Photo: Jason Byrne
Photo: Denise Rodriguez
Photo: Connie
Reiter Park
★4.7(1,249 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the playground equipment and feeding ducks by the lake, while elementary-aged kids enjoy fishing from the pier, exploring the walking trails, and playing on the open lawn areas. The boat launch also makes it ideal for families with teens interested in kayaking or canoeing.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Reiter Park is a picturesque lakefront gem on Lake Fairy that offers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With a well-maintained playground, shaded picnic pavilions, scenic walking trails, and a fishing pier where kids can try their luck at catching bass and bluegill, this park combines natural beauty with family-friendly amenities that keep children entertained for hours.
Highlights
- ✓Fishing pier extending over Lake Fairy with calm waters perfect for young anglers
- ✓Modern playground with equipment suitable for various age groups
- ✓Scenic walking trails with lake views and wildlife spotting opportunities
- ✓Boat launch for families who want to kayak or canoe on the lake
- ✓Covered picnic pavilions ideal for birthday parties and family gatherings
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (around 9 AM) to snag one of the covered pavilions with the best lake views,they fill up quickly for birthday parties and family gatherings
- 2.Bring fishing poles and bait,the fishing pier is stocked and perfect for beginners, with plenty of bluegill that are easy for kids to catch
- 3.Pack bug spray, especially during summer months near the lake, and bring a change of clothes since kids inevitably get wet near the water's edge
- 4.The walking trail offers beautiful shade and connects to several spots along the lake,perfect for a nature scavenger hunt with younger kids
- 5.Check the parking lot near the playground first; it's closest to the restrooms and main play area
Best Time to Visit
Visit weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for the quietest experience, or late afternoon (5-7 PM) for gorgeous sunset views over Lake Fairy. Fall through spring offers the most comfortable weather in Florida, with cooler temperatures and fewer bugs than the humid summer months.
What to Know
The park is free to enter with ample parking available. Restrooms are on-site, but there are no food concessions, so pack snacks and plenty of water. The paved trails are stroller-friendly, and the playground area has both sun and shaded sections.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited October through April when Florida weather is mild and pleasant. Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. The park stays open year-round with consistent hours, making it a reliable destination any day of the week.
Nearby Eats
Head to Rocking Rabbit Brewing (family-friendly brewery with kids' menu and outdoor games) just 5 minutes away, or try Moe's Southwest Grill on SR 434 for quick, customizable meals kids love.
More Activities Near Longwood
Park
Big Tree Park - Cross Seminole Trailhead
★4.6Free❤️73
Big Tree Park offers families a unique opportunity to witness ancient natural history up close with Lady Liberty, a majestic 2,000-year-old cypress tree, accessible via an easy boardwalk trail through beautiful wetlands. Kids can burn off energy at the playground after exploring nature, making it a perfect blend of education and outdoor fun that even younger children can enjoy.
Park
Lake Brantley
★4.1Free❤️14
Lake Brantley is a versatile neighborhood park in Longwood that offers something for every family member. With multiple sports courts, baseball fields, playground equipment, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for active families who want to enjoy outdoor recreation without the crowds of larger parks.
Ice Cream
Candyland Cottage
$❤️14
Candyland Cottage is a picture-perfect destination that combines two of kids' favorite things: ice cream and candy! This charming, whimsically-decorated parlor in Longwood offers hand-dipped ice cream, towering sundaes, and shelves stocked with nostalgic sweets that will delight children and spark happy memories for parents. The cottage atmosphere makes every visit feel like stepping into a storybook.
Adventure
Wekiva Island
★4.6$❤️53
Wekiva Island is a stunning natural spring oasis where families can splash in crystal-clear waters, paddle along scenic waterways, and swing from rope swings into the refreshing springs. This unique outdoor destination combines water adventures with relaxed riverside dining, making it perfect for families seeking a full day of Florida nature without driving to the coast.