Start your summer visit by booking a hotel with a pool! Exploria Resorts has two properties in Clermont to choose from. Both Summer Bay and 601 The Reserve have beautiful pool areas with ample space to swim or lounge around. Summer Bay is on a private lakefront and offers activities and sports courts for family fun. 601 The Reserve offers stylish one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with balconies in a boutique-style hotel. Guests also have access to the amenities at Summer Bay.
At the Mission Resort + Club, families can play in the pool, on tennis or pickleball courts, and they can reserve a tee time on two championship golf courses. This historic property spans more than 500 acres in the small town of Howey-in-the-Hills. The resort offers family-friendly activities like a scavenger hunt and an eco adventure (“Trials of the Conquistadors”).
In downtown Tavares, The Citrus Boutique Hotel’s pool is steps away from Lake Dora, sand volleyball courts, and the seaplane basin. The downtown entertainment district includes seaplane and kayak tour operators, Wooton Park, and great restaurant options. The hotel offers rooms with lakeside balcony views, and some suites have full kitchens.
Besides swimming pools, Lake County also has inviting natural bodies of water for taking a dip. Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forrest is a first-class spring with easy access and onsite amenities. This sub-tropical oasis is a family favorite recreation area with its shallow sandy bottom, onsite kayak or canoe rentals, and an expansive picnic area with charcoal grills. Lake County is home to more than 1,000 named lakes, so there’s an abundance of fresh water to enjoy. One of the best lakeshore swimming areas is inside Lake Louisa State Park. The designated swimming area has everything you need for a day of family fun: a sandy shoreline, a playground, shaded picnic tables, and bathrooms. Kids will have so much fun splashing and exploring, and they won’t want to leave. Another way to experience the lakes is to rent a boat and discover your own swimming spot. A pontoon boat is the perfect vessel to cruise the lakes and canals in comfort. The whole family can enjoy a private lake tour to relax or swim. Pack a cooler for lunch onboard or dock at one of the lakefront restaurants. Rent a boat at the Mount Dora Boating Center or Lake Adventures in Eustis.
Just a heads-up: while Lake County’s freshwater springs and lakes are beautiful places to cool off, they’re also natural habitats, so it’s always smart to stay aware of your surroundings. Alligators are a part of Florida life, especially in lakes and slow-moving waters. Stick to designated swimming areas where possible and always keep an eye out. With a little caution, you can enjoy the water safely and comfortably!
For families with young children, a visit to a splash pad is the perfect way to stay cool! Splash pads are an active and safe way for younger children to play in the water. Lake County has some unique splash parks to enjoy, including one in Clermont. It’s called the Champions Splash Park to match the city’s slogan: Choice of Champions. It is located in popular Waterfront Park on beautiful Lake Minneola within walking distance of the downtown area. Another great option is the Venetian Gardens Splash Pad in Leesburg, which has a large, enclosed play space. The main feature is an elevated, big orange ball that fills and spills gallons of water every few minutes for a thrilling waterfall. The kids gather underneath the orange ball in anticipation of the big splash!
Plan your stay to splash around in Florida’s Lakeside Escape!