Truly my favorite nature preserve. The boardwalk makes for nice, safe exploring with a view of the…read morelake at the end. I just discovered the more woodsy trail and couldn't believe how much there was to explore! There is a row of rocking chairs on the back that look over the woodsy area. I could spend all day here.

We went to the preserve to see the firefly's. It is really a nice place to walk around and there is…read morea lot of people that work there to help you along. We walked out to the pier and saw the most beautiful sunset over the water. It was a little windy the afternoon we went so the fire flies were not out at the pier. As we were asking back we saw a lot of them in the woods. They were beautiful. This preserve has a lot of different events from 5k walks to live music.

A natural playground! We couldn't get enough of the huge trees, nature-based playground, and…read moreexpansive trails. It was the perfect place to explore for kids and adults alike! It's dog-friendly, so we can't wait to return with our leashed pups! We stumbled upon the old country club building and other structures, and it was fun learning the history behind the area. Can't wait to return! Note: plenty of parking, but police was waiting by the gate when we left 15 minutes to close, so be mindful of open hours!

One of the cutest playgrounds around! The entire area is shaded by trees, giving it this true…read morewoodsy, outdoorsy vibe. The playground has so much to do for all ages. The area is clean and very well-maintained. I love that everything is made of wood so nothing gets overly hot to the touch. My son easily spent two hours here without getting bored.

This park gives the opportunity for a wonderful sunset…read more They have plenty of parking areas, and it seems that it has a weeding venue inside. They area is quiet and you can see manyphoto session going around from time to time.

This was a nice park to watch the sunset at. I can't remember the last time I've had a clearer view…read moreof the sunset actually. Beware there are lots of cobwebs and spiders on the pier. There's lots of wildlife in general. The birds here are incredible, there's so many different kinds and all so colorful!

John's Lake Conservation Area is a hidden gem in Winter Garden. The signage is unassuming and the…read moreentrance gives no clue to the adventure that awaits. It's old Florida in every aspect. You have to be alert to spiders, snakes and alligators The trail gets seasonally flooded. The fire ants are everywhere. No bathroom is provided. I definitely don't think that you should with your small dog or children. There is a nice dock and small boat, canoe or kayak launch. They have picnic tables under big beautiful shade trees. There is a pavilion that can be rented.

This area is pretty desolate, consisting mostly of knee-high weeds and scrub. There is a fishing…read morepier and parking area, as well as a mowed path through the weeds that goes down to some water, but the path is as often flooded as dry. Winter is the best time to walk the path. Dogs are allowed, but letting them run free near the water could be dangerous. The law is probably to keep all dogs leashed. There are only three stands of trees, one of which has some picnic tables. Otherwise, you'll need sunscreen, a hat, water and maybe bug spray. No restrooms.

Vanderley Park is located in Oakland. It's a nice place to stop and take a break if you are doing a…read morelong trek on the West Orange Trail. There are several places that you can relax in the shade. The park offers benches, picnic tables , grill and a pavilion. It is well maintained and has a small lake off to one side. It is a very peaceful area and dogs are allowed.

I've paddled the Emerald Cut a few times now. Initially I didn't like the idea of paying to launch…read moremy own paddleboard. However, it's only $10 now that I have my own life jacket (saving me additional cost of $5 to use one of theirs, as required). Well worth the low cost for some soul-enriching, communing with nature. I have never made a reservation. I normally arrive around 10:30, most recently on a Friday. Parked for free on Baptist Camp Rd. Just a bit of a walk from there with my inflated paddleboard, but I don't mind the extra exercise. You can unload your stuff closer, if preferable. There are port-a-potties available. You can count on there being a line in the check-in office. Various recreation supplies are available there for purchase. The process moves reasonably enough. A reservation will guarantee your entrance, however, and possibly aide quicker personal info collection. I always plan to do the Emerald Cut in roughly 3 hours round-trip, allowing myself several stops to enjoy the surroundings. You do run into (quite literally at times) novice paddlers along the way, which can be a bit tricky, yet not a real nuisance for me. In general, there's friendliness along the waterway. Slighty rowdy, party vibes in some spots, but also opportunities for solace and zen in various nooks. Encountering wildlife, fragrant elderberry, and other captivating flora along this stretch is always gratifying. It's a popular recreation destination for good reason.

