Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lake Mary, FL

Situated approximately 15 miles north of Orlando’s Central Business District, Lake Mary represents one of Florida’s rapidly expanding communities.

Incorporated in 1973, this city has experienced remarkable growth since the turn of the 21st century. Over the years, Lake Mary’s landscape has been transformed with vibrant mixed-use developments.

The charming downtown area, along with Colonial Town Park, a comprehensive dining and entertainment hub, greatly appeals to residents and visitors alike. Each March, Colonial Town Park comes alive with a thriving arts fair featuring more than 200 artists.

Lake Mary also serves as the intersection for two extensive paved trails that traverse Greater Orlando. Moreover, it is only a few minutes away from the natural beauty of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, with the SunRail commuter rail providing a convenient connection between Lake Mary and downtown Orlando.

1. Colonial Town Park

At the northern edge of Lake Mary lies a lifestyle center characterized by an upscale ambiance. Spanning nearly 40 acres, Colonial Town Park opened in the early 2000s and harmoniously integrates shopping, dining, entertainment, and wellness options.

This location also hosts numerous events, such as the Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts, which will be discussed further in this article.

As a prominent dining destination, Colonial Town Park offers a diverse array of cuisines, including Mexican, Japanese, pizza, subs, Asian fusion, frozen yogurt, and contemporary American fare.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy screenings at the AmStar Cinema 12, equipped with stadium seating and reclining seats.

2. Central Park at City Hall

At the heart of downtown Lake Mary, a delightful public park extends across the City Hall grounds. Central Park serves as an ideal gathering spot, featuring shaded pathways, picnic areas, and a serene pond.

Just a short walk away lies a vibrant assortment of local businesses, including a craft brewery, coffee shop, juice bar, pizzeria, bar & grill, and boutiques specializing in children’s clothing and bridal attire.

This provides a perfect setting for a relaxed evening in the downtown area. Additionally, if you visit on a Saturday, you can enjoy the local farmers’ market, which will be covered later in this article.

3. Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts

A key annual event to mark in your calendar is the juried art show that takes place during the first weekend of March. Established in 1986, the Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts supports scholarships for Seminole County high school students.

This event stands as a vibrant showcase for local artists and crafters, with over 200 participants each year competing for various accolades, including the esteemed Best in Show. When I visited, this prestigious award held a value of $2,500.

Children can partake in the festival without boredom, as there is an interactive art village offering diverse free art experiences sponsored by Disney.

4. Lake Mary Museum

Source: Lake Mary Museum / Facebook

This quaint local history museum is rich with intriguing exhibits that document the area’s history dating back to the mid-19th century.

The museum itself is an artifact, built in 1926 by developer Frank Evans as a community center and headquarters for the Chamber of Commerce.

Exhibitions showcase a variety of artifacts, including military items, historical photographs, newspaper clippings, maps, official documents, and memorabilia.

There are also notable temporary exhibitions to experience, featuring works by local artists and an annual quilting and fiber art display at the beginning of the year.

5. Lake Mary Farmers’ Market

Source: Lake Mary Farmers Market / Facebook

Farmers’ markets are as plentiful in Florida as golf courses, thereby representing ideal locations to explore new areas while supporting local enterprises.

Held on Saturday mornings beneath the City Hall at Central Park, the Lake Mary Farmers’ Market features a rotating array of fresh produce, orchids, baked goods, kombucha, nuts, pet supplies, and an assortment of crafts ranging from handmade soaps to suncatchers.

Dogs are welcome on leashes, and the market often features live music and activities such as free Zumba classes.

6. Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Source: Christopher J. Smith, MD / Wikimedia

Within 15 minutes of Lake Mary, one can access the southern entrance to this primordial environment characterized by blackwater streams and wetlands.

The optimal starting point is Katie’s Landing, situated roughly halfway along the Wekiva River. Here, paddlers are just eight miles from the headspring and the junction with the St. Johns River.

This location allows for launching kayaks and canoes, providing a choice between paddling upstream or downstream.

While paddling upstream may present a light current, the scenic beauty is exceptional; conversely, going downstream offers a more relaxed journey due to diminishing currents facilitating a gentle drift.

Throughout your excursion, you can expect to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including sandhill cranes, eagles, alligators, turtles, and fish.

7. Cross Seminole Trail

Located at Trailhead Park in the northeastern corner of W Lake Mary Blvd and Rinehart Road, this trailhead serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the northern sections of Greater Orlando.

More than just a suburban route, the Cross Seminole Trail leads to truly enchanting locations. Nearby is Spring Hammock Preserve, where visitors can immerse themselves in a hydric hammock swamp featuring magnificent bald cypress trees.

Among these trees is “Lady Liberty,” a remarkable specimen estimated to be around 2,000 years old and towering nearly 90 feet tall.

