10 Best Things To Do In Apopka, Florida

1. Paddle your way through King’s Landing

King’s Landing offers canoe rentals to visitors who want to explore Wekiva River, one of the few remaining pristine riverine systems in the state. Originally destroyed by the hurricanes which hit the state between 2004 and 2005, it was subsequently re-opened under new management. Taking a canoe down the river will not transport you to a peaceful, more serene state, it will also be bringing you back in time, as the same river route was taken by Native Americans in days past. Canoes can be rented overnight for those who want to stay in one of the three campsites along the river. Do note, however, that separate fees are applicable for camping in the area.

King’s Landing

Address: 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka, Florida

Price: from 10 USD

Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, 7 am – 6 pm

Contact: +1 497 886 0859

Website: King’s Landing

2. Have fun in the water

Apopka is home to two parks where you can swim: Wekiwa Springs State Park and Kelly Park. Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities to visitors, including hiking, camping, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking. The highlight of Kelly Park is to go tubing at Rock Springs, a natural spring in the park. Tubers can go on the Rock Springs Run, in which they ride a tube from the beginning of the spring to the main swimming area. You can bring your own or rent from within the park. Water shoes are highly recommended here for those who plan on going swimming or wading here, given that some of the rocks there can be sharp.

As with other areas in Florida, alligators can occasionally make their way into these parks. However, there are rangers ready to warn people to stay off the water in case of sightings. Do make sure to follow their instructions to avoid untoward incidents.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, Florida

Website: Wekiwa Springs State Park

Kelly Park

Address: 400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, Florida

3. Play sports

If you prefer sports on land than in water, don’t worry, because there are also other parks where you can do so. For instance, Kit Land Nelson Park, named after the sister of the longest-serving mayor in Apopka, has its own racquetball and tennis courts. It also has a playground for younger kids to play at. Magnolia Park, on the other hand, has its own volleyball and basketball courts and baseball fields. It also has campsites for those who want to spend the night on the grounds.

Kit Land Nelson Park

Address: 10 S Forest Avenue, Apopka, Florida

Contact: +1 407 703 1784

Magnolia Park

Address: 2929 S Binion Road, Apopka, Florida

4. Explore Rock Springs Run State Reserve

Fans of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or horseback riding can do in this state reserve, which comes with several miles of trails for these activities. During their exploration, they may spot a variety of wildlife, including bears, snakes, and tortoises. While Rock Springs Run State Reserve has its own campsites, there is no jump-off point at Rock Springs Run State Reserve to access these. Instead, visitors will need to rent a canoe at the Wekiwa Springs State Park in order to reach these two campsites.

Note that these campsites are primitive. Reservations will need to be made should you wish to spend the night here. There is also a campsite for equestrians.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve

Address: 30601 County Road 433, Sorrento, Florida

Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Website: Rock Springs Run State Reserve

5. Take your furry friend to the Doctor’s Dog Park

If you have a dog with you and worried you won’t be able to exercise your pet while in Apopka, don’t fret because you can bring him/her to the Doctor’s Dog Park, which has plenty of room for your furry friend to play around. The park also has a pet shower and water fountains for pets, while it has benches for owners.

Doctor’s Dog Park

Address: 21 N Highland Avenue, Apopka, Florida

Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to dark

Access: Doctor’s Dog Park is behind Edwards Field

Contact: +1 407 703 1784

6. Go horseback riding at Clarcona Horse Park

If you want to visit a park that is intended exclusively for horseback riding, you can drop by Clarcona Horse Park, a public equestrian park. Horse riders of all ages are welcome here. If you don’t have a horse but simply want to observe those going on a ride, you can visit there to watch the horses being brought through their paces by their riders.

Clarcona Horse Park

Address: 3635 Damon Road, Apopka, Florida

Access: From County Highway 435, go west on McCormick Road and then north on Damon Road

Contact: +1 407 866 6255

7. Take your kids to Apopka Station

Apopka Station is a small park with its own playground. The ground is covered with rubber matting so kids can play on these safely. Parents can sit on one of the benches as they watch their children playing. They can also bring packed food with them for the family to share, as there are picnic tables and even a grill in the park.

Apopka Station

Address: 111 South Forest Avenue, Apopka, Florida

Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Contact: +1 407 654 1108

8. Calm your mind by visiting The CATalyst

The CATalyst takes stress relief in a different direction. It aims to help bring visitors attain inner peace by making them face wild cats such as lions, tigers, and leopards, from behind a fence. The theory goes that your close encounter with these animals will help you attain better focus, helping you become calmer and more composed.

The CATalyst

Address: 4609 West Ponkan Road, Apopka, Florida

Contact: +1 407 257 0922

Website: The CATalyst

9. Meet birds of prey at the Avian Reconditioning Center

If the close encounter with the cats at The Catalyst has not whetted your appetite to have a close encounter with wild animals, you can visit the Avian Reconditioning Center. The institution provides a presentation to guests on the birds they currently have in custody. Do note, however, that a two-week reservation is required for this.

Avian Reconditioning Center

Address: 323 West Lester Road, Apopka, Florida

Price: Free admission

Opening Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from September to May and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June to July, or by appointment

Contact: +1 407 461 1056

Website: Avian Reconditioning Center

10. Traverse Lake Apopka Loop Trail

Lake Apopka is Florida’s fourth largest freshwater lake. Originally serving as a sportfishing site, pollution unfortunately led to the destruction of the lake ecosystem. Today, efforts continue to rehabilitate the lake. As a result of these, wildlife has once again made this their home. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail covers over 32 kilometers (20 miles) of ground for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. While coursing through the trail, visitors may see a variety of wildlife residing there.

Lake Apopka Loop Trail

Address: 2929 S Binion Road, Apopka, Florida

Contact: +61 407 886 4231

Website: Lake Apopka Loop Trail

A fun-filled visit

Thanks to its key location, Apopka is laden with various natural resources, and the city has taken advantage of this by highlighting these through its numerous parks. Have a fun-filled day in this picturesque city in Florida.