BLOG: You can look forward to these great park events each year

In addition to the many recreational activities that families can enjoy at more than 80 Palm Beach County parks and recreation facilities, some of these parks host popular annual events. These gatherings bring together residents to create an appreciation for different topics, ranging from the environment to fitness and accessible sports.

Subscribe to the monthly What's Happening newsletter via email. In addition, you can view Leisure Times Magazine online for annual events.

Here are five annual FREEevents that are family friendly:

This event usually is held in John Prince Park in February or March. PBC Parks partners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to bring Lake Worth Beach and the surrounding community an event where youth and adults can safely experience outdoor recreation opportunities like canoeing, fishing, archery, rock climbing and more.

The event helps get people outside and encourages them to be active to create a more dynamic community.  Parents and children are introduced to unique sports they can do together. By sharing the joys of these sports with our community (at no cost), we learn to be more active in our everyday lives and appreciate natural settings.

FAMILY FUN FESTS

There are a number of Family Fun Fests in PBC Parks every year, from Family Fitness Fun Day at West Boynton Recreation Center to the Glades Family Fun Fest at Glades Pioneer Park.

The aim is to get parents and kids active through dance, bounce houses, rock climbing, and team sports like soccer. Health and wellness partners provide a chance to get important information and free resources, as well as free health screenings.

MIGRATION CELEBRATION

This event at Green Cay Nature Center welcomes adults, kids and bird lovers alike to learn about migratory birds returning to the wetlands and become familiar with other animals, like reptiles, living at the facility. The celebration exposes people of all ages to a unique nature center while enlightening them on topics related to wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Kids can take part in animal-related activities like interactive puppet shows and arts & crafts, all with education and conservation themes. Parents and kids can enjoy looking for dozens of different birds at the nature center.

The county’s other nature centers also host annual events celebrating Earth Day. At Daggerwing and Okeeheelee nature centers, guests can explore the natural grounds, connect with nature, and participate in conservation events and efforts.

KNOCK AND ROLL TOURNAMENT

PBC Parks welcomes wheelchair rugby players from all over the country and the world for teams to go head-to-head in this three-day tournament at the Therapeutic Recreation Complex inside John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach.

Players glide down the court, bumping and hitting each other’s chairs along the way, in what makes for an exciting and powerful sport meant to increase athletic participation among individuals with physical disabilities.

People of all ages and abilities can watch this exciting game every year – and cheer on their favorite team!

PIONEER FAMILY FARMSTEAD DAY, BATTLEFIELD REENACTMENTS

Riverbend Park and Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park often host historical family events like Pioneer Family Farmstead Day and Battlefield Reenactments, which allow families to step back in time and learn about the historical battles in the 19^th century in these areas.

Visitors can experience old Florida and learn about the area's history through many points of view. Period armies, Seminole camps, reenactors, guest speakers and historical preservationists often appear at these events, all at two of Palm Beach County’s beautiful and most popular parks.

Bibi Baksh is a public relations specialist for Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.