Let’s be honest. Dinner and a movie are great, but when we’re really trying to impress a date, it’s time to pull out all the stops.
Luckily, Lakeland has tons of options for unique dates that go way beyond the tried-and-true dinner and flowers combo. We rounded up 13 ways to celebrate love that we guarantee will become the benchmark for all future dates.
For the adventurous couple
DEFY Lakeland, 6220 U.S. Hwy. 98 | $12+
Pro tip: This is one of many indoor trampoline parks in Polk County. Spend time in the air with angled wall trampolines, foam pits, and launching decks. This is the place to defy gravity and maybe even flip for new love. 🦘
Elite Cable Park, 330 Denton Ave. (Auburndale) | Various prices
Pro tip: This experience includes water skiing, knee boarding, wake skating, and wake boardinge. Dive into a tray of gator bites after at the facility’s restaurant, Tantrum’s Lakeside Grill.
Tenoroc Public Shooting Range, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Rd. | $12+
Pro tip: This public shooting range offers supervised rifle and handgun ranges, sporting clays, an elevated archery range, and more.
For the history buffs
Pinewood Estate + Bok Tower Gardens Tour, 1151 Tower Blvd. (Lake Wales) | Tickets
Pro tip: Tour the 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion built in the 1930s among the acres of a historic landscape garden and catch a view from Singing Tower. Bring picnic supplies to enjoy as well. We like to call this the historic date of scenery and architecture. 🏛️
Polk Museum of Art, 800 E Palmetto St. | Free Admission
Pro tip: Before heading to our local museum, be sure to check out current exhibitions and the events schedule so you don’t miss out.
For the equestrians at heart
Mainstone Riding Academy, 4500 U.S. Hwy 92 E. | $40+
Pro tip: Make it a tradition and sign up for private lessons monthly to master the art of horseback riding. Then ride off into the sunset together.
Rockin’ W Ranch, 5247 Rifle Range Rd. (Bartow)
Pro tip: This family-friendly ranch is affordable and shares that it provides a safe riding experience for both beginners and advanced riders. 🐴
Spring Lane Ranch | 4427 Spring Ln.
Pro tip: You’ll get the chance to learn saddle seat, harness and driving, American Saddlebred, and Paso Fino training at this local ranch.
For the ultimate foodies and musical soulmates
The Joinery, 640 E Main St.
Pro tip: Come hungry to this modern, local food hall and enjoy a wide variety of your favorite foods — from sushi burritos and hot burgers to craft barbecue and ramen. Did we mention there’s ice cream? The Cloud 9 at MayDay Ice Cream is a sweet almond-flavored cream that’s a total must-have.
Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S.
Pro tip: Grab drinks and rock out to amazing local talent. Check out the event dates to select a show to attend. Get there a few minutes early to snag a good seat.
For the smarty pants
Escapology, 210 E. Pine St. | $30 per person
Pro tip: Put your love to the test with a deciphering game at Escapology and take a selfie at the photo opp to celebrate your results.
Lakeland Escape Room, 308 E. Pine St. | $28 per person
Pro tip: Have a special snack or meal waiting for you after your finish your game to enjoy together. Black & Brew (which is just down the block) has some of the best bistro sandwiches in town.
For the TLC couple
DayDreams Day Spa, 1463 Town Center Dr.
Pro tip: Choose a couples package that includes a Swedish neck and back massage with Aroma-therapy, a refresher facial, a classic manicure or pedicure, a Dead Sea Detox, and more. 💅
And on that note, we’ll leave you to do some planning.
