The Best State Parks Near Orlando
Do you love exploring state parks? If you do, you’ll definitely want to learn about the best state parks near Orlando!
Here at Florida Travel with Kids, we love State Parks and we love Orlando, so here are the best state parks near Orlando.
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Best State Parks Near Orlando
Here are the best state parks near Orlando, in no particular order! If you like this post, you may also enjoy The Ultimate List of Florida Lighthouses.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of the best state parks near Orlando for kids. This park is approximately 20 minutes to the north of Orlando.
The Timucuan Indians used to fish in the Wekiva River. Now, you can rent a kayak or canoe and head out on the river. A stand-up paddleboard tour is another fun option. You can also walk along the boardwalk.
Photo is property of Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park is a little further from Orlando. The car ride will take you approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, this gorgeous park makes the drive worth it.
There is so much to do at this state park. Your family can ride in a tube down the river, rent glass-bottom kayaks, or hike and checkout the wildlife.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park is another of the best state parks near Orlando. This state park is about an hour and a half southwest of the city and it’s on the beach!
You can swim or hang out on the shoreline and fishing is a very popular activity here.
History lovers will want to check out the McLarty Treasure Museum or the Sebastian Fishing Museum. Sebastian Inlet State Park is also one of the best places to see sea turtles in Florida.
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Rock Springs Run State Reserve is about a 40-minute drive north of Orlando. This is a wonderful park to visit if you want to see Florida’s wildlife. Cranes and scrub jays are everywhere and you might even spot black bears and gopher tortoises. Make sure you keep your distance and give these wild animals their space.
Geocaching, hiking, and horseback riding are popular here.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park is about 1 hour and 30 minutes to the south of Orlando. There is an infamous oak tree within this park. The 13 miles of trails are perfect for hiking and checking out the native wildlife.
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area
The Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area is approximately 30 minutes east of Orlando. You will discover during your drive that this area is near Christmas, Florida. You can easily check two destinations off your list in a single day!
There are 60 miles of trails here. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can use the trails.
Lake Louisa State Park
A quick 30-minute drive to the west of Orlando will allow your family to enjoy time at Lake Louisa State Park. There are three lakes within this park. They are Lakes Dixie, Hammond, and Louisa.
Your family will love paddleboarding, canoeing, or kayaking on any of these lakes.
Photo is property of Lake Louisa State Park.
There are also 20 miles of unpaved roads and 7 miles of paved roadways, so you’ll have a few hiking and biking options during your visit.
This is easily one of the best state parks near Orlando, and you will be thrilled with the chance to see the wildlife.
Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park is the best state park near Orlando for hiking trails. Just keep in mind it’s about an hour and a half from Orlando.
Silver Springs State Park
You will find Silver Springs State Park an hour and a half northwest of Orlando.. One of the favorite things to do at this state park is rent glass-bottom canoes. Your family can wander around the historical sites. This area used to be a steamship port, and you can learn all about that during your visit.
Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek State Park is about 1 hour and 10 minutes southwest of Orlando. The 5,000 acres contain 15 miles of hiking trails.
You may spot American alligators, otters, and deer as you hike those trails. Birds and butterflies can also be seen flying around.
Little Big Econ State Forest
A short 30-minute drive to the east of Orlando will have your family at Little Big Econ State Forest. This state park near Orlando used to be an indigenous area. It is now full of historical and archaeological sites.
You will go through lush forests and soggy marshes as you hike the preserved trails. I recommend hiking along the Econlockhatchee River to check out the different ecosystems. Besides the ecosystems, you may spot bald eagles, alligators, foxes, and wood storks.
Hunting is allowed at this state park near Orlando. When visiting during hunting season, it is best to wear bright orange.
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is approximately a 45-minute drive north of Orlando. An annual manatee festival occurs here every January.
Due to many manatees in the water from November through March, no one else is allowed in the water during those times. However, your family can canoe or kayak at any other time of the year. Along with Homosassa Springs State Park (mentioned below), this one is one of the 12 best places to see manatees in Florida.
Lake Griffin State Park
Lake Griffin State Park is located approximately 1 hour northwest of Orlando. This state park near Orlando is known for its scenery and massive oak trees. The trees near the entrance have been there for almost 400 years.
Paddling along the Dead River until it turns into Lake Griffin is one of the most popular activities and guided pontoon boat tours are also available if you don’t want to navigate the river alone.
De Leon Springs State Park
De Leon Springs State Park is about 1 hour north of Orlando. The Timucuan Indians called this park Acuera or Healing Waters.
North Peninsula State Park
North Peninsula State Park is another park about 1 hour away from Orlando. This is the best state park near Orlando to visit if you want to swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Keep an eye out for turtles and all the birds of Florida.
Hontoon Island State Park
A quick 50-minute drive will get you closer to Hontoon Island from Orlando. However, you must take a ferry or private boat to this state park.
Photo is property of Hontoon Island State Park/Florida State Parks.
This state park near Orlando is the perfect place to escape it all and the island is rustic and full of history.
Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
A quick 1-hour drive to the east from Orlando will have you at Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park in no time. This state park near Orlando is near Cocoa Beach. It is another excellent option if you want to check multiple destinations off your list in one day.
This park has beaches, playgrounds, kayaking tours, and walking tours. In addition, this is another state park that will allow you to swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Dade Battlefield State Park
Dade Battlefield State Park is about a 1-hour drive from Orlando. The history of the Second Seminole War can be learned while exploring this state park.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
This state park near Orlando is about an hour and forty-five minutes away from the city. This state park is a sanctuary for wildlife that can’t survive out in the wild.
Your family can learn more about the wildlife in this park during park tours and educational programs. I also recommend hiking at least one of the trails during your visit.
Tomoka State Park
Tomoka State Park is about 1 hour and 20 minutes northeast of Orlando. This state park used to be a plantation and the Timucuan Indians also lived there.
The best state parks near Orlando
These are the best state parks near Orlando. Which state park near Orlando is your favorite? Make sure to let me know in the comments!
For more things to do in Orlando, check out some of our best Orlando blog posts:
- Things to do in Orlando for Christmas
- The Best Instagram Spots at Universal Orlando
- 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- The best strawberry farms in Florida
- The best food at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- 50 Things to do at Hollywood Studios
- 25 Free Things at Disney World
- Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World
- The 20 Best Beaches near Orlando for Families
- 33 fantastic things to do in Cape Canaveral Florida
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here. If you want even more tips, make sure to join our mailing list. We’ll share any new tips and tricks we learn, along with Florida news and recent blog posts of our adventures.
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