
Our Favorite Child Friendly Parks and Events Around Orlando
Orlando is a city filled with excitement, and it’s not just because of its world famous theme parks. For families with young children, the city offers a treasure trove of beautiful parks, nature filled spaces, and community events that nurture learning, play, and exploration. Here at Raising Angels, we know how important it is for children to spend time outdoors, whether it’s discovering new environments, engaging in physical activities, or enjoying quality family time.
As an integral part of early childhood development, outdoor play, and attending local events allow children to stretch their imagination, learn about the world around them, and form lasting memories. Orlando’s diverse range of parks and community activities offers plenty of opportunities for this. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, here’s a guide to our favorite child friendly parks and events around Orlando that will make your little one’s day extra special.
1. Lake Eola Park
Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is an oasis for families seeking a relaxing day surrounded by nature. This iconic park features a beautiful lake with swan shaped paddle boats, which families can rent and enjoy a tranquil ride while taking in the stunning views of the Orlando skyline. The park also boasts a lovely fountain, perfect for taking photos with your little ones.
For children, there’s a fantastic playground equipped with slides, climbing structures, and swings. Kids can safely run around and burn off energy while parents enjoy the picturesque setting. Lake Eola Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including outdoor movie nights, seasonal festivals, and live music performances that families can attend together.
The Sunday Farmers Market at Lake Eola is another fantastic family outing. You can enjoy fresh local produce, arts and crafts, and delicious food. It’s a wonderful way to support local businesses while spending time together as a family.
2. Dr. Phillips Community Park
For families looking for a spacious, well equipped park for both play and relaxation, Dr. Phillips Community Park is an excellent choice. This park features a modern playground with both traditional and innovative equipment designed for children of all ages. The slides, swings, climbing walls, and sensory areas provide a safe, exciting space for kids to explore and have fun.
The park also has a large splash pad, ideal for children looking to cool off on warm days, and an expansive field where families can picnic, play soccer, or fly kites. The beautifully landscaped grounds create a welcoming atmosphere for families to relax, socialize, and enjoy nature.
In addition to the park’s playgrounds, there are basketball courts, walking trails, and even a fitness center. Throughout the year, Dr. Phillips Community Park hosts seasonal events such as holiday lights displays, outdoor fitness classes for families, and special holiday events for kids to enjoy.
3. Leu Gardens
If you’re looking to spend time in nature while teaching your child about the beauty of the environment, Harry P. Leu Gardens is an ideal location. Situated in a peaceful part of Orlando, the gardens offer over 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring tropical plants, flowering trees, and serene water features. It’s a calming environment where kids can connect with nature, learn about different plants and flowers, and even engage in educational activities.
For families with younger children, Leu Gardens hosts seasonal garden tours, giving little ones the chance to explore the beauty of the garden while learning about the world around them. The garden is a great place to introduce children to environmental education, conservation, and sustainability.
During specific times of the year, Leu Gardens offers family friendly events, including flower festivals, garden parties, and fun craft making activities. These events provide an interactive way for children to express their creativity while learning about nature.
4. Disney Springs
Though located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs offers a unique experience for families that doesn’t require park tickets. This lively outdoor shopping and dining district features a wide variety of family friendly attractions, from interactive play areas to live entertainment.
One of the highlights of Disney Springs is the LEGO Store, where children can engage in creative play by building large LEGO sculptures or designing their own creations. The Splash Pad at Disney Springs is another exciting feature, giving kids a chance to cool off and play in the water while parents relax nearby.
Families will also enjoy the Amphicar ride on the Themed Amphibious Car, which takes you on a fun adventure around the lake. Disney Springs offers seasonal events such as Christmas tree lightings and Halloween parades, making it a great spot for families to bond over shared experiences.
5. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Located just a short drive from Orlando in Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers a fun, educational experience for children of all ages. The zoo is home to over 400 animals, including tigers, monkeys, giraffes, and reptiles. As children explore the zoo, they’ll learn about different species and gain an understanding of animal behavior and conservation efforts.
