Blog Nona

Big 12 football in a stadium famous for shaking, and Division I basketball next door, across town in east Orlando and mostly a straight run up SR 417.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

The UCF Knights play home football at the Acrisure Bounce House, a 45,000-seat stadium on the University of Central Florida campus at 4465 Knights Victory Way, Orlando. The campus is about [VERIFY: road miles from Lake Nona Town Center to the stadium, est. 20] miles from Lake Nona Town Center, mostly on SR 417. UCF has played in the Big 12 Conference since 2023. Men's and women's basketball play next door at Addition Financial Arena, which also hosts concerts and the Orlando Valkyries pro volleyball team. UCF's men's and women's tennis teams play their home matches in Lake Nona, at the UCF Collegiate Tennis Center on the USTA National Campus.

Plenty of Lake Nona residents have a UCF connection before they ever watch a game. The university's College of Medicine anchors Medical City, its nursing college and hospital are next door, and a large share of the people who work there are Knights. Fall Saturdays at the Bounce House are how many of them end up adopting the team.

The stadium is across town on UCF's main campus in east Orlando, but from Lake Nona it is mostly a straight run up SR 417. Here is what game day looks like and how to make it easy.

Where do the UCF Knights play, and how far is it from Lake Nona?

UCF football plays at the Acrisure Bounce House, 4465 Knights Victory Way on UCF's main campus in east Orlando, about [VERIFY: road miles, est. 20] miles from Lake Nona Town Center.

The stadium has carried several sponsor names since it opened, including Bright House Networks Stadium and FBC Mortgage Stadium; it became the Acrisure Bounce House in 2025. Fans have called it the Bounce House for years, because the stands visibly move when the crowd gets going.

What is a UCF football game day like?

Expect a long, loud day: tailgating starts hours before kickoff across campus, and the stadium is known for a student section and crowd that make the stands bounce.

Tailgates fill lots and green spaces across campus well before the game. The pregame "March to Victory" is a long-running tradition, led by a knight on horseback. The biggest games are the Big 12 home dates and the in-state rivalry with South Florida, known as the War on I-4.

UCF's program began in 1979, went 13-0 in 2017 with a Peach Bowl win the school claims as a national title, and beat Baylor in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. That history is a big part of why the crowd shows up.

How should Lake Nona residents handle parking and traffic?

Leave early, buy parking in advance when it is offered, and expect slow traffic on the campus roads after the game.

The highway part of the trip is easy from Lake Nona: SR 417 runs most of the way. The bottleneck is the last stretch, because the roads into and around campus are small and fill up quickly on game day. Arriving early also means a shorter walk to the gates in the heat, which matters at early-season games. Check UCF Athletics for current parking options and any shuttle service before you go.

Can you watch UCF play in Lake Nona?

Yes. UCF's men's and women's tennis teams have played their home matches at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona since the campus opened in 2017.

The Knights play at the UCF Collegiate Tennis Center, a section of the USTA National Campus with 12 courts, seating for about 1,200 and a two-story pavilion with concessions and locker rooms. It is built so two college matches can run at once. For Lake Nona residents it is the closest Division I sport there is: a few minutes from home, with none of the game-day traffic of the main campus. The college season runs mostly in the spring; schedules are on UCF Athletics.

What about UCF basketball and other sports?

UCF men's and women's basketball play at Addition Financial Arena, next to the stadium, and the arena also hosts concerts and the Orlando Valkyries professional volleyball team.

Basketball is the easier outing: a smaller crowd, indoor seating and shorter parking lines. The arena has been home to both basketball programs since 2007 and is also used for UCF commencements and concerts. UCF fields many other sports on its main campus; schedules and tickets are on UCF Athletics.

How is UCF connected to Lake Nona?

UCF has its own campus in Lake Nona's Medical City, including the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, UCF Lake Nona Hospital and the UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, and its tennis teams play home matches at the USTA National Campus.

The UCF College of Medicine was one of the first anchors of Lake Nona Medical City. It was joined by the UCF College of Nursing, UCF Lake Nona Hospital and the UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, and UCF tennis plays its home matches at the USTA National Campus. With faculty, staff, students and alumni living nearby, plenty of Knights fans call Lake Nona home even though the games are played across town.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona's UCF ties are real: the medical school, nursing college and hospital bring faculty, residents and students into neighborhoods close to Medical City, such as Laureate Park, Northlake Park and Randal Park. Those are also the neighborhoods with the quickest access to SR 417 north on game day.

Orlando's other teams and venues are on the Explore Orlando hub, and you can compare communities on the Lake Nona neighborhoods page.

