06/08/2026
Orlando families, this one is for you.
It's summer in Central Florida. Kids are out of
school, days are long, and the question "where
can we go that actually works for our child"
hits harder than usual.
We put together a guide to five parks across the
Orlando area that families have told us actually
work for their children. Quieter spaces, inclusive
playgrounds, sensory-aware design, or just enough
room to move and regulate.
Here's the short version.
1. Lake Eola Park — Downtown Orlando
Spacious green areas, paved paths for mobility,
and quiet seating for sensory breaks. Best in
early morning before the heat and crowds.
2. Barber Park Inclusive Playground — Southeast
Orlando
ADA-accessible equipment, sensory-friendly play
structures, and shaded rest spots. Designed for
cooperative play without overstimulation.
3. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake — West
Orlando
Open fields, walking trails, and picnic spots
set apart from louder play zones. The shaded
trails make a real difference in summer heat.
4. Fort Mellon Park Inclusive Play Area — Sanford
Integrated sensory play stations, adaptive
equipment for a range of skill levels, and clear
separation between active and quiet zones.
5. Dr. P. Phillips Community Park — Southwest
Orlando
Large green spaces, smooth walking paths, shaded
picnic areas, and quiet corners away from the
busier playground equipment.
Three things that make any summer park visit
easier:
Visit in the early morning or close to sunset.
The middle of the day in Florida is brutal for
any kid, and especially for kids who already
struggle with overstimulation.
Bring comfort items like noise-reducing
headphones, a familiar toy, and plenty of cold
water.
Set clear expectations before you arrive ("we
will play for 30 minutes, then have a snack in
the shade") to reduce anxiety.
For the full guide, including activities to try
and how parks can support social and emotional
development, the article is on our blog. Link in
comments.
If you have a park anywhere in Orlando, Winter
Park, Sanford, or surrounding Central Florida
that you love and we didn't include, please drop
it in the comments. This list will be more
useful to other families if we're building it
together.
When you're ready to talk to our team about your
child's journey, we're here.
— The Go Behavioral team 💙