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.

Did you know that one of Orlando's best outdoor recreational areas was once a thriving orange…read moregrove? Today, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake is a 183 acre park where families, fishermen, campers, bird watchers, and nature lovers can enjoy a break outdoors that makes you feel a world away from the nearby tourist attractions. This property once contained more than 2,000 citrus trees before the City of Orlando purchased the land in the 1970s under Mayor Carl Langford. It officially opened as Turkey Lake Park in 1978 with the mission of conserving land in its natural state for residents as Orlando's tourism industry rapidly expanded. In 1981, many of the remaining orange trees were relocated to make room for a campground featuring RV sites and cabins. The park was renamed Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake in 2004 to honor former Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick for his commitment to preserving Orlando's natural spaces. Along with former Mayor Glenda E. Hood, he helped ensure the beauty of this park would be preserved for future generations. Today, the park is the City of Orlando's largest community park. Turkey Lake is considered one of Florida's top rated fishing lakes, making it a popular destination for anglers. Beyond the lake, there are miles of walking and biking trails, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, fitness stations, sand volleyball courts, a seasonal swimming pool, boat rentals, a dedicated drone flying area, disc golf, and numerous pavilions for gatherings. The campground offers RV sites and cabins for overnight excursions surrounded by nature. Admission is a nominal $5 per vehicle or $2 for a single occupant, making it one of the best recreational values in Orlando. Come for a picnic, to swim, cast a line, visit the rescue animals, or hike the trails as I enjoyed doing. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake is a reminder that Orlando offers more than just theme parks. I am so glad that the former mayors of Orlando had he foresight to preserve this slice of Florida's natural landscape where you never know what you might discover.

This is a really nice park and would be actually a great place if it wasn't right next to the…read moreturnpike. It is a large multi-functional, family-friendly park. There are several facilities available including pavilions, grills, disc golf volleyball, playgrounds, swimming, fishing, and even a drone course. There's a bike path, a nature path and a small animal farm where you can see a turkey, chickens, and maybe a variety of other animals. There are cabins (assuming for rent) and a spot for small RVs and trailers. The park includes several restrooms which are very clean. The disc golf course is extensive and likely a bit difficult as it meanders through several wooded areas and even one hole across the water. The park has several pavilions varying in size. Most have parking nearby, however several will require you to hoof your goods a little distance. This is a great place for a family or larger gathering. Two dollar entry fee. Dogs allowed on leash and there are several pet sanitary stations.

We went to the preserve to see the firefly's. It is really a nice place to walk around and there is…read morea lot of people that work there to help you along. We walked out to the pier and saw the most beautiful sunset over the water. It was a little windy the afternoon we went so the fire flies were not out at the pier. As we were asking back we saw a lot of them in the woods. They were beautiful. This preserve has a lot of different events from 5k walks to live music.

I have been coming to Oakland Nature Preserve for years, and I can't recommend it enough! There is…read morea wonderful boardwalk that takes you out to a lake. The boardwalk is well-kept and they recently replaced it. It is an easy walk and full of Florida nature surrounding you. There is also an education building that has animals you can visit. The preserve also hosts events throughout the year that I definitely recommend you check out. Parking is free and there is lots to see here!

John's Lake Conservation Area is a hidden gem in Winter Garden. The signage is unassuming and the…read moreentrance gives no clue to the adventure that awaits. It's old Florida in every aspect. You have to be alert to spiders, snakes and alligators The trail gets seasonally flooded. The fire ants are everywhere. No bathroom is provided. I definitely don't think that you should with your small dog or children. There is a nice dock and small boat, canoe or kayak launch. They have picnic tables under big beautiful shade trees. There is a pavilion that can be rented.

This area is pretty desolate, consisting mostly of knee-high weeds and scrub. There is a fishing…read morepier and parking area, as well as a mowed path through the weeds that goes down to some water, but the path is as often flooded as dry. Winter is the best time to walk the path. Dogs are allowed, but letting them run free near the water could be dangerous. The law is probably to keep all dogs leashed. There are only three stands of trees, one of which has some picnic tables. Otherwise, you'll need sunscreen, a hat, water and maybe bug spray. No restrooms.

Windermere Recreational Center is small and during the week days very quiet and peaceful. There is…read morea tennis court, small green space, pier and a couple of gazebos. My favorite spot is the dock. The water is relaxing and you can go into it or sit and watch it slowly move.

This park is one of Windermere's best kept little secrets. Upon entering, it might not look like…read moremuch, but the park is quite big. There's plenty of parking in a parking lot right up front. There is a brand new fenced in playground that is shaded by large trees. There are tennis and sand volleyball courts. There are also multiple pavilions and a restroom. Walk down to the lake. Many people fish off the covered dock. In the evening there are lots of rabbits out by the trees. Be on the lookout for a variety of different bird species.

