7 Best Things to Do in Parkland, FL

Parkland, FL earns its name. This leafy, low-key city in northwest Broward County is built around green space, horse trails and a slower pace than its coastal neighbors — and it sits right against the edge of the Everglades. If you are looking for things to do in Parkland, this list mixes the easy local favorites with the one genuinely wild adventure sitting on the city's western doorstep. Whether you are a new resident hunting for weekend plans or hosting out-of-town family, here are the 7 best things to do in Parkland, ending with the must-do that is closer than most Parkland residents realize.

Parkland is unusual for South Florida. There are no big-box strip malls lining the main roads by design; the city protects its rural, tree-lined character with strict development rules. That gives it a calm, residential feel and makes the outdoors the main event. It also happens to be one of the closest cities in the entire region to genuine Everglades wilderness, which is where this list begins. That combination — a quiet, green residential town pressed right up against a vast national wetland — is what makes Parkland special. You get the calm, safe, family-friendly lifestyle that draws people here in the first place, plus an untamed backyard full of alligators and wading birds just minutes to the west. Few places in America can claim both. Whether you have lived here for years or are just passing through, that contrast is worth making the most of.

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1. Take an Everglades Airboat Tour (the #1 Must-Do)

Parkland's western edge practically touches the sawgrass, which makes an Everglades airboat tour from Parkland the top thing to do in the area. In minutes you go from manicured suburbs to genuine wilderness — wild alligators, wading birds and open marsh. An airboat has no underwater propeller; a big fan pushes it over inches of water and grass, so it reaches places no other boat can.

Aces runs small boats, which is the whole point: instead of a spot on a crowded barge you get a real front-row seat and a captain who can talk to you, slow down for photos, and read the water for wildlife. No other Parkland activity comes close to the thrill, and it is the rare adventure that is both world-class and right in your backyard. Because the drive is so short, you can do a morning ride and be home before lunch.

2. Pine Trails Park

Parkland's flagship park and community hub — wide open fields, a large playground, a splash-friendly layout, an amphitheater, walking paths, sports fields and community events year-round. It is the heart of the city, home to the weekly farmers market and seasonal festivals, and a perfect spot for a family afternoon, a picnic or an evening concert at the amphitheater.

3. Ride or Walk the Equestrian Trails

Parkland was founded with a rural, equestrian character that survives today. Miles of dedicated bridle paths and shaded multi-use trails wind through the city and connect neighborhoods to parks. Even if you do not ride, they make for beautiful, quiet walks, runs and bike rides — and you will likely pass a few horses along the way. It is one of the things that makes Parkland feel unlike anywhere else in Broward.

4. Doris Davis Forman Wilderness Preserve

A protected slice of natural South Florida — cypress, pine flatwoods and wetland — right within the city, with a boardwalk and interpretive trails. It is a gentle, kid-friendly introduction to the same ecosystem you will see up close on an airboat, and a great spot for birding, a nature walk or a quiet morning. Bring bug spray in the warmer months.

5. Terramar Park & Splash Pad

A newer community park with a popular splash pad, sports courts, a playground and open lawn — a go-to for families with young kids, especially in the hot months. It is well-shaded and easy, the kind of place locals bring the kids to burn off energy on a Saturday morning.

6. Farmers Markets & Community Events

Parkland punches above its weight on community events. The seasonal Parkland Farmers Market draws crowds for local produce, food vendors and live music, and the city calendar is full of festivals, food-truck nights, holiday celebrations and outdoor movie events. Check the city calendar before your visit — there is almost always something happening on a weekend.

7. See Wild Alligators Up Close

You do not have to drive to a roadside attraction to see gators. Just west of Parkland they live in the wild, and an Everglades nature tour puts you in their habitat with a captain who knows where to find them — no cages, no feeding shows. Watching a wild alligator move on its own terms through open marsh is the most authentic wildlife experience in the region, and a far more responsible way to see them than any pen.

Why Parkland Is the Perfect Everglades Base

Few South Florida cities are as close to the marsh as Parkland. That proximity means you can do a morning airboat ride and be back home before lunch — no long highway drive, no full-day commitment. Aces is a local, family-run operation; you will only ever be guided by our own captains, like Captain Billy, who grew up on this water. To learn more about the team, see our about us page, or call 561-660-2419 to book direct.

A Perfect Parkland Weekend

Here is how a local family strings it together. Saturday morning, beat the heat with an Everglades airboat tour right off the city's western edge — cool air, active gators, and you are home by lunch. Spend the afternoon at Pine Trails Park or cooling off at the Terramar splash pad, then hit the farmers market if it is running. Sunday, take a slow walk on the equestrian trails or the wilderness preserve boardwalk, then a relaxed lunch. It is a low-key, outdoorsy weekend that suits Parkland's whole personality, with the airboat ride as the standout adventure. Browse the photo gallery for a preview of what you will see out on the marsh.

