Top 10 Outdoor Activities Great for Social Distancing in Florida

As communities begin opening back up in Florida while following the COVID-19 guidelines, we have found some favorable places that your families can enjoy while maintaining safe distancing and creating fun-filled memories.

1. Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari

Drive your own car through Wild Florida Safari Park! This self-guided tour is an amazing experience for you and your family to enjoy while maintaining social distancing. The drive-thru allows guests to see more than 150 exotic animals and native Florida wildlife like white-tailed deer, bison, wildebeest, zebras, watusi, and oryx, to name a few. Check out a massive pond inside the park dedicated exclusively as a home for all “nuisance” alligators, trapped by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) SNAP program. They have great deals for Florida residents, teachers, first responders & many more.Book Today!

  • DON'T

  • DELAY

  • BOOK TODAY

  • MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES WHILE HAVING FUN

2.Jacksonville Zoo

Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo, and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving. The zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and a wide variety of 1,000 plants. If you have someone in your family who absolutely loves dinosaurs then you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to travel back in time to experience the Dinosauria exhibit! Jacksonville Zoo has 4-hour blocks for you to attend the park in order to maintain social distancing and safety for everyone. You must pre-pay for tickets online. Book Today!

3.Leu Gardens

Looking for a place where your family can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while keeping the distance? Well look no further! Try exploring the amazing 50-acre botanical oasis, only minutes from Downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to further our mission: inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. The garden and historical home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane. The best part is it's free for everyone to enjoy!

4.Florida Beaches

Did you know that Orlando has many amazing beaches just 90 minutes away from the city? This comes as a surprise to many first-timers who don’t associate Orlando with a day at the coast. In fact, you can reach the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean in well under 2 hours, so the options of where to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand are plentiful! In order to enjoy your experience at the beaches the following guidelines will need to be followed: distancing guidelines on the beach: groups of 6 people or less, and groups must be at least 10 feet from other groups. Everyone's cooperation is needed to help keep our beaches safe and open. Coastal parks and parking lots are open (some amenities such as splash pads and playground equipment remain closed). More information about the status of Volusia County beaches, including a map showing which ramps are open for cars to park on the beach, is available at

5. Twist at Home

Still not ready to leave the house yet? No worries! You can turn your peaceful sanctuary into an artistic retreat for you and the family by participating with a Twist at Home kit! You are guided just like being in their art studio. So don't worry, they will bring out the artist in all of us! Order your kit today!

6.Sanford River Walk

The Sanford Riverwalk Trail follows the shoreline of Lake Monroe in Sanford, FL, north of Orlando. The riverwalk extends from US 17-92 to Mellonville Avenue and is one of the most scenic paved trails in the county, featuring views of Lake Monroe. The trail also provides access to historic downtown Sanford.

Sanford Riverwalk Trail connects Lake Monroe with Wayside Park, Log Cabin Memorial Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Fort Mellon Park, Sanford City Hall, Seminole County Courthouse, Sanford Museum, a public boat ramp, Rivership Romance, and the restaurants and shops of downtown Sanford.

7. ICON PARK/Orlando

Select ICON Park locations are now open. This includes many of their restaurant locations now offering delivery/take-out and dine-in services. They encourage guests to verify hours of operations directly with each individual business to receive the most up-to-date information. The attractions currently opened at limited capacity are Madame Tussauds, SeaLife,Arcade City, Orlando Skyflyer, 7D Dark Ride, and the Pearl Express Train. The lawn and fountain are the perfect selfie spots. The Ferris Wheel remains closed but please continue to check the website for updates. Book your individual experience as there are no packages available at this time.

8. Social Distance Bike Rides

There are many bike trails to enjoy throughout Central Florida. A well-known favorite is the West Orange Trail. With over 20 miles of a paved trail, it passes through downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka. The trail is popular for biking, running, walking, jogging, and in-line skating. The Killarney Station at the west end of the trail has restrooms, parking, a playground, and a bike shop.

Check hours of operations and a trail map for conditions by clicking West Orange Trail.

9. Family Picnic

Looking for a way to change your scenery during mealtime? Maybe packing your food from home and eating outdoors is the answer. Whether it is in your backyard or a local park, a blanket with a picnic lunch is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Kids can get involved and select what they want to eat. Parents should make it easy and fun. If you prefer a great salad, sandwich, last night's leftovers, who cares.....throw it in a cooler bag and go! A board game, a deck of cards, or a great book would be a fun addition!

10. Drive-In Movie Theater

Looking for a way to enjoy a movie but not leave your car? Check out your local theater because many are going retro and hosting a drive-in theater. A few theaters include Ocala Drive-In Theater, Silver-Moon Drive-In Theater, Epic Theaters (Deltona, Clermont, and St. Augustine), and others are offering a Drive-In option. Tickets may be purchased online and refreshments can be delivered to your car. No persons are permitted outside their car during viewing. Check online for movie times at these locations.

Emma Sandi

Emma Sandi is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her Master’s of Science in Nursing at Dominican College in New York and is currently a Nocturnist in the inpatient hospital acute care setting. She is also an entrepreneur in other business ventures.

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