Jen Dantas
Lake Nona real estate broker specializing in the Orlando real estate market.
Lake Nona is a planned community in Orlando that has become a reference in leisure, gastronomy, sports, culture and well-being — experiences for all profiles.
With approx. 44 km², brings together companies, universities, residential neighborhoods, hotels and a Town Center with contemporary restaurants, bold architecture and open-air art — a true “sculpture garden”.
Known as “smart city with soul”, Lake Nona balances technology, innovation and community like few destinations.
Next, a complete guide to Lake Nona segmented by audience — from family outings to couples’ itineraries.
Each section brings gastronomy, leisure, sports, nightlife, culture, parks and health & well-being, marking whether the attraction is free or pay (with price range) and the best time (day/night). Perfect for deciding what to do in Lake Nona according to your profile.
Tip: Save your favorites and create a short itinerary — Lake Nona has options for an entire weekend without repeating attractions.
Families with Children
Looking for what to do in Lake Nona with kids? The neighborhood is highly family-friendly, with parks, interactive attractions and family restaurants with children's menu and safe outdoor areas.
Leisure and Entertainment
Nona Adventure Park — Lake Nona's adventure park
When the subject is leisure in Lake Nona with children, this is a must-see tour. The complex brings together, in the same place, a inflatable water park obstacle course style, cable park for wakeboarding/water skiing and a climbing tower (~18 m) with tree climbing and climbing walls.
- Aqua Park: inflatable circuit on the water to safely burn off energy.
- Wake Park: cables for wakeboard/skiing — great for beginners and teens.
- Climbing tower: routes and tree climbing with constant monitoring.
- Tot Town: area dedicated to the very little ones.
- Extras: rental of kayak and stand-up paddle + Splashes Bar & Grill (pizzas, snacks, ice cream) to recharge your batteries.
pay per attraction/time
~US$ 25 / 50 min (Aqua Park); combos available
they don't pay
all ages, with specific areas (includes Tot Town)
life jackets included + lane monitors
restrooms, changing rooms and snack bar on site
• Go early or late in the afternoon to escape the strong sun.
• Bring a towel, sunscreen, UV shirt and water flip-flops.
• Book in advance on weekends/holidays.
• Combine attractions (e.g. Aqua Park + tower) for better value for money.
Photo: Sculpture Charging Bull by Arturo di Modica in the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, a 50,000 sq ft garden featuring palm trees, tropical flowers, and eight world-renowned works of art, accessible free of charge to visitors.
Boxi Park — an outdoor food park for families
THE Boxi Park Lake Nona is one of the most beloved areas for families: colorful containers with food and drink kiosks, live music on weekends and one expanded playground where children run and dance in front of the stage while parents relax at outdoor tables.
- Entertainment: local bands with lively covers, DJs and themed programming.
- Family Fun Day: art workshops, balloon sculptors, face painting and inflatable toys on special dates.
- Sports & Games: sand volleyball courts + central lawn for the little ones.
- Environment: open space, pet friendly, shared tables and a square atmosphere.
free
$–$$ (~US$ 5–15 kiosks)
playground + ample space for strollers
live music on weekends
Yes
bathrooms, shade and tables
• Arrive early on Saturdays to secure a table in the shade.
• Bring a hat/sunscreen; the space is mostly outdoors.
• On event dates, check the schedule and wear comfortable clothing so the children can enjoy the playground.
Prohibited: free (special events may have paid consumption, but the park is open to the public).
Tip: Arrive early on Saturdays, when it opens at noon, to get a table in the shade while the kids enjoy the newly expanded playground. “ready to tire children of all ages!
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge — Educational Tour with Native Animals
THE ~15 min from Lake Nona, the refuge rescues and rehabilitates the native Florida faunaIt's a short, impactful program that's perfect for introducing children to environmental conservation while they get a closer look at some of the animals recovering.
- Animals in rehabilitation: eagles, owls, foxes, deer and other natives.
