As its name implies, Candyland Park in Longwood, Florida is just about as idyllic as a sports complex can possibly be. This unique venue brings together well-equipped facilities with the pleasant natural beauty of its surroundings. The facilities that make up the Candyland Park complex include three lighted softball and baseball fields, three lighted tennis courts, three basketball courts, and various multipurpose fields for sports like flag football and soccer. Other amenities offered at Candyland Park include picnic areas, a playground, a skate park, and more.
Since Candyland Park is located in such a scenic area, there are many fun outdoor attractions nearby, including Big Tree Park and Spring Hammock Reserve. If your team prefers their fun to be had indoors, Longwood and the surrounding area is home to a variety of kid-friendly indoor attractions as well.
Things to Do
Big Tree Park
Big Tree Park is located on the beautifully shaded General Hutchinson Parkway and serves as a trailhead for the Cross Seminole Trail. It has also been a popular tourist destination for decades for one reason in particular: Big Tree Park was, until recently, home to “The Senator,” an approximately 3,500-year-old bald cypress tree. The tree towered 125 feet in the air and was one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Unfortunately, the Senator was lost to a fire in January 2012.
There’s still plenty for you and your team to see at Big Tree Park however. A memorial for the Senator has since been developed and includes interpretive signage along the newly renovated boardwalk. There’s also a playground piece that mimics a bald cypress tree stump as well as a clone of the Senator that has been planted nearby. The Senator’s sister tree, “Lady Liberty,” continues to stand tall, and though it’s only 2,000 years old, Lady Liberty is still an undoubtedly impressive natural wonder that’s worth seeing during your team’s visit to Longwood. 761 General Hutchinson Pkwy, Longwood, FL 32750
Aiguille Rock Climbing Center
If your team is looking to keep the athletic fun going even while they’re off the field, Aiguille Rock Climbing Center is just the place to do so. Aiguille is the only dedicated climbing facility in the Orlando area and features 10,000 square feet of climbing walls reaching heights up to 36 feet.
They offer two types of climbing at Aiguille: bouldering and top roping. If it’s your team’s first time climbing, bouldering serves as a good introduction to the sport, as it does not require extensive instruction because the walls are much shorter and it does not require a rope of harness to stop your fall. If your team is feeling a bit more adventurous, or some of them have previous climbing experience, top roping offers good opportunities for team building because it requires both a climber and a belayer.
Aiguille offers a dedicated team building program as well. If you’ll be visiting Aiguille with a group of 10 or more during a day when county schools are in session, schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance to take advantage of their group discounts. 999 Charles St, Longwood, FL 32750
Spring Hammock Preserve
The Spring Hammock Preserve is an approximately 1,500-acre property that’s one of the most delightful places to go on a hike with your team while in the Longwood area. As expansive as the preserve may be, the trails that run throughout it are surprisingly easy to explore, ranging from neatly paved to splashy and muddy.
The preserve also features the Seminole County Environmental Studies Center as well as extensive interpretive trails, a shimmering spring, and a floodplain forest where you’re likely to see birds looking for their next meal. 2986 Osprey Trl, Longwood, FL 32750
Urban Ninja Parkour
Have you got a team that wishes they could compete on the popular television series American Ninja Warrior? Then you’ve got to check out Urban Ninja Parkour, a facility dedicated to teaching the athletic art of parkour. Parkour is the art of propelling one’s self from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible by utilizing jumps, rolls, and numerous other acrobatic movements. After just one visit to Urban Ninja Parkour your team will feel an increase in their balance, coordination, and agility, which just might help them the next time that they’re on the field at Candyland Park! 1155 Charles St, Longwood, FL 32750
Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College
For more than 25 years, the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College has been offering curious stargazers and aspiring astronauts alike an experience that’s truly out-of-this-world! At the planetarium you and your team can enjoy live, interactive shows and full-dome video presentations unlike any that you’ve seen before.
Their programs range from traditional star displays to dazzling feature presentations that will whisk your whole group through the depths of outer space. A whole galaxy’s worth of epic entertainment awaits! The planetarium does not take reservations, so be sure to arrive for your planned show ahead of time so that your whole team can sit together. 100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773
Lil 500 Go-Karts
Lil 500 Go-Karts is an exhilarating attraction where thrilling fun can be found around every corner. Since 1968, Lil 500 Go-Karts has been offering incredible racing experiences for drivers of all ages thanks to their three uniquely designed tracks.
