Orlando City & State Parks

There’s more to Orlando than just theme parks. When you need a break from the noise, crowds and thrills, enjoy the beautiful and serene surroundings at any one of over 120 Orlando parks. Orlando has state and city parks and gardens for you to enjoy the natural and tropical environment of Florida.

Whether you want to have a picnic, hike a nature trail, fish or go boating, Orlando has plenty of parks to choose from but here are some of the most popular parks and gardens that keep visitors to “The City Beautiful” coming back again and again.

Lake Eola

101 N. Rosalind Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 246-2827
View Map of Lake Eola
 
With great views at every angle, relaxing areas to recline in and fun events in the park throughout the year, Lake Eola is the perfect place for picnics, walking and jogging, and taking the kids for a swing on the playground. There’s also the Eola Sunday Market, a weekly pet-friendly farmers’ market with crafts, food, jewelry, plants, produce vendors and occasional live entertainment. During the year, check out a play or concert at the amphitheater in the park.

Downey Park

10107 Flowers Ave.
Orlando, FL 32825
(407) 254-9180
View Map of Downey Park

Downey Park is great for families but it is known for being extremely dog-friendly – there’s even two sections of the dog park, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The park features doggie water fountains for them to play and splash in and trash dispensers for easy clean-up. There is also a regular park where dogs are not allowed but you will find picnic tables and BBQ pits, baseball fields, canoeing, volleyball, basketball court and skate park.

Red Bug Lake Park

3600 Red Bug Lake Rd.
Casselberry, FL 32707
(407) 695-7113
View Map of Red Bug Lake Park

Red Bug Lake Park features a 60 acre park with boating, fishing, tennis, racquetball, basketball, volleyball, softball, football, soccer, jogging and swimming. There is a special playground just for children playground, pavilions for picnicking and a jogging and walking exercise trail.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

1800 Wekiwa Cir.
Apopka, FL 32712
(407) 880-2144
View Map of Wekiwa Springs State Park

Only one hour from most central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs provides relaxation in natural settings. Whether you are enjoying a picnic or taking a swim in the cool springs, Wekiwa Springs is a great park for year-round activities. In the cooler months, you can take a hike during the day and observe wildlife or campout overnight. When it gets warmer, take a trip on the Wekiwa River in a canoe or kayak. If you plan on camping at the park, please take into consideration the population of Florida Black Bears – their behavior can be bothersome if they are disturbed by humans. Make sure you plan on arriving early on weekends and holidays because the park does close once it reaches full capacity.

Admission Fees
Vehicles with 2 to 8 people: $5.00
Single Occupant Vehicles: $3.00
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers in Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit: $1.00

*Wekiwa Springs State Park does not have a Sunset Entrance Fee. Also remember that if you are biking, helmets are required for riders under the age of 16. Skateboarding and rollerblading/skating are prohibited. Non-licensed scooters (motorized and non-motorized) are prohibited.

Camping Fees
Family campground sites: $20.00 plus tax per site, per night
Primitive camping: $4.00 plus tax per person, per night
Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping: $1.00 per youth; $2.00 per adult chaperon plus tax, per night.

For annual pass fees or other fees pertaining to specific park activities, please call (407) 884-2008.

Lake Kissimmee State Park

14248 Camp Mack Rd.
Lake Wales, FL 33898
(863) 696-1112
View Map to Lake Kissimmee Park

Enjoy fishing, picnicking camping and bird watching as well as 13 miles of winding hiking trails. Fish for bass, catfish or other fish, relax in one of 60 campsites. With over 200 species of birds and 50 species of plants, this park offers great outdoor relaxation. All campsites offer electric and water hookups.

Season is in full swing at Lake Kissimmee State Park! Take advantage of the cooler weather by bringing the family out to spend a day exploring the park. With 13 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, a boat launch leading out to Lake Kissimmee (Florida's third largest lake), an observation tower, shaded picnic areas, a playground, excellent wildlife viewing, and camping; Lake Kissimmee State Park offers something for everyone.

The arrival of winter also signifies the arrival of busy season at the park. If you are interested in camping, please make sure to get your reservations in early! For regular campsites, please call Reserve America at: 1-800-326-3521. If you are interested in reserving the Youth Camp, Primitive Campsites, or a pavilion, please call the Ranger Station at: 863-696-1112.

Admission Fee
$4.00 per vehicle for 2 to 8 people
$3.00 single occupant vehicle
$1.00 per pedestrian or bicyclist or passenger in vehicle with holders of annual entrance permits

Other Fees
Camping Fee - $19.04 per day up to 8 people on site
Primitive camping - $4.00 per person each night
Youth Camping - $1.00 per Youth/$2.00 per Adult or Chaperon

Loch Haven Park

900 E. Princeton St.
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 246-2287
View Map to Loch Haven Park

Orlando Loch Haven Park covers 45 acres and serves as the region’s premier cultural park. Nestled between three lakes, Lake Estelle on the north, Lake Rowena on the east, and Lake Formosa on the south, the park is located on North Mills Avenue and Princeton Street. The park was renovated in February 2001. With the many museums or theatre groups located in the park, there is always something new to see or do. The lawn areas in the center portion of the park are wonderful places to sit and enjoy the lake views shaded by majestic oak trees. One of Central Florida’s oldest and largest oak trees, "The Mayor," grows in the park.

