The best parks & outdoor spots in Orange County

“Goat Yoga At Alaska Farms brings maximum serotonin to your week with goat yoga, cuddle hours, paint and sip nights, farm tours, and private events on their Central Florida farm.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Skip the screens this week and wander UCF Arboretum, where student-led Bee Campus USA projects keep pollinators buzzing, guided tours explore cultivated and natural spaces, and volunteers get hands-on in the community garden.”

From the Oviedo newsletter, August 24, 2026

“4-mile Little Econ Greenway for runs, rides, or leisurely dog-led strolls. Grab a canoe, cast a line, claim a picnic table, then wrap it up on the courts or fields... the perfect low-key reset when you need nature without leaving town.”

From the Orlando newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Ease along the one-way, 11-mile Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive at a mellow 10 mph and watch restored marshes come alive with birds and butterflies. It’s a breezy, bring-your-curiosity kind of reset when you want real Florida nature without lacing up the hiking boots.”

From the Clermont newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Downtown Winter Park is having a moment, with Park Avenue getting a refresh, public art to stumble upon, and a lively Farmers’ Market keeping the energy up. If you need an easy reset, take a wander, people-watch, and let the charm do the heavy lifting.”

From the Winter Garden newsletter, September 24, 2026

“Dr. P. Phillips Community Park brings playgrounds that actually tire kids out, a splash pad when the humidity wins, a dog park for your furry goofball, and the LongHorn Steakhouse Loop Trail when you want an easy walk.”

From the Four Corners newsletter, October 1, 2026

“Bithlo Community Park keeps summer sane this week with a splash pad for the kids, a new playground that actually delivers, and a no-frills workout room for you. Low-key, local, and easy to make an hour feel like a whole reset.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Winter Garden Interactive Fountain & Splashpad is that clutch way to let the kids run wild while you actually catch up with neighbors in the shade. The open-air pavilion sets an easy vibe, and on Saturdays the space doubles as home base for the Winter Garden Farmers Market.”

From the Winter Garden newsletter, October 3, 2026

“From eight lighted pickleball courts and sand volleyball to a splash playground for the kids, baseball and softball fields, picnic pavilions, a fitness area and an off-leash dog park, Downey Park is the all-in-one reset button your week deserves, so make it your go-to this week.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Need a midweek reset that doesn't involve I-4 therapy? Barber Park packs a legit skate park, a hockey rink, pickleball-lined courts, and a kid-approved splash pad, plus plenty of green space to just hang out.”

From the Celebration newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Secluded on Lake Maitland, Kraft Azalea Garden trades crowds for towering cypress shade and the stately Exedra Monument that glows at golden hour. Locals slip in for low-key walks, bird-spotting at the egret rookery, and a peek at the largest banyan this far north.”

From the Winter Garden newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Need an easy afternoon reset? Capehart Park delivers kid joy and adult sanity with a splash pad, a tot lot for ages 2 to 5, and a fitness path so you can sneak in steps while the little ones get happily soaked.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 25, 2026

“When the kids are bouncing off the walls and you need an easy win, Lake Lorna Doone Park has your back with hoops that beg for pickup games, a splash pad for instant cooldowns, and a small golf facility that keeps everyone smiling. Call it a quick reset this week that dodges the I-4 drama.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Dinky Dock Park lets you swim, fish from the pier, and launch a kayak or paddleboard onto the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. It’s the kind of low-key, bring-your-own-fun spot you’ll keep in your back pocket for impromptu sunshine therapy.”

From the Winter Garden newsletter, September 10, 2026

“When you need a low-key afternoon without leaving town, Kit Land Nelson Park packs tennis and racquetball courts, a playground, picnic spots and a gazebo into five easy acres. Quick rally, kid energy dump, or sandwich-in-the-grass session, it’s an easy local reset.”

From the Apopka newsletter, October 4, 2026

“Magnolia Park brings a lovely butterfly garden, tent and RV camping, and an Eco Education Center with classes on pollinators, gators, Lake Apopka’s fishing history, bird migration and even why sunsets look so good. A low-key way to reset close to home this week, with restoration stories honored by the United Nations.”

From the Clermont newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Slip over to Shady Park in historic Hannibal Square for a tranquil path, leafy shade, and just-enough people-watching while you catch up on podcasts or a paperback. Keep an eye on public art honoring neighborhood history by George Gadson, then linger and let the week slow its roll.”

From the Winter Park newsletter, September 30, 2026

“Whether you want a low-key picnic, an overnight under the trees, or a lazy loop on shaded trails by the water, Trimble Park keeps it simple and scenic. This week, reserve a tent or RV site, wander to the docks, let the kids loose on the playground, and exhale.”

From the Winter Garden newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Central Park on Park Avenue is Winter Park’s crown-jewel greenspace, with oak-canopy shade, fountains, and a rose garden that basically begs for a slow stroll. When you need a breather, wander through and catch whatever seasonal event pops up… it’s the kind of simple joy that makes living here feel extra good.”

From the Winter Park newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Barnett Park keeps the week lively with a splash pad for the kids, adult pickleball and fitness classes when you need to move, plus a golf practice area and legit softball fields. Low-key way to play hard while the young ones burn energy.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, October 1, 2026