Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Orlando features 148+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of the City Beautiful’s best.
Nature parks
Big Tree Park, 930 N. Thornton Ave.
In a city full of beautiful trees, it’s hard to stand out. But this spot near Lake Highland is a portal into Old Florida, with Spanish moss and winding branches the figurehead of the pristine urban oasis.
Dickson Azaela Park, 100 Rosearden Dr.
The City of Orlando has run this park for over 100 years. Since 1924, the azalea-adorned spot has offered tranquil surroundings for a peaceful retreat into nature.
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave.
You’ll need to pay for admission for this one — but it’s worth it. Across ~50 acres, the gardens boast 15,000+ botanical specimens, including native flora, roses, and tropical fruit, plus a butterfly garden and indoor exhibits. It’s also where we’d put an outdoor library in Orlando.
Greenwood Urban Wetlands, 1411 Greenwood St.
Take a stroll around Lake Greenwood to spend time in nature. Cypress trees line the trail, and we recommend stopping for a moment to listen out for native birdsong.
For the whole family
Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave.
Among 75 acres of space you’ll find picnic tables, trails, swings, slides, memorials, and plenty of green space to burn off steam.
Loch Haven Park, 777 E. Princeton St.
Described by the city as “the region’s premier cultural park,” Loch Haven has museums, galleries, a science center, and a Shakespeare theater. So there’s time to play, and time to learn.
Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave.
Walk, bike, fish, or play in the playground in the Edgewood park. It sits on the same land as a 1920s mansion which is rentable for big events, and is often a venue for weddings.
L. Claudia Allen Senior Center, 1840 Mable Butler Ave.
The Parks and Rec-operated center gives older adults opportunities to socialize, exercise, go on field trips, and meet like-minded locals. For the competitive folks, we recommend an Uno or bingo session.
Sports parks
Maitland Community Park, 1400 Mayo Ave.
If you’re into racquetball, basketball, or tennis, this park is up your alley. There are also areas for kids to play and miles of jogging trails to get your steps in and impress your Strava followers.
College Park Pool, 2411 Elizabeth Ave.
Learn to swim or practice your freestyle at this city-operated pool where a variety of classes are offered. College Park Pool is one of five public aquatic facilities open year-round, with another six operating seasonally. Find the one nearest you.
Orlando Skate Park, 400 Festival Way
Seeking a thrill? Try out a day pass, day camp, or annual membership. Boards + helmets are available for rental.
Shadow Bay Park, 5100 Turkey Lake Rd.
You can jog, hike, bike, skate, or scooter around three separate ponds within this park. But the star of the show is the Lake Cane Tennis Center where 17 courts await, plus pickleball + basketball.
Bring your dog
Park of the Americas, 201 Andes Ave.
The smaller pups will love you for this one — there are separate fenced-in areas for dogs of different sizes. That way, your excitable weiner dog doesn’t have to worry about the imposing Great Dane next door.
Dr. P. Phillips Dog Park, 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd.
Here’s another one with separate areas for small and big dogs. We recommend heading to the splash pad to cool down after the zoomies finally wear off.
Constitution Green, 300 S. Sumerlin Ave.
A large fenced-in area, plenty of trails, and some or O-Town’s oldest + most beautiful trees. What a way to spend a some free time nestled in Downtown Orlando.
Lake Baldwin Dog Park, 2000 S. Lakemont Ave.
Sandy paws are in the cards at this lakefront spot. Fido can roam the 23+ acres off-leash and splash around with his new pals.
Let’s go to the lake
Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St.
Speaking of lakes, let’s start with the city’s most recognizable watering hole. A frequent feature in national lists of best city parks, Eola is a crown jewel in Orlando’s lake-laden geography. Renting a swan-shaped paddle boat is a wonderful way to explore it.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 201 Lakeview Dr.
Kissimmee boasts one of the nation’s best bass fishing lakes. Hit up that boat-owning friend, pack the sunscreen, snacks, and rods, and then head out for a day on the water.
Lake Ivanhoe Park, 6 N. Ivanhoe Blvd. E.
This centrally located lake is a popular spot for kayakers and paddleboarders alike. We recommend renting from Epic Paddle Adventures, located right by the lake, for an experience you won’t forget.
Bill Frederick Park, 3401 S. Hiawassee Rd.
On the shores of Turkey Lake, 183 acres of lush greenery is accompanied by the tranquil lapping water. It costs $5 per car, and entry opens up fishing opportunities, disc golf fun, and the chance to watch the world go by from a peaceful camping chair. There’s certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.
Your park grab bag
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
- Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
- The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
- A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip.
- Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
- Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
- These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
Ready to visit these local parks but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured parks.
