Kids are 8-13. Looking for snorkeling, swimming, etc. Low crowds are a big plus. Going in early to mid August.

Crystal river, Silver springs, something else?

Any chance of manatees in the summer?

We did a really cool night kayak in Port Canaveral where you see the bioluminscent plankton. We went out in clear kayaks. It's one of only a couple of places you can see them. I think it's year, round, too. We went in August. We didn't see any manatees or dolphins, but I know they are in that area, too.

Thanks. My oldest would love that but might have to wait a bit for the youngest.

Anyone been to any of the freshwater springs?

How about looking for fossils in the inland creeks?

Crystal River is really cool. We went there to snorkel with the manatees. Also went with the dive shop to Rainbow River. I actually liked Rainbow better. Wife really wanted to snorkel with manatees. I would definitely do both again.

Crystal River is the kind of place I could retire in!

We've done the snorkel tour while staying at Plantation on Crystal River. Also did self-guided walking tours of Silver Springs. Both are cool, but tough to plan an entire vacation around.

For fossil tours, we've used Paleo Discoveries a few times. When we first started going, we would find hundreds of shark teeth and other fossils. Even found a pair of nice megalodon teeth. Last time we went (5 years ago), it seemed like there weren't nearly as many.

The springs will be packed in the summer