Top 10 Local Parks in Winter Garden and Windermere
Whether you are a newbie or life long resident of the area, you need to be in the know of what are the best playgrounds in the area. No worries, consider me your local go-to gal. I’ve taken many polls and years of actual research to test these places out for you. DRUMROLL… I will now present you with the TOP 10 Best Playgrounds.
Special THANK YOU to all in my Mom Tribe for sharing and allowing me to post pictures of your littles!
10. George Bailey
Located at 11974 Roberson Rd, Winter Garden, this is a sweet little park best for toddler aged children. A huge bonus is that it is gated AND has a sun cover. Lock up the littles in their safe haven as you chat with local parents.
PRO TIP– Please check out their website to make sure there are no major events the date you have planned going. It has baseball fields (where games are played) and parking lot has been used in the past for Covid testing sites. (Trying to avoid major traffic for you.)
9. Newton Park
Hidden right off busy Downtown Winter Garden, is this serene view of Lake Apopka. Located at 31 W Garden Ave. Winter Garden, it has a large NEW play structure! (October 2020.) It is surround by old trees that provide great shade. They have stand alone swings for those that just love to fly high (like my little guy.)
PRO TIP– Come at sunset with a camera to capture the MOST BEAUTIFUL sunsets on the gorgeous dock! Say hi to the local gators that live in the lake, bring binoculars to check out all the wildlife.
8. Central Park
Located in Downtown Windermere walk to this hidden treasure between 4th and 5th Avenue Windermere. Beautiful large trees embrace the park and no child can resist CLIMBING these sprawling trees ( Am I right or what?! ) they have several playgrounds to choose from.
PRO TIP– First check out the local library, they have great toddler time events as well as events for older children. Once you are doing with your library time, head over for playtime and picnic at Newton Park. Bonus Tip- Fridays is the local market- go there and then park!
7. R.D. Keene Park
Pristine Windermere park that boasts one of the largest sun sails you will ever see at a park! This park has a toddler section as well as a “big kid” section. Address: 10900 Chase Road Windermere.
PRO TIP– Bring your boat and cruise on the lake they have parking for up to 49 vehicles and trailers. Want to play soccer? Reserve one of their soccer fields for only $15 an hour.
6. Winter Garden Station
Walking distance from the Winter Garden library, this shaded park is located off the West Orange Trail at 455 E Plant Street Winter Garden. It is minutes away from the bustling quaint downtown. This little park is a crowd pleaser for local residents and has a charm about it that reflects its charming downtown. It has one of the steepest slides I have yet to see at a kiddie park along with a rock climbing structure. This bright purple and blue play area will have your children happy for hours. Puppet show anyone? Bring your puppets as they provide the stage!
PRO TIP– Support local, check out the many local restaurants off Plant street and then head over to burn off the lunch at the park!
5. Speer Park (Oakland)
So my number 5 on my list is not in Winter Garden or Windermere it is in Oakland but, it is SO close by and SO special that I had to add to the list. Y’all this is a hidden treasure. I have NEVER been there and it was crowded- so are you living under a rock?! This park is AMAZING. So shaded by the majestic trees. Huge playgrounds and oh so quiet! Well, it is quiet until I take my boys and they scream and run around but minus that- it is so calm and peaceful. Drive around and check out the lake and beautiful homes. I predict that this little area is the next “Best place to live” so call me if you want to look at homes in the area. Address: 331 N Tubb St. Oakland
PRO TIP– Before taking the kiddos to this park, support local and take them to DG Doughnuts at 16131 W Colonial and treat them to donuts at the park!
4. Independence Community Park
This is the heart of perfect suburbs. Located directly next to Independence Elementary located at 5849 New Independence Pkwy Winter Garden. You will find bright green playgrounds that the kids can climb, slide and scale. Great area to meet local friends and have a picnic under the pavilion. Want some exercise? They have have exercise equipment for the grown ups. This one is definitely a local favorite surrounded by many desirable neighborhoods. Us, “locals” enjoy riding our bikes there.
PRO TIP– Family fun for everyone- that even means Buster. There is a dog park directly behind the park for your four legged family members. To avoid “busy times” avoid after school hours as it is directly behind the school.
3. Chapin Station Park
Part of the West Orange Trail located at 501 Crown Point Cross Rd Winter Garden has made it to our TOP THREE SPOT! This park has so much more to offer than just its oversized playground. If swings, a sand pit and bike trails are not enough check out my favorite part their little garden. It is so totally out of “The Secret Garden” and just as whimsical. You will see dedicated stones around the pathway. Hop on the West Orange Trail and explore all the other parks along the way!
PRO TIP– Bring sunblock as not all of the park is shaded. Bring a camera and walking shoes. SO much to see and so many perfect picture moments.
2. Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex
Well this is definitely a tie with first place. I think that it came in second only because it is not as established as number one but, this place is a MUST if you have never been. Kayaking, nature trails and the most beautiful oak trees you can see, all in one place. Tucker Ranch located at 100 Avalon Road Winter Garden is one of the most popular parks in Winter Garden. The wood playground will be well loved by your littles and you sit and relax under the barn Pavillon or sit on one of the parks Adirondack chairs. Walk through the nature trail it can take a while to get through it all but there is also a lovely lake for gator sightings!
PRO TIP– Bring a picnic basket, a blanket and make it a day event. While the playground is heavily shaded the trails are not- do not forget the sunblock.
1.West Beach Park
Well you made it to number 1! Located in the beautiful Windermere area this park is a long time favorite for many. There are TWO big shaded playgrounds. Enjoy a picnic and with a lovely lake view or bring a beach ball and play some beach volleyball.
PRO TIP– Contact Orange County parks at 407-254-1940 for rental of pavilion and also rent a bounce house(from outside vendor) for an easy and inexpensive memorable birthday party!
- Blog courtesy of Gretchen Abi Daher.