PARKS & GARDENS

BIG TREE PARK is home to one of the oldest and largest trees in America. This 3,500-year-old, 138-foot (41.4-meter) bald cypress tree is named "The Senator" after Senator H.G. Overstreet who donated the tree and the surrounding land to Seminole County. 407-788-0405

BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK, located in Orange City, has a 72-degree Fahrenheit (22-degree Celsius) spring that is home to endangered manatees. The pine forest park also features camping, hiking and canoeing. 904-775-3663

BOK TOWER GARDENS features a 255-foot (76.5-meter) Singing Tower with 57 bronze bells in the center of the sanctuary set among reflecting pools and winding pathways. The 128-acre (51.2-hectare) gardens are located on Iron Mountain, the Florida peninsula's highest point at 298 feet (89.4 meters). 941-676-1408

DISCOVERY ISLAND
Walk along paths to see over 120 species of animals and 250 species of plants. Operated by Walt Disney World, it's one of the world's largest aviaries.  Lake Buena Vista Fl. Daily 10am-dusk . $10.95. Ages 3-9 $5.95. 407-824-3784

HARRY P. LEU GARDENS
boasts 50 acres (20 hectares) including the largest camellia collection and formal rose garden in the South. Guided tours through a restored house museum, reflective of the lifestyle of the farmers during the period of 1910-1930, are available. 407-246-2620
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens.- Florida's largest formal rose garden and the largest camellia collections in the eastern United States. Also featured is Leu's restored home from the 1800's. 1920 N. Forest Ave. Daily 9am-5pm. Tues. and Sat. 10am-4pm. Sun. and Mon. 1pm-4pm. $3. Ages 6-16 $1.

HONTOON ISLAND STATE PARK
in Deland along the St. Johns River invites visitors to discover its natural wonder and its common inhabitants: alligators, osprey, snakes, turtles, monkeys, raccoons, deer and eagles. 904-736-5309

KELLY PARK
in Apopka has many activities for a day of fun and sun including tubing, swimming, camping, as well as nature trails, volleyball courts, horseshoes and pavilions with picnic tables and barbecue grills. 407-889-4179

LAKE EOLA PARK
Meander about Lake Eola on a paddle boat or stroll along the shore in the natureific park. E. Central Blvd.

MEAD GARDEN
This 55 acre park is popular with local runners and walkers. The pretty park has paths and bridges over scenic grounds. There's even a boardwalk. Open daily from 8am to sunset. (407) 599-3334

 
TURKEY LAKE PARK
offers 125 picnic tables, a three-mile (4.8-kilometer) bicycle trail, hiking trails, two beaches, a swimming pool, camping areas, a 200-foot (60-meter) wooden fishing pier, canoe rentals and a petting zoo on its 300 acres (120 hectares). 407-299-5594

WEKIVA SPRINGS STATE PARK
features many recreational activities on its 6,900 acres (2,760 hectares) including canoeing, boating, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking and tubing. A dip in the river's cool spring is always refreshing. 407-884-2009Wekiwa Springs State Park.- Hiking, Canoeing, Horseback riding, camping and picnicking available at this 6,900 acre natural park. Follow man made trails through wooded areas or canoe at your own leisure. Canoe rentals are available. 1800 Wekiwa Circle. Apopka Fl. Open daily 8am-sundown.

WORLD OF ORCHIDS
Tromp through one of the worlds largest orchid displays. Rare species of orchids are grown here. Seed purchases can be transacted. 2501 Old Lake Wilson Rd. Kissimmee, Fl. Daily 10am-6pm. $8.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
This one-hour lake tour offers a relaxing and leisurely look at historic and magnificent homes and gardens along Winter Park's lakes and canal system. Turn back the hands of time to when the rich and famous dashed off to Central Florida for the winters and built their second homes here. Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, Azalea Gardens and multi-million dollar mansions are just a few of the sights. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the hour (last boat leaves at 4 p.m.), $6 adults, $3 children. 644-4056.