Enjoy some fun in the sun this summer at some of our favorite picnic spots in Winter Park, Florida!
Down here in Florida, it can be easy to take for granted that we’re able to enjoy the outdoors throughout most of the year, especially compared to our northern neighbors. With just a few weeks of summer left, now is a better time than ever to spend some quality time outside with your family.
At Evergreen, we take pride in being a locally-owned and locally-operated company. We treat our customers in Winter Park like our neighbors – because they are! And because we want you to enjoy living in Winter Park just as much as we do, we're sharing some of our favorite spots and best-kept secrets for family time this summer!
Dinky Dock
Dinky Dock may be a small park, but there's a lot to do! Before a peaceful picnic lunch, the kids can take a dip in the lake, fish off the pier, or even go boating. There are two docks, drills, and picnic tables so your family can gather around and enjoy a meal together and enjoy a lakeside lunch.
Central Park
New York's version may be a lot bigger, but Central Park is still a local favorite. Located in downtown Winter Park – just outside the shopping district – Central Park draws visitors from all around to check out the Rose Garden and West Meadow. Fountains and an oak canopy will keep you shaded from the hot sun, and the City of Winter Park often holds events in the park for residents and guests.
Howell Branch Preserve
If you like fitness and exploring Florida's wetlands, Howell Branch Preserve is for you! There is a boardwalk and observation deck that overlooks the water, as well as a fitness trail with exercise equipment running through the wetland area. When you're ready for lunch, take advantage of the park pavilion and picnic tables.
Kraft Azalea Garden
Located on the shore of Lake Maitland, this beautiful garden is a well kept secret. Kraft Azalea Garden is home to tall cypress trees, beautiful pathways that wind through the park, and the Exedra Monument – the perfect place for a family photo. If you’re lucky you might be able to have your picnic on the dock that sits right on the lake.
The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden
Nature and art come together in this beautiful garden. Enjoy a romantic lunch at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden from a shady table or a bench with a picturesque view. Then, take a walk through three acres of blooming gardens and manicured plants, as well as over 50 outdoor sculptures done by Albin Polasek and other twentieth century sculptors. Escape from the heat inside the museum – admission is $5.
Lake Baldwin Park
Even your four-legged family members deserve a picnic treat! Lake Baldwin is the only park in Winter Park where dogs are allowed off-leash. There’s a boat ramp, pavilion, picnic tables, and don’t forget some dog toys!
Mead Botanical Garden
With everything from a butterfly garden to a boardwalk to a bike trail – there's not much you can't do in Mead Botanical Garden! People come here to bird watch, picnic, see events at the amphitheater, look at the community garden, and just relax in nature.
Ward Park
If you're looking for some outdoor fun and athletics before a picnic lunch, this is the place for you! Ward Park is lined with baseball/softball fields, a football and track stadium, tennis courts, olympic size pool, and other multi-purpose fields. On top of all that there’s a playground, pavilion, grills, concession booths, a fitness trail, bike path, and walkway through the wetlands. To make this park even better, a community program coordinated by KABOOM and corporate sponsors created a state-of-the-art disabled-accessible playground.
Enjoy Your Summer!
As a Lawn Care Company based out of Orlando, we understand the importance of enjoying the outdoors. From all of us here at Evergreen, we hope you enjoy the end of summer and get some time with the kids before they go back to school. Which park do you want to visit first?