15 Best Things To Do In And Around Longwood, Florida

1. Cross Seminole Trail - Big Tree Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Cross Seminole Trail is a 23-mile (37-kilometer) path, and it consists of 3 parts traversing Longwood’s sleepy towns, serene parks, and gorgeous countryside. It begins from the south around Orlando’s borders to the north in Lake Mary. Along the route, you will pass through Soldier’s Creek Park, Greenwood Lakes Park, a beautiful pedestrian flyover close to Route 434, and the awe-inspiring towns of Winter Springs and Oviedo. Don’t forget to take a break at Big Tree Park, featuring modern parks’ amenities and attractions like towering cypress trees.

Cross Seminole Trail - Big Tree Park

Address: 761 General Hutchison Pkwy, Longwood, FL 32750, United States

Website: Cross Seminole Trail - Big Tree Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

2. Shadow Hill Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking forward to taking the day off or wish to relax with your kids, this well-maintained park offers a quiet, lovely atmosphere. Shadow Hill Park, a small park located in a tranquil suburb, boasts play areas for children and many sheltered grassy spots to picnic alone or with family. You can also try your fishing or swimming skills at the on-site lake.

Shadow Hill Park

Address: 148 Sunset Dr, Longwood, FL 32750, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

3. Paint The Trail

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

During the past global financial setback, business wasn’t smooth for Jeff Sonksen, an artist. Instead of folding his gifted hands, he decided to paint his garden fence along Wekiva Trail. A few years later, he asked his neighbors also to donate their walls and they agreed. The artist, together with few other local talents, created many artworks with vast space. Now, it numbers about a thousand and stretching over 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers). The images are pop culture-inspired, highlighting idols such as Judy Garland and Bob Marley. It’s a must-see for fans.

Paint The Trail

Address: Seminole Wekiva Trail, Longwood, FL 32779, United States

Website: Paint The Trail

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

4. Sabal Point Preserve

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sabal Point Preserve is a 600-acre (243-hectare) park, protecting the vast flora and fauna along the 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) confluence of Little Wekiva River and Wekiva River. The location is easily explored via the famous Sabal Point Sanctuary trail, a tranquil, pet-friendly path through the floodplain landscape. Admire the wetland plants on both sides of the route and see rare wildlife such as limpkins, wild turkeys, and otters. Plus, look out for the signs scattered through the place, explaining the park’s history, the animals, and plants. Only leashed dogs are allowed on site.

Sabal Point Preserve

Address: 404 Wilderness Dr, Longwood, FL 32779, United States

Website: Sabal Point Preserve

5. Planet Obstacle - World's Largest Indoor Obstacle Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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A memorable day, especially with friends or kids, is guaranteed in this 50000-square-feet (4645-square-meter) park. The obstacles are inspired by American Ninja Warrior, an iconic TV program. You will find safe and difficult courses, including massive rock-climbing adventure, aerial ropes course, and extreme zip-lines for all ages. For extra fun, the place also boasts ball pits, dodgems, and trampolines. Plus, on site is a cafe serving authentic American dishes. Planet Obstacle can also accommodate your special event of more than 500.

Planet Obstacle - World's Largest Indoor Obstacle Park

Address: 1150 Emma Oaks Trail #100, Lake Mary, FL 32746, United States

Website: Planet Obstacle - World’s Largest Indoor Obstacle Park

Opening hours: Tue: 3pm - 7pm; Wed: 1pm - 7pm; Thu: 3pm - 7pm; Fri: 3pm - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

6. Cranes Roost Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Cranes Roost Park is a 45-acre (18-hectare) park, encircling Cranes Roost Lake in the heart of Uptown Altamonte. The area, featuring cobblestone walkways, benches, and shaded seating spots, is ideal for relaxing or enjoying an evening stroll. However, there’s more to relish here. On-site, you can enjoy concerts at Eddie Rose Amphitheater and see a 62-foot (19-meter) tall tower, all within a European-inspired plaza. Cranes Roost Park is also the premier outdoor event center for Central Florida, and you might be lucky to come across exciting events organized annually, monthly, and weekly.

