The Geneva Wilderness Area offers a nice Trail to take a morning hike. A Hidden Gem on this Trail…read moreis this tiny outdoor Chapel in the middle of nowhere next to a body of water. I honestly cannot see this being used very often, but it certainly wasn't nice find during my morning walk. With it being late May in Florida, the bugs kept me company swarming about my head as I walked parrots hey, this is real nature. Nothing can be done about it. The trail is well laid out with continuous markers on the trees and on posts. I would call this definitely a beginner's type trail and you will not find a lot of challenges walking it. Another nice touch is the fishing pier along the trail. I did find it interesting that they had a few signs posted about releasing non-native fish into these waters, specifically tilapia. I didn't know that this was a problem here in Florida, so I could understand how that could destroy a lake. I also liked the rocket-box bat house by the fishing pier. All in all, I will give this trail five stars. With plenty if parking and a nice walk, it was a great way to start a Saturday.

Deserts, fires, and…read morenature centers The Geneva Wilderness Area is a wonderful place of almost 200 acres. Miles of well marked trails cut across the area and allows for some easy yet interesting hiking. Of course no hills or rocks, most of the trails are in soft sand and goes through what is known as Florida's desert. Very dry and rather barren but interesting terrain. They actually start fires here to burn away the underbrush and debris and the marks of the fires are visible on many of the trees. Doesn't harm the healthy trees and keeps uncontrolled fires from starting. There is also a very cool nature center at the wilderness area that has lots of interesting exhibits and a great woman that knows everything there is to know about the area. A very cool place for a easy hike, you get to see lots of interesting trees, plants and critters. A pleasant place to spend some time with nature.

I entered at the Jones East Trailhead, which has plenty of parking and also has restrooms at the…read moreentrance to the trailhead. Walking the trailhead was relatively simple and relaxing. I did encounter a few other people (they were either walking like myself or on a bicycle). The path itself is somewhat narrow, but it was enough for us to pass each other with no real inconvenience. Little Big Econ State Forest is a pretty cool place to check out. Walking the path, it was easy to forget that you were just outside of a major United States city in the twenty-first century. I seek out these spots where I can walk through the trees and forget the troubles of living in a modern city in today's modern world. Little Big Econ State Forest is a cool place to seek out if you are looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

This state forest is about a 25 minute drive from downtown Orlando. We highly recommend it. They…read moreoffer maps at the start of the trail. So lush and peaceful. The stream along side most of the trail is beautiful. There are many benches along the path that offer a nice view of the scenery with shade. We took our pups and hiked for about 2 miles. The hikes range from 3 - 10 miles. I saw they do offer camping as well. Make sure to pack some water. It was nice to see many tamiles and couples enjoying the outdoors. We loved the variety of scenery and that it has lots of natural shade throughout the hike.

This is a truly wonderful place with beautiful decor. It has come such a long way! I absolutely…read morelove coming here to enjoy the peace and nature. Plus, Andrew who works there is always respectful and so helpful with loading me in and out safely.

I reserve two single kayaks a week before I wanted to try this place. Emails and directions are…read morevery clear. When I arrived staff was helpful and guiding me along the way so that I could see otters. It was a very quick process to get in the water, but it did get crowded toward midday and on the way back in. I would highly recommend clothes that can get wet, bringing snacks and water and a hat or sunglasses. A dry bag if you have it but if you want one, they do sell them where you check in.

Lake Proctor Wilderness Area is a nice little patch of wilderness to escape to and temporarily hide…read morefrom the hustle and grind of modern-day life. I came here on an early Saturday morning and pretty much did not see another human being during my time here, but I did enjoy some much needed serenity and peace. I would definitely describe myself as a city type person, but there is something to be said in escaping the asphalt, concrete and steel world we created and finding refuge in the world as it was created. This was a much needed respite and I am grateful for ny time spent here. The world is a beautiful and awe-inspiring place and sometimes the greatest miracles of nature are often in the most simple settings. Overall, I will give this oasis of nature five stars as my rating.