Official Sources

• UCF Athletics
• Addition Financial Arena (UCF Athletics)

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Florida's cattle-country heritage, a pro basketball team and touring shows under one roof at Osceola Heritage Park, south of Lake Nona in Kissimmee.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Silver Spurs Arena is an indoor arena at Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, about [VERIFY: road miles from Lake Nona Town Center, est. 15] miles from Lake Nona Town Center. Osceola County owns the arena, which opened in 2003 and seats up to about 10,000 depending on the setup. It is the home of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, held twice a year and dating to 1944. The arena also hosts concerts, comedy, family shows, graduations, boxing and the Osceola Magic, the Orlando Magic's NBA G League affiliate. Osceola Heritage Park also includes an events center and an outdoor stadium.

Before Disney, Central Florida was cattle country, and Osceola County still is in places. The Silver Spurs Rodeo has been the most visible link to that history since 1944, and its home, Silver Spurs Arena, is a short drive south of Lake Nona in Kissimmee.

For Lake Nona residents the arena is more than a rodeo venue. It is the closest large indoor arena to the community, hosting minor-league pro basketball, concerts and family shows without the drive or parking of downtown Orlando.

Where is Silver Spurs Arena, and how far is it from Lake Nona?

Silver Spurs Arena is at Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744, on the north side of US 192 east of downtown Kissimmee, about [VERIFY: road miles, est. 15] miles from Lake Nona Town Center.

Osceola Heritage Park is a county-owned complex of about 200 acres that also includes a 90,000-square-foot events center and a 5,400-seat outdoor stadium, so on busy weekends more than one event may be running at once.

What is the Silver Spurs Rodeo?

The Silver Spurs Rodeo is a rodeo run by Kissimmee's Silver Spurs Club since 1944 and held twice a year at Silver Spurs Arena.

The first rodeo was held on July 4, 1944, to encourage local residents to buy war bonds, and a February rodeo was added in 1951. The February edition is the long-standing signature event, and the rodeo is billed as the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi. The second edition of the year has moved around the calendar, so check the rodeo's schedule for current dates.

Events include bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, team and tie-down roping, breakaway roping and steer wrestling, along with youth competitions. The rodeo moved indoors to the new arena in 2003, so it runs in air conditioning regardless of the weather.

What other events happen at Silver Spurs Arena?

Beyond the rodeo, the arena hosts the Osceola Magic, concerts, comedy and family shows, school graduations, boxing and large conventions.

The Osceola Magic, the Orlando Magic's NBA G League affiliate, have played their home games at the arena since 2023. G League games are a less expensive, close-up way to see future NBA players and are a good first pro game for kids. The arena also books touring concerts and comedians, family shows, boxing cards and county high school graduations. The Osceola Heritage Park event calendar lists what is coming up.

Is Silver Spurs Arena worth the drive from Lake Nona?

Yes, for the rodeo and for G League basketball; it is the closest large indoor arena to Lake Nona and is far easier to get in and out of than downtown Orlando's Kia Center.

For NBA games and the biggest concerts, the Kia Center downtown is the venue. For a family night out, a rodeo or a smaller show, Silver Spurs Arena is closer and lower-key. For UCF games and college sports, see our guide to UCF Knights games.

How do you get there from Lake Nona?

Head south toward Kissimmee and US 192; the arena is on the north side of US 192, east of downtown Kissimmee.

The route runs through the southern edge of Lake Nona and into Osceola County, much of it along the Boggy Creek Road corridor. Parking is on site at Osceola Heritage Park. On rodeo weekends, arrive early: the grounds are busy and lines build before the performances. More regional outings are on the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona's southern edge borders Osceola County, and Osceola's ranching history is closer than most new residents realize. Residents of the southern neighborhoods, such as Eagle Creek, Isles of Lake Nona and Summerdale Park, have the shortest drive south to Kissimmee.

For more things to do near home, see the Nona Fun attractions and entertainment hub, and compare communities on the Lake Nona neighborhoods page.

Official Sources

• Silver Spurs Arena (Osceola Heritage Park)
• Silver Spurs Rodeo

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Two family amusement parks with free entry, multi-level go-kart tracks and real roller coasters, the easy middle ground between a backyard and a theme park.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Fun Spot America runs two family amusement parks near Lake Nona: one at 5700 Fun Spot Way in Orlando, off International Drive, and one at 2850 Florida Plaza Boulevard in Kissimmee. The Orlando park is about 19 miles from Lake Nona. Admission and parking are free at both parks; you pay for rides individually or buy a day or season pass. The parks are known for multi-level go-kart tracks, roller coasters and SkyCoaster towers, and the Orlando park has White Lightning, a wooden roller coaster. Fun Spot is best for older kids and teenagers, with smaller family rides for younger children.

