Belchfire,

Sorry, I've been surfing the site and I apologize I missed seeing your post.  Manatee Springs has several picnic areas and a good-sized playground.  There are actually two holes: the Spring and the Sink.

Sink:  Where the water comes to the surface but as you dive down you enter the cave system.  This hole is called "Catfish Hotel" as it is populated with small catfish of 5 inches and smaller.  You can swim, snorkel or scuba dive it (we frequently cave dive it) though it's usually covered in "duckweed".

Spring:  This is where the water pushes out with thousands of gallons with such force you can't pull yourself into the hole (assuming you're on scuba).  There's a flow/run down to the river and family frequently play along the shores that are set up with ladders, dive platforms and walkways. 

Other:  There's a walkway down to the river where there's a floating pier and observation area where you can pull up your boat/kayak or fish with the family.  There's also many trails and snack bar for kayak/canoe rentals, ice cream, drinks and other snacks.  The Rangers & Volunteers do a great job of keeping everything pristine and if you like Fanning Springs is just up the road which is served by the same Rangers.  We've had deer, raccoons and other animals come by while we've been at the campsite.

This is a very versitile SP and we haven't found a bad spot yet.  We're soon heading down for our 3rd trip this year.

Doc