Lake Eola Park
little girl feeding big swans image by Stephen Orsillo from
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Located in downtown Orlando, this picturesque park is convenient to all of the major attractions. Families can pack a picnic and bread for the ducks and swans. Fun, swan shaped paddle boats will amuse the wee ones while providing plenty of exercise for mom and dad. Other options include taking a stroll or jogging around the sidewalk circling the lake and enjoying the beautiful gardens and Orlando skyline. A farmers market is available on Sunday mornings. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m. Paddle boat rental rates are $15 per half hour.
Lake Eola Park
195 N. Rosalind Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
407-246-2827
cityoforlando.net/FPR/HTML/Parks/lakeeola.htm
Big Tree Park
Located 11.8 miles north of Orlando, little ones are sure to thrill in the open spaces to run and explore in here. This park is home to the oldest living tree in the Eastern United States. "The Senator" is a 115-foot tall ancient bald cypress, estimated to be approximately 3,500-years-old. Parents can pack a picnic for the family and enjoy the more than 11 acres of nature here. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Big Tree Park
761 General Hutchison Pkwy.
Longwood, FL 32750
407-665-2001
seminolecountyfl.gov/guide/parks/park1.asp
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Parents and toddlers can escape the city limits of Orlando and head north to the beautiful springs of Wekiwa Springs State Park. Located in Apopka, this park offers everything from picnicking to tubing, canoeing or kayaking down the Wekiva River. Camping is also available. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown. Admission is $6 per vehicle, $4 for single occupant and $2 for pedestrians. Camping is $24 per night, plus tax.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL 32712
407-884-2008
floridastateparks.org/WekiwaSprings
Showcase of Citrus
baby with orange 2 image by Pavel Losevsky from
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Parents can enjoy the scent of citrus while letting their toddler venture through acres of groves. Here, visitors can do everything from picking their own fruit, to taking an off-road Eco-tour throughout the property. Kids will love viewing the wooded swamps and cattle pastures as well. A country store is available to pick up some fresh, locally grown jams, jellies and even organic eggs. Prices for the eco tour are $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages four to 12 and three and under are free.
Showcase of Citrus
5010 U.S. Hwy. 27
Clermont, FL 34714
352-394-4377
showcaseofcitrus.com
