Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is leaning into its legendary mermaid identity this fall with a series of special events, starting with a "Magical Mermaid Tea Party" on September 18. Running from 6 to 8 p.m. in the park's Coral Room, the event gives registered children a full mermaid makeover — hair, makeup, dress, and tiara — along with a buffet, treats, drinks, arts and crafts, music, and a goodie bag. Tickets are $150 per child (which covers one accompanying adult), with additional adults admitted for $25 each. Park admission is charged separately.
The mermaid tradition at Weeki Wachee runs deep. Navy veteran Newton Perry purchased the land surrounding the spring after World War II, devised an underwater air hose breathing system, and opened the park's first submerged mermaid theater in October 1947. Today's performers honor that history during the "Wonders of Weeki" show, which touches on everything from Elvis Presley's visit to classic feats like underwater eating and drinking. The park also stages an underwater retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid."
Halloween brings its own kind of magic to the springs. The park's "Wild 'N' Wicked Nights" run October 16–17 and October 23–24, from 7 to 11 p.m., featuring "The Pumpkin King" underwater show, a toy factory haunted house, Jack's Tree Lot haunted maze, scary stories, a Halloween Town festival area, and costume contests for kids 12 and younger. Tickets are $12 for guests ages 3 and up, available exclusively through Eventbrite.
On Halloween morning itself, the park hosts its first-ever Witches Paddle from 7 to 10 a.m. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as a witch or wizard for a costumed kayak outing that includes a breakfast buffet, a participation medal, and a best-dressed contest. Kayak rental tickets are $60; bringing your own vessel drops the price to $40. Park admission is not included in either option.
Beyond the special events, Weeki Wachee offers Buccaneer Bay waterpark, riverboat cruises, paddling, tubing, and food concessions year-round. More information and tickets are available at weekiwachee.com. This story was originally reported by Patrick Connolly of the Orlando Sentinel.
