Kids at Play: A Parent’s Guide to Lake Nona

Find never-ending ways to keep the kiddos occupied in Lake Nona.

With more kids staying closer to home than ever before, it can be a challenge to keep their minds engaged and bodies moving. Luckily, there’s a myriad of activities to enjoy, green spaces to explore and fun to be had in Lake Nona, so you won’t have to go too far to find adventure. Here’s a list that will provide some much-needed diversion and keep them learning and growing.

Hit the Sand with Olympic Champions — Last year, pro beach volleyball players and Lake Nona Residents, Phil and Jennifer Dalhausser, announced a partnership with Lake Nona for the Phil Dalhausser Beach Volleyball academy. The classes are designed for kids and teens of all skill levels (plus there are adult social leagues if you’re looking to get your own spike on).

As parents themselves, Phil and Jennifer are always on the lookout for fun things to do in town. With the academy in Lake Nona, they’re looking to inspire kids to kick up some sand and enjoy the fun of beach volleyball, which here at Lake Nona, we’re lucky enough to take part in year round.

Stop and Smell the Wildflowers — If you’ve got yourself a little Flower Child, head to Tavistock Lakes Boulevard near the Town Center and Lake Nona Boulevard near Boggy Creek Road with a Florida flower identification guide. The area is home to many species of wildflowers growing along the road, where kids can compete to see who can identify the most, and take photos with these beautiful blooms.

You’re also likely to spy some pollinators, making it a great place for a little science lesson. This spot is also perfect for whipping out that fancy smartphone camera and taking some snaps for colorful memories.

Blaze the Trails — With more than 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails to explore, Lake Nona is the perfect spot to hitch up the bikes and go for a ride or a nature walk. Soak in the sights and sounds from the flora and fauna around you. Make a scavenger hunt for the kids to keep busy as you enjoy Florida’s natural scenery.

If they’re interested in running, Run Nona’s 5K running routes are perfect. While there aren’t any formal races right now, you can download the Real-Time Remote Racing app and virtually race with others while you get real-time data for your PRs! The 5K routes traverse different neighborhoods, as well as a loop that takes you past some of Lake Nona’s iconic artwork.

Be the Talk of the Town Center — Lake Nona Town Center is the beating heart of the community, and it’s a hub for families looking to unwind after a long day or week. Start with dinner at Park Pizza & Brewing Co., a casual eatery serving up wood-fired pizzas and wings, along with house-made beers for the 21+ set.

Outside Park Pizza & Brewing Co., the green space is a perfect spot to wait for a table, snag a snap in front of the angel wings mural, or let the kids play while you lounge on one of the patio chairs and soak up the moments of sunshine.

Across the street at Boxi Park, the playground, pavilion and dog run areas are high-priority for kiddos to meet and greet each other and watch the favorite pups play.

Dive Into Laureate Park Aquatic Center — It’s hot out there! If you’re a Laureate Park resident, grab the kids, their swimsuits and towels and splash away the day at the Laureate Park Aquatic Center, which recently grew by 17,000 square feet.

There’s a new 6,500-square-foot pavilion for picnicking, and a five-lane lap pool for your little Michael Phelps to practice his butterfly. On land, the half-sized basketball court and beach volleyball courts are perfect for playing before taking a dip.

The Aquatic Center also features a splash pool for little squirts to play with water cannons and 25-foot-tall dumping bucket. Don’t worry, though: There are plenty of loungers nearby for parents to keep watch.