Take a picnic basket to a local park, botanical garden or zoo where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch outdoors. The Orlando area is filled with parks and recreational areas that are perfect for sharing a picnic with the family or with someone special. When packing a picnic do not forget to bring plenty of water to keep hydrated when out in the hot Florida sun.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Take the picnic basket with you the next time you visit the Happy P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. This botanical garden offers acres of landscaping featuring native plants of Florida, a two acre tropical stream garden, a butterfly garden and so much more. The landscaping and tropical design makes for a wonderful picnic location. You can bring your packed picnic lunch with you or stop by the café and grab a to-go order. The gardens host a variety of events, such as outdoor music concerts and date night movies, where you can bring a picnic with.
The gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (excluding Christmas Day). Cost of admission is $7 for adults and $2 for K-12 students. Happy P. Leu Gardens is located at 1920 North Forest Ave. in Orlando. For more information call 407.246.2620.
In the heart of Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers plenty of places to enjoy a picnic. There are tables and playgrounds located throughout the park around the lake. After your picnic head on down to the lake where you can enjoy a ride in a swan paddle boat or in an electric gondola. Lake Eloa Park is home to many different events, such as the 4th of July celebration, the Sunday farmer’s market and concerts at the Walt Disney Amphitheater.
Lake Eola Park is open daily from 6 a.m. until midnight. The park is located at 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando. For more information cal 407.246.4485.
Dr. Phillip’s Park
Dr. Phillip’s Park offers everything needed for enjoying a day out in the sun. The park has plenty of picnic facilities, including grills and there are plenty of things for the entire family to do. While putting lunch together kids can enjoy time on the playground or at the splash pad.
Dr. Phillip’s Park is open daily in the summer months from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and during the winter months from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Cost of admission is free, except there is a $1 admission fee for the Splash Pad (excluding January, February, November and December). Dr. Philip’s Park is located at 8249 Buena Vista Woods Blvd. in Orlando. For more information call 407.54.9045.
Head on out to Wekiwa Springs State Park for a day of hiking, strolling and picnicking fun. The park has picnic tables scattered throughout the Sand Lake area, including a playground and volleyball court. Picnic pavilions are also available for larger parties (fees may apply). The park is located
Wikiwa Springs State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown with the Nature Center open on the weekends from noon until 3 p.m. Cost of admission to the park is $5 per vehicle (with two to eight people), $3 single occupant vehicle and pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers $1 each. Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at 1800 Wekiwa Circle I Apopka. For more information call 407.884.2008.
Take the kids to the zoo or go exploring the gardens at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford. The zoo is located just outside of Orlando and offers animals, tropical plants and a day filled with adventure. Picnic tables are located just outside the entrance and are available to all guests. After lunch check out the different animal encounters and the splash around at Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Cost of admission is $11.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors and $7.95 for kids ages 3 to 12. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located at 3755 N.W. Highway 17-92 in Sanford. For more information call 407.323.4450.