First, the address in this page is incorrect. So if you plan to go google it. If you are coming…read morefrom Oviedo turn right on 46 not left. There was only one other car there when we arrived mid day. So it was nice that the park wasn't crowded. The trails are well marked and the Pineneedles added additional cushioning to the walk. We only did the orange and blue trail which in total was about 2 1/2 miles. There was a bit of road noise at the beginning or it was the wind going through all the trees couldn't decide. It's a pleasant walk with several views of ponds and lakes of the orange and blue trail. Sadly we didn't even hear one bird. Between the red trail and the orange and blue looks like they are excavating for a new road. It's a pleasant walk in the woods but nothing unique. Maybe will try the red trail sometime and see if we can find more captivating scenery. Any walk in the woods is better than none

This was my first time bringing my kids to this aquatic center in Oviedo, located very close to the…read moredowntown area of Oviedo this is a fun spot for kids to get away from the heat in the Florida summer time. They have different session they do for two hours and you have to arrive within does sessions to be able to use the facility. There is a large swimming pool and a kids splash area with a slide l, they also have lifeguards on duty to keep everyone safe. The price is very reasonable and if you are a city of Oviedo resident it's a bit cheaper. Cons;I wish instead of doing sessions they would just open for an x amount of hours but overall it was fun experience for my kids.

Oviedo Aqua Center Over the river and through the STREET,…read moreViews of this place worthy of a SEAT. I was most impressed by the WALLS? Etching each inch down the HALLS... Deciding if this place is 4 US, Oviedo Aquatic Center is very BUS... Activating the lungs, helping 2 CLIMB, Quietly gouging patrons of nickels and DIMES. United with others, connected to Mrs. MARTINI, An event gal who helped Ez become a TORTELLINI... Check out the photo Ez took of the man in the MIRROR, Etching Each Inch means seeing CLEARER, Never pushing away, but drawing NEARER, The events in Oviedo are second to NONE, Etch Each Inch, corner lot when DONE. Resting in a sleep lab tonight, looking out at tomorrow's SUN I slept from 9-1:45 and now write this at 2:15. Heading back to bed.

Sweetwater has a great VIBE, With a quaint feel for my…read moreTRIBE. Etching each inch of this PLACE, Every tree makes this a shaded SPACE. The net playground is a fam FAVE, Walking trail is MOSTLY PAVED... And the wooden decking is CLEAN, Taking you through the forested SCENE, Etching each inch through the WETLANDS, Right now it's closed for working HANDS... Putting back the broken TRACKS, A place where nature reigns & lil' DISTRACTS. Ready for tennis, come to this MARK... Kids playground makes this one of our top 5... OVIEDO PARK

Sweetwater Park is located on a sidestreet (East Magnolia) just off of Central, which is a main…read moreroad through Oviedo. It is basically Alafaya Trail and the name changes as you ride into Oviedo. Sweetwater Park is not a huge park, but it does have a few pavilions, a basketball court, a few tennis courts and a nice wooden walkway that leads you through a nice little oasis of trees and nature. It would have been nice had the wooden walkway just made a loop, however, this wooden walkway just led me to a sidestreet. Not a big deal, I just turned around and walked the way that I came. Despite its small size, Sweetwater Park is a pleasant place to spend a bit of time. I enjoyed my time walking around here on an early Saturday morning. A bit of a pro tip, this park is not far from a Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream location and it woukd be a great place to stop after working up a sweat shooting some hoops or getting in a few games of tennis. Hey, even if you walk that wooden walkway it might be a good enough reason to treat yourself to some Ice cream.

This is a Seminole County owned, three acre park that makes clever use of that often wasted space…read moreat the base of a bridge. In this case that space is around George C. Means Memorial Bridge that crosses the St. John's River. The park was named in honor of Cameron Wright, a former member of the of the Sanford City Commission where he served for many years. He was also instrumental in the development of the park. The park was previously named Westside Park before the name was changed by the city. Cameron Wright Park has a covered picnic pavilion with tables, fishing dock, and boat launch onto the St. John's River which connects to both Lake Jessup and Lake Monroe. This is a boaters and fisherman's paradise. Just watch out for the alligators.

