If you ask locals where to take out-of-town guests for a relaxed, budget-friendly afternoon, Lakes Park comes up again and again. Tucked into south Fort Myers, this 279-acre county park built around a chain of freshwater lakes has become one of the most beloved green spaces in Lee County — the kind of place where you can walk a shaded trail, ride a miniature train, and picnic by the water all in the same visit.
We already covered Lakes Park briefly in our roundup of the best things to do in Fort Myers with kids, but it deserves its own deep dive. Here’s everything you need to plan a great trip.
Lakes Park is a free-to-enter, 279-acre county park at 7330 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers, FL, best known for a mile-long miniature train ride, themed gardens, paved walking/biking trails, boat and bike rentals, a Wednesday farmers market, and picnic areas. Entry is free; only parking is charged ($1/hour, $5/day max). Dogs are not permitted.
Lakes Park at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official name | Lakes Regional Park |
| Address | 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908 |
| Size | 279 acres |
| Park hours | Open daily, early morning until dusk |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Parking fee | $1/hour, $5/day maximum |
| Miniature train hours | Weekdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (extended in Oct. & Dec.) |
| Train ride cost | Free for children 1–5; $6 for ages 6+ |
| Dogs allowed | No (service animals only) |
| Farmers market | Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., October–June |
| Bike/boat rentals | Wheel Fun Rentals, two on-site locations |
| Best for | Families, walkers/joggers, birdwatchers, picnics |
Where Lakes Park Is and How to Get There
Lakes Park (officially Lakes Regional Park) sits at 7330 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers, FL 33908, about nine miles south of downtown, not far from Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach. That makes it an easy add-on whether you’re staying near the beaches or based closer to the River District.
If you’re mapping out a broader Southwest Florida itinerary, it’s worth reading our comparison of Sarasota vs. Fort Myers to decide how to split your time, and our guide to what to wear in Fort Myers so you’re dressed right for a warm, sun-soaked park day.
Park Hours, Admission, and Parking
There’s no admission fee to enter Lakes Park itself — you only pay for parking, which runs $1 per hour with a maximum of $5 per day. Lee County parking stickers are also accepted here. The park is generally open from early morning until dusk, so plan your visit around sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
A few practical notes before you go:
- Pets: Dogs and other pets aren’t permitted inside Lakes Park (service animals are the exception), so leave Fido at the hotel for this one. If you’re traveling with a dog, nearby Wa-Ke-Hatchee Community Park or the JY Linear Trail are better bets.
- Restrooms and Wi-Fi: Restrooms are located throughout the park, and free Wi-Fi is available.
- Facilities: You’ll find picnic tables and shelters scattered across the grounds at no extra charge, though larger group pavilions should be reserved well in advance — the park recommends booking four to six months ahead for events.
The Miniature Train — Lakes Park’s Signature Attraction
The single most popular thing to do at Lakes Park is riding the miniature train, operated by the nonprofit Railroad Museum of South Florida. The Lakes Park & Gulf Railroad runs on 1/8th-scale, 7.5-inch gauge track and takes riders on roughly a mile-long loop around the lake and through the park’s north end, passing four full-size grade crossing signals, a waterfall, an operating windmill, a 24-foot trestle bridge, and a lit 100-foot tunnel complete with sound effects. Along the route, the train winds through scale-model villages designed to look like Southwest Florida communities circa 1950.
The train typically runs weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours in October and December (the holiday season brings the popular “Holiday Express” with lights and a Tunnel of Lights display). A few riding restrictions apply: pregnant women, children under one, and riders over 250 lbs. aren’t permitted on board, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with a baby.
Next to the train depot, the Railroad Museum’s Interpretive Center displays a restored 1905 Atlantic Coastline locomotive and a 1953 Seaboard Airline caboose — a fun stop for train-loving kids even on days you skip the ride itself.
If your family enjoyed this kind of hands-on, kid-powered attraction, you’ll also want to check out our guide to the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, another nearby favorite for interactive family fun.
Gardens, Trails, and Wildlife
Beyond the train, Lakes Park’s real charm is in its landscaping. The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation maintains several themed gardens on-site, including:
- A Children’s Garden, designed for interactive play and exploration
- A Community Garden
- A Fragrance Garden, built as a sensory experience
- A Succulent Garden
The park also has roughly 2.5 miles of paved trails ideal for walking, jogging, and biking, plus unpaved nature paths and boardwalks that wind closer to the water. Bird lovers take note: over 1,000 birds nest in the park seasonally, including rarer species like the Scarlet Ibis and Black-Crowned Night Heron. Free guided Bird Patrol walks happen on the first Saturday of most months, led by park volunteers.
