Outdoor Activities near me in Orlando, FL

Looking for the best outdoor activities in Orlando? This list covers springs, trails, lakes and wildlife across Orange County, from swimming at Wekiwa Springs and tubing at Kelly Park to clear-kayak tours on the Winter Park chain of lakes and airboat rides on the St. Johns River.

25 picks · Updated October 2026

1
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Park in Apopka, $
Swim in a spring that holds about 72 degrees year-round, then rent a canoe or kayak on site to paddle the run. Day-use visits need a reservation and cost $6 per vehicle.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Wekiwa Springs State Park Website for Wekiwa Springs State Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Wekiwa Springs State Park (opens maps)
2
Kelly Park / Rock Springs

Park in Apopka, $
Float a tube down the cool, clear Rock Springs run, Orange County's classic summer outing. Buy tickets online ahead because of the daily cap, and bring your own tube.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Kelly Park / Rock Springs Website for Kelly Park / Rock Springs (opens in a new tab)Directions to Kelly Park / Rock Springs (opens maps)
3
Scenic Boat Tour

Tour in Park Avenue, Winter Park, $
An hour on a narrated pontoon through Winter Park's lakes and cypress-lined canals, leaving hourly from the end of Morse Boulevard. Relaxed enough for any age.
- Outdoor
- Water
- Family
- Date idea
Call Scenic Boat Tour Website for Scenic Boat Tour (opens in a new tab)Directions to Scenic Boat Tour (opens maps)
4
Get Up and Go Kayaking - Winter Park

Outdoor activity in Winter Park
Guided clear-bottom kayak tours through the same Winter Park lakes and canals, including sunset and LED-lit night paddles. Private tours for up to ten people.
- Outdoor
- Water
- Nature
- Date idea
Call Get Up and Go Kayaking - Winter Park Website for Get Up and Go Kayaking - Winter Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Get Up and Go Kayaking - Winter Park (opens maps)
5
West Orange Trail

Park in Winter Garden
Around 22 miles of paved rail-trail from the Lake County line through Oakland and Winter Garden to Apopka. Rent a bike near the Winter Garden station and ride to Plant Street.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
Call West Orange Trail Website for West Orange Trail (opens in a new tab)Directions to West Orange Trail (opens maps)
6
Orlando Wetlands

Park in Christmas (east Orange County), Orlando
About 1,650 acres of marsh in east Orange County with 18-plus miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is free and one of the region's top birding sites.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Local favorite
Call Orlando Wetlands Website for Orlando Wetlands (opens in a new tab)Directions to Orlando Wetlands (opens maps)
7
Airboat Rides at Midway

Tour in Christmas (east Orange County), Orlando, $$
One-hour airboat eco tours on the St. Johns River with a Coast Guard-licensed captain, ending with an alligator encounter. About $50 per adult.
- Outdoor
- Water
- Nature
- Family
Call Airboat Rides at Midway Website for Airboat Rides at Midway (opens in a new tab)Directions to Airboat Rides at Midway (opens maps)
8
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Park in Apopka
Eleven one-way miles along the Lake Apopka marshes with pull-outs for birding and an audio tour. Open to cars Friday through Sunday and federal holidays.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
Website for Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (opens in a new tab)Directions to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (opens maps)
9
Epic Paddle Adventures

Tour in Orlando
Beginner-friendly clear kayak and paddleboard tours around Orlando, including sunset, neon night-glow and bring-your-pup paddles, plus two-hour rentals if you prefer to explore on your own.
- Outdoor
- Water
- Date idea
- Dog friendly
Call Epic Paddle Adventures Website for Epic Paddle Adventures (opens in a new tab)Directions to Epic Paddle Adventures (opens maps)
10
Harry P. Leu Gardens

Park in Audubon Park, Orlando, $
Garden paths near Lake Rowena with themed plantings, the 1888 Leu House and a big camellia collection that blooms December through March.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Date idea
- Family
Call Harry P. Leu Gardens Website for Harry P. Leu Gardens (opens in a new tab)Directions to Harry P. Leu Gardens (opens maps)
11
Lake Eola Park

Park in Downtown, Orlando
Circle downtown's lake on the paved path, pedal a swan boat past the fountain and catch an amphitheater concert or movie in the evening.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Water
- Date idea
Call Lake Eola Park Website for Lake Eola Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Lake Eola Park (opens maps)
12
Oakland Nature Preserve