- Guided learning: team tells rescue stories that become conservation lessons.
- Structure: short trails, shaded areas and picnic space.
- Schedule: children's events and Animal Encounters on selected dates.
US$ 5 (suggested donation)
3+ years
45–90 min
free
flat paths; stroller ok
Sports and Physical Activities
For active families, Lake Nona is an open-air playground: tennis on USTA National Campus, cycle paths and urban trails, fields and skate park at Heroes Community Park, high-tech golf at Drive Shack, and water adventure at Nona Adventure Park.
USTA National Campus — tennis for all ages, open to the public
In Lake Nona, the USTA National Campus and the largest tennis center in the USA, with ~100 blocks on different surfaces (clay, hard court, etc.) — including reduced-size courts for children. Open to the public, welcomes everyone from beginners to advanced players.
- Hourly reservations: play as a family; rates from ~US$ 15/h (variable by time).
- Kids & Juniors: clinics, classes and interactive area Net Generation; there is children's rackets for loan.
- Watching is free: youth/university tournaments and training sessions are usually open to the public.
- Structure: pro shop, locker rooms, drinking fountains and shaded areas for breaks between matches.
- Accessibility: nearby parking, ramps and family restrooms.
free for visitors
paid (online booking)
beginner → advanced
60–120 min
morning or late afternoon
Even non-players can stroll around campus and watch the games: it's an easy, educational, and inspiring way to get to know the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona.
Heroes Community Park — Outdoor Sports and Play in Lake Nona
Community park on Dowden Rd., with complete facilities for families: soccer fields, basketball courts, walking track and playground. A walk free in Lake Nona to burn off energy with the little ones and enjoy the outdoors.
- Informal games: take the ball and organize the game on the lawn.
- Skate park & scooters: the favorites of pre-teens and teens.
- Laps on the track: walk, run or cycle with children on a safe route.
free
late afternoon
~60–90 min
children & teens
Drive Shack (Lake Nona): Tech Fun for Families
Entertainment center technological golf with three floors and private stalls facing the countryside. The minigames of hitting targets makes the experience easy even for beginners — think of a “golf bowling”. Each cubicle has a sofa and food & beverage service, so you can snack while playing.
- For whom: families with older children and teens; beginners have fun without pressure.
- Comfort: covered stalls, real-time scoreboard, lounge atmosphere.
- Tip: Prefer weekday mornings/afternoons for a quieter atmosphere and better rates.
free (pay per stall)
≈ US$ 30–50 (up to 6 people)
≈ 60–120 min
weekdays (daytime)
Nightlife (family friendly)
Yes, you can enjoy it. nightlife in Lake Nona with children — it just ends a little earlier. Favorite options:
- Outdoor movie nights: picnic on the lawn, family movies and neighborhood atmosphere.
- Art After Dark: art fair with live music at Town Center — free and photogenic tour.
- Boxi Park at night: live music, open space and illuminated playground (consumption on request).
Outdoor cinema and park events: Lake Nona organizes movie nights occasional in parks like the Heroes Park or in the area of Water Mark Park (within Laureate Park).
These free events feature children's films shown on an inflatable screen at dusk, and families enjoy picnics on the lawn. Check local schedules and neighborhood groups for dates.
Art After Dark @ Lake Nona Town Center: Every Friday and Saturday night, Lake Nona Town Center comes alive with the event Art After Dark, an outdoor arts and crafts fair with live music.
It's a perfect family evening out – kids will love browsing the artist booths (sometimes featuring children's crafts) while adults enjoy the music.
The event takes place between 6pm and 10pm in the center, free. There are often food trucks and desserts for sale. A safe and lively atmosphere for a night out with the kids.
Oh, What Fun! — Christmas festival at Lake Nona Town Center
In December, the Lake Nona Town Center turns into a winter village for the Oh, What Fun!: lights, themed decorations and lots of programming for families.
- Artificial snow falling on select weekend nights.
- Shows and performances with acrobatics and a Christmas soundtrack.