For story-time with little ones, the park hosts free seasonal readings in the Children’s Garden on the first and third Thursday of the month (October through May) — no admission fee, just the standard parking charge.
Water Activities: Boating, Fishing, and the Splash Pad
Lakes Park’s namesake lakes aren’t just for scenery. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, surreys, and bikes through Wheel Fun Rentals, which operates two locations in the park — one near the train depot/marina and another by the beach area. Rental hours generally run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays, so arrive at least an hour before closing to make sure you get equipment out on the water.
Fishing is popular here too, and the park’s freshwater lake has historically allowed swimming in designated areas during summer months. Note that the splash pad was damaged by Hurricane Ian, and Lee County approved a multimillion-dollar rebuild — so it’s worth checking current conditions before you visit if a splash pad is the main draw for your kids.
The Wednesday Farmers Market
If your trip lines up with a Wednesday between October and June, swing by between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the Lakes Park Farmers Market — fresh produce, prepared food, and local vendors set up throughout the grounds, plus rotating craft and plant sales from the Enrichment Foundation.
Food and Snacks
You won’t go hungry at Lakes Park. A snack shop and concession stand near the marina — including the Whistle Stop Ice Cream Shop — serves pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and homemade ice cream, so it’s easy to turn a morning walk into a full afternoon without leaving the park.
Tips for Visiting Lakes Park
- Go early. Mornings are cooler, quieter, and better for wildlife-spotting — especially if you’re hoping to catch birds before the midday heat sends them into the shade.
- Bring cash or a card for parking. The hourly/daily fee is collected at pay stations, and Lee County parking stickers work here too.
- Pack a picnic. With shelters and tables scattered throughout, it’s an easy, budget-friendly way to stretch your visit into a full afternoon.
- Check train hours before you go. They shift seasonally, and the holiday Train Village lighting adds a completely different experience in December.
- Skip the dog. Unlike some other Lee County parks, Lakes Park doesn’t allow pets, so plan a separate outing if you’re traveling with one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakes Park in Fort Myers free?
Yes. There’s no admission charge to enter Lakes Park. The only cost is parking, which is $1 per hour with a $5 per day maximum.
How much does the Lakes Park train ride cost?
The miniature train, run by the Railroad Museum of South Florida, costs $6 for riders age 6 and up. Children ages 1 to 5 ride free.
What are Lakes Park’s hours?
The park is open daily from early morning until dusk. The miniature train itself runs on a shorter schedule — typically weekdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours in October and December.
Are dogs allowed at Lakes Park?
No. Lakes Park does not permit pets, including emotional support animals — only trained service animals are allowed. Dog owners should try the nearby JY Linear Trail or Wa-Ke-Hatchee Community Park instead.
Does Lakes Park have a splash pad?
It has historically, but the original splash pads were damaged by Hurricane Ian. Lee County approved funding to rebuild them, so check the park’s current status before planning a visit around water play.
Can you rent bikes or boats at Lakes Park?
Yes. Wheel Fun Rentals operates two locations inside the park — one near the train depot/marina and one by the beach area — offering bikes, surreys, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats.
How far is Lakes Park from downtown Fort Myers?
Lakes Park is about nine miles south of downtown Fort Myers, close to the routes toward Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach.
Is there food available at Lakes Park?
Yes. A concession stand and the Whistle Stop Ice Cream Shop near the marina serve pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and ice cream.
Nearby Things to Pair With Your Visit
Lakes Park works well as one stop on a bigger Fort Myers day. For more ideas on rounding out a family-friendly itinerary, see our full guide to the best things to do in Fort Myers with kids, which covers everything from Manatee Park to Sanibel’s beaches. And if you’re weighing whether to extend your trip up the coast, our St. Armands Circle guide and Florida Keys visitor’s guide are great next reads for planning the rest of your Florida trip.
Final Thoughts
Lakes Park isn’t flashy, and that’s exactly the point. It’s the kind of low-key, well-maintained space where a family can spend two unhurried hours — riding a miniature train, wandering a fragrance garden, renting a paddle boat — without spending much money at all. Whether you’re a Fort Myers local looking for a regular walking spot or a visitor squeezing in one more activity before heading back to the beach, Lakes Park earns its reputation as one of Southwest Florida’s most enjoyable neighborhood parks.
Planning more of your Fort Myers trip? Don’t miss our guides on what to wear in Fort Myers and things to do with kids for a full weekend itinerary.