Cranes Roost Park

Address: 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, United States

Website: Cranes Roost Park

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 7am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 12am

7. Wekiva Island

Wekiva Island is Central Florida’s favorite watering hole. Situated just north of Orlando, their indoor/outdoor recreation complex is the best place to enjoy Florida’s natural springs. Experience the immaculate Wekiva River and its perennial wildlife by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. On your way through the island go on discovering the spacious area that offers many activities like volleyball, corn hole and a charming boardwalk that overlooks the river. Let everything go with daily drink specials at The Tooting Otter craft beer and wine bar, enjoy a bite to eat at ‘Without A Paddle Café’ or shop for uniquely Floridian gifts and souvenirs at the General Store.

Wekiva Island

Address: 1014 Miami Springs Dr, 32779 Longwood, FL

Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday); 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)

Phone: +1 (407) 862 1500

Website: Wekiva Island

8. Big Tree Park

When you reach the park, you can take a walk through the natural hydric hammock swamp as you make your way on the boardwalk to the former site of “The Senator” a 3,500-year-old Bald Cypress tree that was lost to a fire in January of 2012. Ever since the “The Senator” was lost forever, a clone of the Senator was planted on the grand reopening day in March 2013 and aptly named “The Phoenix.” A memorial has subsequently been established and contains informational signage along the newly renovated boardwalk, a playground piece that mimics a bald cypress tree stump and a clone of “The Senator.” A second Big Tree, Lady Liberty, an approximately 2,000-year-old Bald Cypress Tree is still standing at Big Tree Park, and a hike into Spring Hammock. This small park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a boardwalk through the floodplain forest to display the enormous cypresses.

Big Tree Park

Address: 761 General Hutchison Pkwy, 32750 Longwood, FL

Website: Big Tree Park

9. Spring Hammock Preserve

Spring Hammock Preserve in Winter Springs is one of the most delightful places to take a hike. In this 600-hectare (1,500-acre) preserve that also includes Soldier’s Creek Park and Big Tree Park. The trails here are relaxed and easy to travel. You have multiple selections ranging from paved to muddy adventuresome, and the park offering you the sights of some of the biggest and oldest cypresses you’ll ever see.

The sanctuary includes the Seminole County Environmental Studies Center, extensive interpretive trails, a glistening spring, a unique assemblage of floodplain forest, hydric hammock, upland mixed hardwoods and pine flatwoods where you’ll continuously see birds busy looking for their meals. Divided by the paved Cross Seminole Trail, it’s well worth a visit any time of year and home to the famed “Mud Walk,” cherished by schoolkids throughout generations. There is a boardwalk that leads through second growth cypress forest out to Lake Jesup.

Spring Hammock Preserve

Address: 2985 Osprey Trail, 32750 Longwood, FL

Phone: +1 (407) 349 0769

Website: Spring Hammock Preserve

10. Wekiva Springs State Park

Located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, the gorgeous vistas inside this park provide a glimpse of what Central Florida must have looked like when Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands. About an hour from most Central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the chance to loosen up in a natural environment, where they can enjoy a picnic with their family and friends, or take a swim in the cool spring and rejuvenate their senses.

The trails here at Wekiva Springs State Park provide ample opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. By the way, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park’s concessionaire renting out from 20 USD all the way up to 80 USD. Options for camping include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas. This is an extremely popular park, particularly on summer weekends. So to ensure your entrance, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Wekiva Springs State Park

Address: 1800 Wekiva Cir, 32712 Apopka, FL

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

Phone: +1 (407) 884 2009

Website: Wekiwa Springs State Park

11. Aiguille Rock Climbing Center

The welcoming and knowledgeable staff at Aiguille brings the outdoors to you with rudimentary instruction for any patron to climb, at any time, for adults and children alike. Introducing one of the strongest route setting teams in the state of Florida. Aiguille constantly develops new and exciting climbing routes, that bring aesthetics to the walls and also offer technically advanced and creative movements for any experienced climber. Aiguille also provides a range of services such as private instruction to further your climbing education, you can arrange birthday parties to make your child’s day special, team building to unite your corporate group, a youth climbing team for those interested in taking their climbing to competitive level, camp programs to keep your kids healthy and active during school breaks, and a portable climbing wall to bring the climbing home or to any event. Check out the different levels from beginners to professional on the wall which looks like a work of art in itself. We recommend that you try it out for fun’s sake. If you get hooked on to it, we are not responsible!

