If you live in Orlando and want to enjoy parks or natural spaces, there are plenty of places to visit besides Disney and Universal.

In fact, there are quite a few parks around Orlando where you can walk, swim, and kayak without an entrance fee. For those who are bored with the same walking routes every week or have just moved in and are looking for parks, I've compiled a list of representative parks in the Orlando area.

Lake Eola Park is the most famous urban park in Orlando. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, it features a 1.06-mile walking path around a circular lake. You can rent swan-shaped pedal boats to cruise the lake, and occasionally, free outdoor performances are held at the Walt Disney Amphitheater near the Washington S. H. Fountain. Every Sunday, a farmers market takes place around the park, making it a great weekend outing. Pets are allowed, and the park is bustling with joggers from early morning.

Wekiva Springs State Park is a Florida state park located about 30 minutes northwest of Orlando. The Wekiva River runs through the park, and the main attraction is a natural swimming area with clear spring water that stays at a constant 20 degrees Celsius year-round. Many families enjoy swimming, kayaking, and canoeing in the cool springs even in summer. There are hiking trails where you can observe Florida's unique natural ecosystem up close. There is an entrance fee (6 dollars per vehicle), but it offers great value as a summer getaway. It's recommended to go early in the morning on weekends as the swimming area fills up quickly.

Kelly Park at Rock Springs is an Orange County park located in the Apopka area. It is famous for tubing in the natural spring water along Rock Springs Run. The natural water play area flowing through clear water is very popular with children and is a great way for adults to beat the summer heat. There are camping facilities available for overnight camping. It's advisable to make a reservation through the Orange County park reservation system, as entry may be restricted if the capacity is reached without a reservation.

Blue Spring State Park is located about an hour north of Orlando in Volusia County. It is known for manatees gathering in the spring from November to March to spend the winter. Experiencing manatees swimming in groups up close is one of the most unique natural experiences you can have around Orlando. If you visit during the winter season, you can enjoy various activities such as manatee watching, hiking, and snorkeling.

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden near downtown Orlando. It features a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including camellias, roses, and tropical plants, making it a suitable place for flower and plant lovers. Although it's not very large, it is well-maintained and recommended for family outings and romantic dates. The entrance fee is around 15 dollars for adults. Orlando residents may receive a discount as Orange County residents.

A common safety note for Orlando parks is the summer thunderstorms and lightning. Florida has the highest frequency of lightning strikes in the U.S. If dark clouds gather while you are in an outdoor park, it's safest to seek shelter indoors or in your vehicle immediately. If lightning strikes while swimming or kayaking, you must get out of the water immediately. Also, summer afternoon showers often last about 30 minutes, so activities can resume once the rain stops.