A place to go…read moresomeplace else Cameron Wight Park is a small area located almost under the bridge on Rt 46. It's easy to zoom right by it if you aren't looking in the right spot. Certainly not a large area and definitely not a park for hiking, this is a place to get to the water. It has a few picnic tables but I doubt it anyone comes here for a picnic. This is a place to launch a boat to go fishing, paddling or just to go somewhere that isn't here. From the park you can launch right into the St Johns River and if you go south you can get into gator infested Lake Jessup, north into Lake Monroe and east into Lake Thornhill. Or you can just get lost in the multitude of small streams and canals. The launch area is very well maintained and can take power boats as well as canoes and yaks. Unfortunately like most of the water in this part of Florida this part of the St John's can have harmful bacteria and amoeba that will do very nasty things to your body if it gets inside of you so swimming is definitely discouraged. Beside large gators seem to enjoy hanging out in this part of the river. The small park has a large parking area that makes parking boat trailers convenient but like most boat launch areas burglaries are common so locking your vehicle is mandatory. Certainly not a park to hang out in or hike but a great place that gives access to a lot of water in all directions.

At 4pm, the parking lot was about empty! Still, we enjoyed the best 4 mile hike from this…read moretrailhead. This trail truly feels like you're exploring in the woods. It's pretty well marked, but it's worth having a map on your phone just to be safe. Terrain is more narrow than wide, mild roots, mostly very well shaded by trees, and actually had a little elevation variation! Loved that it took us near the river. Don't go near the water! Easily saw huge gators who also saw us and started floating our way. Gorgeous trail and can't wait to do again.

Barr Street Trailhead is honestly not that far off I'll be hustle and bustle of the Orlando,…read moreFlorida area. However, once you get upon these paths, it is easy to forget that civilization even exists. There is a decent amount of parking, however, I can see this filling up real fast. Even when I showed up here at about 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, people were here and when I was leaving, it definitely got much busier. The paths themselves are pretty incredible periods they're well laid out and definitely give you the sense of getting back to nature periods as I said earlier comma it is easy to forget that you are right outside of civilization and it is easy to feel at one with nature out here. The trails are clearly indicated with strips of paint on the trees. They also have signs throughout the area on where you can call if you have an emergency. I would definitely recommend to come and check this place out. I will give it five stars.

Wow, this is a really cool park right in the 'New Downtown' of Oviedo!…read more It sits on a 108-acre mixed use development surrounding Center Lake Park which has two amphitheaters, a dog park, splash pad, swan and paddle boat rentals ($5), a lakeside promenade, playground, and large indoor event center that can be rented for wedding reception, party's and other events. In the surrounding area there a several other eateries, restaurants, an ice cream shop, The Food Factory (Food Hall) which has live music, a gorgeous indoor pub (Park Pub), along with other retail shops and luxury apartments. If you are considering spending the day in Oviedo, I highly recommend checking their website here: https://www.cityofoviedo.net/328/City-Special-Events This way you can plan out the day accordingly, so you don't miss all the activities happening in both the Original Historic Downtown area and the New Downtown. Oviedo is booming and in a good way. We are looking forward to our next visit to the area, see you soon Oviedo!

This park is very nice. This is the first time we came here…read morewe walked around. They have two outside theaters one is large one is small. They also had an event space. You can rent the Little swan boats for $5. I have a park and splash pad for the kids. Some restaurants and shops across the street. Beautiful area

This playground has a lot of great features. It is fenced in. It has nice artificial turf…read more(excellent for crawling babies). It has a fair amount of shade and a lot of picnic tables. It has two regular swings and two baby swings. It has a "little kid" and a "big kid" playground. It has bathrooms on site. The cons are that it can be difficult to keep an eye on all your children if one wants to be on the big playground and one on the little. Worse than that is that the big kid playground is a little TOO big. It has a lot of openings a child could fall out of that are quite high. Thankfully the third story doesn't have an opening, but I have seen older kids climb up the outside of the large enclosed slides all the way to the top. It was extremely scary! There are warnings for bees but I am yet to see any.

This is an updated review from me. I used to bring my nieces and nephews to Friendship Park, now…read moreI'm bringing my own kids. The park has toddler swings as well as regular swings, making it great for children of all ages. Since my last review, everything has been repainted and cleaned, and the improvements are noticeable. There are restrooms on-site and plenty of shaded areas. The entire playground is fenced in. It does get pretty busy during the day time on the weekends, as many birthdays occur here. Also, the church across the street uses the parking area on Sundays so parking can be limited during that time.