Blue Jacket Park

2501 General Rees
Orlando, FL
(407) 246-2287
View Map to Blue Jacket Park

For over 30 years, this site served as the Orlando Naval Training Center and was "home" to thousands of service personnel known as "Blue Jackets". In 2000, the City of Orlando designated 75 acres of this historic site as a public park to serve its citizens with a special place for reflection and physical renewal.

Delaney Park

1055 Delaney Avenue
Orlando, FL
(407) 246-2283
View Map to Delaney Park

Delaney Park is one of Orlando’s oldest parks. It was originally called Duckworth Park, but the name was changed in 1959 to Delaney Park. The park is approximately 7.25 acres. Delaney Park offers a good blend of oak-shaded areas, ball fields, open space, playgrounds and picnic facilities. Parking is available on side streets.

Harry P Leu Gardens

1920 North Forest Avenue
Orlando, FL
(407) 246-2620‎
View Map to Harry P Leu Gardens

Sightseeing takes a natural turn at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Bordering one of the many lakes in Orlando, this 50-acre botanic oasis includes the largest camellia collection in the United States, a tropical stream garden containing the largest banana collection in the U.S.A., a formal rose garden, butterfly & herb gardens and the home demonstration garden featuring an enabling garden, teaching center and wildflower garden. You will encounter a kaleidoscope of colors any time of the year. In the heart of the gardens is a restored late nineteenth century home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Admission Fees
$7 Adults, $2 Children (K-12) plus tax. FREE for under grade K. FREE on Mondays 9 a.m. - noon (excluding group tours)

Cypress Grove Park

290 W. Holden Ave.
Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 858-2295
View Map to Cypress Grove Park

Cypress Grove Park consists of a charming, vintage Southern Estate House and Cottage. Located on sparkling Lake Jessamine, Cypress Grove Park is a popular choice in Orlando for weddings, corporate and social events. In addition to the lovely facilities available for special events, there are plenty of places to play ball, bar-b-q and have a picnic in the park.

Turkey Lake Park

3401 S Hiawassee Rd.
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 299-5581
View Map to Turkey Lake Park

The city of Orlando has created a 300-acre oasis along the shores of Turkey Lake. Officially called the Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, this beautifully landscaped and maintained park offers picnicking, hiking along seven miles of nature trails, biking along a three-mile bike path, and a number of other diversions. The picnic areas are close to the lake with beautiful shaded tables and “picnic pavilions” (additional charge).

There are nearby kiddie play areas and sandy “beaches” but no lake swimming. Instead there is a large pool overlooking the lovely lake. A fishing pier lets you test your angling skills against largemouth bass and other species. If you prefer to fish from a boat, you can rent one for $15.00. Thursday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Call (407) 299-1248 to make a reservation.

There’s camping here, too. Cabins that sleep up to 10 are available for $35 per night. “Family” camp sites for trailers and RVs are $15 per night including electricity and water. If you need a sewer hookup as well, the price is $18. The area is beautifully shaded, with picnic tables and barbecue pits. A “primitive” camping area nearby is less shady, but at $7 per four-person tent, the price may be right. Camping requires reservations.

Admission: $4 per car ($2 if it’s just the driver)

DeLeon Springs State Park

601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd./PO Box 1338
DeLeon Springs, Florida 32130
(386)985-4212
View Map to DeLeon Springs State Park

There is plenty to see and do at DeLeon Springs State Park. Take an Eco/History Boat Tour – a 50 minute trip on Spring Garden Run and look for alligators, bald eagles and many species of wading birds.
For a nature walk, come on out and hike the four mile Wild Persimmon Trail, which meanders through oak hammock, flood plain forest and abandoned agricultural fields. Deer and turkey can often be seen, and Florida black bears have been spotted occasionally. Birding is excellent in and around the spring run. Bring your binoculars and bird book. Just remember to register at the ranger station. An all-terrain wheelchair and a standard wheelchair are available for visitors who need assistance getting around the park, including the paved nature trail.

When the weather permits, enjoy a swim in the 72 degree spring. Please be advised that lifeguards will not be on duty at the park until March, 2009. They do not work during the park's off season.
And don’t forget to stop by the newly renovated Visitor Center that features exhibits on the park's 6,000 year history and DVD presentations on Florida's Springs, the St. Johns River, and the Everglades.

After a day of sightseeing, have pancakes or lunch at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. Open 9-5 on weekdays and 8-5 on weekends, serving until 4. Each table is equipped with a griddle and pitchers of homemade pancake batter and assorted toppings are brought to your table for you to make your own creations. Call 386.985.5644 for further information.

Admission Fees
$5.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people, $1.00 for each additional person
Pavilion Fee
$30.00, plus tax, for a small pavilion
$60.00, plus tax, for a large pavilion