Is Leu Gardens good for toddlers?

Excellent for toddlers. The paths are wide, paved, and stroller-friendly. The open lawns provide space to run. The bamboo garden and butterfly garden captivate young children. Plan for 1-1.5 hours with toddlers before attention fades.

When is free day at Leu Gardens?

The first Monday of every month is free admission for all visitors. The gardens can be busier on these days, but the 50-acre space absorbs crowds well. Arrive early in the morning for the most pleasant experience.

How long does Leu Gardens take?

Most families spend 1.5-2.5 hours. You can walk all the main paths in about 90 minutes at a comfortable pace. Adding a picnic lunch extends the visit. Kids under 5 typically last 1-1.5 hours.

Is there food at Leu Gardens?

No restaurant or cafe on site. There is occasionally a food truck on weekends. Bring your own food -- the lawns and shaded benches make for beautiful picnic spots. The Audubon Park neighborhood, 5 minutes away by car, has excellent restaurant options.

Leu Gardens

Name: Leu Gardens
Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL, 32803, US
Telephone: (407) 246-2620
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(7,200)

Family of 4

$30 ($15/adult, $10/child ages 4-17, free under 4; or $0 on free first Mondays)

Duration

1.5-2.5 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 1-10

About

Harry P. Leu Gardens is one of Orlando's most beautiful and underappreciated family destinations -- 50 acres of curated botanical gardens, ancient oak hammocks, and lakefront paths in the heart of the city, just 15 minutes from downtown and 25 minutes from the theme park corridor.

The gardens are organized into themed sections connected by winding paved paths that are fully stroller-accessible. The tropical stream garden follows a planted waterway under canopy trees. The palm garden features over 200 palm species from around the world.

The arid garden showcases cacti and succulents. The camellia collection -- one of the largest in the southeastern U. S.

-- erupts in color from November through March.

For kids, several areas stand out. The bamboo garden is the showstopper -- massive stands of timber bamboo, some reaching 50 feet, create a green cathedral that filters light and amplifies sounds. The butterfly garden, smaller but meticulously planted with Florida-native host and nectar plants, attracts a constant parade of butterflies during warm months.

The lakefront boardwalk along Lake Rowena provides a different kind of natural entertainment. Turtles bask on logs, anhingas spread their wings to dry, great blue herons stand motionless at the water's edge, and occasional alligator sightings add excitement.

Leu Gardens operates on a nonprofit model. The first Monday of every month is completely free, which makes it one of the best free activities in Orlando. The gardens pair naturally with the surrounding Audubon Park neighborhood, which has some of Orlando's best local restaurants and cafes.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Limited

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

First Monday of each month is free admission. Morning visits are coolest and least crowded. The butterfly garden is most active on warm, sunny mornings. The rose garden peaks November through April.

Wait Times

None -- rarely crowded

Nearby Food

No restaurant on site. The nearby Audubon Park neighborhood has excellent options within 5 minutes: Se7en Bites (incredible brunch, $12-16), Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria (eclectic sandwiches, $10-14), and East End Market (artisan food hall, $8-15 per person).

Why Kids Love It

Leu Gardens is 50 acres of outdoor wonder where kids can run between towering bamboo groves, chase butterflies through a dedicated butterfly garden, climb the roots of ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and explore a lakefront boardwalk where turtles, herons, and the occasional alligator appear in Lake Rowena. Unlike a formal botanical garden where kids feel like they are in a museum with plants, Leu Gardens encourages exploration.

The bamboo garden is a standout for kids. Walking through towering stands of bamboo that arch overhead feels like entering a Miyazaki film. The sound of bamboo creaking in the breeze is mesmerizing, and the filtered green light creates a magical atmosphere. Kids pretend they are in a jungle, and the scale of the bamboo -- some stalks exceeding 40 feet -- genuinely impresses them.

The butterfly garden, planted specifically to attract Florida's native butterfly species, comes alive on warm mornings. Gulf fritillaries, zebra longwings, monarchs, and swallowtails flutter between lantana, milkweed, and pentas flowers. Kids who are patient enough to stand still near the flowers will have butterflies land on them.

Pro Tips from Parents

First Monday of every month is free -- mark your calendar and arrive early for the best experience
The bamboo garden is the kid highlight -- head there first while energy is high
The historic Leu House museum tour is included with admission but skippable for most kids
Bring a picnic blanket and eat lunch on the great lawn overlooking Lake Rowena -- one of the prettiest picnic spots in Orlando
The gardens are at their most spectacular December through March when the camellias and roses are in peak bloom

What to Bring

Sunscreen
Water bottles
Picnic lunch and blanket
Camera
Bug spray (light application)
Comfortable walking shoes

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$30 ($15/adult, $10/child ages 4-17, free under 4; or $0 on free first Mondays)

Tips to Save

First Monday of every month is completely free.
Kids under 4 always free.
Annual membership ($55/individual, $75/family) pays for itself in 3-5 visits and includes reciprocal admission at 350+ gardens nationwide.
Bring your own picnic -- there are beautiful spots to eat but no restaurant on site.