School is out, summer is heating up, and parents are looking for new things to do with their kids. The Lake Nona area has been built up as a medical hub in Central Florida, but is filled with community-centric activities, perfect for families to entertain their little ones.
From summer camps to play cafes, we have compiled a list of the five best things to do with your kids this summer.
Terra Play Center
For families with children from six months to eight years old, Terra Play Center has crafted an all-abilities play cafe offering a sensory-friendly environment to support children’s development at every stage. Kids can enjoy imaginative structures and calming sensory zones, allowing them to “learn through play.” Parents and caregivers are required to stay on-site, and the center encourages them to play with their littles to create core memories. Each open play session lasts for two hours, allowing the kids to move around and explore the space.
For more flexibility, Terra Play Center offers memberships for unlimited weekday visits (with some exclusions), exclusive perks, and discounted rates on parties and events. Advanced online booking is recommended to secure your space at the indoor playground.
Enjoy sipping on some of the delights from Terra Play Center’s full-service cafe while watching your little one thrive.
Nona Adventure Park
An inflatable aqua park, cable park, 60-foot climbing tower, rock walls, and more offer the perfect adventure to any thrill-seeking family. Nona Adventure Park brings the action for those looking for some excitement this summer. Alongside all of the watersports, families can aslo enjoy live entertainment like bands, karaoke or comedy while munching on food from Splashes Bar and Grill. Parents can sip drinks from the bar and take part in the park’s bottomless mimosas on Sundays.
For children ages 7-15, Nona Adventure Park offers summer camps where they can learn more about watersports, tune into their artistic side, and meet exotic animals, while creating lasting memories. Camps run through early August and still have availability. Nona Adventure Park also offers birthday party packages, including food, drink and of course, adventure without any of the stress of planning a celebration. For more information, please check out their website and use code CFL10OFF for 10% off of your purchase.
Cinema at Crescent Park: “Moana 2” Screening August 1
This summer, Crescent Park in Lake Nona transforms into an open-air cinema experience that’s perfect for families. On Friday, August 1, gather under the stars for a screening of “Moana 2,” the much-anticipated sequel to Disney’s oceanic adventure. The film will begin at sunset, but families are encouraged to arrive early with blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets to grab a good spot on the lawn. Crescent Park’s movie nights offer a laid-back, safe environment where kids can play and parents can unwind. Local food vendors and nearby restaurants in Lake Nona Town Center make it easy to grab dinner before the show. Whether you’re revisiting the magic of Moana or introducing your kids to her story for the first time, this community event is a must-do for summer.
Cranium Academy
Children can enjoy challenging themselves and growing academically and socially this summer at Cranium Academy. Located in East Orlando (near Lake Nona) and Winter Garden, the school offers full-day, weeklong summer camps for children from 4 years old to 12 years old, where they can learn more about arts, humanities and sciences. These camps offer a range of themes such as “Blowing off STEAM,” “Master Chefs,” and “Legendary Creatures from Around the Globe,” and campers will be able to utilize advanced learning technology and enjoy hands on tasks.
During the school year, both locations offer challenging, individualized curricula, introducing students to critical thinking, creative problem solving, and hands-on education. The East Orlando location offers classes from 12 months old to 5th grade, while the Winter Garden location has availability from 12 months old to 8th grade. Their low student-to-teacher ratio, interactive learning environment, and educators certified in child development make for a great learning setting. When students are not learning about all things language, art, music, science and character development-related, they can enjoy Cranium’s indoor and outdoor play areas.
Lake Nona Trails: Green Space Meets Adventure
Lake Nona offers families over 40 miles of trails and paths designed for walking, jogging, and biking—making it one of the most outdoor-friendly communities in Central Florida. With 40% of the community reserved for green space, the trails weave through scenic parks, lakes, and playgrounds. Whether you’re planning a stroller-friendly morning walk, a bike ride with the kids, or a solo run, there’s a route for every pace. For an added layer of fun and convenience, explore the area on a Bird e-bike or scooter by downloading the Bird app—perfect for eco-friendly exploration. Fitness lovers can discover routes with some of Lake Nona’s best views, while families will enjoy spontaneous playground stops along the way. These trails aren’t just for exercise—they’re a way to connect with nature, art, and community in a thoughtfully designed environment.
Lake Nona has become a bustling component of Central Florida. As it continues to grow, take time to look around and see all the community has to offer.