Before you go, we recommend checking with the park in case of inclement weather or flooding. Bug spray, hats, sunscreen, stroller fans, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water are always good to bring along!

Best Boardwalk Trails in Orlando & Central Florida

1. Big Tree Park – Longwood

As the name implies, this park is surrounded by big trees that provide coverage throughout the boardwalk and playground. Near the side of the restrooms, the boardwalk path provides a short loop behind the park. The side railing is partially enclosed, and the boardwalk provides a smooth walkway. Learn the history of “The Senator,” a beloved Cypress tree that lived over 3,500 years until it sadly burned down in 2012. Check out “Lady Liberty,” which is over 2,000 years old and 89 feet tall! Big Tree Park connects to the Cross Seminole Trail, great for walking, jogging, or biking.

Hours: 8am to sunset

More family-friendly features: Fenced-in shaded playground, shaded pavilions, and restrooms

Kewannee Park Boardwalk is just behind the swings of the playground.

2. Kewannee Park – Casselberry

This hidden gem is found in the Indian Hills neighborhood of Casselberry. Back behind the swings of the larger playground, there is a shaded boardwalk that provides a scenic nature trail. The stroller-friendly path extends through the back of the park and exits near the fishing pier. The boardwalk is a bit uneven, and the sides have a generous opening so be careful with young walkers. The path extends for a 7-minute walk, but there are benches along the way to sit for a break or snack. 

Hours: 8am to 8pm (the parking lot is on the smaller side so it can fill up quickly)

More family-friendly features:  Kewannee Park also provides two fenced-in playgrounds. The park has public restrooms, basketball court, exercise stations, benches, a fishing pier, and a connection to the 1.7-mile Kewannee Trail.

Spend a day walking the boardwalk, exploring the 50-acre park, and picnicking beneath the cypress trees at Lake Mills.

3. Lake Mills – Chuluota

Families who frequent Lake Mills Park know the boardwalk was closed for quite some time. As of June 2024, the boardwalk reopened with a complete revamp, and it is beautiful! This spacious boardwalk is completely enclosed and is safe for little walkers. Large oak and cypress trees provide shade and beautiful scenery. The entrance to the boardwalk is near the camp seating, and then the boardwalk itself is a short loop through the park, which exits near the water.

Hours: 8am to dusk

More family-friendly features: Additional amenities of this 50-acre park include a fenced-in playground, shaded pavilions, grills, a fishing pier, benches, picnic tables, restrooms, campgrounds, two additional walking trails, and an entrance to the lake for those who wish to jet ski, canoe, or kayak.

See fish, tadpoles, turtles, birds, gators, and more atop the Orlando Wetlands in Christmas.

4. Orlando Wetlands – Christmas

This park provides a 2,200-foot boardwalk that extends over the water that has an estimated 1,700 alligators! Stop by the visitor pavilion with informational displays and maps/brochures, then take a long walk (a combination of paved and dirt paths) to the boardwalk entrance. Use jogging and all-terrain strollers.

The spacious boardwalk is stroller-friendly and provides many opportunities to view local wildlife. Bring hats, sunglasses, portable fans, and plenty of water as there is no shade on the boardwalk! To have the best chance of viewing wildlife, arrive during the early morning hours or at dusk. Bring binoculars, so kids can see animals up close without scaring them off.

Hours:  Tuesday-Sunday, sunrise to sunset

More family-friendly features: Free tram tours on Friday and Saturday beginning at 9am, as well as on Sunday in September-April. The park provides shaded pavilions, grills, restrooms, water fountains, picnic benches, and 20 additional hiking trails.

Solary Park is wide and smooth enough for strollers, bikes, and scooters.

5. Solary Park – Oviedo

Solary Park made its debut in 2022, where families enjoy the boardwalk for walking, jogging, biking, and more. Walk over Franklin Blvd. to get to the boardwalk, and use the crosswalk so kids can safely cross the street. Solary Park has a combination of a boardwalk and paved walking path around the pond, where kids can spot ducks and other birds.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

More family-friendly features:  There is an observation deck on either end of the pond that also provides seating, in addition to benches. At the front of the park, there is a small, covered area with seating and restrooms. Solary Park also provides a connection to the Florida Trail. Parking is available in the nearby Vital Church parking lot.

The Sweetwater Park boardwalk provides lots of shade for a cool walk with kids. 

6. Sweetwater Park – Oviedo

Just 0.4 miles from Solary Park, you will find Sweetwater Park tucked in a neighborhood off Magnolia Avenue. Sweetwater Park also provides a scenic boardwalk that can be found by following the paved walkway behind the tennis courts. The boardwalk connects back to the main road, so you will need to turn around to head back in the direction of the park. The boardwalk provides a shaded path that is the perfect spot to enjoy nature. The boardwalk is somewhat narrow, but still provides plenty of space. It has a sturdy railing on each side and is another great stroller-friendly walk.

Hours: Dawn to 10pm

More family-friendly features: Sweetwater Park has a newly renovated playground. There are also shaded pavilions, grills, a tennis and basketball court, restrooms, water fountains, and ample parking; just watch out for ant hills since the parking is in a dirt lot.

Photos by the author