School is out, schedules ease up, and life in Parkland takes on a wonderfully unhurried rhythm. Some families head off on vacation, others pack kids off to sleep-away camp, and many simply settle into those long, golden summer days spent with neighbors and friends. Whatever your summer looks like, one thing is certain — Parkland offers no shortage of ways to enjoy every moment of it.
Here is a look at some of the community's favorite ways to spend the lazy days of summer.
Cast a Line: Fishing in Parkland
Fishing is a year-round pastime in Parkland, but it truly comes alive once school lets out. Throughout the city, you will find children riding their bikes to neighborhood lakes and canals, rods and tackle in tow, ready to spend hours casting lines in the South Florida sunshine.
- The City of Parkland hosts Youth Fishing Derbies throughout the summer at the Pine Trails Park Fishing Pier — a free event for ages 3–12, held Saturdays from 8–10 AM on June 13, July 11, and August 8.
- For a truly unforgettable experience, local fishing guide Captain Frank Carbone leads families into the Everglades, where some of South Florida's best fishing awaits. A Parkland resident himself, Captain Frank has been introducing local families to the beauty and excitement of Everglades fishing for years.
Live Music & Food Trucks: Eat N' Beats
One of the most beloved summer traditions in Parkland, Eat N' Beats takes place once a month at the amphitheater in Pine Trails Park. This free community event brings together live music, rotating food trucks, and a laid-back family atmosphere that captures everything great about life in Parkland.
- Free concerts run Saturdays from 6–9 PM at the Pine Trails Park Amphitheatre.
- This summer's lineup includes Zendatta (A Police Tribute) on June 6, Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked (A Jimmy Buffett Tribute) on July 11, and Wide Awake (A U2 Tribute) on August 1.
- A rotating lineup of food trucks offers meals, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks for every taste.
- Whether you come for the music, the food, or simply the chance to spend an evening outdoors with your community, Eat N' Beats is a summer evening well spent.
Get Outdoors: Clues in the Park
Returning each summer, Clues in the Park has become a true Parkland tradition. This interactive scavenger hunt invites families to explore local parks while solving riddles, uncovering clues, and completing fun challenges together.
- Hosted by the City of Parkland Parks and Recreation Department.
- Encourages residents to discover local green spaces in a fresh and engaging way.
- Families compete for prizes while getting active and enjoying the outdoors.
Keep Kids Busy: Summer Camps in Parkland
Parkland offers an impressive variety of summer camps for children of all ages and interests — some sponsored by the City of Parkland, others operated by private organizations at the Parkland Recreation and Enrichment Center (P-REC). Whether your child loves sports, science, art, robotics, or theater, there is a camp designed with them in mind.
- Art Paper Scissors — Creative camps, classes, and special events for young artists. Campers kick off each morning with slime-making before spending the day drawing, painting, and exploring their creativity in a supportive environment.
- Parkland International Music & Arts School — Children sing, dance, and act while preparing for a Broadway-style performance. Campers can also record their own songs and participate in Taekwondo sessions through the school's partnership with Parkland Taekwondo.
Beat the Heat: Water Fun for the Whole Family
Summer in South Florida means one thing: time in the water. Fortunately, Parkland and the surrounding area offer exceptional options for cooling off.
Learn to Swim
Water safety is essential for every child in South Florida. Swimming lessons are among the most important summer activities families can sign up for.
- Coral Springs Aquatic Complex — Just minutes from Parkland, this world-class facility offers swimming lessons through Red Cross and Swim America programs, along with competitive swim teams, diving, water polo, and year-round training. Olympic athletes have trained here.
- Coconut Cove Waterpark (Boca Raton) — A short drive yields big rewards: a 986-foot lazy river, four-story water slides, a children's water playground, and a lily pad walk, among other attractions.
- Cypress Pool and Water Park — Features a splash pad, interactive water playground, recreational pool, aquatic classes, and a two-story waterslide.
- Liberty Park — Perfect for Parkland's youngest residents, this park offers a charming water play area and a heavily shaded playground beneath large trees.
A Day at Quiet Waters Park
Quiet Waters Park deserves its own spotlight. Just a short drive from Parkland, it offers some of the area's most unique summer experiences.
- Ski Rixen Cable Skiing & Wakeboarding — A continuous cable system pulls wakeboarders and water skiers around the lake — great for beginners and seasoned riders alike. The park also features a massive inflatable obstacle course built right on the water.
- Splash Adventure Water Park — Designed for younger children, Splash Adventure features slides, tunnels, water curtains, and a giant tipping bucket in a safe, lifeguard-supervised environment.
- Woofing Waters Dog Park — Even four-legged family members get to join the fun. Woofing Waters features a dog-friendly water park, dog treats, and boats so owners and their pets can enjoy the water together.
Enjoy Every Moment of Summer in Parkland
The pace may slow down during the summer months, but Parkland never runs out of ways for families to stay active, connect with neighbors, and create lasting memories. From fishing in the Everglades to dancing at Eat N' Beats, cooling off at a nearby water park, or watching your child perform on stage — summer in Parkland is something special.
