Florida Ecology & Natural Wonders: 

Horseback, Kayak and Zip Line Adventure

Course Description:  

Explore Florida’s springs, ecology and history with this old Florida immersive program. We have several adventures to choose from coupled with a weekend family camping adventure in cabins along the Ocala National Forest (lodging extra).

Subjects: Florida Ecology, Florida natural history, and early settler history of Florida

What: This is a two day, hands-on field ecology program with several options to choose your adventure 

When: Friday October 2, 2026 to Saturday, October 3, 2026

Friday 

10:45am - 5pm  

Zip the Canyons + activities in the evening (optional)

Saturday

10am - 5pm 

Silver Springs activities 

Where: Silver Springs area near Ocala, Florida  

Events will be held at Zip the Canyons, Silver Springs State Park

Program Format: Family - One parent/guardian must be on site during the program at all times. 

Some of the activities included are: 

• Ecology tour by horse 

• Ecology tour by water

• Both horse and water tours with zip line 

• Glass bottom boat tour

• Education program about the Florida springs

• Silver Springs Ranger Program

• Silver River Museum

• Introduction to Florida Permaculture, Florida's Natural Landscape and Aquifer Program

• Hand-on permaculture workshop with local expert

• Plant Project for each student to take home

*Tours may change due to unforeseen circumstances and are not guaranteed.

Not included:

• Meals

• Optional Lodging if you would like to stay for the weekend

• Transportation to events

• Souvenirs

• Travel Insurance
  

Zip Line Guidelines:

• Weight restrictions for zip lining are: 70 lbs. to 270 lbs.

• Children must be 10 years old to participate with a parent or adult chaperone

• Children 13 years and up may participate in activities alone as long as a parent stays on property at all times. 

Horseback and Kayak Tour Guidelines:

• Weight restrictions for zip lining are: 70 lbs. to 270 lbs.

• Children must be 7 years old to participate in the horseback tour and kayak tour with a parent or adult chaperone. 

• Children 13 years and up may participate in activities alone as long as a parent stays on property at all times. 

Tuition and Fees Schedule:

Ages 3 and Under: free

Ages 4-6 years and adults not participating in canyon adventures or permaculture class: $45 

OPTION A - THE BIG ONE - SKY, LAND and WATER - Ages 10-Adult $350

This option includes the Tree top zip line, the horseback tour and kayak tour each tour is about 90 minutes long. Children under the age of 13 must have a parent participate in the zip line experience. Children under 10 must have a parent participate on the horseback and kayak tours. 

This option also includes Silver River Museum, Ranger Program, Glass Bottom Boat Tour, and Permaculture Workshop with local expert including hands-on activities and plants to take home.

OPTION B - SKY and LAND - Ages 10-Adult $300 

This option includes the Tree top zip line and the horseback tour is about 90 minutes long. Children under the age of 13 must have a parent participate in the zip line experience. Children under 10 must have a parent participate on the horseback tours. 

This option also includes Silver River Museum, Ranger Program, Glass Bottom Boat Tour, and Permaculture Workshop with local expert including hands-on activities and plants to take home.

OPTION C - LAND and WATER - Ages 7-Adult $255 

This option includes the horseback tour and kayak tour. Each tour is about 90 minutes long. Children under 10 must have a parent participate on the horseback and kayak tours. 

This option also includes Silver River Museum, Ranger Program, Glass Bottom Boat Tour, and Permaculture Workshop with local expert including hands-on activities and plants to take home.

OPTION D: Springs/Permaculture Only - 6-Adult $125 (Saturday only)

This option includes Silver River Museum, Ranger Program, Glass Bottom Boat Tour, and Permaculture Workshop with local expert including hands-on activities and plants to take home.

Each option includes activities at Silver Springs Museum, glass bottom boats, festival, education program, and hang out time at the camp ground (optional).

*This program is approved for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy. If paying with Step Up for Students funds in FL, there are no refunds after booking due to SUFS policy. 

Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you! However, once payments are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. Travel insurance is suggested to cover any unexpected events, and we’ll strive to transfer funds to other trips whenever possible. 

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

No refund after booking. 

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com