Theme parks are a full-day commitment and a serious ticket price. For a family with a teenager who wants to drive a go-kart and ride a coaster for a couple of hours, that is overkill. Fun Spot America fills the gap: free to walk in, pay for what you ride, and done by dinner.

Fun Spot has two Central Florida parks, one in Orlando near International Drive and one in Kissimmee. Both are a reasonable drive from Lake Nona, and which one you choose mostly depends on what else you are doing that day.

Where are Fun Spot's parks, and how far are they from Lake Nona?

Fun Spot America Orlando is at 5700 Fun Spot Way, off International Drive, about 19 miles from Lake Nona; Fun Spot America Kissimmee is at 2850 Florida Plaza Boulevard, in the US 192 tourist area.

The Orlando park sits in the International Drive corridor, so it pairs easily with other I-Drive stops. The Kissimmee park is in the US 192 area near the Disney side of town.

How does admission work at Fun Spot?

Walking in and parking are free; you pay only for the rides, either one at a time or with a day or season pass.

That model is the main reason Fun Spot works for families. Parents who do not want to ride can come along at no cost, and a family can stop by for an hour without buying a full-day ticket. For a longer visit, a day pass covers unlimited rides, and season passes are sold for repeat visitors. Fun Spot also offers a rain guarantee: if it rains soon after you buy, you get a rain check for another visit. Current prices and pass terms are on Fun Spot's website.

What are the best rides at Fun Spot?

The go-kart tracks are the main draw, followed by the roller coasters, including White Lightning, the wooden coaster at the Orlando park.

Fun Spot built its name on go-karts, and its multi-level tracks, with ramps and spirals stacked over one another, are what most visitors come for. White Lightning, at the Orlando park, is a wooden coaster about 70 feet tall that reaches roughly 44 mph, and it is often described as Orlando's only wooden roller coaster. The Orlando park also has Freedom Flyer, a suspended family coaster.

Fun Spot's SkyCoaster towers, which swing riders in a harness, are billed as the two tallest in the world. Both parks also have family and kiddie rides, and Fun Spot runs a small alligator and wildlife exhibit, Gator Spot.

Is Fun Spot better for teens or young kids?

Fun Spot is at its best for kids roughly 10 and up, who can drive the go-karts and ride the coasters; younger children have a smaller set of family rides.

Height and age requirements apply to the go-karts and the bigger rides, so check them against your children before you go. For a group with mixed ages, the pay-per-ride model helps: older kids ride the thrill rides while younger ones stick to family rides, and nobody pays for rides they cannot use.

For very young children, an indoor outing such as Crayola Experience or Lake Nona's own Terra Play Center is usually a better fit.

Which Fun Spot should Lake Nona families choose?

Choose the Orlando park for White Lightning and an I-Drive evening; choose the Kissimmee park if you are already near US 192 or the Disney side of town.

From Lake Nona, the Orlando park pairs naturally with an evening on International Drive: ICON Park and Pointe Orlando are close by for dinner afterward. The Kissimmee park makes more sense when it is part of a day in the US 192 area.

Either way, go in the evening in summer. The tracks and coasters are fully exposed to the sun, and both parks are more pleasant after the heat breaks.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona families mostly save the big theme parks for visiting relatives and annual-pass weekends; Fun Spot is the outing teenagers ask for in between. Neighborhoods closest to SR 417 and the Beachline, such as Laureate Park, Northlake Park and Randal Park, have the most direct route west to International Drive.

More regional outings are on the Explore Orlando hub, and you can compare communities on the Lake Nona neighborhoods page.

Official Sources

• Fun Spot America

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

A half-hour airboat ride through the headwaters of the Everglades, about 7 miles from Lake Nona Town Center, with no reservation needed for most daytime rides.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Gator Airboat Rides is an airboat tour company at 3702 Big Bass Road, Kissimmee, off Boggy Creek Road, about 7 miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It runs half-hour daytime rides from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year, with no reservation needed for groups under 15. One-hour night rides start just after sunset and require a reservation. Rides cross the lakes and marsh at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, where riders often see alligators, wading birds and turtles, though wildlife is never guaranteed. It is the closest airboat tour to Lake Nona; the larger Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures park is farther south, near Southport.

Visitors to Lake Nona usually want two things: a theme park and an alligator. The second one is closer than most people realize. About 7 miles south of Town Center, at the end of Big Bass Road off Boggy Creek Road, Gator Airboat Rides takes passengers out onto the marsh at the top of the Everglades system, close enough to see gators sunning on the bank.