The Cross Seminole Trail comprises over 20 miles, eventually merging with the Cady Way in Winter Park.

8. Liberty Park

For those seeking a tranquil retreat in Lake Mary, Liberty Park, situated along the shore of Crystal Lake, comes highly recommended. This picturesque park is specifically designed for passive activities, such as nature walks and picnics.

Liberty Park is adorned with towering pine trees, and a nature trail invites visitors into the swampy areas adjacent to the lakeshore. A beautiful footbridge offers stunning views of the lake through the treetops, making it an enchanting spot at dawn.

The park’s sole active amenity is a disc golf course, established in 2019, featuring nine holes with DISCatcher Pro targets.

9. Seminole Towne Center

Lake Mary’s nearest enclosed shopping mall is located just a few miles north in Sanford. The Seminole Towne Center, inaugurated in 1995, accommodates over 80 retailers.

This center includes well-known national retailers such as Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and JCPenney, alongside local establishments, including Pandora, Hot Topics, Kay Jewelers, and Bath & Body Works.

In addition to retail options, visitors can enjoy the features of the Elev8 Fun indoor entertainment center, which offers mini-golf, laser tag, an arcade, go-karts, and a ropes course.

10. Planet Obstacle

Source: Planet Obstacle / Facebook

Accredited as the World’s Largest Indoor Obstacle Park, Planet Obstacle is perfectly suited for energetic children.

While I visited, the venue featured a trampoline park, bumper cars, ropes courses, Ninja Warrior courses, climbing walls, zip lines, a trampoline basketball court, and a 26-foot vertical slide.

Planet Obstacle attracts visitors, especially when outdoor conditions are unfavorable. For families with toddlers, there is also a delightful area designed for children under two.

This facility is a favored choice for children’s birthday parties up to the age of 12. When it’s time to take a break, the Sky Café provides a surprising selection of healthy options along with adult beverages.

11. Seminole Wekiva Trail

Joining the Cross Seminole Trail in Lake Mary is another paved, multi-use trail that traverses multiple communities, extending south until it reaches Altamonte Springs.

Situated just west of Lake Mary, this trail runs directly towards the scenic east banks of the Wekiva River. Visitors can initiate their journey at the Markham Trailhead, as this section is incorporated into the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Southward from here, a network of mountain biking trails can be found within Markham Woods, an eastern section of Wekiwa Springs State Park.

The majority of the Seminole Wekiva Trail follows the historic route of the Orange Belt Railway, which operated between 1888 and 1893 as one of the lengthiest narrow-gauge railroads ever constructed.

12. Emil Buehler Planetarium

Source: Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College / Facebook

Situated within the Seminole State College campus, the Emil Buehler Planetarium stands as a state-of-the-art astronomical venue that opens its doors to the public for a variety of shows and events.

The calendar includes compelling full-dome presentations that delve into groundbreaking space science research or explore the cultural significance of astronomy globally.

Additionally, for noteworthy astronomical events occurring in the night sky, visitors are encouraged to join special evening programs for further exploration. With comfortable seating and air conditioning, this venue provides an excellent way to spend an evening.

During my visit, I experienced a show marking the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, where the music was accompanied by stunning visuals showcasing the Solar System and beyond.

13. Lake Mary Sports Complex

Source: City of Lake Mary Municipality / Facebook

Lake Mary’s premier outdoor recreation area is equipped with facilities for various sports. The ballfields serve as the venue for the city’s youth baseball and girls’ softball programs.

Furthermore, the complex features tennis courts, batting cages, basketball courts, a modern playground for children, and a skate/BMX park, all supported by a concession stand.

Perhaps the most remarkable amenity is the splash pad at Trailblazer Park. This facility is a true asset for parents during summer months, with shaded seating located around the perimeter.

The splash pad operates on weekends from May through mid-October and is open on a daily basis during school breaks within this period.

14. Mystique Escape Room

Another attraction at Colonial Town Park is the escape room experience offered at Mystique. This location features four distinctive rooms, accommodating up to ten participants.

My experience in the horror-themed Crypt of the Vampire left a lasting impression due to its immersive theming and the intuitive nature of the puzzles.

As is customary with escape rooms, participants have one hour to unravel the mystery and make their escape. The level of detail, from storytelling to the props, envelops you in the experience.

15. SunRail

Lake Mary marked an important milestone in 2014 with the introduction of this commuter rail service. The city is one of 16 stations along the line, facilitating travel throughout Greater Orlando, particularly to its northern suburbs.

The station lies just a brief walk from Central Park in Lake Mary, offering a leisurely mode of transport to nearby communities. For example, you can utilize SunRail to visit Winter Park, a city celebrated for its upscale downtown and cultural landmarks like the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and its stunning chain of lakes, interconnected by canals, providing opportunities for boat tours.