Photo: Edwin Suarez
Lake Nona Town Center
$Activity
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the splash pad and open green spaces for running, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the play structures and community events. The relaxed setting works well for families with multiple age groups.
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive splash pad perfect for cooling off on hot Florida days
- ✓Large open green spaces ideal for picnics, games, and letting kids run freely
- ✓Multiple play structures and outdoor activity areas
- ✓Regular community events including outdoor movies, festivals, and seasonal celebrations
- ✓Family-friendly restaurants with outdoor patio seating
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes for the splash pad - kids always end up wetter than expected
- 2.Visit in the morning or early evening to avoid peak Florida heat, especially during summer months
- 3.Park in the central parking areas for easiest access to both the play areas and restaurants
- 4.Pack sunscreen and snacks, though you'll find plenty of family dining options when hunger strikes
- 5.Check the Town Center's event calendar before visiting - they host regular family-friendly festivals, outdoor movies, and seasonal celebrations
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) or evenings after 5 PM offer the best experience with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. Weekends feature more community events and activities, but expect more families. Fall through spring provides the most comfortable weather for extended outdoor play.
What to Know
The Town Center is free to visit with ample free parking available throughout the development. The splash pad operates seasonally (typically closed during winter months), and numerous restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and outdoor seating options.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad typically operates from spring through fall (March-October) and closes during cooler winter months. Holiday season brings special festive events and decorations. Summer can be very hot, so plan water play activities and seek shade during midday hours.
Nearby Eats
The Town Center features numerous on-site family-friendly restaurants including Canvas Restaurant & Market (with a dedicated kids' menu), Boxi Park food trucks, and several casual dining options all within easy walking distance of the play areas.
More Activities Near Lake Nona
Park
Northlake Park at Lake Nona
Free
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.
Sports
Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce
★5.0$❤️18
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.
Playground
Lake Nona Wave Hotel
★4.7$$$❤️68
The Lake Nona Wave Hotel offers families more than just a place to stay,it's a destination featuring resort-style amenities perfect for a family getaway. Located in Orlando's innovative Lake Nona community, this modern hotel provides a sophisticated yet family-friendly atmosphere with dining options, event spaces, and easy access to nearby parks and attractions in the area.
Entertainment
Boxi Park
★4.6$$❤️35
Boxi Park is a vibrant outdoor dining and entertainment destination made entirely from repurposed shipping containers, creating a unique backdrop for family fun. Kids can enjoy lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga between bites, while parents explore diverse food vendors ranging from tacos to BBQ to ice cream. The open-air layout and live music create a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere that's perfect for families who want casual dining with built-in entertainment.