Explore Orlando · Wildlife & Nature

Orlando's Best Nature Trails and Parks

Beyond the theme parks and shopping centers, Orlando keeps a quieter side: boardwalks through wetlands, shaded trails and lakefront parks scattered around Kissimmee and Celebration. They're an easy way to slow down between busier days.

Whether it's a short stroller-friendly loop or a longer hike with a chance of spotting deer and turtles, these spots suit families looking for downtime as much as anyone chasing a proper nature fix. If the wildlife is the draw, Gatorland's boardwalks put you much closer to it.

Downtime is easier with somewhere to come back to: three bedroom pool homes suit one family, and seven bedroom homes for a group give everyone room to take the morning at their own pace.

Trails Worth the Drive

Three trails come up again and again for guests staying nearby:

01Shingle Creek Regional Park (Kissimmee) — Boardwalks, shaded paths and canoeing, roughly 15 minutes from Reunion Resort.

02Celebration Lakeside Trail — A paved, stroller-friendly loop past lakes and fountains, about 10-15 minutes away.

03Lake Louisa State Park — A larger park for hiking, cycling, fishing and horseback riding, around 35-40 minutes from most villas.

Wildlife Spots and Neighborhood Parks

A few more places worth building into a lazy day:

Split Oak Forest — A quiet, less-traveled area good for birdwatching and spotting gopher tortoises.

Oakland Nature Preserve — A raised boardwalk through wetlands to Lake Apopka, with an educational center.

Dr. P. Phillips Community Park — A splash pad, shaded playground, walking trail and dog park in one spot.

Kissimmee Lakefront Park — Lake views, a long walking path and a good spot to watch the sunset.

Tips for a Perfect Park Day

Pack bug spray and sunscreen — most of these spots are shaded but still Florida.

Bring water and snacks — not every trail has amenities close by.

Look for free parking — most of these parks don't charge to park.

Go early or late — mornings and evenings are the best times to spot wildlife.

More Wildlife Close By

If gopher tortoises and wading birds have you wanting something bigger:

Gatorland

Trade the quiet trails for guaranteed alligator sightings at Florida's original gator park.

Bring a Little of the Outdoors Home

All of our villas sit within easy reach of these trails and parks, so a slower morning outdoors fits just as naturally into an Orlando trip as a day at the theme parks.

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Stay Close to Orlando's Trails

Our vacation villas are scattered near Kissimmee and Celebration, putting these trails and parks within easy reach of a quieter morning away from the parks.

Explore Nearby Villas

Or browse homes at Reunion Resort