For more fun ideas for toddlers and babies, check out these fun splash pads, free indoor play areas, and more Things to Do with Toddlers and Preschoolers in Orlando Before They Turn 5 .

Kids can watch the trains at Azalea Lane Playground in Winter Park.

Features to Look for in a Toddler Playground

Besides all that glorious shade, Orlando toddler playgrounds should have amenities such as soft rubber or artificial turf ground covering (for injury-free falls), baby swings (for young thrillseekers), and fenced-in perimeters so even little escape artists are contained.

Best Toddler Playgrounds & Tot Lots in Orlando

1. Azalea Lane Playground – Winter Park

Tots (and big kids, too) love to watch the trains travel by this playground! The playground area is fenced-in and partially shaded. It has climbing equipment, swings, and activity stations. Picnic tables are located within the fenced area, and restrooms are close by. Why we love it: indoor room adjacent to the playground is also available for rental.

2. Cannery Park – St. Cloud

This popular all-inclusive park is fun for all ages. It has a soft, rubber pad surface, shade coverings, roller slides, swings, and lots of interactive activity stations. There is a soft landing pad at the end of all slides, and a small zipline with a seat that little ones are sure to love. Why we love it: everyone can have a fun time!

3. Capehart Park – Orlando

Capehart Park is a hidden gem in Orlando. Situated at the end of a residential street, it has a covered tot lot with baby swings, slides, and soft rubber ground covering. There is also a covered playground for older kids; a free, fenced-in splash pad; restrooms adjacent to the playground; and a paved walking path. Why we love it: splash pad fun.

4. Cypress Grove Park – Orlando

This popular park has tons of green space for little ones to explore, as well as two playgrounds with soft ground covering and lots of shade trees. Take the walking trail down to a dock overlooking the lake. Why we love it: on-site butterfly house.

5. Dartmouth Park – College Park

This neighborhood park is partially fenced with a small play structure, slides, and swings. Parallel street parking is available next to the park, and oak trees provide shade to the playground. Why we love it: great for birthday parties.

6. Forres Park – Mount Dora

This small playground has artificial grass ground covering, and the playground equipment is covered. There are baby swings and bigger swings next to the playground, as well as covered pavilions, green space, and a nature trail for little ones to explore. Why we love it: small but mighty.

7. Lake Lily Park – Maitland

Lake Lily is one of my family’s personal favorites! There is a fenced-in shaded toddler playground with slides and swings. The focal point of the park is the beautiful lake with a fountain and lots of ducks and turtles. There is a paved path around the lake and plenty of picnic areas. Why we love it: picturesque views 

8. Lakeside Village Park – Windermere

Little ones will love exploring the music stations at this small playground in the Horizon West community. It is fenced-in and covered, making it a great option for toddlers. Note: There is not a restroom at this park, so if potty training, be prepared with a portable potty seat. Why we love it: toddlers love exploring the music stations.

Lighthouse Park offers a ton of fun equipment for toddlers.

9. Lighthouse Park – Orlando

Lighthouse Park is fenced-in with play equipment and small slides, great for youngsters. There is also a covered pavilion right next to the playground. Why we love it: kids stay in your eyeline with less apparatuses.

RELATED: 22 Best Playgrounds in Orlando for Family Fun

10. Mayor Carl T. Langford Park – Orlando

This urban park provides a scenic refuge in the middle of the city. There are two playground areas, one of which has a partially-fenced toddler playground with small slides and interactive activity stations. Picnic pavilions and restroom facilities are onsite. Why we love it: Oak trees provide shade and beautiful nature trails.

11. Paradise Park – Clermont

This community-built wooden park has two separate play areas, one for children 3 and under with small slides and climbing structures. Trees provide shade to the park. The playground shares a parking lot with Sky Zone Clermont, so if the weather turns bad, little ones can burn energy indoors on trampolines. Why we love it: resembles a castle!

12. Park of the Americas – Orlando

Located near the Orlando Executive Airport, Park of the Americas has a playground designed for ages 2-5 with slides, swings, and climbing activities. There is no shade on the playground so I would suggest visiting on cooler or cloudier days. Why we love it: adjoining dog park for fur babies!

13. Park on Park – Sanford

Park on Park is appropriately named for its location on Park Avenue near downtown Sanford. The playground is entirely fenced-in and covered by shade trees. There are two play structures, one for ages 2-5. Restrooms beside the playground, and green space for kids to run around as well. Why we love it: separated playgrounds for younger and older kids.

Torcaso Park is popular with toddlers because of the soft rubber ground and age-appropriate playground.

14. Torcaso Park – Winter Springs

This ocean-themed playground is a big hit with kids of all ages. The playground equipment is covered and has a soft rubber ground covering. There is an adjacent fenced-in splash pad and a sand pit, so bring your sand toys along for added fun. Why we love it: underwater aesthetics.

15. Trotwood Park – Winter Springs

Another fun Winter Springs park, this one is Rocky Mountain themed. There are two shaded treehouse structures (younger-skewing one with a turf surface). There is also a splash pad onsite (small admission fee). Kids love walking to the lake and peeking at the turtles. Why we love it: mountain aesthetics.

Arrrr, me mateys! Walk the play at Waterford Lakes Children’s Play Area.

16. Waterford Lakes Children’s Play Area – East Orlando/UCF Area

Waterford Lakes Town Center has a fun pirate-themed outdoor play area that is fenced-in with soft rubber ground surface. Little ones love exploring a pirate ship or climbing an alligator. It is open to the public and located behind Affinity MedSpa. Why we love it: pirate aesthetics.

17. Westmonte Recreation Center – Altamonte Springs

This renovated park is popular with all ages. There are two covered, fenced-in play areas (one geared to toddlers). The paved Seminole-Wekiva Trail runs right next to the park, and if the weather isn’t great, Chuck E. Cheese is right down the road. Why we love it: tons of additional activities inside the recreation center.

Tips for Visiting Orlando Playgrounds with Toddlers

As is classic Central Florida weather, the temperatures can uncomfortably heat up in the spring and summer.

• Make sure to bring water bottles and refill constantly to keep little ones hydrated.
• Though most of these Orlando tot lots have shade, it's always a good idea to arrive with with wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and portable fans.
• Wear sneakers and/or closed-toed shoes! Even if your little cutie isn't running yet, keep closed shoes on their tootsies to avoid injuries (as much as possible).
• Bring a towel -- wipe down dirt/morning dew, use as a picnic blanket, and wipe off muddy shoes when it's time to go home.

Additional reporting by Melanie Preis

Photos courtesy of the parks