You don’t need major funds to have major fun in Lakeland; just look at these free activities.
We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.
You can’t go wrong with a sunset hike around Se7en Wetlands.
Photo by @_kayleeholland
Outdoors
Circle B Bar Reserve | Start your adventure at the Polk Nature Discovery Center, where you’ll learn all about Central Florida’s ecosystem through interactive exhibits. Then, put your new knowledge to the test on the trails + see how many species you can spot.
Se7en Wetlands | Join a guided hike to explore this constructed wetland treatment system that was once a phosphate mine, or take on the challenge solo.
Bonnet Springs Park | There’s a reason this spot was voted Best City Park in the US. BSP brings the free fun for all ages, from its interactive play structures to its Nature Center and History Gallery. Pro tip: Bookmark the park’s calendar to stay on top of upcoming events.
Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Pour your home-brewed coffee into a to-go cup + browse your way through hundreds of local vendors and live musicians who take over Kentucky Avenue nearly every Saturday. It’s our favorite version of window shopping.
Arts
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | This Smithsonian affiliate is packed with rotating + permanent exhibits featuring a variety of mediums, from paintings to pottery and beyond. Pro tip: Save the museum’s calendar for free guided tour opportunities and special Thursday evening programming.
Downtown Public Art Trail | Charge up your phone to take an interactive walking tour of 25+ public art pieces across landmarks like Barnett Park, Lake Mirror Park, Hollis Garden, and Lemon Street.
Mural tour | Speaking of public art, extend your trek or create a personalized one of your own with our guide to Lakeland’s 30+ murals. Feeling competitive? Make it a photo challenge and see how many you can snap a pic of within an hour.
Live music at Hillcrest Coffee | Every Thursday evening, this coffee shop transforms into one of Lakeland’s most intimate live music venues featuring local, regional, and touring musicians. All shows are free to attend, but 100% of donations go directly to the performers.
History
Lakeland History & Culture Center | Visit this center inside the Lakeland Public Library’s Main Branch to learn about our city’s past through interactive displays. Then, put on your investigative hat as you enter the Lakeland History Room, where you can research your own family’s past using city archives.
Green Hat & White Gloves Tour | This seasonal guided walking tour hosted by City of Lakeland historian + librarian LuAnn Mims dives into Lakeland’s roots through the lens of the Lake Mirror Promenade.
Polk County Citrus Label Tour | Polk County wasn’t once called the “Citrus Capital of the World” for nothing. Take a bite out of the citrus industry’s local history with a self-guided driving tour of label signs found around Polk County, including three sites in Lakeland alone.
Cob & Pen isn’t the only spot you can find trivia in Lakeland — you could make it a whole tour.
Photo by @btlakeland
Out on the town
Karaoke at Union Hall | The only cost here is 30 seconds of courage. Take the stage every second Wednesday to sing your heart out with professional sound + lighting, or support performers from the audience.
Trivia at Cob & Pen | Assemble your crew to show off your general knowledge know-how every Monday at this gastropub.
First Friday | Downtown Lakeland kicks off each month with a bang at this event happening every — you guessed it — first Friday with local vendors, food trucks, and live music.