It is a short, simple outing: show up, ride for half an hour, and be home for lunch. That makes it one of the easiest ways to give visiting family a taste of real Florida without spending a day at an attraction.

Where is Gator Airboat Rides, and how far is it from Lake Nona?

Gator Airboat Rides is at 3702 Big Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744, off Boggy Creek Road, about 7 miles from Lake Nona Town Center.

The drive is the easy part. From Lake Nona you head south on Boggy Creek Road, the same corridor covered in our guide to the Boggy Creek Road corridor, then turn off toward the lake on Big Bass Road. It is also only a few miles from Orlando International Airport, which makes it a practical stop on the way to or from a flight.

What is an airboat ride like?

An airboat is a flat-bottomed boat pushed by a large aircraft-style propeller, which lets it skim across shallow water and marsh grass that a regular boat could not cross.

The ride alternates between fast runs across open water and slow stretches where the captain idles near the shoreline so passengers can look for wildlife. The fast parts are thrilling and loud. Airboat engines are noisy enough that hearing protection is worth bringing for young children; ask when you check in what the company provides.

Passengers sit in rows in front of the captain, who drives from a raised seat at the back, and water spray is part of the experience. Wear clothes you do not mind getting a little wet, bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and secure hats and phones.

Should you take the day ride or the night ride?

Take the day ride for convenience and scenery; take the night ride for a better chance of active wildlife and a cooler trip in summer.

The half-hour daytime ride is walk-in, which suits a spur-of-the-moment outing or visiting family on a tight schedule. The one-hour night ride starts just after sunset, needs a reservation, and is the one people talk about afterward: the marsh at dusk, the cooler air and more active wildlife. In the hottest months, many riders say the night ride is the better choice because both the animals and the passengers are more comfortable.

Will you see alligators on an airboat ride?

Alligators are commonly seen on these rides, but sightings are never guaranteed and depend on the season, the temperature and the time of day.

Riders also see wading birds, turtles and the marsh plants of the upper Everglades watershed. Gator Airboat Rides itself notes that wildlife varies with conditions. If seeing an alligator up close is the whole point of the trip, Gatorland guarantees it; an airboat ride is about seeing them in the wild.

How does Gator Airboat Rides compare with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures?

Gator Airboat Rides is the closer, simpler option; Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is a larger attraction park farther south in Kissimmee, near Southport.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures began in 1994 at East Lake Fish Camp, not far from here, but now operates from a single 32-acre park on East Southport Road, south of Kissimmee. That park adds a gem mine, a gator pond, a butterfly garden, Highland cow feeding and a barbecue restaurant to its airboat tours, and it is the one included in many tourist combo tickets.

For Lake Nona residents, the difference is mostly distance and time. Gator Airboat Rides is a short drive and a half-hour ride. Boggy Creek is a longer drive and a half-day outing. If your guests want an airboat ride, start with the one closest to home.

What should you know before you go?

Go early or late in the day in summer, bring sun protection and hearing protection for small children, and call ahead if your group is 15 or larger.

• Timing. Midday summer rides are hot; morning, late afternoon or the night ride are more comfortable.
• Weather. Florida afternoon storms can pause rides, so check the sky before you leave.
• Groups. Daytime rides are walk-in for groups under 15; larger groups need to call first.
• Prices. Current prices are on the company's website.

More regional outings are on the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona sits at the northern edge of the lakes and marshes that feed the Everglades, and Gator Airboat Rides is a reminder of how close that wild country is. Residents in the southern neighborhoods, such as Eagle Creek, Isles of Lake Nona and Summerdale Park, have the shortest drive down Boggy Creek Road.

For more outings close to home, see the Nona Fun attractions and entertainment hub, and compare communities on the Lake Nona neighborhoods page.

Official Sources

• Gator Airboat Rides
• Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Seventy thousand square feet of hands-on crayon, clay and color activities inside The Florida Mall, the closest big indoor attraction to Lake Nona.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Crayola Experience Orlando is a 70,000-square-foot indoor family attraction inside The Florida Mall at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail. It is about 12 miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It has more than 20 hands-on activities, including naming and wrapping your own crayon, melted-wax drip art, Model Magic clay and a two-story color playground. Crayola recommends planning three to four hours, and kids leave with the things they make. It opens daily at 10 a.m., sells annual passes and hosts birthday parties.

Every Lake Nona parent eventually has the same afternoon: it is 95 degrees or pouring, the kids have been inside since breakfast, and the community's best outings are all outdoors. Crayola Experience is one of the answers, an air-conditioned building full of things to make, about 12 miles away at The Florida Mall.

