Whether you’re a family with a house filled with energetic kiddos or a couple simply looking to explore a new park, Oviedo offers a variety of parks to meet your needs.
Overlook Park
Overlook Park is a secluded park along Lake Jessup with a beautiful view. This park offers shade from the heat, a place to relax, a deck overlooking the water, and a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city of Oviedo. This park has offers a serene environment for picnicking, BBQ, and fishing. While there aren’t many parking spots, the park is still one of Oviedo’s best kept secrets so it shouldn’t be an issue.
Are you a gator fan? Overlook Park is one of the best spots to view alligators. It has a long boardwalk overlooking (hence the name) Lake Jessup which has the 2nd largest population of alligators in the area below Lake Okeechobee with an estimated 13,000 alligators. Take some binoculars and see if you can spot birds or other wildlife while on your gator search!
Round Lake Park
One of the best things about Round Lake Park is the shade. There are sunshades over both playgrounds so there is no need to worry about excessive sun exposure during the warmer months in Oviedo with your kids. In addition to the playgrounds, the park has tennis, basketball, and racquetball courts, keeping even adults entertained. There is also a lake at the park with a dock that is perfect for fishing.
Insider Tip: The park isn’t the easiest to find since it’s on a residential street just off County Road 419. Make sure to follow your GPS closely to get to the right place.
Friendship Park
Friendship Park is a great location for playdates or family outings in Oviedo. There is a really nice playground with several different slides, a log roll, rock wall, and swinging steps. There are lots of trees around the playground which provides great shade. The park is fenced in giving parents peace of mind that their kids won’t wander off to a dangerous street. There are lots of seating areas so parents can sit and relax while their kids run around and play with their friends.
Once a month, the Oviedo Farmers Market is set-up near the playground, so after the kids have worn out their energy, walk around and pick up some fresh ingredients for a delicious home cooked meal or support local artists and buy some handmade products.
Center Lake Park
Center Lake Park is the crown jewel of Oviedo. There seems to always be something going on at the park. Everyone will find something delightful about the park with paddle boats, splash pads, lakeside promenade and wet deck. Keep your boat at the Marina, and don’t forget to bring the family pet to the dog park.
The Cultural Center includes a grand ballroom, large amphitheatre, outdoor patio, and beautiful views. This is the ideal location for weddings, parties, meetings, receptions, retreats, outdoor events, and performances.
Speaking of performances, the Oviedo Amphitheater, located within the park, hosts many outdoor events throughout every month. Here are three events that are coming up soon:
- Movie in the Park – Feb. 21 (Movie in the Park is a monthly event, so if you miss this month, don’t worry, you can always try again next month!)
- Martin Luther King Jr Parade – Jan. 20
- Cops ‘N Cars for Kids Car Show – Jan. 25
- Bark and Brew – March 7
Oviedo has plenty of parks to explore, so, what are you waiting for? Enjoy that the weather is finally beginning to cool down and have an obstacle race with your kids on one of the playgrounds or take a picnic basket filled with goodies and lie on a blanket overlooking the lake and enjoy a cozy moment with your significant other.