Aiguille Rock Climbing Center

Address: 999 Charles St, 32750 Longwood, FL

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Friday); 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Saturday)

Phone: +1 (407) 332 1430

Website: Aiguille Rock Climbing Centre

12. Bradlee-McIntyre House

Designed by Boston architect Nathaniel Bradlee as his winter home, the Bradlee-McIntyre House Museum is an elaborate example of the Queen Anne style house. The house was almost certainly built between 1887-1892 by Joseph Lewis, an early builder in the area, with internal stairs and another surface work done by Josiah Clouser. It is one of the few remaining examples of a luxurious winter cottages in Central Florida.

The Bradlee-McIntyre House is fully reinstated and furnished in the late Victorian period. The asymmetrical tower, steeply pitched roofs, decorative shingle patterns and elaborate porch detailing are all characteristics of Queen Anne style. You can opt for the guided 20-minute tours in the property that begin on the hour and a half.

Bradlee-McIntyre House

Address: 130 W Warren Ave, 32750 Longwood, FL

Phone: +1 (407) 332 0225

Website: Longwood Historic Society

13. Candyland Park

Candyland Park is a peaceful place that combines natural beauty with sports, offering three lighted softball/baseball fields, three lighted tennis courts, three basketball courts, and multipurpose fields for flag football and soccer. In addition, there is a gazebo shelter, picnic area, and medium-size playground equipment area. If you have toddlers along with you, don’t worry, Candyland Park has it covered for you with their toddler areas that are fenced and keeps you toddlers from harms reach.

This park is a nice place to set up a picnic spot and enjoy the scenery and the various games you can watch while you picnic with your family. A laid back atmosphere to unknot all the stress and invigorate yourself. Take your kids out to play tennis in their courts or amuse yourself with the skateboard daredevilry at the ramps performed by teenage sensations that might blow your mind.

Candyland Park

Address: 599 Longdale Ave, 32750 Longwood, FL

Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (All days)

Phone: +1 (407) 260 3484

Website: Candyland Park

14. Oceans Direct

Oceans Direct is a full-service saltwater fish store located in Longwood, Florida. Here, talented and experienced staff can help you design the custom aquarium project for your space and budget. Oceans Direct has one of central Florida largest selection of Saltwater Fish, Live Corals, Live Rock and Freshwater Fish. You must see it for yourself why Oceans Direct is Central Florida most complete aquarium store.

Oceans Direct

Address: 215 W State Rd 434, 32750 Longwood, FL

Hours: 12 to 7 p.m. (Monday to Friday); 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday); 12 to 5 p.m. (Sunday)

Phone: +1 (407) 339 8883

Website: Oceans Direct

15. Reiter Park

Reiter Park is the heart and identity of Longwood’s Historic District. Its location as the terminus of Church Street and being highly accessible via the SunRail station makes it the key destination of the District and City. If you are in Longwood during the Easter season, you must visit the Reiter Park for its Annual Magic 107.7 Easter Egg Hunt, attended by tens and thousands of people who come along with their kids and have a whale of a time with loads of games and events happening in this park. Hop over to the Longwood Community Building for breakfast with the Easter Bunny and click pictures with him.

Reiter Park

Address: 301 W Warren Ave, 32750 Longwood, FL

Phone: +1 (407) 260 3484

Website: Reiter Park

You can't get over the grandiose of the trees in the park

With those tall and almost god-like trees that you see in the state parks makes you question about man’s position on earth. You cannot escape from feeling what these trees have witnessed over the thousands of years and if they could speak you would be all ears to listen to those tales. Come to think of it Longwood is aptly named so in association with these stately inhabitants. You and your family are surely going to enjoy and get mesmerized on your visit.