We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like Bonnet Springs Park to hidden gems like Se7en Wetlands, there’s something in Swan City for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 24 kid-friendly activities around the 863.
🌙 After-hours attractions
Family Fun Center, 4825 S. Florida Ave.
You can technically stop by any time of day, but what makes a core memory better than a twilight round of mini golf? Step inside for arcade games galore after you’ve putt-putted to your heart’s content.
Silver Moon Drive-In, 4100 New Tampa Hwy.
Don your jammies and load up the car with cozy comforts before heading to Silver Moon for a double feature — children under four get in free.
Painting pottery or making mosaics? You choose at Picassoz.
Photo via @picassoz
🎨 All about the arts
Picassoz Art Cafe, 4636 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Stop by this walk-in art studio and help your little one create a work of art. The upstairs loft offers clay and mosaic classes for children ages eight and up.
Art Centric Studio 1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 180
Kids can create art pieces and crafts with step-by-step classes. Editor’s pick: Try Kidz Night Out, a weekly Saturday night event where kids ages 6-10 can be dropped off to complete a painting, have some pizza, and play some games — all for less than the cost of a babysitter.
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Share your love of the arts while perusing the galleries at this Lake Morton art museum. Pro tip: There are also regular classes and workshops for families to learn art techniques together.
🚪 Indoor adventures
Lakeland Ice Arena, 3395 W. Memorial Blvd.
Is your child the next great ice skater of their generation? Take them to Lakeland’s only real ice rink to learn how to skate.
Lakeland Escape Room, 308 E. Pine St.
See if your family can beat the clock in games such as The Perfect Heist and Time Warp. Games are recommended for kids ages 11 and up.
Kid Cafe, 2947 S. Florida Ave.
Tiny tots have found their favorite play spot. Children up to 5 years old can play in the ball pit or try out the kids-only vending machines.
Escapology, 210 E. Pine St.
Book a room in Kids Mode, where all the clues are suited just for young sleuths to discover together with help from the game master.
Sky Zone, 6220 US Highway 98 N. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Your kids’ excitement will jump to new heights at this indoor trampoline park. Memberships include daily jump time + discounts on concessions.
Little Lake, 111 S. Florida Ave. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Reserve time at this indoor play space to let your little one’s imagination run loose. Inside, you’ll find kid-sized versions of Lakeland landmarks where they can play pretend.
Sim Boss, 5698 S. Florida Ave.
This gaming lounge has racing simulators, retro video games, and options for families to play together. Pro tip: There are also drinks available for purchase (including draft beer for grown-ups).
Take the kids to this 500-sqft aerial tree house at Bonnet Springs Park.
Photo by @wakeupsunshinephotography
🌳 Great outdoors
Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
This 168-acre adventure park has more than 1.75 miles of boardwalks and 30+ acres of wetlands. It also features an interactive Nature Center and plenty of playgrounds.
Se7en Wetlands, 500 W. Carter Rd.
Tie up your sneakers and explore 8.5 miles of scenic trails. Pro tip: Save these activities to try a scavenger hunt or identify animal tracks together during your visit.
Saddle Creek Park, 3716 Morgan Combee Rd.
Tucked away just east of Lakeland’s vibrant downtown, this park offers a relaxing escape from the city bustle. Bird-watch on the Great Florida Birding Trail where you can expect to see blue jays and maybe even spot a cardinal.
📖 Educational activities
Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr.
Hoping to spark your child’s passions? Try a free class or group at the library that covers everything from science to sewing and storytime.
What’s Cooking Lakeland, 6935 S. Carter Rd.
Young chefs can learn to bake and cook under adult supervision — and they can take home their creations for you to enjoy, too.
Snapology, locations vary
Kids can explore the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and the Arts (STEAM) through one of Snapology’s community programs or camps.
Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
This museum on the SUN ‘n FUN campus is perfect for young aviation fans to explore. Walk through interactive exhibits any day, or join events that teach those STEAM skills for all ages.
🛝 Sensory-friendly play
Common Ground Playground, 1000 E. Edgewood Dr.
Celebrated as the county’s “first inclusive play experience,” this park offers a variety of activities and structures for children of varying abilities.
Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
This museum provides sensory kits for children to use during their visit. The museum and its outdoor playground — which features a 100-ft Blinky the Alligator play structure — were developed in partnership with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
🎶 Movin’ and groovin’
Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Children ages 6+ can participate in piano and keyboard classes for $30 per month. Free pre-ballet classes are also available on Thursdays for children ages 5-17.
Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave.
If your child has a flair for the dramatic, Lakeland Community Theatre offers musical theater, drama, and dance classes for children in grades K-12.
🐕 Animal encounters
Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd.
Take the whole family to this nature reserve. Untouched natural spaces and trails lead to sights where you can appreciate wildlife and waterfront views.
SPCA Florida, 5850 Brannen Rd. S.
If your family has room for four more paws, take the whole group to the SPCA to meet adoptable pets and take a pup along with you on a family doggie date.
Kitty Cat Lounge, 946 E. Orange St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Stop in to this cafe where you can grab a snack, play a board game, or cuddle up with adoptable cats from Saving Paws Rescue of Florida.
Lake Morton, Lake Morton Drive
Children will love taking part in the classic Lakeland pastime of feeding the swans + ducks. Just remember to use the food dispensers around the lake — no bread here.
Purrology, 5343 S. Florida Ave.
Spend an hour with cats and kittens at this cozy coffee shop-meets-animal rescue. Pro tip: check out the cafe’s Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on their various events for the whole family to enjoy.
🧃 Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keeping kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
- Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