Shadow Bay Park is a rare slice of florida's natural landscape. Formerly known as Lake Cane Marsha…read morePark, Shadow Bay Park is a 111 acre natural area preserve and park tucked into Southwest Orlando. Despite being surrounded by busy roads and urban development, the park protects a rare and biologically rich remnant of Florida's ancient sand pine scrub ecosystem, preserving a small piece of old Florida in the middle of the city. The park straddles an ancient shoreline associated with the Lake Wales Ridge, one of Florida's most important areas for rare and native plants and animals. Its diverse landscape includes rosemary scrub, xeric oak scrub, longleaf pine forest, wetlands, and four ponds, creating a variety of habitats for wildlife. It is one of the last remaining urban scrub habitats in Orange County and provides an important refuge for several rare and endangered native species. Shadow Bay Park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a statewide network of more than 500 wildlife-viewing sites. The northern portion of the park, especially the trails between Lupine Pond and Woodland Pond, offers some of the best birding opportunities. Depending on the season, visitors may spot Blue-headed Vireos, House Wrens, Eastern Phoebes, Yellow-throated Warblers and Indigo Buntings. The ponds attract Limpkins, Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers and Mottled Ducks, while Glossy Ibis and, occasionally, American Bitterns make appearances. Keep an eye on the sky for Ospreys and Cooper's Hawks, both of which nest within the park. I enjoyed exploring the trails throughout the park. A paved walkway and separate unpaved footpaths wind through the landscape. In the sandy trails through the rosemary scrub, you can find rare plants such as scrub lupine and threatened gopher tortoises. During migration season, you may see species such as Magnolia Warblers, Ovenbirds, Eastern Wood-Pewees and Baltimore Orioles pass through the oak area of the park. In addition to wildlife watching, the park offers plenty for active visitors and families. These include basketball and pickleball courts, softball fields, a fitness path, fishing areas around Shadow Bay Pond and a playground. The Lake Cane Tennis Center has been part of the park since 1986, when Orange County partnered with MG Tennis to operate the facility. Over the years, it has grown into a major Central Florida tennis destination and tournament hub. What I appreciate most about Shadow Bay Park is that it preserves an important part of Florida's original landscape while the surrounding communities continued to grow. It is a rare ecological refuge hiding in plain sight. Come for the trails, birding, wildlife, recreation or just for a peaceful escape from the surrounding city. This is a park worth exploring.

I absolutely love this public park. It has an excellent layout, a fantastic location, and is one of…read morethe most complete parks in the area. The playground is fun and feels safe for kids. There's also a pier where you can watch turtles and fish, which my children absolutely love every time we visit. If you enjoy being active, there's a scenic trail that's great for walking, running, or biking. The park also features basketball and baseball courts, picnic shelters for BBQs and birthday parties, clean restrooms, and plenty of parking spread throughout the different areas, making it easy to access everything. The real highlight of the park, though, is its tennis complex. Even though I don't personally use it, it's clearly the centerpiece of the park, with more than 10 tennis courts, excellent facilities, kids taking lessons, and tournaments happening regularly. If you're a tennis fan or looking to get into the sport, this is one of the best public places in the area. Overall, it's a fantastic park for families, sports lovers, or anyone looking to spend a relaxing day outdoors.

My wife, Emily and I are local and wanted to try kayaking at our local park at Shingle Creek. Emily…read morehasn't ever kayaked on her own before in a single person kayak. Josh showed her how to do it, quickly and efficiently. Josh and Tia's knowledge of the creek, the wildlife, the vegetation, kayaking, etc. was truly awesome. They made our Labor Day special. We won't seen forget the experience and we'll certainly be back. Check out the Paddling Center at Shingle Creek!

We had a great time with the Paddling Center. Staff was helpful and courteous. We were especially…read morehappy with our tour guide who was very knowledgeable. He pointed out many items of interest. The experience could be done by beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

A hidden gem in Florida. Looking for a great affordable day out in the lake look no further then…read moreButlers boat rental. The owner received us with boat in the water, instructions, and briefly gave us layout of the lakes. After four hours of fun in the water we arrive back and there he was waiting with boat trailer in water. Highly recommend.

Great time and good boat. We went on the big pontoon boat for several hours. Very easy to schedule…read morewith Daryl. Super guy and right on time. Great fun instead of Chicago winter!!!

Newton Park is a beautiful park overlooking Lake Apopka. Shortly after we arrived we were informed…read morethat there was a 10 foot alligator nearby. We decided to stay clear of that area where the gator was spotted. Tanner Hall, located on the park grounds, is an event venue available for rent. As we walked by, we were greeted by members of a family who had arrived for a reunion party that was being held in the hall. There is also a smaller building, Little Hall, that is available for rent. While some came by cars and trucks, others came by golf carts. Some children played on the playground while one child fished. An ice cream truck drove by the park playing that familiar tune that calls and lures children and those wanting a treat. What a sweet way to enjoy an afternoon at the park.

Large park with multiple trails for bikes, walking and dog walking. There are dog bins for waste,…read morebathrooms and a boardwalk! Very cool place to check out!