Great for Groups, Birthdays and Visitors

Parkland is a family town, and an airboat tour is one of the easiest crowd-pleasers going — it works for kids, grandparents and out-of-town guests alike. Hosting relatives for the holidays or planning a kid's birthday? A small-boat ride is a memorable, active alternative to the usual party. Because Aces runs small boats, groups stay together and everyone gets a real front-row seat. Read what neighbors are saying in our guest reviews, then call 561-660-2419 to reserve your spot.

Getting There & When to Go

From most of Parkland, the nearest airboat launch is a short drive west — one of the closest of any Broward city. Go in the morning for cooler air, calmer water and the most active wildlife, and any time from December to April for the best conditions and fewest mosquitoes. Free on-site parking makes the trip easy, and booking direct means a real local on the phone.

A Little About Parkland's Character

Understanding Parkland helps you enjoy it. Incorporated in 1963 and named for its abundant green space, the city deliberately kept the strip malls out and the trees in. There is no heavy commercial corridor cutting through town; instead you get parks, preserves, top-rated schools and quiet, winding residential streets. That is why the best things to do here are outdoors and low-key rather than flashy. It is a place to slow down — and then, when you want a jolt of adventure, the Everglades is right there on the western edge.

Dining and Nearby Towns

Because Parkland keeps commercial development light, much of the dining sits just over the line in Coral Springs and Coconut Creek — from casual family spots to solid sit-down restaurants a few minutes away. The Promenade at Coconut Creek and downtown Coral Springs give you shopping, dinner and a movie without a long drive. Pair a meal there with a morning on the marsh and you have a full, easy day rooted in Parkland.

Combine Parkland With a Broward Day Out

Parkland makes a great home base for exploring northwest Broward. Start with a morning airboat tour, then branch out: Sawgrass Mills for shopping is a short drive south, the Coral Springs Museum of Art and Sportsplex are close, and the beaches of Deerfield and Pompano are 30 minutes east. See the full list of communities we serve on our service areas page. However you fill the day, the airboat ride is the part your family and guests will remember.

Parkland's Outdoor Lifestyle, Year-Round

What ties this list together is that Parkland is an outdoors town in a climate built for it. Winter is the golden stretch — mild, dry and perfect for trails, parks and an early airboat ride. Spring and fall stay pleasant, and even summer works if you start early and cool off at a splash pad or under the shade of the preserve boardwalk in the afternoon. The rhythm of a Parkland weekend is simple: get outside in the cool morning, retreat from the midday heat, and enjoy the long, warm evenings. An airboat tour slots neatly into that morning window.

Why an Airboat Tour Tops the List

We put the airboat ride at number one for a reason that goes beyond proximity. Parkland's other attractions are lovely but familiar — parks and trails exist everywhere. What Parkland uniquely has is a genuine wilderness on its doorstep, and an airboat is the only practical way to get deep into it. Wild alligators, wading birds and endless sawgrass, all a few minutes from home, add up to the kind of experience that turns an ordinary weekend into a story. It is the rare local activity that visitors from anywhere would travel for.

Plan Your Ride

Ready to go? Pick a morning slot, make the short drive west, and let an Aces captain show you the marsh. Free on-site parking, small boats and local guides make it easy, and booking direct means a real local on the phone. Whether it is a family weekend, a birthday or a way to show off your corner of Broward to visitors, the Parkland airboat tour is the standout. It is the kind of thing longtime residents keep meaning to do and then rave about once they finally go — do not let the fact that it is close keep you from treating it like the world-class attraction it is. Call 561-660-2419 to reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one thing to do in Parkland, FL?

An Everglades airboat tour just west of the city — wild gators and open marsh, minutes from home. Book direct at 561-660-2419.

Is Parkland close to the Everglades?

Very. Parkland's western edge sits right against the wetlands, so the nearest airboat launch is a short drive — one of the closest of any Broward city.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Parkland?

Yes — Pine Trails Park, Terramar splash pad and the wilderness preserve boardwalk are all great with kids, and an airboat tour is a family favorite for the wildlife and the ride.

Do you offer airboat pickup near Parkland?

We serve guests from across northwest Broward including Parkland. See our about page or call 561-660-2419 for the nearest launch and directions.

What outdoor activities is Parkland known for?

Parkland is known for its parks, equestrian and multi-use trails, and protected natural preserves — plus its proximity to the Everglades for airboat tours and wildlife viewing.

When is the best time to take an airboat tour from Parkland?

Early morning, any time from December to April, for cool air, calm water, active wildlife and few mosquitoes. Book ahead in peak winter season at 561-660-2419.