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.
All about the arts
Painting pottery or making mosaics? You choose at Picassoz.
Photo via @picassoz
Picassoz, 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.
Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St.
Share your love of the arts while perusing the galleries at this Lake Morton art museum. Pro tip: Stop by The Shop for a souvenir to mark the occasion.
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 ice skate.
Lakeland Escape Room, 308 E. Pine St.
See if your family can beat the clock in games such as The Perfect Heist, Time Warp, and Split.
Escapology, 210 E. Pine St.
Kids can pick up on clues, too. See how they fare at games like the Budapest Express and Lost City.
Great outdoors
Take the kids to this 500-sqft aerial tree house at Bonnet Springs Park.
Photo by @wakeupsunshinephotography
Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
This 180-acre adventure park has more than 1.75 miles of boardwalks and 30+ acres of wetlands. It also features an exhibition gallery and roof garden terrace.
Se7en Wetlands, 500 W. Carter Rd.
Tie up your sneakers and explore 8.5 miles of scenic trails. Remember to leave no trace.
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
Institute of Spanish Communication, 4926 Southfork Dr.
Help your young one learn how to speak Spanish as a second language in private or group lessons.
Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr.
Hoping to spark your child’s interest in your family history? They can discover your family’s past with free history and genealogy courses at the Lakeland Public Library.
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.
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. Pro tip: Snapology also offers birthday parties.
Sensory-friendly playgrounds
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.
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’
Melody Makers, 4175 Pipkin Road S.
Enroll your child in an eight-week course at Melody Makers, where they’ll participate in activities like singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
The Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Children ages six and up can participate in piano and keyboard classes for $30 per month. Free pre-ballet classes are also available on Thursdays for children ages three to seven and eight to 13.
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.
Stop in to this cafe where you can grab a snack, play a game, or cuddle up with adoptable cats from Saving Paws Rescue of Florida.
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.
