The Villages Parkinson’s Annual Cruise
There has been an annual cruise the last four years. The 2026 cruise was in April.
Will there be a Parkinson’s cruise in 2027? If yes, when it is announced, details will be on this page!
Parkinson’s Out and About Club
“Let’s Go Do Something Fun Today”
Adventure does not end with Parkinson’s—it simply requires a little more planning, flexibility, and teamwork.
The Out and About Club was created to provide low-stress, easy-entry outings for people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, spouses, family members, and friends. The goal is not extreme activity or exhausting schedules. Instead, the club focuses on enjoyable shared experiences that encourage socialization, cognitive engagement, gentle exercise, and continued connection with the world around us.
Many of us work very hard to maintain our mobility, strength, and independence through exercise, therapy, medications, and determination. The Out and About Club exists to help turn that hard work into meaningful experiences, enjoyable adventures, and continued participation in life.
The club is designed around flexibility and comfort. Outings will generally be relaxed, accessible for mobility aids such as canes, rollators, and wheelchairs, planned well in advance, affordable whenever possible, and focused on social connection and enjoyment.
Activities will generally fall within four categories: Nature, Art & Culture, Social, and Seasonal Experiences.
Participants are encouraged to participate at their own comfort level. Some members may enjoy a longer walk while others may prefer sitting areas, scenic views, or simply enjoying lunch and conversation together. There is no expectation that everyone will experience an outing in exactly the same way.
The group will use personal vehicles rather than buses or formal transportation services. This keeps scheduling flexible and allows participants to maintain independence and leave early if needed. Meetups will generally occur at a recreation center within The Villages before departure. Optional carpooling opportunities may also be available.
Care partners and family members are a very important part of the club experience. Living with Parkinson’s is often a shared journey, and outings are intended to provide meaningful enjoyment and connection for caregivers as well as participants living with Parkinson’s.
First Adventure: Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
Thursday, June 11
The first official Out and About Club adventure will be a visit to beautiful Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston, Florida.
https://cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/
https://cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/garden-map
This unique botanical garden was created inside a reclaimed limestone quarry and features waterfalls, koi ponds, lush tropical plants, shaded garden paths, scenic seating areas, and peaceful natural surroundings.
The outing was selected because it offers a combination of natural beauty, flexible pacing, opportunities for rest breaks, social interaction, and interesting scenery and photography opportunities. Please note that only the upper path depicted in red is considered accessible while the lower areas are challenging. The upper loop is between a little more than a half mile, according to park staff. There are benches along the way.
We will create our base camp at the tent near the office on the left side of the map above. There are 6 picnic tables at the tents, and it is also near the flush toilets. People are encouraged to gather there to rest and socialize.
The group will travel together from The Villages area using personal vehicles. Participants may choose to travel directly from their homes to Cedar Lakes or to meet at the rally point, Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, and depart for Cedar Lakes as a group, at 8:15am. The goal is to arrive at Cedar Lakes near their opening time of 9:30am. Admission is $12 plus tax.
If you would like to RSVP and receive communication and updates about planning, including final lunch plans, please use this link:
RSVP for the Cedar Lakes Day trip
Participants are encouraged to bring water, cooling towels or fans, medications, snacks, comfortable shoes, mobility aids as needed, and personal comfort items appropriate for the weather.
Looking Ahead
Future outings may include:
- Gardens and nature parks
- Museums and cultural destinations
- Scenic restaurants and picnic gatherings
- Seasonal events and holiday attractions
- Indoor summer activities
- Accessible sightseeing opportunities throughout Central Florida
Do you have a trip idea to share?
Please use the link to the form below. We would love your knowledge, expertise and ideas.
please click here to go to the form for trip ideas
Most importantly, the Out and About Club is about continuing to explore, socialize, and enjoy meaningful experiences together.
Sometimes the hardest part of an outing is simply getting started. By planning together, traveling together, and supporting one another, we hope to make adventure a little easier—and a lot more enjoyable.
Adventure may look different now, but it is still ours to enjoy together.
Let’s go do something fun today.