Canvas
About
Canvas brings farm-to-table dining to Lake Nona with a genuinely welcoming vibe for families. This New American restaurant combines fresh, healthy ingredients with a dedicated kids' menu, making it easy to satisfy both adventurous young eaters and picky ones while parents enjoy craft cocktails and elevated comfort food.
Highlights
- βDedicated kids' menu with healthy options beyond the usual chicken fingers
- βFresh, seasonal ingredients that introduce kids to quality farm-to-table cuisine
- βWelcoming staff experienced with families and children
- βPleasant patio seating perfect for families who need extra space
- βLocated in a walkable village center with playground nearby for pre- or post-meal playtime
Pro Tips
- 1.Request a table on the patio during cooler months,it's spacious and gives kids a bit more room to wiggle without disturbing other diners
- 2.Visit during weekday lunch for a quieter experience and faster service when dining with younger children
- 3.The healthy menu options make it easy to get vegetables into kids,the seasonal sides are often kid-approved
- 4.Parking can fill up during peak dinner hours in Laureate Park Village Center, so arrive a few minutes early or explore the walkable village center while waiting for your table
- 5.Ask your server about half portions of adult entrees for bigger kids who've outgrown kids' menus but don't need full-size meals
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunches (11:30am-1pm) or early dinners (5-6pm) on weeknights offer the most relaxed family dining experience with shorter waits and a calmer atmosphere. Weekend brunch is popular but expect a livelier scene.
What to Know
Canvas is moderately priced ($$) and located in the pedestrian-friendly Laureate Park Village Center with ample parking. The restaurant can accommodate high chairs and is stroller-accessible, making it easy for families with little ones.
Seasonal Notes
The outdoor patio is most comfortable during fall through spring (October-April). Summer months in Florida can be hot, so opt for indoor seating during peak heat. No significant seasonal closures.
More Activities Near Lake Nona
Lake Nona Town Center
Lake Nona Town Center is a modern, pedestrian-friendly destination that offers families the perfect blend of outdoor play and convenience. With its interactive splash pad, spacious green lawns, and multiple play areas, kids can burn energy while parents enjoy the relaxed, walkable atmosphere with plenty of family-friendly dining options steps away.
Northlake Park at Lake Nona
Northlake Park at Lake Nona is a scenic lakefront destination that offers families the perfect combination of active play and peaceful nature time. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, a fishing pier extending over the water, and well-maintained walking paths with stunning lake views, this park provides hours of outdoor entertainment for the whole family.
Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce
Lake Nona's Olympic-quality cycling track offers families a unique opportunity to experience world-class cycling in a welcoming environment. With family bike events, youth programs, and the chance to watch competitive cyclists train and compete, it's an exciting way to introduce kids to the sport of cycling while enjoying an impressive facility that's unlike anything else in Central Florida.
Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden offers families a delightful blend of art appreciation and outdoor exploration without the constraints of a traditional museum. Kids can run, play, and discover impressive larger-than-life sculptures along accessible walking paths, making it an ideal outing for parents who want to introduce art to their children in an active, pressure-free environment. Best of all, it's completely free and provides countless photo opportunities with colorful, intriguing installations.