- Family Fun Day (Sundays): workshops, games and children's choirs.
- Santa Claus: photos in the little house with prior appointment.
- Gastronomy & market: food trucks and Christmas market with local artisans.
free
paid separately
December nights
~90–120 min
all ages
Culture and Education
Even little ones can enjoy Lake Nona's rich cultural offerings:
Lake Nona Sculpture Garden — open-air art in front of the Wave Hotel
While the sculpture garden delights adults, it also captivates children. The monumental works—such as the Charging Bull (Investor Bull) — stimulate the imagination as children walk along paths between palm trees and flowerbeds.
- Highlights: iconic pieces, lush scenery and stroller-friendly routes.
- To play and learn: Invite children to describe shapes, colors, and “what animal the sculpture resembles.”
- Rules of coexistence: observe without touching the works; photos only next to the pieces.
free
~20–40 min
late afternoon
all ages
The Beacon & Code Wall — a light and technology spectacle at Town Center
In the heart of downtown Lake Nona, the tower The Beacon comes alive at night with colored projections, music and effects. Next to it, the Code Wall displays messages in binary code — a fun opportunity to introduce children to technology.
- Continuous show: projections in loop for a few minutes after dark.
- Playful learning: explanatory plaques help to “decipher” the code wall.
- Futuristic climate: a visual experience that will leave little ones open-mouthed.
free
after sunset
~10–20 min
all ages
Educational events
Keep an eye on family activities in the Valencia College library (Lake Nona campus) and in the Nemours Children's Hospital Museum (interactive exhibits in the lobby). The Lake Nona Performance Club also promotes family health days with fitness activities for parents and children.
- Lake Nona Trails: The community was designed with miles of bike paths and landscaped sidewalks. One idea is to create a Family bike ride – many local accommodations offer bicycle rentals.
Cycle with the kids along the cycle paths that surround the lakes of Laureate Park, enjoying the modern homes and safe urban surroundings. The bike path along Tavistock Lakes Blvd, for example, passes playgrounds and sports fields where you can stop. - Neighborhood Playgrounds: If you need a break from letting the kids run around, look for playgrounds in Lake Nona's residential neighborhoods (open to the public during the day).
THE Heroes Park has children's toys and courts. In Laureate Park (neighborhood), the Courtney Moore Park and the McCoy Community Park There are grassy areas and playsets that residents frequent with their children – visitors are welcome as long as they respect the rules.
Health and Well-being
Traveling with kids can be tiring – but Lake Nona focuses on wellness that benefits the whole family:
- Lake Nona Performance Club (LNPC): This state-of-the-art health club has programs for all ages. For residents and guests (there are day pass for a fee), LNPC offers an indoor pool, climbing wall (Rox Climbing Gym), sports area and even supervised kids' area.
Parents can exercise while their children take swimming lessons or play safely. On Saturday mornings, LNPC often brings instructors for open yoga classes. Sculpture Garden (including families can participate in these free sessions) Yoga in the Garden at 8am)
Cost: variable (adult day pass ~US$15; younger children can enter free with an adult). - Wellness Events: Lake Nona promotes a healthy community culture – one example is the “Sunlight Yoga”, morning yoga classes open to the community free every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in a lakeside park (Dockside at Laureate Park).
Families with calm children or teenagers can enjoy meditating and stretching outdoors. Guided meditation sessions are also available on Wednesday mornings.lakenona.com, which can be a different experience for older children to experience mindfulness together with their parents. - Hospitals and Health: We hope no one needs it, but it's worth knowing that Lake Nona is home to the Nemours Children's Hospital and other cutting-edge healthcare institutions. In the event of any unforeseen health issues with children, the region has fast, world-class medical care.
Technology and Innovation
As a “smart city,” Lake Nona also entertains children curious about technology:
Autonomous Bus (Move Nona): Lake Nona was a pioneer in Florida in implementing shuttles autonomous electric vehicles circulating on local roads.