Park in Oakland
A long boardwalk through wetlands out to Lake Apopka plus wooded upland trails. Guided kayak outings and meditative hikes add variety.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Oakland Nature Preserve Website for Oakland Nature Preserve (opens in a new tab)Directions to Oakland Nature Preserve (opens maps)
13
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

Park in Dr. Phillips, Orlando, $
Disc golf, a fishing pier, paved bike trails and cabins or campsites on Turkey Lake, all for $5 per car near Dr. Phillips.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake Website for Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (opens in a new tab)Directions to Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (opens maps)
14
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Park in Maitland, $
An hour-long walk on a paved path past resident eagles, owls and hawks at Audubon's raptor rehab center in Maitland. Admission is $10.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
- Kids
Call Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Website for Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (opens in a new tab)Directions to Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (opens maps)
15
Cady Way Trail

Park in Winter Park
About seven paved miles between east Orlando, Baldwin Park and Winter Park, with water fountains and sheltered rest stops. Good for an easy bike ride.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Local favorite
- Dog friendly
Call Cady Way Trail Website for Cady Way Trail (opens in a new tab)Directions to Cady Way Trail (opens maps)
16
Jay Blanchard Park

Park in Orlando
The paved 7.4-mile Little Econ Greenway runs through this east Orlando park, which also has canoe and kayak access to the Econlockhatchee River.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
Call Jay Blanchard Park Website for Jay Blanchard Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Jay Blanchard Park (opens maps)
17
Lake Apopka Loop Trail

Park in Apopka
Nearly 15 miles along Lake Apopka from Magnolia Park, popular with cyclists and birders. Bring water and plan for little shade.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Dog friendly
Call Lake Apopka Loop Trail Website for Lake Apopka Loop Trail (opens in a new tab)Directions to Lake Apopka Loop Trail (opens maps)
18
Mead Botanical Garden

Park in Winter Park
Free shaded trails, a wetland boardwalk and a pond with turtles and wading birds, a cooler option when summer heat is high.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
Call Mead Botanical Garden Website for Mead Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)Directions to Mead Botanical Garden (opens maps)
19
Barnett Park

Park in Pine Hills, Orlando
A big county park on West Colonial with a splash pad, skate park, disc golf, a dog park and fishing. A full outdoor day for families.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Family
- Kids
Call Barnett Park Website for Barnett Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Barnett Park (opens maps)
20
Kraft Azalea Garden

Park in Winter Park
Lakeside paths shaded by giant cypress lead to the Exedra monument on Lake Maitland, a favorite spot to watch the sun go down.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Date idea
Call Kraft Azalea Garden Website for Kraft Azalea Garden (opens in a new tab)Directions to Kraft Azalea Garden (opens maps)
21
Winter Garden Farmers Market

Market in Downtown Winter Garden
More than 100 vendors and live music on Saturday mornings at the downtown pavilion, steps from the West Orange Trail for a ride-and-shop morning.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Family
- Local favorite
Website for Winter Garden Farmers Market (opens in a new tab)Directions to Winter Garden Farmers Market (opens maps)
22
Winter Park Farmers' Market

Market in Park Avenue, Winter Park
Saturday mornings outdoors in Central Park's West Meadow, with produce, plants and coffee. Pair it with the boat tour a few blocks away.
- Outdoor
- Free
- Family
- Local favorite
Call Winter Park Farmers' Market Website for Winter Park Farmers' Market (opens in a new tab)Directions to Winter Park Farmers' Market (opens maps)
23
King's Landing

Outdoor activity in Apopka
A paddling outpost on Rock Springs Run in Apopka, where visitors rent kayaks, canoes or paddleboards to explore clear spring-fed water in the Wekiva area.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call King's Landing Website for King's Landing (opens in a new tab)Directions to King's Landing (opens maps)
24
Lake Baldwin Park

Park in Winter Park
Winter Park city park on Lake Baldwin where dogs can run off-leash throughout open hours, making it a favorite with dog owners. Shade trees, a sandy shoreline, a dock and picnic pavilions round it out.
- Walking
- Dog friendly
- Shaded
- Lake views
Call Lake Baldwin Park Website for Lake Baldwin Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Lake Baldwin Park (opens maps)
25
Little Econ Greenway

Trail in Union Park, Orlando
Paved county greenway in east Orlando that follows the Little Econ River for a little over seven miles, with Jay Blanchard Park as its main hub.
- Walking
- Running
- Biking
- Paved trail
Call Little Econ Greenway Website for Little Econ Greenway (opens in a new tab)Directions to Little Econ Greenway (opens maps)

The best outdoor activities in Orlando by type

For water, head northwest to the springs: Wekiwa Springs for swimming and paddling and Kelly Park for tubing. Winter Park's chain of lakes is the place for boat and clear-kayak tours, and Epic Paddle Adventures runs paddleboard and kayak trips around Orlando. For something faster, airboat rides at Midway on the St. Johns River add alligators to the mix.

