The Best Parks and Playgrounds In and Around Orlando
Published on June 24, 2022 - Updated on June 24, 2022
Are you in Orlando and looking for something a little more low-key to keep your kids distracted? You’re in luck! We’re full of so many playgrounds in Central Florida – with over 100 parks and recreational areas you can visit in the area, it’s hard to decide which one is right for you! So we’ve narrowed down some of our favorites in a few different neighborhoods sprawled around the city for you to check out!
Lake Eola Park and Playground
Downtown Orlando, 512 E. Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
This playground is in the heart of downtown Orlando, so it's an added bonus when visiting the city! Located within Lake Eola Park, this playground is a great spot to spend a few hours in, especially when you add in walking the park, renting a swan boat to paddle, checking out a local event, or even just strolling the streets of downtown! And the best part, it's one that is open late – past sunset so it's a good place for some evening fun! And with kids always around, there’s always a friend to make here!
Dr. P Phillips Park and Playground
8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836
Right across the lake from iconic International Drive, you'll find this playground in the tourist district that has a little bit for everyone! It has space-themed structures and various activities to enjoy. And if that’s not enough, there’s a splash pad! This playground is near a visitor hot spot, so it's great to put on your list if you're staying in this area.
Clermont Waterfront Park and Playground
Clermont, 100 Third Street, Clermont, FL 34711
Sandy beaches, a splash pad, and playground fun? This park makes you feel worlds away from Orlando, even though you’re only about 30 minutes from downtown. Even though the playground isn’t the most intricate, the multiple features surrounding it make it a great one to visit! Add in an evening or weekend activity hosted by the park, and it’s everyone’s favorite!
Friendship Park and Playground
East Orlando, 200 W Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL 32765
The massive slide alone is reason enough to visit this playground, located right past the University of Central Florida, in the city of Oviedo. The playground is not hard to miss from the main road, and if visiting the area, it's a great spot to lunch and play! If the huge structure is too much for the younger ones, there is a smaller toddler set to the side. It's all within one enclosed park making it feel like the right spot to visit with multi-age kids.
Kissimmee Waterfront Park and Playground
Kissimmee, 201 Lakeview Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Spending the day in Historic Kissimmee (which is south of Orlando and near Disney)? Visit the waterfront to find 2 playgrounds and a splash pad to enjoy! There are multiple picnic and pavilion structures, and the park is within walking distance of some great family spots. The playground nearest the splash pad has a Florida theme with critters iconic to the state, and the playground has the land critters to match. A short walk over you’ll find a more traditional playground structure!
Westmonte Recreation Center and Playground
Altamonte Springs, 624 Bills Lane, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
What's better than a playground with a splash pad? One with a pool! Located in Altamonte Springs, just north of downtown Orlando, this playground is gated off and separated into two sections – one for younger kids, and one for older kids. The older kids' area offers a rope climbing dome that makes for a fun little hang-out while playing. If it's too hot to play, bring a bathing suit and you can pay to use the outdoor pool facility, right across the walkway!
Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Playground
Winter Park, 1050 Morse Ave, Winter Park, FL, 32789
This park, known to locals as the “wooden castle playground,” makes the list for that whimsical feature alone! Located in Winter Park, which is a few minutes north of Orlando, this playground is a great place for imaginations to run wild or for a fun game of hide-and-seek! It has a walking path surrounding a lake, fitness equipment, and adjacent soccer fields. Not to mention it’s also a short walk from Park Ave in Winter Park, where you can spend an afternoon walking, window, shopping, and enjoying a treat!
Mathews Park and Playground
College Park, 205 E Hazel Street, Orlando, FL 32804
This quiet neighborhood park makes the list for its awesome centerpiece! It's a small park without a ton of amenities, but the climbing structure alone is something different you won’t find anywhere else! Kids will love playing on the unique structure. The park also has pavilions, tables, and a baseball field for a day out!
Barber Park and Playground
Conway, 3701 Gatlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32812
This park has two separate playground areas for various ages, handicap-accessible swings, a splash pad, a hockey rink, a skating rink, a volleyball court, and fields galore! This park has it all. And again, we love a park with a splash pad because on a warm Florida day both together serve a great purpose. This playground is a nice little retreat if you’re wanting to burn some energy before catching a flight too, as it’s a short distance from the airport!
Boxi Park and Playground
Lake Nona, 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
This playground has some of the traditional findings, but nothing is better than something tried and true. This playground is a haven for kids in the area, since there is plenty of space to climb and play. And for parents, it’s attached to a really neat venue, Boxi Park, where you can find shipping containers converted to eateries. With entertainment, events, a volleyball court, and a dog park nearby, this place has it all!
What are your favorite Orlando area spots? Have you visited any of the playgrounds on the list? Be sure to tag us on Instagram with any of your family's adventures @gethappyly.
Interested in other fun activities that will get the kids outside? Read up on our Building a Family Garden article or learn some new Sidewalk Chalk Games! Now that it's starting to warm up, there are also a number of other activities to do with kids other than the traditional park days. Check out our How to Hike with Kids Guide and enjoy a fun day out with the family.
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