winter park sunrail station
About
The Winter Park SunRail Station transforms everyday transportation into an exciting family adventure! Kids love the thrill of riding the real commuter train through Central Florida, watching scenery whiz by from large windows. Located in charming downtown Winter Park, it's the perfect jumping-off point for exploring local attractions like Park Avenue's shops and nearby parks, making it both transportation and entertainment rolled into one.
Highlights
- ✓Riding on a real commuter train with large viewing windows
- ✓Watching trains pull in and out of the historic downtown station
- ✓Exploring different Central Florida neighborhoods and attractions via train
- ✓The charming Winter Park Station platform with its scenic surroundings
- ✓Making it a transportation adventure to visit downtown Orlando, Lake Mary, or other SunRail destinations
Pro Tips
- 1.Download the SunRail app ahead of time to check schedules and plan your route,trains run limited hours and not on weekends
- 2.Arrive 10-15 minutes early to let kids watch trains arrive and depart from the platform, which is half the fun
- 3.Bring snacks and drinks since there's no food service on board, but eating is allowed on the train
- 4.Park in the free station lot or use nearby street parking on Morse Boulevard for easy access
- 5.Turn it into a learning experience by having kids count stops or identify landmarks along the route
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11am) after rush hour are ideal when trains are less crowded and kids can get window seats. The station serves weekdays only, so plan accordingly. Mild weather months (October-April) make the walk around downtown Winter Park most pleasant.
What to Know
SunRail offers very affordable fares (kids 6 and under ride free, youth tickets just $1.75) and the station has accessible platforms. The station itself has no indoor waiting area, so dress for the weather. Strollers are welcome on trains.
Seasonal Notes
SunRail operates weekdays only (no weekend service). Service is limited on major holidays. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for the walk to and from the station. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can make outdoor waiting less pleasant.
Nearby Eats
Walk to Briarpatch Restaurant (252 Park Ave N) for kid-friendly breakfast and lunch in a casual atmosphere, or try Jeremiah's Italian Ice (just blocks away) for a sweet post-train treat that kids love.
More Activities Near Winter Garden
Plant St. Market
Plant St. Market is a vibrant historic marketplace in charming downtown Winter Garden that's become a family favorite destination. Kids love exploring the variety of food vendors serving everything from gourmet grilled cheese to fresh sushi, followed by treats from the ice cream shop, all in a lively, walkable atmosphere where parents can relax while children enjoy the community vibe.
Lake Apopka Loop Trail
The Lake Apopka Loop Trail offers families an authentic Florida nature adventure just minutes from Orlando. This scenic paved trail is perfect for family bike rides and wildlife spotting, where kids can see alligators from a safe distance, watch wading birds fish in the shallows, and experience Central Florida's natural wetlands ecosystem without the crowds of theme parks.
West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail offers 22 miles of smooth, paved pathways ideal for family bike rides, leisurely strolls, and rollerblading adventures through charming Winter Garden and beautiful Central Florida landscapes. Kids will love the freedom of pedaling through tree-canopied sections, spotting wildlife, and stopping at playgrounds and rest areas along the way, while parents appreciate the safe, car-free environment and scenic surroundings.
Kelly Park - Rock Springs
Kelly Park's Rock Springs is a natural paradise where families can splash in refreshingly clear 68-degree spring water year-round. The highlight is the lazy river tubing experience where kids and parents float together down a scenic natural spring run, plus there's a large swimming area, shaded picnic spots, and easy nature trails perfect for little explorers.