From splash pads and freshwater beaches to farm adventures and wildlife drives — Lake County is made for family fun.
🏆 Top picks: Clermont Waterfront Splash Pad · Showcase of Citrus · Hickory Point Beach · South Lake Trail · Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Lake County, Florida flies under the radar compared to nearby Orlando — and that's exactly why families love it. No theme park crowds, no $30 parking, no sensory overload. Just 1,000+ lakes, miles of outdoor trails, farm experiences, freshwater beaches, and a community that actually feels like a place worth knowing. Here's the complete guide to family things to do in Lake County Florida in 2026.
A free splash pad right on Lake Minneola — kids love the water jets while parents enjoy the lake views. Also has a sand beach, fishing pier, and playground. Runs seasonally (spring through fall).
Lake County's best freshwater beach. A real sand beach on Lake Harris with a shallow swim area perfect for young kids, boat ramp, picnic pavilions, and free parking. Bring floaties and snacks.
A beautiful lakefront park on Lake Harris with a fishing pier, paved boardwalk, playground, and picnic areas. Flat, stroller-friendly, and gorgeous for a morning walk with little ones.
The Harris Chain connects seven lakes spanning 30,000+ acres. Several outfitters near Tavares and Leesburg offer kayak and canoe rentals by the hour. Calm water and stunning scenery make it ideal for families.
One of Central Florida's most beloved family farm experiences — and it's just minutes from Lake County. Pick your own oranges right off the trees, ride monster trucks through the citrus grove, feed goats and deer, and take a guided grove tour. Seasonal fruits change throughout the year.
Several u-pick blueberry farms operate in Lake County during peak season (March through May). Kids love picking straight from the bushes, and you'll take home the freshest Florida blueberries you've ever tasted. Check The Lake Life newsletter for seasonal farm openings.
An 11-mile free wildlife drive along Lake Apopka's north shore — one of the best birding spots in Florida and an unforgettable family experience. Spot alligators, sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, and hundreds of birds from your car. Open Fridays through Sundays.
Over 12 miles of free trails through pristine Florida wilderness near Leesburg. Easy flat terrain is manageable for older kids. Watch for gopher tortoises, sandhill cranes, and wildflowers. A great introduction to real Florida nature.
A paved multi-use trail stretching 14+ miles through Clermont and Groveland with stunning lake views. Flat enough for kids on bikes, wide enough for strollers. The Clermont Waterfront section is especially beautiful. Bike rentals available in downtown Clermont.
Downtown Tavares's lakefront park has a great playground right on Lake Dora. While kids play, parents can watch seaplanes taxi and take off from "America's Seaplane City." Community events here are frequently free.
Lake County's 1,000+ lakes make it one of the best freshwater fishing destinations in the US. Public piers at Venetian Gardens (Leesburg), Clermont Waterfront, and Hickory Point (Tavares) are free and family-friendly. Bass, bluegill, and speckled perch are common catches.
Clermont has several free or low-cost disc golf courses. It's a great way to spend a few hours with tweens and teens who need more activity than a park stroll. Discs are affordable, and most courses are scenic.
| Month | Family Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February | Mount Dora Arts Festival (free to attend) | Mount Dora |
| March–May | U-Pick Blueberry Season | Various Lake County farms |
| March–June | South Lake Trail Cycling Season (peak) | Clermont |
| April | Leesburg Bikefest — free entertainment | Downtown Leesburg |
| Spring/Fall | Splash pad season at Clermont Waterfront | Clermont |
| October | Tavares Seaplane Splash-In (free spectating) | Wooten Park, Tavares |
| October | Citrus Harvest Season at Showcase of Citrus | Clermont |
| December | Christmas on the Water — boat parade (free) | Lake Dora, Tavares |
One of the best family days in Lake County requires no admission fee at all. Here's a perfect family day loop:
Total cost: lunch + ice cream. Everything else is free.
Every Thursday, The Lake Life delivers a curated roundup of the best things to do in Lake County this weekend — including kid-friendly events, free activities, and local finds. Join 1,000+ Lake County families who read it.
Subscribe Free →The best family activities in Lake County Florida include the Clermont Waterfront Park (free splash pad and sand beach), Showcase of Citrus for fruit picking and monster truck rides, Hickory Point Beach in Tavares for freshwater swimming, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for wildlife watching, and the South Lake Trail for family cycling. Many of Lake County's 1,000+ lakes offer free family fishing and picnicking.
Yes — Lake County Florida is an excellent destination for families with children. The county has over 1,000 lakes with safe swimming areas, splash pads, nature trails, and kid-friendly state parks. Activities range from outdoor adventures to hands-on farm experiences. The pace is relaxed compared to nearby Orlando, which makes it great for family vacations and day trips.
Toddlers love the Clermont Waterfront Park splash pad (free, seasonal), Wooten Park in Tavares with its lakefront playground, and the open grassy areas at Venetian Gardens in Leesburg. The calm, shallow swim areas at Hickory Point Beach in Tavares are also perfect for small children. Lake County's parks are flat, shaded, and stroller-friendly.
Yes! Showcase of Citrus in Clermont is one of the most popular family farm experiences in Central Florida — families can pick oranges and other citrus, ride monster trucks through the grove, and see wildlife. Several u-pick blueberry farms also operate in Lake County during the spring season (March–May).
Families can enjoy swimming at freshwater beaches, hiking nature trails at Flat Island Preserve and Ferndale Preserve, freshwater fishing from public piers, kayaking on the Harris Chain of Lakes, birdwatching at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, and biking on the South Lake Trail in Clermont. Most outdoor activities are low-cost or free.
Also explore: Things To Do in Lake County | Free Activities | Hidden Gems | Mount Dora Guide