Here in Florida, we know it feels like summer is never ending and the hunt for something to do to cool off that is fun and affordable is always a feat but rest assured, we have you covered. We visited Nona Adventure Park about two hours south of Jacksonville and had an absolute blast. It is also about twenty minutes from theme parks like Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal. So whether you are looking for a low key water park day trip adventure that comes with zero stress and lines – or a daybreak from the hustle and bustle while visiting the other parks, you cannot go wrong visiting Nona Adventure Park.
Plan a Day Trip to Nona Adventure Park
Nona Adventure Park is located right on Lake Nona in Orlando and is a water-based family entertainment center with many opportunities for activities, food and fun! The adventure park offers an inflatable aqua park, obstacle course, Nona Wake cable park, 60’ climbing tower, ropes course, and rock walls that provide the ultimate outdoor adventure! It’s a beautiful place to spend quality time with your family and friends as there is something for everyone; fun, adventure, and fitness.
During our visit, our favorite activities included chilling on the beach, the inflatable aqua park, and knee boarding on the lake. There really is something for everyone. If you have smaller kids, they won’t be able to wake board or knee board as it requires you to be ten or older but there are plenty of opportunities with the aqua park, the climbing tower, and there is even a tot area with a playground and bounce house.Â
When they say it’s an “adventure” park, they mean it. It is definitely a good way to tire the kids out for a glorious quiet ride back home. If you want to add a sprinkle of luxury and relaxation to your lake day adventure you can also rent a floating cabana or a standard beach cabana. Imagine floating on top of Adventure Lake. There are also an abundance of chairs and covered areas to escape the sun that don’t require any pre-planning or rentals. We had no problem finding places to put our things, sit and relax, and places to sit to eat at the Splashes Grill. There are also several local food vendors that come out and offer a variety like barbecue, hot dogs, fresh juices and more.Â
What to Know Before You Go
Nona Adventure Park, is a hidden destination tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Florida. One thing I think is special about this park is that it doesn’t seem to be too crowded even on weekends which is such a pleasant change of pace from the typical Orlando attractions. And another plus is parking. There is ample parking, and it is FREE, which is unheard of!Â
As far as planning, make sure you read the age and height requirements for the activities, sign the waivers that are necessary and can be done online easily, and make sure you have the right shoes for the rope’s courses. They do require either crocs with the back strap or tennis shoes to do the course activities and they also require helmets and life jackets which are provided at no additional cost in the park.Â
Top Tips for Visiting Nona Adventure Park
- Plan for Florida weather accordingly and make sure to dress according to that weather (always smart to bring a fan, extra towels and sunscreen.Â
- Research the best deals and offers to save the most money for your visit. I like to compare the main website booking direct to third party sites such as Groupon and Under Cover Tourist for deals!Â
- Let the kids be kids and do the navigating and follow their lead. This may sound so silly if you are a Disney or Universal person or used to large overwhelming water parks. Nona Adventure Park is much more lowkey and smaller. I think it is fun to let the kids lead the way.
- Plan a budget for food. The food can be a little pricey. Keep in mind that this adventure park does not allow outside food or drink but does offer many options for food and drinks alike.
Looking for other great water parks to visit?
Lindsey has lived in Jacksonville now for over 12 years and is originally from the southeast Georgia area. She is a business and data manager for UF Health Emergency and Trauma services downtown by day, a travel agent, social media influencer, and BLS instructor by night. Lindsey is also the mom of three kids, Lily, Logan, and Ruby. She is married to a very talented musician, Cody who plays locally all around in the Bold City Classics and Blue Muse and with the symphony as well. Lindsey started posting on social media about her trips to Disney and beyond on social media in the last few years as a means to document the joy and help others with planning their trips, balancing traveling and motherhood and finding the true magic in it all. As her presence grew she was invited to become a travel agent specializing in Disney and other theme parks because of her expansive knowledge. You can follow Lindsey on Instagram and tiktok as well as request a free travel quote for your trip @magicmomlife or send her an email at [email protected].
