Top Three Affordable Orlando Area Recreation Parks
One of my own classic outdoor favorites is a relaxing dip in the pool. The beautiful Kelly Park, Rock Springs lets visitors do just that, but in the natural crystal waters of a running spring! Rock Springs, located just about forty miles from the Walt Disney World theme parks, is inexpensive to enjoy, charging a mere dollar per person who is over the age of six. Children under the age of six are admitted to the park for free. For less than the sales tax on your Walt Disney World theme park tickets, families can enjoy the playground, and swim in natural spring water pools from 8am to 8pm in the summer, and 8am to 6pm in the Winter. If your travel party is like mine, you will have a few members who are not avid swimmers. So, feel free to bring your inner tubes, and go tubing lazily down the flowing springs. This enabled us all to share a drift along the almost dreamlike mile of translucent spring waters together. I found it to be unbelievable that I could actually see my limbs beneath me in the pristine water. The clarity of the water at Rock Springs is caused by the current constantly passing through the encompassing rocks, which acts like a natural filter that eliminates the need for chlorine. It was a true “back to nature” experience, just under twenty-five miles from the Universal Studios Florida theme parks. Kelly Park also offers the option of strolling along the nature trail boardwalks, shaded picnicking spots, and camping. Kelly Park, Rock Springs is located at 400 East Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712. Call 407-889-4179 for more information.
Vacationers that make their trip to the land of sunshine in the cooler months of the year can find heated outdoor swimming in the picturesque Wekiwa Springs State Park. Similar to the waters at Kelly Park, the springs at Wekiwa are natural and free flowing. However, these waters are perfect for cool weather dipping, as they remain at a balmy 72 degrees year-round! I personally welcomed the chance to soak my tired muscles in a warm natural “bath” after long grueling hours trudging the theme park pavements. Once again, the vacationing family can stay safely within budget, at considerably less than the fee for a trip to a heated water park in the Orlando area. The drive to Wekiwa Springs State Park will take you roughly twenty miles from Universal Studios Florida, or about thirty miles from the Walt Disney World theme parks. Admission to Wekiwa Springs State Park is only five dollars per car for up to eight people, then a dollar for each extra person in the vehicle. Single occupant vehicles are charged only three dollars. Every day of the year from 8am to sundown, visitors to the park can revisit similar outdoor activities to the Native Americans who once freely roamed the grounds. Kayak and canoe rental is available, as is horseback riding and bicycling. Visitors may simply opt to enjoy hiking the thirteen miles of trail, or swimming in the natural pool area. There is even a Saturday informational program that introduces visitors to the history of the grounds, and a Saturday through Sunday Nature Center presentation that offers the chance to see live local animals exhibited. Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712. Call 407-884-2008 for more information.
If swimming off the beaten tourist path is not a high priority, then a simple stroll, jog or bike ride through the park at Lake Eola may prove relaxing. Located in Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers its more than 40 acres as a nature-graced getaway for all ages. This park is free to the general public and open from 6am to midnight, and situated roughly twenty miles from the Walt Disney World theme parks, or less than ten miles from Universal Studios Florida. Lake Eola offers the nature-lover fragrant plant life to behold and families of ducks and swans to feed. This is also a safe place for locals to walk their dogs and enter seasonal competitions for their canines to show off their tricks. In addition, during certain times of the year, I have enjoyed watching tiny tadpoles swim in one of the cultivated ponds; a pastime that remains from my childhood visits to the park. Lake Eola itself can be toured by renting a swan-shaped pedal boat. A fair warning to the walking weary; however, that pedaling the boats proved to be tiring for me after a day of Walt Disney World theme park play. This was a good workout, nonetheless, and I thankfully had remembered to stretch before entering the boats. In any case, you may want to be sure and calmly pace yourself, occasionally drifting along, or chose your party’s strongest legs to be your pedaling buddy! Plenty of playground and picnic areas are also available on the grounds, including serene grassy areas for your picnic blanket from which to take in Lake Eola’s brilliantly lit centerpiece fountain. For additional free entertainment, visitors to the Lake Eola amphitheater can catch plays, special events, festivals and live concerts presented by local entertainment venues, including Disney. A regular resident of the amphitheater is the Orlando Shakespeare Festival that dons the stage each spring. Lake Eola Park is located at 101 North Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Call 407-246-2827 for more information.
With a little planning, a visit to the Orlando area can be interspersed with relaxing moments basking in nature, all while sparing the wallet. It is advised to call ahead to find out about early park closings and weather warnings of course, but for most of the year, Kelly Park, Rock Springs, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Lake Eola Park welcome visitors to enjoy some inexpensive outdoor recreation. Extra fees should be anticipated for activities that involve equipment or campground rental, and for special events. There would also be an added cost to partake of the parks’ concessions or local eateries. However, there is no fee involved beyond park admission for a casual swim or tubing at the springs. There are many wonderful nature trails and historic parks throughout all of Orlando and Kissimmee, should one choose to venture. More information can always be obtained from the Official Visitors Center of the perspective cities. Also, try www.cityoforlando.net and www.FloridaKiss.com for helpful online Orlando and Kissimmee visitor information. Kelly Park, Rock Springs, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Lake Eola Park are simply three of the most classic, spend-conscious places to enjoy the outdoors off the beaten path of the Orlando and Kissimmee area tourist corridors. The natural parks offer an oasis of calm and rejuvenation for tourists in the midst of otherwise pricey entertainment venues.
