10 Summer Outdoor Activities in Tallahassee, FL.

By Visit Tallahassee Editorial Team

Summer in Tallahassee is here, and with it comes the heat! But don’t let the rising temperatures keep you indoors. Tallahassee offers plenty of outdoor activities, from serene kayaking adventures to refreshing natural springs. Discover some of the best adventures perfect for family fun, solo outings, or hanging out with friends.

Dive into these refreshing experiences and make the most of your summer getaway in Tallahassee! Be sure to use trailahassee as your go-to resource for navigating all the trails, paths, and outdoor adventures Tallahassee has to offer. You can search by terrain, activity, skill level, and more, so get out and explore.

Lake Hall at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Just off Thomasville Rd., just a half-mile north of I-10, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park hides a tranquil secret in plain sight—Lake Hall.

This calm, clean lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, or hiking nearby trails with water views. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and bloom all year. You might also see a local crew team rowing across the lake.

Kayaks resting on the shore of Lake Hall with a marked swimming area in Tallahassee.

 

Fun Activities with Kids in Downtown Tallahassee

On hot summer days, the Imagination Fountain at Cascades Park is a perfect way for kids of all ages to cool off. By day, it serves as a refreshing break from hiking, biking, or strolling around this beautiful downtown park. And at night, its interactive jets illuminate in hundreds of colors, putting on light shows set to music for all to enjoy.

Children playing in the Imagination Fountain at Cascades Park in Tallahassee.

 

Wakulla Springs, FL.

Dive into all the fun at one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. At Wakulla Springs, you can swim through shimmering blue waters, plan the perfect outdoor picnic, or enjoy a guided glass-bottom boat tour, where you’ll marvel at an impressive array of rare wildlife, from manatees and native river otters to the endangered Cerulean Warbler bird.

Girls jumping into the water at Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee.

 

Wacissa River

Discover one of Florida’s most spectacular rivers. Whether you’re paddling through the waterways on a tranquil kayaking excursion or getting your thrills jumping from the local rope swing, the Wacissa River is the perfect place to feel refreshed this summer and bask in all of Tallahassee’s natural beauty.

Rope swing over the Wacissa River near Tallahassee.

FSU Reservation

An expansive facility that’s been a favorite among FSU students and youth campers for years, the FSU Reservation still remains a largely unknown entity to travelers and locals alike.

Here, you can canoe or kayak on beautiful Lake Bradford. You can swim in the designated area. Or, you can play beach volleyball in a peaceful, natural setting.

Canoes and a rescue tower on the beach at the FSU Reservation in Tallahassee.

 

Zip Line Near Tallahassee?

High above the boardwalks, animal enclosures, and cypress swamps of the Tallahassee Museum, you’ll find Tree-to-Tree Adventures.

There are three aerial obstacle courses for all ages and skill levels. Each course has safe, fun obstacles and zip lines. They are set high in the tree canopy above the museum. Training and gear are included with your ticket, so come out and enjoy.Climber navigating the Tree-to-Tree Adventure aerial obstacle course at the Tallahassee Museum.

Leon Sinks near Tallahassee

Take the plunge and explore some of Florida’s most breathtaking geological wonders at Leon Sinks. Hike through gorgeous nature trails or head straight for Sister Sinks, where a picturesque rope swing and an awe-inspiring sinkhole await. With many shady oak trees and cool natural waters, Leon Sinks is a great place to spend summer in Tallahassee.

Silver Lake Recreation Area

Just 8 miles west of Tallahassee, the Silver Lake Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful areas of the Apalachicola National Forest.

Here, tall pine and mossy cypress trees shade a white-sand beach. The beach lines a spring-fed lake that is great for swimming, fishing, or paddling. Only non-motorized boats are allowed. Restrooms, water fountains, and 45 picnic tables make this beautiful location easy to enjoy.

Marianna Caverns

Explore dazzling formations of limestone stalactites and escape the summer heat underground at the Marianna Caverns, where the natural temperature is sure to cool you down. The nearby Chipola River and Blue Hole Springs also allow visitors to go fishing, canoeing, or boating. It’s the perfect way to spend a hot summer day.

Bear Paw, Tallahassee

This summer, bring your friends and a cooler for an unforgettable day at Bear Paw. You’ll float through the pristine waters of the Chipola River. Let the effortless flow of the river guide you on a tube or navigate your way via kayak. No matter which vessel you choose, you’re sure to have a great time at Bear Paw.

As summer unfolds in Tallahassee, there’s no shortage of exciting summer activities in Tallahassee waiting to be explored. From kayaking on calm lakes, you can enjoy the season’s beauty. You can also visit family-friendly places like Cascades Park. Each trip feels unique. So gather your friends and family, soak up the sunshine, and make unforgettable memories this summer!

Author:
Visit Tallahassee Editorial Team
Official Destination Guides

As the official Destination Marketing Organization for Tallahassee-Leon County, our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, verified insights for locals and travelers alike. From in-depth travel tips to curated leisure guides, we ensure Florida’s Capital City remains a premier, year-round destination.

STAY IN THE KNOW.

Stay up to date with all things Tallahassee when you sign up for our newsletters.



Visit Tallahassee Newsletter