PLAYGROUNDHere’s a list of our favorite SunRail destinations for families.
1. Sanford Station: Free Trolley to Downtown Historic Sanford
Take the free Sanford Trolley loop from the Sanford SunRail station through Historic Downtown Sanford, Monday-Friday starting at Noon. While in Sanford, families will enjoy an ice cream stop at Wondermade, some pie at Riverwalk Pizzeria, a beautiful walk along the 1.8 mile long Riverwalk overlooking Lake Monroe and a visit to Fort Mellon Park (awesome playground and splash pad).
2. Church Street Station: Go on an O-Town Family Adventure
Riding the SunRail to the Church Street station puts you just blocks away from some of Orlando’s top family hangouts:
- Walk a few blocks from the train station to the Orlando Public Library! They host plenty of events for kids, and their children’s section is a neat place to plop down and read.
- Just one block away from the library is iconic Lake Eola! There, you can ride in a swan boat, run around at the playground, or simply walk laps around the lake and enjoy the scenery.
- Check out the Orange County Regional History Center, also just a block away from the library. They host events and camps for kids, as well as educational exhibits.
If daytime romping isn’t an option, consider taking the family out for a night on the town! The Church Street station is just blocks away from your perfect evening itinerary:
- Catch a show at the Dr. Phillips Center. From hit musicals to themed concerts, you’re bound to find events that will “wow” your whole family.
- Have a lip-smackin’ burger at Wahlburgers. On your walk to and from the Dr. Phillips Center, you’ll pass one of Orlando’s newest and best burger joints– so why not stop in for a dinner date?
3. Winter Park Station: Outdoor Movies, Farmers Market, Dining and Boutiques
There’s no end to the family-friendly activities you can explore at the Winter Park stop. As soon as you step off the train you’re at Central Park where the kids can run and play. Every Saturday you can peruse the Winter Park Farmers Market, full of tasty treats and homemade goods. Or get creative at All Fired Up where the kids can paint some pottery at this fun arts studio.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park is a free outdoor movie experience that is also a favorite among locals, usually held on the 2nd Thursday of the month in Central Park. Bring blankets and food so you can kick back in comfort and enjoy a show under the stars! PLAY Tip; Before you go, compare movie runtimes and the SunRail schedule! Some movies may run past the last departure time to your home station. (The beautiful thing is, it’s hard to miss your train when the station is right next to you!)
Walk across the street to the Park Avenue shopping district! The area is lined with unique restaurants, treats & boutiques. Here’s a few of our favorites: Tugboat & the Bird Children’s & Tweens Boutique, Peterbrooke Chocolatier and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop.
4. AdventHealth Village Station: A Cultural Experience
The AdventHealth Village station isn’t just a stone’s throw from the hospital — it’s also walking distance from Loch Haven Park, which is surrounded by some of Orlando’s best family hotspots:
- There is no shortage of things for your kids to do at Orlando Science Center. Along with a huge re-vamped KidsTown, the Science Center also offers children’s workshops, movies, stargazing, and so much more! Don’t forget to check out their latest traveling exhibit.
- Orlando Shakespeare Theater doesn’t just offer stellar shows from The Bard. Their children’s shows are as professionally done as their adult shows.
- Kids & teens alike L-O-V-E The Orlando Repertory Theatre. They run an out-of-this-world youth academy, the members of which put on high-quality musical productions that’ll knock your family’s socks off!
- The Orlando Museum of Art is a great way to introduce your kids to culture in a fun way. Keep an eye out for Free Family Fundays, where your kids can do a craft and then explore the museum for free. The first weekends of the month are also free for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders thanks to the Museums on Us program.
5. Lake Mary Station: Walk to Downtown Lake Mary
A short walk from the train station is the adorable little downtown Lake Mary, centered around a park and packed full of restaurants and shopping. This is a great stop to snap some Instagram pics of the kids at the Lake Mary Mural Alley, grab some pizza at Flippers and shop some toys at Bunny & Clyde Children’s Boutique. #momlife
Amanda Green