It is not a theme park and does not try to be. It is a few hours of hands-on activities aimed at young children, inside a mall you may be driving to anyway, and it is close enough to treat as an ordinary weekend errand rather than a big day out.

Where is Crayola Experience, and how far is it from Lake Nona?

Crayola Experience Orlando is inside The Florida Mall at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, about 12 miles from Lake Nona Town Center.

It is in the wing of The Florida Mall near the southeast entrance. Of the bigger Orlando attractions, it is one of the closest to Lake Nona, with no theme-park traffic or parking fees.

What do kids do at Crayola Experience?

Kids make things: they name and wrap their own crayon, create melted-wax drip art, sculpt with Model Magic clay and play in a two-story color playground.

The activities are stations rather than rides, and most are self-paced. Children can watch a crayon-making demonstration, design a coloring page, make a wax hand mold and color a Scribble Scrubbie pet. The World's Largest Crayola crayon is the obligatory photo stop.

The appeal is that most of it goes home with you. A visit ends with a bag of custom crayons, art and keepsakes rather than a souvenir you had to buy.

What ages is Crayola Experience best for?

Crayola Experience works best for children from about 3 to 10; older kids tend to get through it quickly.

Preschoolers and early-elementary children get the most out of it, because the activities match what they already like to do. Children who can read and follow simple instructions will be more independent at the stations. Teenagers are usually done well before the three-to-four-hour estimate; for them, Fun Spot America is a better fit.

Is a Crayola Experience annual pass worth it for Lake Nona families?

An annual pass can make sense for Lake Nona families with young children, because the attraction is close enough to use as a regular rainy-day stop rather than a once-a-year outing.

The math is simple: if you expect to go more than twice in a year, compare the pass with the price of individual tickets on Crayola's website. Lake Nona's long, hot summer makes repeat visits more likely than they would be in a cooler climate. If you only expect one visit, buy tickets online in advance instead. Prices change, so check the current rates before deciding.

How do you make a day of it?

Pair Crayola Experience with lunch or shopping at The Florida Mall, or, on a dry day, add a nearby outdoor stop such as Gatorland.

The simplest plan is a morning at Crayola and lunch at the mall, home by early afternoon for naps. If the weather clears, Gatorland is a short drive farther along South Orange Blossom Trail for an afternoon of animals.

Closer to home, Lake Nona's own indoor option for small children is Terra Play Center, which is better for active play while Crayola is better for making things. More regional outings are on the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona parents treat Crayola Experience the way they treat Terra Play Center: a reliable answer to summer afternoons and rainy weekends. The drive west to The Florida Mall is straightforward from any Lake Nona neighborhood, and residents in the communities nearest SR 417, such as Laureate Park and Northlake Park, have the shortest trip.

For more things to do close to home, see the Nona Fun attractions and entertainment hub, and compare communities on the Lake Nona neighborhoods page.

Official Sources

• Crayola Experience Orlando
• Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall (Simon)

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Two neighboring Orlando districts, about 21 miles from Lake Nona, known for independent restaurants, a food hall and some of the city's best Vietnamese food.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

Mills 50 and the Audubon Park Garden District are neighboring dining districts north of downtown Orlando, about 21 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. Mills 50, centered on Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive, is Orlando's Vietnamese district and has many Asian-owned restaurants, bakeries and markets. Its Vietnamese community took root in the 1970s and 1980s, after the Vietnam War. Audubon Park's East End Market is a food hall and market of local food businesses that opened in 2013. Both districts are known for independent, locally owned businesses rather than chains.

Lake Nona Town Center has plenty of good restaurants, but some of Orlando's most interesting food is in older districts north of downtown. Mills 50 has the city's best-known cluster of Vietnamese restaurants, and nearby Audubon Park has a food hall and a string of independent shops and cafes.

This guide is for Lake Nona residents who like to eat well. It covers how far the two districts are and what to try there.

How far are Mills 50 and Audubon Park from Lake Nona?

Both districts are about 21 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, just north and northeast of downtown Orlando.

The usual route takes SR 417 north and the East-West Expressway (SR 408) west, both toll roads, then local roads north. The two districts are a few minutes apart by car, so they are easy to visit together. Parking is mostly in small restaurant lots and on the street.

What is Mills 50 known for?

Mills 50 is Orlando's Vietnamese district, known for pho, banh mi, bakeries and Asian grocery markets, along with Thai, Chinese, Korean and other restaurants.

Vietnamese refugees began settling here in the 1970s and 1980s, and the district is still defined by Asian-owned businesses, many of them family-run. Colorful murals and utility-box art line the streets. For a first visit, a bowl of pho, a banh mi and a stop at an Asian bakery or grocery make an easy afternoon.

