135 Parks to Explore in Florida

Alachua Splash Park is a wonderful way to beat the Florida heat while having some family-friendly fun. It features an extensive water play area, with slides, fountains, and interactive water games. There is also plenty of green space for picnicking, running around, and setting up sprinklers. There are even grills and picnic tables available for barbecuing. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or an evening under stars, Alachua Splash Park provides a unique and enjoyable water experience.

Alfred A. Ring Park is a 77-acre paradise of natural beauty featuring open fields, grassy meadows, large shade trees, and a 5-acre lake. Visitors to the park can partake in activities such as canoeing on the lake, walking/cycling along 1.7 miles of trails within the park, fishing for largemouth bass & bluegill, or birdwatching within the diverse environment. Other facilities include picnic areas, playgrounds with swings and slides, a public restroom and an outdoor theater stage area.

ArtsPark at Young Circle is a vibrant outdoor space in the heart of Broward. Boasting over seven acres of green space, it's the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon amidst art and nature. Here, you'll find grassy areas for picnicking or lounging; various arts-oriented sculptures and installations; an interactive playground for the kids; and a covered amphitheater that offers cultural music and entertainment year-round.

Ballast Point Park is an idyllic place for visitors to explore and enjoy. Set along the shore of beautiful Tampa Bay, the park has something for everyone. From boat launches and kayak landings to a beachfront promenade, there are plenty of ways to appreciate nature. The park also includes shaded picnic areas, swings, and a playground for children. Guests can even watch for local wildlife from any number of scenic lookout points throughout the area.

In 1972, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection acquired Blue Spring State Park to initiate its manatee protection program.

The Bok Tower Garden is a beautiful botanical garden filled with colorful blossoms and winding pathways. It was built by Edward W. Bok, as a tribute to the beauty of nature and birds. Visitors can explore peaceful walking trails and gardens, to experience the tranquility of nature up close. There's also a 203 foot tall Singing Tower featuring dazzling carillon bells which chime every 30 minutes allowing people to bask in their soothing tones from almost anywhere on site.

Boone Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. It features a number of spectacular views perfect for bird-watching and nature appreciation. The park's trails give visitors opportunities to explore the natural beauty of North Florida, providing peaceful moments throughout their journey. Boone Park also has an outdoor pavilion offering plenty of space for groups to have picnics or gather around the firebowl for an evening under the stars.

As well as picnic facilities, there is an area to park and unload horses to ride along the state trail at Bolware Springs Park.

Opened in 1988, it is the largest butterfly park in the world, and the first park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The facility houses around 20,000 live butterflies. In addition to the birds and butterfly exhibits, visitors can view the laboratory where the butterflies are raised and can see the different stages including eggs, caterpillars, and pupae.

C.B. Smith Park is the perfect place to spend your downtime. From camping sites and picnic tables to sports fields and nature trails, the park provides fun for all ages. Visitors can take a dip in the Water Park with its massive wave pool and nine water slides, or enjoy a game of volleyball, basketball or tennis on the courts provided. The fishing pier provides great opportunities for angling, and relaxing leisurely strolls are available along paved paths through lush greenery.

Located west of Panama City Beach, in northwestern Florida, Camp Helen State Park is a Florida State Park and historic site.

The park was established by an act of Congress on January 3, 1975, on a barrier island. More than 1,000 plant species and 310 bird species can be found in the Canaveral National Seashore.

This is a 24-acre park along the stream known as the St. Augustine Branch in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a Nationally Registered Historic Place because it influenced the territorial government's choice of the capital city's location. It also contains Florida's Prime meridian marker monument which is the foundation point for most land mapping throughout Florida.

Castaway Point Park is a beautiful outdoor adventure spot. Located directly on the Indian River, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets and various watersports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. For those who prefer to stay dry but still enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails that span across the 547-acre nature refuge. With an observation tower allowing parkgoers to take it all in from above, Castaway Point Park provides access to nature with a view that can't be beat.

Chain of Lakes Park is a must see nature park offering numerous recreational opportunities not only for nature lovers, but also for those who enjoy physical activity. Visitors can bike, hike, run and canoe on the trails located throughout the park. Bird watching enthusiasts and photographers will be impressed with the variety of birds that call this park home. There are also observation decks overlooking pristine lake views for more leisurely activities such as meditation and picnicking.

Located on the coast of Charlotte Harbor, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park covers 46,000 acres (190 km2).

Charlotte Sports Park is a art sports complex that boasts 7 youth fields for different sports activities and is home to the minor league team, the Charlotte Stone Crabs. In addition to baseball games, This Park can host a variety of events that range from concerts and festivals to weddings or team-building exercises. With its numerous amenities, passionate staff, and convenient locations near restaurants and shops, it's no wonder why this sports park has become a well-loved attraction.

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is a Florida State Park, which is open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays).

Clover Park, is a small coastal town comprised of stunning shoreline and family-friendly neighborhoods. Nature lovers can spend hours walking along the breathtaking stretch of beach, marine wildlife abound amidst the wetlands nearby, and canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the lake situated centrally within the town limits. For more daring recreation, locals and visitors alike enjoy skydiving high among Gulfstream clouds.

At the Collier-Seminole State Park you can picnic, hike, bicycle, canoe, camp, view wildlife, fish, and boat. Among the facilities are an RV park, four pavilion picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and a campground with youth, group, and primitive campsites.