For biking and walking, the West Orange Trail is the long ride, while Cady Way and the Little Econ Greenway at Jay Blanchard Park are shorter and closer to town. Wildlife fans should plan for Orlando Wetlands, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and the Oakland Nature Preserve boardwalk. Families with younger kids may prefer shorter outings: the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Lake Eola's swan boats, Barnett Park's splash pad and Mead Botanical Garden all fit into a morning.

Best times for outdoor activities in Orlando

Summer is for water. The springs stay cool year-round, so Wekiwa and Kelly Park are the best way to handle July and August, but they fill early and cap entry, so book ahead and arrive at opening. Afternoon thunderstorms are near-daily from June to September, so plan to be off the water and trails by early afternoon.

From October through April, the trails, gardens and wildlife areas shine. Birding is at its peak in the cooler months at Orlando Wetlands and Lake Apopka, and Leu Gardens' camellias bloom from December to March. Sunset kayak tours are a great choice in spring and fall. Winter mornings can be chilly by Florida standards, so layer up for early paddles and airboat rides, when wind on the water makes it feel colder.

Tips for staying comfortable outside

Bring more water than you think you need, wear sunscreen and a hat, and pack bug spray for wetlands and evening paddles. Many trails have limited shade, especially along Lake Apopka, so start early.

Watch for posted wildlife rules. Alligators live in most Central Florida lakes and rivers, so keep a safe distance, never feed wildlife and keep dogs leashed where allowed. Note that Kelly Park does not allow pets, and Tibet-Butler and some other preserves restrict pets and bikes. Check reservation rules before you go, since Wekiwa, Kelly Park and many tours sell out on weekends.

About this list

Every place here is a locally run business in Orange County with its own website, which we checked for hours, menus and contact details. We leave national chains off our best-of lists and favor places with a clear specialty.

This page covers 25 outdoor activities in Orlando. You'll find them in Park Avenue, Christmas (east Orange County), Audubon Park and Downtown, spread across Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka and Winter Garden.

Where menus list prices, most of these sit in the $ range, with a handful at $$.

What comes up again and again on their menus and websites: Wildlife viewing, Picnic pavilions, Picnic areas and Fresh produce.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best outdoor activities in Orlando?

Swimming at Wekiwa Springs and tubing at Kelly Park are the top summer picks. For something on the water year-round, try the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour or a clear-kayak tour. Biking the West Orange Trail, birding at Orlando Wetlands and an airboat ride on the St. Johns River are also local favorites.

Where can I go kayaking in Orlando?

Get Up and Go Kayaking runs guided clear-bottom kayak tours through the Winter Park chain of lakes, including sunset and glow-in-the-dark trips. Epic Paddle Adventures offers clear kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals around Orlando. Wekiwa Springs State Park rents canoes and kayaks on site, and Jay Blanchard Park has access to the Econlockhatchee River.

Where can I see alligators near Orlando?

Airboat Rides at Midway on the St. Johns River ends each one-hour tour with an alligator encounter. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and Orlando Wetlands are also known for wildlife viewing, including alligators and wading birds. Always keep your distance from alligators in the wild and never feed them.

What are the best bike trails in Orlando?

The West Orange Trail is the longest, with about 22 paved miles through Oakland and downtown Winter Garden and bike rentals nearby. The Cady Way Trail links east Orlando and Winter Park, the Little Econ Greenway runs through Jay Blanchard Park, and the Lake Apopka Loop Trail covers nearly 15 lakeside miles.

Can you swim in the springs near Orlando?

Yes. Wekiwa Springs State Park has a swimming area in a spring that stays about 72 degrees year-round, and Kelly Park lets you swim and tube in the Rock Springs run, where water sits between 68 and 72 degrees. Both require planning: Wekiwa needs a day-use reservation and Kelly Park sells limited tickets online.