What is East End Market?

East End Market is a food hall and market in the Audubon Park Garden District, home to local food vendors, a restaurant and small food businesses, which opened in 2013.

It is a good place for a casual lunch, coffee or picking up local food products. The surrounding Audubon Park Garden District has independent shops, cafes and bars along Corrine Drive, and the neighborhood has long held a weekly community market. Check East End Market's website for current vendors and hours.

How should you plan a food trip from Lake Nona?

Pick one district for a meal and the other for coffee or food shopping, since both are small and a few minutes apart.

Lunch in Mills 50 and an afternoon coffee at East End Market is a simple plan. Restaurants in both districts are often small and popular, so go outside peak hours or expect a short wait. Businesses change over time, so check reviews and hours before you go.

Is Mills 50 near other Orlando attractions?

Yes. Mills 50 is close to Loch Haven Park's museums, Leu Gardens and Lake Eola, so a meal there fits easily into a day in central Orlando.

See our guides to the Orlando Museum of Art, Harry P. Leu Gardens and Downtown Orlando.

How do these districts fit alongside Lake Nona's own dining?

Lake Nona covers everyday dining close to home, while Mills 50 and Audubon Park are worth the drive for food you won't find in a newer planned community.

For restaurants close to home, see our Lake Nona restaurants hub. For more of Orlando, see the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona's own dining keeps growing, but many residents still make the drive to Mills 50 for Vietnamese food and to Audubon Park for its food hall. Our Lake Nona restaurants guide covers what is close to home.

Official Sources

• Mills 50 District
• East End Market
• Visit Orlando

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Orlando's soccer stadium, on the west side of downtown about 22 miles from Lake Nona, home of Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

Inter&Co Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood, about 22 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It opened in 2017 and was previously called Orlando City Stadium and then Exploria Stadium. It is home to Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer and the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League. It seats about 25,500 and includes The Wall, a safe-standing supporters' section. It is a few blocks west of the Kia Center.

Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches are some of the liveliest nights out in Orlando, and Inter&Co Stadium was built for them: steep stands close to the field, a standing supporters' end and a downtown location. Lake Nona is full of families whose children play youth soccer, and a match is an easy way to see the professional game.

This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far the stadium is, what a match is like and how to get there and park.

How far is Inter&Co Stadium from Lake Nona?

Inter&Co Stadium is about 22 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, on the west side of downtown Orlando.

The usual route takes SR 417 north and the East-West Expressway (SR 408) west, both toll roads, into downtown. On match days, allow extra time for traffic in the hour before kickoff.

What is a match at Inter&Co Stadium like?

Loud and close to the action: the stands are steep and near the field, and the supporters' groups sing and chant for the whole match.

The Wall, at the stadium's south end, is a safe-standing section for the most vocal supporters, and it is the heart of the atmosphere. Families often prefer seats along the sides, where the view is good and the noise is a little lower. The stadium also holds 49 rainbow-colored seats in Section 12, a memorial to the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.

When do Orlando City and the Orlando Pride play?

Both teams play home matches from late winter or early spring into the fall, with playoff matches after the regular season.

Many matches are on weekend evenings, which suits families. Season tickets and multi-match packages are available for both teams. Check each club's schedule when planning, as kickoff times change for televised matches.

How does parking work at Inter&Co Stadium?

Parking is in downtown garages and lots around the stadium, and pre-paid match parking is usually the easiest option.

Many fans park a few blocks away and walk, and the Church Street area between the stadium and the Kia Center has restaurants and bars that fill up before matches. SunRail's Church Street station is nearby, but SunRail generally runs on weekdays only and does not run regular weekend service, so it rarely suits a weekend match. Check the clubs' match-day guides for current parking options.

Is an Orlando City or Orlando Pride match good for young soccer players?

Yes. For children who play youth soccer, seeing professional men's and women's teams play is a great outing, and Pride matches in particular are popular with young fans.

For youth soccer and other sports closer to home, see our Nona Sports hub and our Lake Nona Youth Sports guide.

How does Inter&Co Stadium fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby venues?

Inter&Co Stadium is one of three major sports venues on the west side of downtown, with the Kia Center a few blocks east and Camping World Stadium a short drive west.

See our guides to the Kia Center and Camping World Stadium. For more of Orlando, see the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Youth soccer is a big part of family life in Lake Nona, and a trip to see Orlando City or the Pride is a natural next step for young players. If regular trips downtown matter to you, compare Lake Nona neighborhoods by how quickly they reach SR 417.