One of the highlights of the zoo is the Splash Ground, an interactive water feature where kids can cool off on hot days. There’s also a train ride and a playground, making it a perfect spot for children to run, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
In addition to the zoo’s educational offerings, there are seasonal events like Zoolights and Wildlife Wednesdays, where kids can engage in animal encounters and interactive learning activities. The botanical gardens provide a peaceful space for parents to relax while kids explore the natural beauty of the area.
6. The Crayola Experience
For a creative, hands on experience, The Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall is a must visit for families with young children. This interactive attraction features more than 25 activities that allow children to explore the world of color and art. Kids can create their own crayon, make colorful artwork, and even design their own digital creations.
The Crayola Experience encourages children to use their imagination, explore different colors, and experiment with various art techniques. It’s a great way to foster creativity and learning while having fun. For families looking to combine creativity with learning, this is an exciting destination that will engage children of all ages.
7. Tike’s Playground at Winter Park Community Center
For families with toddlers and preschoolers, Tike’s Playground is a perfect spot to enjoy outdoor play in a safe, age appropriate environment. Located at the Winter Park Community Center, this playground features soft surfaces, low to the ground slides, and climbing structures designed specifically for young children.
The playground offers a wonderful opportunity for younger children to build coordination and confidence while interacting with their peers. The surrounding park area includes picnic tables and open green spaces, so parents can relax while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones.
8. The Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a fantastic place for families who want to explore the world of science in an interactive and hands on way. With exhibits that cover everything from space exploration and dinosaurs to physics and the human body, the Science Center offers a wide range of educational experiences for young children.
For younger children, the Science Center features dedicated play areas like the KidsTown exhibit, where kids can explore, climb, and play. The Orlando Science Center also offers live shows, educational workshops, and special family events designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning.
Throughout the year, the center hosts special exhibits and events that are perfect for families, including STEM related activities and seasonal programs that engage children with the wonders of science.
9. ICON Park on International Drive
ICON Park, located on International Drive, is another must see destination for families with children. The centerpiece of the park is the The Wheel, an observation wheel that offers breathtaking views of Orlando from 400 feet in the air. The ride is perfect for young children, offering a gentle and relaxing experience that gives them the chance to see the city from a new perspective.
In addition to the observation wheel, ICON Park features attractions like the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, where children can learn about marine life and interact with sea creatures. The Madame Tussauds Orlando museum is also located here, giving children a chance to meet lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities and characters.
10. Annual Events and Festivals
Orlando is known for hosting vibrant festivals and events throughout the year, many of which are designed specifically for young families. These events offer a chance for children to learn, play, and connect with their community. Some of our favorite annual events include:
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: A special event at Magic Kingdom, where kids can enjoy trick or treating, character meet and greets, and a spooky but fun parade.
- Spring Fiesta in the Park: Held at Lake Eola Park, this event features a wide variety of family friendly activities, including arts and crafts, live performances, and food vendors.
- Christmas at the Zoo: A festive event at the Central Florida Zoo, where families can experience the magic of the holidays with lights, animal encounters, and visits from Santa.
At Raising Angels, we truly believe in the transformative power of play, where Orlando kids shine through imagination. Play is more than just fun, it’s an essential part of how children learn, grow, and develop vital skills. By encouraging creativity and curiosity, we lay the foundation for lifelong learning. This approach directly ties into our mission of helping Orlando’s little ones grow with confidence, as we create an environment where each child feels valued, empowered, and ready to take on the world with self-assurance.
Conclusion
Orlando offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, educational opportunities, and exciting adventures for young families. From parks like Lake Eola and Dr. Phillips Community Park to unique attractions like The Crayola Experience and the Central Florida Zoo, there are endless ways for children to explore, learn, and have fun.
At Raising Angels, we believe in the power of play and exploration as vital components of early childhood development. These local parks, events, and attractions are not only a way to keep children entertained but also an opportunity to build lasting memories, foster creativity, and connect with the community.
Whether you're a local family or visiting for the first time, Orlando offers a wealth of experiences that your little ones will cherish for years to come.









