Listen, mama. I know you’re already mentally calculating how to fill 10 weeks of “I’m BORED” with a budget that’s somehow shrinking even though groceries cost more. I know. I’m right there with you.
So when I saw that Wekiva Island just launched its Community Appreciation Summer with weekday discounts running ALL summer long — basically straight through Labor Day — I knew I had to get this on the site for y’all immediately.
If you’ve never been, Wekiva Island is one of those magical Old Florida pockets right in our own backyard, sitting on the gorgeous Wekiva River in Longwood. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, riverside hangs, café food, a craft beer bar for the grownups, cornhole, volleyball, and that “I forgot what real Florida looked like” feeling we all need a little more of.
And starting this summer, weekday visits are significantly cheaper.
The Deals -Save These Dates
All offers are valid June 1, 2026 through September 7, 2026 (Labor Day) on the specific weekday listed:
🛶 Summer Splash Tuesdays — 50% off canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals every Tuesday
🏝️ Hump Day Wednesdays — 50% off cabanas and special event space rentals every Wednesday throughout the summer
👯 Double the Fun Thursdays — Buy One, Get One FREE canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals every Thursday on the Wekiva River
🔗 Full info and deal details here
Read that BOGO Thursday one again, mama. Buy one rental, get one free. That is the kind of math I love.
Why I’m Telling Y’all to Go
Bill Weinaug, the owner of Wekiva Island, said it best: “Food prices are going up. Gas prices are going up. Wekiva Island has always been a place to enjoy a slice of the real Florida, to gather and connect. We want to make it easier for the people who have supported us and those who have not had a chance yet to visit and make memories with us.”
That’s the part that got me. We are ALL feeling the squeeze. The fact that a beloved local business that’s been here for nearly two decades is saying “come hang out, here’s 50% off” is exactly the kind of community love that makes Central Florida such a special place to raise a family.
And we should reward that by showing up.
What’s Actually at Wekiva Island
If you’ve never been, here’s what’s waiting for you on the river:
- More than 2,000 square feet of riverfront entertainment
- Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent (the heart of the place)
- Volleyball and cornhole for the kids (and the dads who think they’re still 22)
- The Tooting Otter — craft beer and wine bar for the grownups
- Without a Paddle Café — a full menu so you don’t have to pack lunch
- The General Store — gifts, souvenirs, all the river-trip stuff you forgot
- A unique art gallery — natural works from around the world, plus classes and events
- Private cabana rentals (cheaper on Wednesdays — see deal above)
- Regular monthly events worth following along with
- A genuine focus on sustainability — this is one of the eco-friendliest businesses in our area, and that matters
It’s basically a mini Old Florida adventure park, and it sits about 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando. Very doable as a Tuesday-Thursday day trip with the kids.
Orlando Mom Pro Tips Before You Go
A few things I’d plan around:
- Pick a weekday. This is the whole point of the deal. Tuesdays for paddling, Wednesdays for a cabana hangout, Thursdays for paddling with a friend (BOGO!).
- Go early. Florida heat is no joke in July and August. Aim for a morning paddle and a lunch at Without a Paddle Café before the worst of the afternoon sun hits.
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. I am a broken record on this — read the Orlando Mom Sun Protection Guide before you head out. The river sun reflects back UP at you. Reapply.
- Bring water shoes. Or at minimum, sandals with a strap. River bottoms are unpredictable.
- Bring towels and a dry-clothes bag. Everyone is getting wet. Plan accordingly.
- Book a cabana on a Wednesday if you’ve got a bigger group. 50% off cabana rentals is a no-brainer for birthday parties, family reunions, or “let’s give the kids a base camp” days.
- Pair your paddle with a snack break at the café. Less to pack, less to worry about, more time on the water.
- Stack this with our Ultimate Guide to Summer if you’re piecing together a full Central Florida summer plan.
A Final Word From One Orlando Mom to Another
Some of my favorite memories with my kids — across both my Gen Z crew and my Gen Alpha crew — are the days that didn’t cost much, didn’t require a flight, didn’t need a tournament uniform, and didn’t involve a single screen. Just water, sunshine, kids splashing each other, and a slow lunch outside.
Wekiva Island is THAT kind of day. And from June 1 through Labor Day, it’s also a budget-friendly day if you plan it right.
Pick a Tuesday. Or a Thursday. Or a “let’s claim a cabana” Wednesday. Bring the kids. Pack the towels. Lather up the sunscreen. Get on the river.
This is the real Florida summer, mama. Let’s actually go enjoy it.
🛶 Book your visit at WekivaIsland.com →
📍 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL
📞 407-862-1500
See you on the river. 💦