Families can have the futuristic experience of riding in a driverless vehicle! The service Move Nona operates free short routes connecting points in and around Lake Nona Town Center.
Inside the bus, an attendant is present for security, but the vehicle drives itselfl. Kids are thrilled—it's safe and slow (max 25 km/h). Check to see if it's open that day (usually on weekdays and downtown events).
Cost: free.
- Cisco Explorium (NAO Robot): At some community events in Lake Nona, a little robot named NO to interact with children – he dances, talks and teaches basic programming skills.
Stay tuned to the schedule of Lake Nona Education Initiative; sometimes they hold robotics workshops for children in partnership with the local school. - “Technological” stop: Even without scheduled events, simply walking through downtown Lake Nona can yield hi-tech surprises for observant children: smart solar trash cans, public benches with USB chargers, streetlights with adaptive lighting.
Make it a game: ask your kids to find "modern things" on the street. They might feel like tech hunters!
Family Events and Festivals
Lake Nona has an active calendar of community events which are great family programs:
- Run Nona 5K & Nemours Kids' Run: Traditional annual race (usually in August or September) that turns into a nighttime family party at Lake Nona Town Center.
There's a 5K race for adults and a special children's race sponsored by Nemours Hospital – many children participate in costume. After sunset, there's a party with DJ, inflatable toys, face painting and dunk tank (crazy tank) for kids to enjoy.
The highlight is the after-party around the illuminated Beacon. Even non-runners can come cheer and enjoy the attractions.
Enrollment: paid (around US$$ 30 adults, Kids' Run usually free or nominal). - Farmer's Market: The Lake Nona Farmers Market takes place biweekly node Laureate Park Village Center, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 5 pm to 8 pmlakenona.comIt's a peaceful walk where local families meet – there are stands selling fruit, organic vegetables, bread, crafts, and sometimes food trucks.
Kids can taste local honey, choose homemade sweets, and learn about fresh food.
Prohibited: free (spend only what you buy). Note: There are also occasional Saturday editions at Town Center, so check the current schedule. - “Ties and Tiaras” Father-Daughter Dance: An annual event in Lake Nona (usually around Father's Day or in March) where fathers and father figures bring their little girls for a night of dancing and fun. Princess-themed, it includes music, snacks, and party favors—a sweet treat for anyone in town during this time (advance ticket purchase required; benefits local organizations).
“Spooky Nona” Festival: Around Halloween, Lake Nona often hosts themed events for kids, such as a costume contest at Boxi Park or trunk-or-treat (distribution of candy in decorated trunks) in community parking lots. Check the schedule in October—it's a safe way for little ones to enjoy Halloween away from the overcrowded parks.
Summary — Lake Nona with kids
To families with children, Lake Nona is a welcoming and diverse destination. Many attractions are free or low-cost and when you pay, they deliver great value for money (e.g.: Nona Adventure Park).
- Infrastructure modern and clean.
- Feeling of security and community spirit.
- Outdoor programs, art and technology within everyone's reach.
low / free
families & children
safe & welcoming
modern & green
Is Lake Nona for you? I say: yes!
If you are looking for quality of life, innovation, nature and that modern and welcoming atmosphere, Lake Nona is your placeHere you'll find excellent schools, leading clinics and hospitals, gastronomy, art, and technology on every corner—all just minutes from Orlando.
Even better: the neighborhood continues in expansion, that is, whoever buys now has great potential appreciation in the short and medium term.
Want to see the homes available in Lake Nona? I have beautiful, move-in ready options — and I'll walk you through every step.
Call me and let's find your dream home!2025: The right time to get in the game
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Did you know?
It is possible to finance real estate in the United States with your income and documents from Brazil, without bureaucracy and with attractive interest rates.
How a Real Estate Agent in Orlando Makes the Home Buying Process Easier
Buying a property in the US can be challenging, but Jen Dantas, a Brazilian real estate agent in Orlando, simplifies the process and will take care of everything you need to buy a property:
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