If you are ready for a day with nature, read on! We’ve gathered up a bunch of our favorite kid-friendly hiking trails near Orlando that are perfect for that day in the great outdoors. There are shady spots for hot days and plenty of opportunities to view the local flora and fauna. Get ready for your next outdoor adventure!
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Pine Island East Loop Trail
Located within urban Orlando, this 3.4-mile loop trail provides a good look at the initial headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem. It's a great place to bike, hike, fish, kayak, canoe and see wildlife.
Learn more: alltrails.com
Little Econ Greenway
This 7.2-mile paved trail is great for hikers and bikers as well. On-leash dogs are welcome. Parking can be found at the corner of East Colonial Drive and Goldenrod Road. The path is only partially shaded so be sure to wear sunscreen.
Learn more: alltrails.com
Bill Frederick Park
Inside the city of Orlando, the urban Bill Frederick Park has a wild side, too, with more than two miles of trails to meander through scrub forest and along Turkey Lake. Follow the paved bicycle path around the park or the gravel trail on the western edge. Be sure to make time to stop by and visit the barn animals.
Learn more: floridahikes.com
Palmetto Passage Park Loop
This 2.2-mile loop trail is located in Orlando's Tibet-Butler Preserve. Wear appropriate footwear as many of the paths cross water. Tibet-Butler Preserve offers a spot of wilderness in the dense urban mass to the west of Orlando.The trail system loops through many of the major habitats found in this region, including longleaf pine forest and scrub, bayhead swamp and cypress-lined lakeshore
Learn more: alltrails.com
Lake Lotus Park
Lake Lotus Park is the City of Altamonte Springs’ 150-acre nature preserve. There's one mile of raised boardwalk that's perfect for kids and strollers and offers lots of wildlife viewing. There are ranger-led programs throughout the year. Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Learn more: altamonte.org
Mead Botanical Garden
Mead Botanical Garden is a 47.6-acre park that offers a variety of facilities including an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk and a bike trail. An easy loop will take you on a mile walk through some of the most beautiful parts of the park.
Learn more: meadgarden.org
—Kate Loweth
Featured photo: iStock
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