Official Sources

• Orlando City SC
• Orlando Pride
• Central Florida Expressway Authority (SR 417 and SR 408 tolls)

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Nearly 50 acres of gardens on Lake Rowena, about 22 miles from Lake Nona, owned by the City of Orlando.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a botanical garden at 1920 N. Forest Avenue in Orlando, about 22 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It covers nearly 50 acres on the shore of Lake Rowena and has been owned by the City of Orlando since 1961. Its collections include camellias, azaleas, roses, bamboo and many tropical and subtropical plants. The historic Leu House Museum on the grounds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens are close to Loch Haven Park and its museums.

Leu Gardens is Orlando's botanical garden: winding paths through camellias, roses, palms and bamboo, a historic house and a view across Lake Rowena. It is a calm contrast to the rest of Orlando's attractions, and a good place to see what grows well in Central Florida gardens, including your own.

This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far the gardens are, what is there and when to go.

How far is Leu Gardens from Lake Nona?

Harry P. Leu Gardens is about 22 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, northeast of downtown Orlando.

The usual route takes SR 417 north and the East-West Expressway (SR 408) west, both toll roads, then local roads north. The gardens have their own parking lot.

What is there to see at Leu Gardens?

The gardens are organized into themed areas, including camellias, azaleas, a formal rose garden, bamboo, palms, tropical plants and a butterfly garden.

The camellia collection is one of the gardens' best-known features, with hundreds of varieties. Paths wind down to Lake Rowena, where there are views across the water. The gardens also have demonstration areas that show plants suited to Central Florida's climate, which is useful for anyone planning a garden at a new home.

What is the Leu House Museum?

The Leu House is a restored historic home at the center of the gardens, showing Florida life around the turn of the 20th century.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and guided tours run through the day. Check the gardens' website for current tour times.

When is the best time to visit Leu Gardens?

Winter and early spring are the showiest seasons, when the camellias and azaleas bloom, and the cooler months are the most comfortable for walking.

Something is in bloom most of the year, and the gardens host events, classes and plant sales. Summer visits are best early in the day. Check the gardens' calendar for events and plant sales before you go.

Is Leu Gardens good for families?

Yes. The paths, lake views and butterfly garden suit an easy family walk, and the gardens run children's programs through the year.

A visit takes one to two hours, so it pairs well with a morning at one of the Loch Haven Park museums nearby. See our guides to the Orlando Science Center and the Mennello Museum.

How does Leu Gardens fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby outings?

Leu Gardens is Orlando's main botanical garden, close to Loch Haven Park and a short drive from Winter Park.

For outdoor time closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks hub. For more of Orlando, see the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona residents who garden often find Leu Gardens useful for seeing what thrives in Central Florida's heat and sandy soil. For parks and green space closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks guide.

Official Sources

• Harry P. Leu Gardens

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Clear, 72-degree spring water is one of Florida's great natural experiences. Three of the best springs are within about 40 to 50 miles of Lake Nona.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Kelly Park at Rock Springs and Blue Spring State Park are about 39, 44 and 50 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. Florida's springs stay close to 72 degrees year-round, which makes them cool in summer and comparatively warm in winter. Wekiwa Springs is known for swimming and kayaking, and Kelly Park for tubing down Rock Springs Run. Blue Spring State Park is a winter refuge for manatees, and swimming there is closed during manatee season from mid-November through March. All three parks often reach capacity on warm weekends and close their gates until space opens up.

Florida has more freshwater springs than almost anywhere in the world, and swimming in one is an experience the theme parks can't match: water so clear you can see the bottom many feet down, at about 72 degrees all year. Three of the best-known springs are an easy day trip from Lake Nona.

This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far the springs are, how they differ and how to beat the crowds.

How far are Central Florida's springs from Lake Nona?

Wekiwa Springs is about 39 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, Kelly Park at Rock Springs about 44 miles and Blue Spring about 50 miles.

All three are north of Orlando. Routes from Lake Nona use SR 417 and other toll roads for much of the way. Leave early on warm weekends, because the parks often fill up by mid-morning.

What is Wekiwa Springs State Park like?

Wekiwa Springs is a state park with a large swimming area at the head of the spring, kayak and canoe rentals, hiking trails and camping.

The swimming area is a wide, shallow bowl of clear spring water, popular with families. Paddling down the Wekiwa Springs Run into the Wekiva River, one of Florida's federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, is one of the best paddling trips in Central Florida. The park often reaches capacity on warm weekends.

What is Kelly Park at Rock Springs like?

Kelly Park is an Orange County park known for tubing: you float down a shallow, clear spring run on an inner tube.

