gilber20

My wife, 22 month old son, and I are looking for a natural park away from WDW for a low-key picnic, perhaps near a lake. Would anyone recommend the following locations? A toddler-friendly playground or water-related activities would be a big plus.

1. Lake Eola (downtown Orlando)
2. Turkey Lake Park (north of Universal)
3. Winter Park

kswl

I hope someone familiar with parks in those areas will respond, gilber. I just wanted to make sure you know how hot it will be if your vacation will occur anytime from now through Sept. or Oct. It's pretty hot for a picnic unless it is breakfast or dinner after the sun begins to go down.

RedRock

One suggestion. Go east on US-192 until you get to the little town of Saint Cloud. There is a newly built marina, with a Crabby Bills© restaurant and an improved beach area on East Lake Tohopekalga. If you would like to just take a walk, picnic or have lunch at the restaurant its all available. It will be hot and humid that time of year.

http://www.crabbybills.com/Locations.htm

thurstonbb

Winter Park is much more adult themed. I live in Maitland and there is beautiful Lake Lily Park...a small lake, lots of ducks and turtles, a kids playground, restrooms, bordwalk over the lake, gazebo and trees! There is even a historic house museum and carpentry shop...toddler may find that shop interesting. The guy that does the tours is great with kids! We are only 5 miles from downtown Orlando but a great oasis. You could even get picnic food from Antonio's (across the street) or Aethna (one block up) roasted chicken. Thee are also the usual sandwich shops within a couple blocks. FYI - We also have a Birds Of Prey Center in town...fastinating to a toddler to see these owls, hawks, osprey, eagles etc. It is a wonderful place and a nic shady complex on another lake, just minutes from Lake Lily Park..

321go

http://www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/net....aspx?Park=336

This sounds like what you're looking for. I love Winter Park, and though I often see toddlers in the park there, it's not really set up for kids (plus you really have to keep an eye on them since trains go right by the west side of the park). Lake Eola is very pretty and you can do the swan paddleboat rides, but it's a very urban park - doesn't sound like what you're looking for.

j_999_9

I'd recommend Lake Eola, especially since it's in the older, more interesting part of Orlando.

alliegator

I would vote against downtown Orlando. Many homeless in that park..has become an issue. If you leave the Disney area, you are looking at a 35min drive (in good traffic) to get to downtown.

Wednesday

I have been to Eola and Winter Park and both are surrounded by traffic, parking issues, although both pretty. If you are looking for a more "wilderness" or quiet place with more green area, I would not recommend these places.

gmoney

gilber, Turkey Lake park would fit the bill of what you are looking for. It is on a lake with fishing with a nice dock. There are several playgrounds and really nice picnic areas. It is very reachable from the tourist areas Disney, I-drive. There is a public pool there but with limited capacity. Another alternative would be the spring parks Rock springs, Wekiva springs but they can be a bit of a drive from tourist area.

gilber20

Thanks, everyone for your opinions. We might stop for a brief visit instead of a picnic. I didn't realize how hot and humid it will be in early June. Sounds like Turkey Lake Park may be a good choice since it's close to the hotel, or Lake Eola if we're already downtown for a lunch stop.