# Oakland Nature Preserve: Wetland Boardwalk, Lake Apopka & Nature Center

> Place to go for families in the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford area (FL). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Preserve and trails open daily from sunrise to sunset (approximately 8:00 AM–6:00 PM in…
- Dates: Tue, Dec 1 – Sun, Feb 28
- Where: Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trl, Oakland, FL 34760
- Ages: All ages; 3/4-mile boardwalk is completely level and stroller accessible; educational hands-on nature center for young kids
- Price: Free admission and parking; voluntary donations warmly welcomed
- Schedule: Preserve and trails open daily from sunrise to sunset (approximately 8:00 AM–6:00 PM in winter); Nature Center open Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Organizer: Oakland Nature Preserve, Inc. & Town of Oakland
- Official page: https://oaklandnaturepreserve.wildapricot.org
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/orlando/activities/oakland-nature-preserve-wetland-boardwalk-lake-apopka-and-nature-cente--listing-924a0b3af5f377525214387b

## About

Nestled between historic Winter Garden and Montverde just steps from the West Orange Trail, the Oakland Nature Preserve spans 128 acres of restored natural Florida ecosystems. The signature family adventure is the 3/4-mile stroller-friendly wooden boardwalk that winds through dense forested wetlands and hydric hammocks, culminating in an expansive covered pavilion overlooking Lake Apopka. Along the boardwalk, children can look down into freshwater pools to spot baby turtles, native fish, and wading birds.

Back at the trailhead, the Jim Thomas Environmental Education Center invites kids to interact with touch tables, taxidermy displays, live non-venomous Florida reptiles, and sensory garden boxes. Families can also explore several miles of gentle upland nature trails including the bluebird trail, butterfly garden, and gopher tortoise habitats. Covered picnic tables, drinking fountains, and clean restrooms make this an ideal rest stop along a West Orange Trail bike ride.

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