Nestled just south of Volusia County, Lake Mary, Florida is one of Orlando's most beloved suburban communities. Centrally located near multiple thoroughfares, Lake Mary is bursting with family-friendly adventures, outdoor fun, and budget?friendly activities kids will love. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a day trip, or a simple let’s-get-out-of-the-house afternoon, Lake Mary delivers big fun with small?town ease.
Visiting Lake Mary: At a Glance
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Where is Lake Mary, Florida?
Located approximately 18 miles north of Orlando off Interstate 4, Lake Mary is known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, delicious restaurants, shopping opportunities, and much more.
Let kids run out their energy at Tree City Park. Photo by author
Things To Do in Lake Mary with Kids
Charming and walkable, Downtown Lake Mary is a great place for family-friendly dining and shopping with a small-town feel. Home to events like the Hurricane Party and Pizza and Movie Under the Stars, something fun is always on the calendar. There are green spaces for young children and beautiful mural for teens to take their next best selfie.
Just off I-4, Top Golf is a great option for active families! Kids can enjoy the colorful targets with a variety of golf games like Angry Birds and Sonic the Hedgehog. Hang out at the arcade between meal and drink service. Check the website for discounts like Sunday Funday, Half-Off Golf, and the Summer Fun Pass.
Known for its expansive trail system, Seminole County has a variety of scenic trails. Paved with intention, these smooth and wide trails are perfect for walking, biking, or roller-blading and, of course, are stroller-friendly. With multiple trailheads, catch the Seminole Wekiva Trail in Lake Mary from from the Markham Trailhead.
Estella Park offers shade from the beautiful oak trees, a playground for kids to run around, and a fishing pond for catch-and-release fishing. With restroom facilities and easy parking, this park is a great option for families that want to unplug.
Stroll the property and admire the fountains as parents and kids grab a bite or catch a movie. This outdoor plaza is centrally located and packed with kid-friendly dining options. Events are hosted year-round and include activities and giveaways for the whole family to enjoy. Did I mention parking is free?!
Lake Mary Sports Complex has amazing outdoor features including a covered playground and more. Photo by Paula Morales
The Lake Mary Sports Complex hosts youth sporting events, with baseball fields (complete with pitching pens), a skate park, soccer field, and basketball courts, Lake Mary Sports Complex also has a shaded playground and splash pad.
This indoor playground featurs a jump area, aerial ropes course, v-bungee trampoline, climbing walls, and zipline. Young kids and toddlers will enjoy the Little Explorers area specially equipped for children 3 and under.
I love this little park! Tucked away from the conveniences of Lake Mary, enjoy the tranquility of chirping birds and majestic oak trees. This park is smaller and has limited parking, but is a gem for all ages. ADA accessible.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Lake Mary
Cool off during a hot Florida afternoon with healthy juices, smoothies, granola bowls, sandwiches, and more.
Pizza-loving families will love Flippers, including the custom options that even include vegan cheese! Don't miss out on the Hot Honey Buns (with or without bacon).
Kids will love eating at The Hangry Bison just for the name alone! Families can order custom burgers from options like bison, turkey, grilled chicken, portobello caps, and more.
Gator's features an awesome kids menu that includes the meal, regular side, choice of drink, and snack pack. Delicious options for parents of course!
My own kids LOVE Greek food and it's a great option to sneak in some healthy ingredients with tasty options. Krazy kids menu for those under 10.
Lake Mary hosts amazing community events, like the annual Halloween Spooktacular!
Popular Lake Mary Events
Between great venues like Colonial Town Park and Downtown Lake Mary there is no shortage of occasions to fill your calendar. While the events span every activity from outdoor movies to back-to-school fairs, below are some options that occur more regularly throughout the year.
A great way to connect with the community, take home treats, and support local businesses, the downtown Lake Mary Farmer's Market is held every Saturday, 9am - 1pm.
Held on the first Wednesday of every month, this event takes place in Central Park from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Food trucks, art vendors, and live music make for a relaxed atmosphere for all.
An annual tradition to look forward to, Holiday in the Park takes place the first Friday of December. From 6pm - 9pm, Central Park at City Hall transforms into a magical holiday village with twinkling lights, live entertainment, food trucks, and Santa visits. Plan to arrive early as road closures will be in effect to ensure safety for all.
Bring the family to Central Park at City Hall for a free movie in the park.
Get into the Halloween spirit at Lake Mary's Spooktacular annual event.
Places to Stay in Lake Mary with Kids
Located in the heart of Colonial Townpark, this Hampton Inn & Suites has children's activities, free breakfast, and self-service laundry. Children's menus are available and this hotel is also dog-friendly. Parking is free.
Close to the Sanford Airport, kids stay free at the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando North/Lake Mary. Connecting rooms, cribs, and children's food options are some amenities available to guests, in addition to free parking and self-service laundry. Dog-friendly.
Just across the street from Colonial Townpark, the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary offers kid-friendly menus and a breakfast buffet. The 24-hour, mini-convenient store has anything you may have forgotten to pack as well as snacks. High chairs available if you choose the breakfast buffet or on-site restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating. Daily fee for parking.
Located on the south side of Lake Mary, the La Quinta Inn & Suites offers free breakfast, self-service laundry, mini-market,and free parking. Dogs welcome.
Tips for Visiting Lake Mary with Kids