Want to cool off but water sports near Orlando seem too extreme? Enjoy 20 Great Spraygrounds and Splash Pads in Orlando, hang out at the Best Orlando Hotel Water Parks, and Dive Into the Best Inflatable Water Parks in the area.

Lakes for Awesome Water Activities Near Orlando

Lake Jessamine - Edgewood

This public lake stretches almost 300 acres, with prime waters for fishing and boating. When it comes to fishing, the most popular species caught at Jessamine are largemouth bass, bluegill, and chain pickerel (always check local regulations before heading out). Because of all the accessible boat ramps, docks, and overall size, Lake Jessamine is a welcome spot for wakeboarding and water skiing. 

Make sure water sports enthusiasts know the importance of safety before heading out on the water.

Lake Virginia - Winter Park

Lake Virginia offers a lot of great water activities near Orlando, and is part of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. This chain of narrow, deep, interconnected lakes also include Mizell, Osceola, Maitland, Nina, and Minnehaha. Virginia is a popular lake for fishing, spanning about 225 acres, as well as paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing, and boating.

Go bass fishing on Lake Tohopekaliga. Photo courtesy of BookaFly

Lake Tohopekaliga - Kissimmee

Also known as Lake Toho, this massive lake is a huge draw for fishermen from all over the country. Lake Toho is teeming with bass; in fact, it's a popular spot for hosting professional bass fishing competitions. Besides fishing, Lake Toho visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, air boats, and much more. 

Lake Kissimmee - Kissimmee

One of the largest lakes in Central Florida, Lake Kissimmee and its connected waterways, creeks, and chain of lakes is a popular spot for water enthusiasts. There's no shortage of fishing and wildlife in the water and along the shore. Paddling, either by kayak or canoe, is a popular water activity to enjoy the local wildlife. Lake Kissimmee State Park also features amazing camping options, horseback riding, geo-caching, and hiking trails.

RELATED: The Best Places to See Manatees Near Orlando

Lake Conway - Belle Isle

Lake Conway and its chain of lakes is a major hot spot for tourists and residents alike. Jet skiing and wakeboarding are extremely popular water sports at the Lake Conway Chain of Lakes, as well as boating and fishing. Just a tip to families in the summer months—Lake Conway's water traffic can be fast and furious so make sure to keep an eye out, especially for little ones.

Waterskiing is a popular sport for people of all ages. Photo by Ron Lach via Pexels

Harris Chain of Lakes - Apopka

Hit up the Harris Chain of Lakes for major fun on the Central Florida waters. Consisting of eight lakes --Apopka, Harris, Griffin, Eustis, Dora, Beauclair, Carlton, and Yale -- this chain is an excellent spot for fishing, specifically bass. Water skiiers, boaters, and sailors also love taking on the currents of this waterway. 

Butler Chain of Lakes - Windermere

Comprised of 11 lakes, this chain has earned major poularity for its good water quality and fishing. The Butler Chain of Lakes spans 5,000 acres of surface water, with about 30 navigable canals. The site is great for water activities near Orlando, consisting of freshwater fishing, pontoon boats, jetskis, and fast boats pulling wakeboarders, water skiiers, and tubers.

Water Sports Near Orlando Beyond Lakes

Buena Vista Watersports Complex - Lake Buena Vista

Buena Vista Watersports is located on Lake Bryan and offers jetski, paddleboard, kayak, ski boat rental experiences. Families will enjoy this 450-acre complex, surrounded by beautiful cypress trees, white sandy beaches, and tropical foliage. 

Beyond jetskis and wakeboards, Orlando Watersports Complex offers an amazing inflatable water park. Photo courtesy OWC 

Orlando Watersports Complex - Orlando

This boat and cable park allows visitors to enjoy water sports near Orlando in a safe, family-friendly environment. In fact, Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC) is one of the largest cable wakeboard parks in the country. Families can pay one fee for lessons and equipment rental in a supervised setting. OWC also offers an amazing inflatable water park, with 40 fun features and lifeguards at the ready.