Palatka, FL Outdoor Activities

On Wayne's World of Paintball's 60 acres of land, safety-mask-clad players square off in a variety of different games coordinated by trained referees. Strewn about 15 distinct areas of play, multilevel forts, shacks, and abandoned aircrafts provide ample cover from opposing enemies and unwanted kisses blown from fans on the sidelines. Wayne's battlegrounds include open fields, a woodsball area, and a 2-acre post-apocalyptic town replica. Those seeking fast-paced showdowns can also test their reflexes on a full-size speedball playing field. Wayne's World of Paintball is also known for its regularly scheduled, 24-hour scenario games. Between battles, a covered pavilion gives players a place to rest up, and a pro shop provides paint slingers with reloads of air cartridges and hoppers. Patrons must be at least 10 years old to play at Wayne's.

With an inventory of canoes and kayaks—as well as a choice launch point on the banks of the Santa Fe River – Santa Fe Canoe Outpost is a starting point for a wide range of aquatic daytrips. There are adventures of varying length, from the 7-mile downriver trip to Rum Island, to multi-day canoe-camping trips to their furthest destination, 39 miles away.

For years, New Smyrna residents have paddled throughout the marshy backwaters of the Indian River lagoon, finding solace among the area's gentle tides, unclouded skies, and abundance of marine life. United by a respect for their natural surroundings and a knack for paddleboarding, a local family joined forces to form the award-winning New Smyrna Stand Up. With dolphins and manatees swimming below and ospreys sailing above, the experienced guides lead tours down the river, journeying out into the ocean when weather permits. In the summer months, the center conducts children's camps, in which youngsters learn paddleboarding techniques while exploring the area's ecosystem. They study local wildlife and marine creatures and learn to identify the origins of passing inner-tubers by the shape of their heads. In addition to tours and camps, the staff offers paddleboard rentals and standup-paddleboard surfing lessons.

In the wide pastures of The Gypsy Gold Farm, sunlight dances playfully upon the long, flowing manes of Gypsy Vanner mares and stallions. The rare horses, which were first bred in the gypsy camps of Great Britain nearly 70 years ago, made their North American debut at The Gypsy Gold Farm after a chance discovery by owner Dennis Thompson and his late wife Cindy.

The couple had been driving through the countryside of England when the oddly compelling sight of a far-off stallion prompted them to pull over. Soon after, the two tracked down the owner and found themselves immersed in a culture rich with vibrant caravans and music.

The selectively bred horses currently roam the Ocala farm where Dennis educates visitors on their smart, affectionate nature and origin. Colorful painted vardo wagons—the type the horses were designed to pair with—also help enliven the landscape.