Lil 500’s original track, the “Family Track,” is designed especially with young racers in mind. An adult can ride with a child on a double-seated kart with dual-controlled steering wheels, for the price of one. Junior karts are available for those five years of age or older to experience the thrill of driving a go-kart on their own. For more daring driving experiences, have your team take a spin on the “Moto Track” or the “Fastrac.” The Moto Track simulates an off-road rally racing experience, complete with bumpy terrain and a four-foot-high hill. Fastrac is a fantastic track for those who’ve got a need for speed, providing drivers ages 10 and older with the chance to feel as if they’re racing in the Daytona 500.
Lil 500 Go-Karts also features group rates to help make your team’s visit more affordable, as well as picnic areas located adjacent to the tracks that you can reserve in advance. 150 Atlantic Dr, Maitland, FL 32751
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Places to Eat
Crazy Eddie’s Pizza and Grill
It’s no secret that every kid’s favorite food is pizza, so when it’s time to grab a bite to eat you needn’t look any further than Crazy Eddie’s Pizza & Grill, located just a short five minute drive from Candyland Park. Crazy Eddie’s Pizza & Grill is a local establishment that has established for itself a reputation for providing customers with delicious, high quality food; excellent customer service; and conveniently quick takeout, all at an affordable price.
Whether some of your team likes their pizza plain or some like it smothered with toppings, they’re sure to get their fill at Crazy Eddie’s Pizza & Grill. If there’s anyone on your team who doesn’t like pizza, Crazy Eddie’s Pizza & Grill offers other dishes that are just as crazy good, including salads, calzones, strombolis, subs, and more. 1616 N Ronald Regan Blvd, Longwood, FL 32750
Cubans on the Run
You don’t have to journey across the Straits of Florida for a good Cuban sandwich; instead, just head to Cubans on the Run, a quaint, authentic Cuban restaurant located in nearby Casselberry, close by Candyland Park. Cubans on the Run is locally renowned for delicious Cuban food, but especially so for the warm, flavorful Cuban sandwiches. If you or anyone else on your team has never had a Cuban sandwich before, this is the place to try one for the first time.
The traditional Cuban sandwich is made up of the unlikely, yet nevertheless delectable combination of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, all sandwiched tightly between two toasty pieces of crusty bread. That’s exactly what you’ll find on the menu at Cubans on the Run, in addition to other Cuban favorites like picadillo, tamales, breaded steak, and more. 2956 S US Hwy 17-92, Casselberry, FL 32707
Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que
When you visit Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que with your team, expect to be treated like you’re part of the Bubbalou family. You’ll enjoy good barbeque straight off the pit as well as side dishes that’ll make your mouth water, all in a charming, laid back setting.
Wondering what’s on the menu? Well, if you can name it, they smoke it. Pork, chicken, beef, turkey, ham, sausage, and lamb, all cooked low and slow over a hardwood fire then hand rubbed with their secret recipe seasonings and lightly topped with their mouthwatering, award-winning barbeque sauce are just a few of the you dishes can enjoy at Bubbalou’s. With all of the great food on the menu at Bubbalou’s it comes as no surprise that they’ve been recognized by the likes of USA Today, Southern Living, The New York Times, and Food Network. 1049 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Nonno’s Italian Restaurant
Nonno’s Italian Restaurant is where the locals go for Italian food, so if you and your team have a hankering for Italian classics like chicken parmesan, lasagna, baked ziti, and more while in the Longwood area, head to Nonno’s for a great meal. All of the dishes are inspired by Chef Leonardo’s Sicilian family, who had him in the kitchen helping to prepare food for holidays and other celebrations. No matter what you order, you’re in store for an authentic taste of Italy. 1140 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Like Candyland Park, the surrounding area is scenic and quaint. You and your team will feel right at home there during your stay, but don’t let that keep you from experiencing what Longwood has to offer. If you have the free time, make a point to venture out and make some memories as you visit even just a few of the great entertainment and dining options that can be found there.