GOMOTT MEMBERS' FAVORITE ORLANDO PLAYGROUNDS
If you are looking for a playground recommendation, we have a great list for you! Our members have shared which parks are their favorites around the Orlando area.
Don't see your favorite park listed here? Email gomottinfo@gmail.com and let us know which one, and why you love it!
SEMINOLE COUNTY
Big Tree Park in Longwood. The playground is completely fenced, with two pieces of climbing equipment (one with a slide), four swings (two are baby swings), a play tree stump, and rubber surface on the ground. There is a picnic pavilion right outside the fence. The park also has restrooms, a trail path, a 2,000 year old tree "Lady Liberty," and what remains of the now burned down 3,500 year old tree "The Senator." GOMOTT member tip: "The floor of the taller structure has an opening in the center with a circular ladder leading up to it, which may be hazardous for
toddlers."
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/parksrec/PassiveParksandBoatRamps/BigTreePark.aspx
761 General Hutchinson Parkway, Longwood, FL 32750
Friendship Park in Oviedo. The playground area is completely fenced, with a tall 3-story climbing piece with multiple slides, an adjacent small toddler playground, and four swings (including two baby swings), with AstroTurf surface. There are water fountains, bathrooms, and picnic tables. Right next to Lawton Elementary School. http://www.cityofoviedo.net/node/1412
200 W. Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL 32765
Greenwood Lakes Park in Lake Mary. Covered with lots of of shady trees, though not fenced in. Two large pieces of climbing equipment with slides, one intended for children over age 5 and one for under 5, and two sets of swings (a set of 2 regular, and a set of 2 baby swings), with rubber surfaces under the play equipment and grass surrounding the area. The park is 14 acres, and also includes a pavilion with tables, tennis courts and a roller skating rink.
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/parksrec/PassiveParksandBoatRamps/greenwood.aspx
660 Green Way Boulevard, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Kewannee Park in Casselberry. Fenced toddler and regular playgrounds, showing its age but still clean. Playgrounds are separated by covered picnic tables. Toddler playground has small climber with slide, car, two rocking/bouncing animals, and two baby swings. Regular playground has a few pieces of climbing equipment (one has slides), and swings. The fence goes around behind the tables, creating an open pathway between the playgrounds in the back, and there is a single opening in the fence at each playground as well (no gate). Also a walking trail, lake pier, basketball court, and restrooms. http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/.../Pas.../KewanneePark.aspx
Trotwood Park in Winter Springs. Mostly fenced in area for toddlers with multiple baby swings, and a large, unfenced play area for bigger kids. There is a splash pad that is open from April-October, free for Winter Springs residents (with proof of residency), $3/person non-resident. Multiple picnic shelters available for reservations. Small lake pier. Park also includes other recreation such as basketball and tennis courts, and more. Most of the park is covered with trees and shady. Plenty of parking.
Winter Spring Park List: http://www.winterspringsfl.org/EN/web/dept/pr/cityparks.htm
Splash Pad information: http://www.winterspringsfl.org/EN/web/dept/pr/splashplaygroundinformation.htm
701 Northern Way, Winter Springs, FL 32708
ORANGE COUNTY
Barber Park in Orlando (Conway area). Two playground areas, one for younger and one for older, both shaded, set of regular swings and also 4 baby swings. Park area also has a dog park, roller hockey rink, soccer fields, and more.
http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=2#.VNFBaWw5CUk
3701 Gatlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32812
Blue jacket Park in Orlando (near Baldwin Park). A small playground with slide, climbing structure, two sets of swings (regular and baby swings), mulch ground surface. Very nice large park area, pavilions with tables, open fields, baseball fields, large fountain, and more.
http://www.cityoforlando.net/parks/blue-jacket-park
2501 General Rees Avenue, Orlando, FL 32814
Capehart Park in Orlando. Nice little park with shade and an area just for toddlers. There's also a small fenced free splash pad, open daily 9am - 6pm. GOMOTT member tip: "I always brought a bucket or bath toy or small ball with our name on it."
Community Playground/"Castle Park" in Winter Park. Off of Denning, between Fairbanks and Morse. Official name is Community Playground but often known as Castle park. It is a large wooden play structure with swings and a slide. Not fully gated, has openings to parking lot. Park also has pavilion. GOMOTT member tip: "That structure kind of freaked me out because you can't see through the slats... and can't always keep an eye on the kids when they run in different directions. Once they got older I enjoyed it."
Delaney Park in Orlando. This park is a favorite. Fully enclosed. Play structures are mostly for younger children. Only drawback is most of the seating is outside. There are picnic areas, tennis courts, and ball fields as well. No parking lot. http://www.cityoforlando.net/parks/delaney-park/
1055 Delaney Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
Goldenrod Park in Winter Park. Part of the Orlando Magic Recreation Center, the playground is completely fenced and shaded, has a large play structure with several slides, some climbing sections may be hazardous for very young children. There is a set of swings on each side, 4 regular and 4 baby swings. The ground has a rubber surface. Also has small pavilions outside the fence with picnic tables, and the recreation center right beside it.
http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=54#.VNFEwWw5CUk
4863 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, FL 32792
Howell Branch Preserve in Winter Park. Between Lake Howell and Temple. It is fenced in the front and there is a large field with a sidewalk all around it. The play area has tall structures and AstroTurf. Two picnic pavilions. No swings. GOMOTT member tip: "We like to bring our bikes/scooters to ride around the loop." https://cityofwinterpark.org/departments/parks-recreation/parks/howell-branch-preserve/
Minnehaha Park in Maitland. Two separate fenced in play areas. One for toddlers and one for preschoolers with swings etc. No slides. Both have AstroTurf. Park also has tennis courts, a boardwalk, and pavilions.
https://www.itsmymaitland.com/pr_facility_services.aspx
1011 East Horatio Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
South Econ Community Park in Orlando. Not fenced, but has nice covered playgrounds with soft ground surface. Two areas for younger and older children. Park also has covered tables and a lake with a path around it. Ample parking. GOMOTT member tip: "[The lake] is far enough away from play areas that I always feel safe going there."
http://www.ocfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=103#.VTSWtGxFCUk
3850 S Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829