Best Outdoor Activities in Orlando

Owned by fourth generation citrus farmers, Showcase of Citrus is one of those classic "only in Florida" activities you have to do at least once (or, like the locals, you can come back again and again). This farm is home to 13 varieties of oranges alone, not counting the lemons, limes, tangerines and outstanding ruby red grapefruit. Pick 'em yourself or, if you're feeling lazy, grab a bag from the country store and mosey, but you might want to check out the Monster Truck Eco Tour while you're here. Watch for gators in the canals as you pick, and enjoy a frozen OJ before you leave!

Dip your toes into the headwaters of Rock Springs Run, a true Floridian oasis amid Kelly Park's lush, green landscape and immediately the oppressive subtropical clime is replaced by goosebumps and a bit of a chill. Water courses into this natural spring from a crevice at the bottom at a brisk 68 degrees and if you're lucky enough to have the space to yourself and the sun is just right, you can see just about to the bottom. In places, the water here is an unearthly beautiful crystal blue. Kelly Park has camping and hiking and a swimming hole at the end of the creek's run, but the No. 1 activity here is a lazy, winding float trip. It's about three-quarters of a mile and roughly 30 minutes if you don't stop to its culmination. Bring your own tube or rent one from a number of vendors outside the park.

Sure, the Orlando area has miles of off-road trails, but it's got it's fair share of paved paths, as well. The Urban Bike Trail â€" an easy pedal (roughly 2.5 miles; five if you do an out-and-back) runs from Ivanhoe Village, meandering amid scenery that mixes old-school Florida urban with verdant, park-like settings to Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. The path, which is open to walkers and joggers, as well, runs along an old rail route once called the "Dinky Line" and takes riders past urban lakes with wildlife-viewing opportunities with options to stop at one of Loch Haven Park's art- or science venues for a cultural infusion. Great exercise and a whole new way to see the city.

Wakeboarding? Yes. And on top of all that exciting lake-borne action, those looking for something a little more whimsical (or folks with tots in tow) can partake in OWC's Aquapark, a LEGO-inspired flotilla of climbing obstacles, slides and more that will wear you - and more importantly, your kids - out! No special skills are required, life jackets keep things super safe, and hours of fun are virtually guaranteed. Climbing towers, monkey bars, and multiple slides await, along with other challenging floats you'll want to conquer again and again. Most activities here require some form of waiver and are booked according to time increments. The minimum age for the Aquapark is 6 and reservations are definitely recommended.

Welcome to Lake Jesup, a vast mirror of a lake (except on windy days) with the dubious distinction of having more alligators than any other lake in the ENTIRE STATE OF FLORIDA. Let that sink in a minute while we tell you about Black Hammock Adventures. A decidedly old-Florida attraction that's part wildlife exhibit, part airboat- and pontoon-ride purveyor and part restaurant/bar with one of the most impressive sunset-viewing locations in Central Florida. Airboat rides depart daily, pontoons, which are slower, more stable, very relaxing, go out for weekend sunset cruises. Call the office for details. Pop into the Lazy Gator bar before or after your outing. Or the Black Hammock Restaurant (helmed by a former Executive Chef at Epcot's Chefs de France). Or both. It's friendly. It's local. And if you dig fried gator tail, it's the best in town. Live music every weekend.

Stay in the comfort and safety of your car while enjoying a drive-thru safari where dozens of animals are on display and zero human interaction is required. The safari covers more than 85 acres and includes animals like zebras, giraffes, bison, alligators and more. It's about an hour to complete the safari, but driver beware, you're at the mercy of the animals. If an emu takes a rest in the roadway, you have to wait for the fella to move before hitting the gas pedal. The speed limit on the safari is just 5 mph. Have your camera ready because more than likely a goat, white-tailed deer, longhorn cattle or one of their buddies will stroll right by your vehicle. If you want to stretch your legs, Wild Florida also has air boat rides and animal encounters with some exotic friends like albino alligators.

Looking for a different view of the City Beautiful? Paddleboard Orlando will give you waterborne perspective - vertically! And they're pros when it comes to first-time SUP'ers. Offering beginner lessons and peaceful, fun excursions on a wide array of Orlando's lakes and canals, you can sign up for manatee or moonlight paddles, group or private lessons, even nighttime bioluminescence outings. No equipment or experience necessary. Orlando Paddleboard is a passionate operation; they want to get you as hooked on SUP'ing as they are. Private parties and corporate events are available, as well. Paddleboarding is a unique way to experience the aquatic terrain, flora and fauna of Central Florida - definitely worth a try!

Explore Florida's natural beauty at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Hike through wild, diverse ecosystems, paddle the famous Wekiva River, or camp beneath the stars. Wekiwa Springs offers nature lovers the opportunity to experience a part of Florida that is all too quickly vanishing and just minutes from the theme park area. Bring your camera, because wild turkey, black bear, deer, and many species of birds call this park home. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent and guided tours are available. Anyone on a tour boat, ferry or other park-provided watercraft within Florida State Parks is required to wear a mask.

Locals are always talking up how cosmopolitan Orlando is. We're not denying it, but just outside the city sits acres of wetland wilderness so loaded down with wildlife - alligators, bald eagles, wading birds and more - you may spot more animals that at the zoo. Of course, you'll need an expert guide and Wild Willy's won't disappoint. Tours are exciting (if you've never glided over the seas of grass before, you're in for a treat) and uber-educational. Photo-ops with the "on-staff" gators are available, as well. Florida nature is unlike any other, it's well worth a quick side-trip from the parks (and close by, too).

Wekiva Island is equal parts charming and unexpected, a "wildlife" oasis of sorts that sits a stone's throw from a commercial stretch of Wekiva Springs Road. It's a slice of natural Florida that can be taken two-fold. On one hand, this venue is a springboard to all things river. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, in which one can explore and observe birds, gators, deer, otters, you name it, in pristine surroundings. On the other, you'll experience Florida locals in their natural element, as they belly up for eats and drinks at the on-site bar, the Tooting Otter. Food is served on weekends. The vibe is exceedingly relaxed. Patrons enjoy swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, horseshoes and a communal fire pit. There is often live music. "River-banas" are available for rent to make your day more comfortable. Each comes with shade, seating, a cooler and a private parking spot.