Floral City FL 
  • Fort Island Gulf Beach16000 W. Fort Island TrailCrystal River, Fl. 34429(15 acres) Ft. Island Gulf Beach is a family friendly beach that has beautiful white powdery sand, restrooms and showers, and ample parking. There is a boat ramp and dock accessibility. Stroll along the beautiful boardwalk and observe some of the natural wildlife or bring your tackle box and fish off of the pier.Dolphins are often seen swimming in the gulf waters.Photo Gallerybocc.citrus.fl.us 
  • Monkey Island is a small island in the middle of the Homosassa River, across from the Homosassa Riverside Resort and the Riverside Crabhouse Restaurant. Originally it was little more than a large rock in the river, but in the 1960's the owner of the resort had the idea to make the rock into an island and put monkeys on it to boost visits to his resort.Today, you can watch the daily antics of the 5 monkey residents of the island in person or via the "Monkey cam". Monkey Island is located minutes away from the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park and the Yule Sugar Mill ruins.Directions:Hwy 44 west through Inverness (toward Crystal River) until you reach Hwy 490 (Homosassa Trail). Turn left and continue on Hwy 490 to US Hwy 19 (Suncoast Blvd). Left at signal (south) and go 1 block to Halls River Rd. Turn right (west) on Halls River Rd to the first road. Turn left on Fish Bowl Drive. Continue past the entrance of Wildlife Park, crossing a small bridge, the road becomes Yulee Drive, curving right past the Elementary School. At the 4-way stop, turn right into the resort.Phone:352-628-2474 Nearby Offbeat PlacesNeon Leon's - For Lynyrd Skynyrd Fans, Homosassa, FL - < 1 mi.Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, Homosassa Springs, FL - 3 mi.Bubbles the Manatee, Homosassa, FL - 3 mi. 
  • Visitors can see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park's underwater observatory in the main spring. The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. Manatee programs are offered three times daily. At the Wildlife Encounter programs, snakes and other native animals are featured. Recreational opportunities include picnicking, nature study, and bird-watching. The park features a children's education center, providing hands-on experiences about Florida's environment. Transportation from the visitor center on U.S. 19 to the West Entrance is available by tram or boat. The park has two concessionaire-operated gift shops and a concessionaire-operated café with a selection of beverages and snacks. Plan 3 1/2 to 4 hours to tour the park. Check the Ranger Programs for a list of interactive events throughout the park each day.3400 N. Museum PointCrystal River, Florida 34428(352) 795-3817HoursFees  
  • Hernando Beach3699 E. Orange DriveHernando, Fl. 34442(3 acres) Swimming, water skiing, fishing, picnicking or just playing in the sunshine, this cozy 3-acre park and beach is ideal for the family outing. Easy to reach just off U.S.41 with paved parking close.Click here for more about Hernando Beach 
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