Mark your calendars and join us on Sunday, Dec. 7th 2025 for the biggest paddle of the year and be a part of bringing joy and smiles to the faces of underprivileged kids in Marion County! Due to the popularity of this event it will be held once again at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala. There’s lots of parking at either end of this scenic 5.5 mile down river paddle and as always we will work together to self-shuttle between the hours of 8:30a – 9:30am. This is a kid, pet, SUP; and iSUP friendly paddle. The park does not allow alcohol on its river and will be cooler checking, so please pack accordingly.
We’ll have lots of sweet treats; photo ops; a 50/50 raffle; and prizes for best dressed/best decorated kayaks. We encourage people to launch (park admission $2 and launch fee $4 paid to Silver Springs State Park required) anywhere between 9:00am – 10:00am. Take some time to explore the spring head or paddle the Fort King Paddle trail, but please be mindful of the Glass bottom boats while exploring the river. If launching earlier or paddling up from Ray’s, plan to meet us along the Fort King Paddle Trail around 10:30am for a group picture. There is a large alcove just a few hundred yards south/downstream from where the launch canal meets the paddle trail. If you’re in that area for 10:30a you’ll be a part of the group photo.
Bring a NEW and UNWRAPPED toy for the Toys for Tots organization and you’ll receive a free and exclusive event sticker! This will be the only place and time to get one of these decals, so don’t miss out!
Details: 6th Annual Toys for Tots Paddle
Sunday Dec. 7th 2025
8:30a – 10:30a: Stage, Shuttle, Mix and Mingle, Photo Ops, Sweet treats, Toy Collections and staggered launching.
10:30a: On the Water Group Photo along the Fort King Paddle Trail (look for the Fort King Pavilion on river-left. The cove area across the stream from it will be the gathering point).
Location
Launch:
Silver Springs State Park
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Take Out:
Ray’s Wayside Park
9564 NE 28th Lane
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Note: If parking at Ray’s Wayside there is a $7 parking fee paid in cash to the iron maiden (drop box).
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Silver Springs, Nonprofit events in Silver Springs, Kids events & activities in Silver Springs.
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