We’ve rounded up a list of activities + hangout spots for every family this season – with hopes to take the phrase “I’m bored” out of your little one’s vocab.
Whether you’re hoping to awaken an inner Piccaso, bolster up a new hiker, or help cultivate a future avian, we’ve got you covered with 25+ different ideas to choose from (and bonus activities from surrounding parts of Polk County).
Indoor Activities
Pick, pack + sort your way through Fla. orange groves
Explorations V Children’s Museum, 109 N. Kentucky Ave. | $9+
Explore the interactive art exhibits and learn how technology + art collide.
Inspire a future Picasso
Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St. | Free
Swing by the student gallery for a look at artwork from local Polk County students.
Test your spy skills with laser tag
Family Fun Center, 4825 S. Florida Ave. | $3+
Bonus: Check out the Willy Wonka arcade game + win the ‘Golden Ticket.’
Make memories with the whole fam
Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr. | Free
PSA: Books aren’t the only thing you can check out at the library. See a full list of kid-friendly events here.
It’s elementary, my dear Watson
Lakeland Escape Room, 308 E. Pine St. | $30
Put their problem-solving skills to the test and see if you can escape in time.
Fly all summer long
DEFY Lakeland (previously named 2INFINITY), 6220 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. | $12+
Work up an appetite bouncing over to their cafe. Nachos, pizza + smoothies are calling your name.
A Lakeland tradition since the ‘70s
Skate World, 911 N. Lake Parker Ave. | $3+
What’s a more important lesson than learning to get back up? Don your skates and make your way around the rink.
Take on the warrior course
Urban Air Adventure Park, 3800 U.S. Hwy 98 N. | $13.99+
#Shoutout to the #1 listing in the ‘Top 100 Franchise in 2019 by Entrepreneur Magazine.’
Right up your alley
Orange Bowl, 4318 U.S. Hwy 98 N. | $4+
Spare no extra time— take the kids to out for a strikingly good time.
Are you raising a future avian?
Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd. | $8+
Enjoy planetarium shows and inspire an interest in aviation.
Outdoor Activities
Watch a film at the first drive-in in Lakeland
Silver Moon Drive-In, 4100 New Tampa Hwy. | $2+
Keep up-to-date on their Facebook page for giveaways + discounts.
An expedition for the young + the young at heart
Safari Wilderness, 10850 Moore Rd. | $99+
Get up-close and personal with the wildlife at this Polk County safari.
Calling all future park rangers
Saddle Creek Park, 3716 Morgan Combee Rd. | Free
With over 70+ parks in Lakeland, it might be difficult to know where to start. Check out our park guide here.
For all the water guppies
The Gandy Pool, 404 Imperial Blvd. | $4
Check out our Lakeland + Polk County swimming pool guide for ways to stay cool.
Hey batta, batta
Lakeland Flying Tigers Game, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | $4.50+
Check game schedules for the best time to hear “play ball!”
Raising up a future David Beckham
Lakeland Tropics Game, 1125 N. Florida Ave. | Tickets | Come out + support our local team. #GetTropical
Creative Activities
Art camp or bust
Art Centric Studio, 1035 Florida Ave. S. #180 | $160
Help kids flex their artistic muscles at this studio for budding artists.
For all the wannabee mermaids
Picassoz Art Cafe, 4632 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | $24
#ProTip: Stay refreshed by swinging by Tea Largo, afterward.
Learning Activities
Book*worming* our way through the summer
| Huntington Learning Center, 6655 S. Florida Ave. | Free, RSVP
Bring your little intellectual out for readings and more.
Other Polk County Adventures
Everything is awesome
Legoland Florida Resort, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven | $84.99+
Help Emmet find his friends in The LEGO® Movie™ World.
Scope out a 205-foot tall singing tower
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $5+
DYK you can feed the koi fish?
TBT to 250 million years ago
Mulberry Phosphate Museum, 101 S.E. 1st S.t, Mulberry | Various Prices
From science experiments to helping design museum displays, check the museum’s Facebook page for new events.
Got a sweet tooth?
Davidson of Dundee, 28421 U.S.-27, Dundee | Free
Bring the kids to watch the creation of candy + make sure to pick up a bottle of marmalade.
The largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi
Westgate River Ranch, 3200 River Ranch Blvd., River Ranch | $7+
Pony rides, petting zoo, archery range, rock climbing, zip lines, mini-golf, horseback riding, and more.
Get cultured
Mulberry Cultural Center, 103 E. Canal St. | Free
Creating art projects is a great way to pass the time while making memories.
Looking for more kid-friendly adventures? Check out Lakeland Mom for additional summer activities.
