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

BY EDITORIAL TEAM

Jun 3, 2021
SHARE

A world of play and discovery for kids. Lake Nona has everything you need to create unforgettable family memories. Whether it’s exploring nature, conquering obstacle courses or scoring goals, Lake Nona offers tons of family-friendly adventures — all designed with kids in mind.

Explore the outdoors around the community

Not all adventures require a ball, net or swimsuit — some of the best memories are the simplest ones. Lake Nona’s 40+ miles of trails are perfect for families looking to unplug and get back to nature. 

Lace up your walking shoes or rent a bike or scooter and explore!

When it’s time for a break, simply follow the trail to one of Lake Nona’s many playgrounds or take part in an art scavenger hunt. From sculptures and murals to digital installations, Lake Nona is a living gallery. Hunt for hidden art pieces, scan the QR code and discover the stories behind each creation.

kids family on sidewalk trail in laureate park

Have fun and recharge at the Town Center

After a busy day, there’s no better place to relax than at Lake Nona Town Center. This vibrant hub is the heart of the community and a favorite destination for families to unwind. 

Grab dinner or a snack at local favorites like Before it Melts, Park Pizza & Brewing Co. or Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen. Kids can burn off energy in the Boxi Park playground while parents kick back and enjoy a little well-deserved relaxation.

Capture the memory with a family photo in front of the iconic angel wings mural.

Kids at Play: A Parent's Guide to Lake Nona 1

Scavenge for Art 

Lake Nona is home to dozens of art installations that feature different art forms including sculptures, murals, digital art, and live performances. Take the kids on a scavenger hunt to find these art installations throughout the community on the sides of buildings and parking garages, in gardens and courtyards, indoors and out.

Select pieces of art in Lake Nona have QR codes installed in front of the installations. Scan them to learn more about the artist and inspiration behind each of these unique pieces.

Beat the heat at Laureate Park Aquatic Center

When the sun is blazing, Laureate Park Aquatic Center is the ultimate cool-down destination for Laureate Park and Laurel Pointe residents.

There’s plenty of action to keep everyone moving. Younger kids will love the zero-entry splash pool with water cannons and a tipping tower. While teens can enjoy the five junior Olympic lap lanes.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? The basketball and beach volleyball courts let you practice your game with friends and family. Or simply chill out under the new pavilion and enjoy a well-earned breather.

kids at laureate park aquatic center pool

Tee off in a climate-controlled paradise

Looking to spice up family time with some friendly competition? Check out Drive Shack Lake Nona, which caters to pros, newbies and everyone in between.

Kids and parents can battle it out for the longest drive on the virtual golf course or take a swing at other fun activities like retro arcade games, shuffleboard and basketball. And the best part? It’s all indoors, no sunscreen required.

Kids at Play: A Parent's Guide to Lake Nona 5

Kick off a big soccer adventure

At SoFive Lake Nona, kids can lace up their cleats and channel their inner soccer stars. From toddlers to teens, this facility offers something for everyone.

The Mini Sports Academy introduces little ones to the joy of soccer. For children with special needs, the XLENT program provides an inclusive space to learn and make friends. 

Beyond offering weekly classes, SoFive creates lasting memories on and off the field with youth tournaments, holiday and summer camps and party packages for hassle-free events.

Hit the sand with Olympic champions

At the Phil Dalhausser Beach Volleyball Academy, young athletes can learn from the best. Created by pro volleyball players (and Lake Nona residents!) Phil and Jennifer Dalhausser, the academy offers ongoing classes for kids ages 10 to 18, weekend tournaments and week-long training camps.

The beach setting at Boxi Park is perfect for young athletes to master the fundamentals, step up their skills or train for college-level play. Parents can also get in on the action at the Academy’s Thursday night coed leagues.

Phil daulhausser volleyball

Challenge yourself at Nona Adventure Park

For a full day of heart-pumping fun, look no further than Nona Adventure Park

Start with the sprawling 1,000-foot floating obstacle course that is part playground, part ninja training. Then scale the 60-foot climbing tower and ropes course, complete with wobble bridges, tilting boards and a jungle trail. Younger kids can tackle the lower-level junior course with a parent.

For more excitement, check out the Wake Nona Cable Park. Challenge yourself with wakeboarding, kneeboarding and water skiing on a state-of-the-art cable system. Need some guidance? Expert-led private lessons will have you confidently riding the waves. 

Play the Day Away 

Lake Nona kids can make the most of sunny days by playing at the neighborhood playgrounds complete with slides, rope climbs, and custom features made with little ones in mind.

Kids at Play: A Parent's Guide to Lake Nona 9