Featured Park Events

Orange County Parks and Recreation has the following fun events and community meetings:

Take the Orange County Scavenger Hunt Challenge, Now Through March 31!

• In 1824 Mosquito County was established, covering a vast area that encompassed much of eastern Florida. Its territory included what are now Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Marion, Martin, Seminole, Osceola, Orange, Lake, Polk and Palm Beach Counties. To celebrate this 200-year anniversary, Orange County Parks and Recreation has created a Scavenger Hunt Challenge of historic markers, plaques and information for curious individuals and families to learn about local details of the County's past.
  
  Click here to print your copy of the map and 26 questions. We hope you will visit these places – just copy the longitude and latitude to map each location and get directions. Then visit to stand on the ground where each site's history was made.
  
  Here are the contest rules: The Scavenger Hunt Challenge is open through March 31, 2025. Those who correctly answer at least 23 of 26 questions will receive by U.S. mail a printed voucher for a free one-day entry to either Orange County Parks and Recreation’s Kelly Park or Moss Park for a single vehicle with up to eight people. Tickets expire September 30, 2025. Tickets shall not be redeemable at Kelly Park if daily capacity is reached. Must be age 18 or older to enter. Print the list and include the number of each question with your answers. Print name, street address, city, zip code, email and phone number and email answers to Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net. Limited to one entry per family.

• All ages are welcome to join in the new Barnyard Banter program at Fort Christmas Historical Park on Saturday, March 15, from 1-2 p.m.! This month’s free event: What We Read, a talk on some of the written histories of Florida. Visit Fort Christmas Historical Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call the park's staff: 407-254-9310.

• Orange County Parks & Recreation and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission join together to bring you Senior Fish4Fun for ages 55 and older at Renaissance Senior Center, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. This is a once-a-month free catch-n-release fishing event! Fishing poles and bait provided while supplies last, or participants can bring their own fresh-water fishing gear. Questions? Call Renaissance Senior Center 407-254-9070 or email parks@ocfl.net.
  
  Here's the monthly event schedule:
  • Thursday, March 27
  • Tuesday, April 15
  • Thursday, May 22
  • Tuesday, June 17
  • Thursday, July 17
  • Tuesday, August 19
  • Thursday, September 18
  • Tuesday, October 21
  • Thursday, November 20

• Orange County Parks and Recreation is celebrating the Barnett Park skate park's second year on Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando. Stop in for an afternoon of fun, including free food (while it lasts), music and giveaways. Thanks to sponsors for their support: CataLyst, Greater Orlando Skatepark Push, Galactic, Getaboard, PLUS and Skate Bud. Visit Barnett Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call the park's staff: 407-836-6248.

• Bluegrass in the Park returns! This is a free event on Saturday, April 5 from 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Fort Christmas Historical Park in Christmas. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic or purchase from food trucks. This is a free event, open to the public. Visit Fort Christmas Historical Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call the park: 407-254-9310.
  
  Here's eventline-up:
  • 9:45 a.m. Opening by MC Steve Kane, National Anthem and Boy Scouts present Flags
  • 10 a.m. Sandy Back Porch
  • 11 a.m. The Canada Brothers Reunion
  • 12 p.m. Penny Creek Bluegrass Band
  • 1 p.m. Sandy Back Porch
  • 2 p.m. The Canada Brothers Reunion
  • 2:50-3:10 p.m. BBQ & Bake Awards
  • 3:10 p.m. Penny Creek Bluegrass Band
  • 3:50 p.m. Closing by MC Steve Kane