Many tourists don't realize Florida is home to stunning crystal-clear spring rivers--perfect for…read moreswimming, kayaking, and tubing aka "hidden gems". My Hubby and I love kayaking, so we booked an excursion months in advance for Rock Springs through TripAdvisor. Our Tour Operator was Get Up And Go Kayaking located at Kings Landing in Apopka, FL. I LOVE saying Apopka ;) The good news: Apopka is a quick 1 hour drive from Orlando. Make sure you don't miss the turn to King's Landing, because the entrance is located on a narrow dirt road. You must drive past Kelly Park (which fills up fast). There is a Park Ranger located here who will guide you to King's Landing. As you get closer and if you see a parking spot, grab it! Check in is located in the Cabin like office where you will have to sign a waiver. If you do not want to take a clear bottom, guided Kayak tour, you can either rent or BYO Kayak versus taking a semi private, clear, guided kayak tour. NOTE: ONLY use their Sunscreen/lotion which is provided at no cost. It protects the wildlife and the Springs. We wanted the full experience as we have previously enjoyed renting clear Kayaks. Our guide for the morning was: Megan, who was fantastic! Full of energy, information and helpful tidbits about the Springs and its human and wildlife inhabitants. Our group was small and capped at 10. We paddled through both narrow and open stretches, and stopped to swim in the warm, crystal-clear water. One highlight was a banyan tree with an 8-foot natural "jump hole"--such a cool experience! It was a serene, memorable day, and fun fact: this is the very spring featured in the Visit Orlando commercials! Yeah, definitely take a day away from crowded Orlando to relax and enjoy Mother Nature! You will Thank Me ;)

The park has two play areas, one for little kids that has a slide, a few things to climb on, and…read moresome musical items, and a bigger kid section with a lot more climbing structures. I did like that the little kid area is shaded with foam turf underneath instead of dirt. The park is pretty spread out though, and not fenced, so I felt like I was constantly running back and forth and all around. Not the cleanest of parks. It's in a weird area too, so I didn't feel the safest there.

Tildenville Park is beautifully maintained. There are big shade trees and benches throughout that…read morehelp keep you comfortable while watching the children play. This park is designed for different age groups. There is lots of fun activities for the preteens with a nice fenced in basketball court for older children and adults. The younger kids have their own area of play and equipment with there own basketball court. No bathrooms available but there is a porta potty in the parking area. There is lots of open green space, grills and four gazebos.

Came here for tennis on a Friday morning. Courts open at 10 am. They are super well maintained but…read morekeep in mind there's only 1 tennis court to the multiple pickleball courts. Pickleball had a clinic or something going on next door so it was very active and loud. I just wish there was at least one more tennis court. It's so hard to find courts these days since it feels like pickleball has taken over.

Pickleball in Winter Garden!…read more Came here to play with my friends that live in the area. The park is open to all and doesn't require any fee to enter or park. Parking for the pickle ball is on the grass right next to the courts. There was a tennis court and a good amount of pickleball courts with several entry points. The courts were well kept and everyone was courteous with the courts not too full and people of all ages playing including kids. To enter and exit the courts, you might have to pass behind while others play. The courts are close by each other so there's a lot of opportunities for balls to go into other courts during play, so be wary. Overall, a great park to play at!

Being a Orlando junkie for many years, we traveled outside the "magic world" to Winter Garden. What…read morea great community. The visitors center staff were very friendly and helpful and directed us to various points of interest: Rollins College (school were Mr. Rogers attended) lake boat cruise on 3 lakes, and great downtown area with shops and museums.

Quaint and vibrant downtown. We love coming as a couple, with friends or the kids for a family…read moreouting. There are some great restaurants and activities, especially the Saturday Farmers Market or the splash pad for the kids to best the FL heat. You can plan a quick visit or a full day of fun, there is plenty for everyone.