The water stays between about 68 and 72 degrees, and the tubing run is shallow enough for families. Parking is limited to a set number of vehicles, and in summer the park can fill very early in the morning. Pets and alcohol are not allowed. Bring your own tube or check whether rentals are available nearby.

When can you see manatees at Blue Spring?

From mid-November through March, when hundreds of manatees gather in Blue Spring's warm water to escape the colder St. Johns River.

During manatee season, swimming is closed and you watch the manatees from overlooks along the spring run's boardwalk. It is one of the best places in Florida to see manatees in the wild. Swimming reopens from April into mid-November. The park also offers narrated boat tours on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring often reaches capacity, and it may require advance day-use reservations, so check the park's page before you go.

How do you avoid the crowds at the springs?

Go early, go on a weekday if you can, and check each park's status before you leave, since all three close their gates when they reach capacity.

Capacity closures can last several hours on busy summer weekends. Weekday mornings are the most reliable time to get in. For Blue Spring in manatee season, cold mornings bring the most manatees into the spring.

How do the springs fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby outdoor trips?

The springs are the main freshwater outdoor day trip from Lake Nona, alongside the beaches to the east and the parks close to home.

For the coast, see our Cocoa Beach guide. For outdoor time closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks hub, and for more of Orlando, the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona families often make a springs trip a summer tradition and a Blue Spring manatee visit a winter one. They are a good way to show visitors a side of Florida they didn't know existed. For more outdoor options closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks guide.

Official Sources

• Wekiwa Springs State Park
• Blue Spring State Park
• Kelly Park at Rock Springs (Orange County)

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

A family-owned alligator park that has been open since 1949, about 10 miles from Lake Nona and one of the closest attractions to home.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife park on South Orange Blossom Trail, about 10 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It opened in 1949 and is still owned by the family of its founder, Owen Godwin. It is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including rare white leucistic alligators. Its attractions include alligator shows, a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and bird rookery, a narrow-gauge railroad, a zip line and off-road swamp tours. It calls itself the Alligator Capital of the World.

Before Walt Disney World, there was Gatorland. The park opened on the Orange Blossom Trail in 1949 and still has the feel of old roadside Florida, with a big alligator-mouth entrance, live shows and a boardwalk over a marsh full of gators and wading birds. For Lake Nona residents, it is also one of the closest attractions to home.

This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far Gatorland is, what is there and how to plan a visit.

How far is Gatorland from Lake Nona?

Gatorland is about 10 driving miles southwest of Lake Nona Town Center, on South Orange Blossom Trail.

That makes it one of the shortest trips to any major attraction from Lake Nona, easy for a morning or afternoon without a full-day commitment. The park has its own parking lot.

What is there to see at Gatorland?

Thousands of alligators and crocodiles, rare white leucistic alligators, a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and observation tower, and a small zoo of other Florida animals.

The breeding marsh is the highlight for many visitors: a wooden boardwalk over a marsh with alligators below and a large bird rookery overhead, especially busy with nesting wading birds in spring. The park also has a petting zoo, an aviary and the Gatorland Express, a narrow-gauge train that has circled the park for decades.

What shows and experiences does Gatorland offer?

Gatorland is known for its live alligator shows, and it adds more adventurous extras such as a zip line over the alligator ponds and off-road swamp vehicle tours.

The shows include alligator feedings and the park's long-running gator wrestling demonstrations. The zip line and off-road tours are ticketed separately and have age and size requirements. Check the park's daily show schedule when you arrive and plan the visit around the shows you want to see.

Is Gatorland good for young children?

Yes. Gatorland's size, shows, train and petting zoo make it one of the most manageable attractions in Orlando for families with young children.

Because it is only about 10 miles from Lake Nona, it works well as a half-day outing that doesn't wear out small children. Much of the park is outdoors, so mornings and the cooler months are the most comfortable times to go.

Is a Gatorland annual pass worth it?

For families who live as close as Lake Nona, an annual pass can pay for itself in a few visits, especially with young children who enjoy repeat trips.

Passes typically cover general admission for a year, with discounts on extras. Check Gatorland's website for current pass options, prices and any Florida-resident offers.

How does Gatorland fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby attractions?

Gatorland is the closest of the classic Orlando attractions to Lake Nona, and a smaller, older-Florida contrast to the big theme parks.

For the major parks, see our guides to Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando. For outdoor Florida wildlife closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks hub, and for more of Orlando, the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona families often use Gatorland as a short outing with visiting grandparents or young children, because it is close and doesn't take a whole day. For more outdoor time nearby, see our Lake Nona parks guide, and compare Lake Nona neighborhoods if quick access to the Orlando attractions matters to you.

Official Sources

• Gatorland

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.