LAL was made for family fun

Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland

A mini golf sign is lit up in the darkening sky.

Mini golf, arcade games, and more await. | Photo via Family Fun Center

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 20 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 before heading to Silver Moon for a double feature — children under four get in free.

🌳 Great outdoors

A large treehouse — Take the kids to this 500-sqft aerial tree house at Bonnet Springs Park.

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
This new 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.

🦁 Animal encounters

Gator + Snake at Circle B Bar Reserve — You never know what you’ll see at Circle B Bar Reserve.

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.

Saddle Creek Park, 3716 Morgan Combee Rd.
Tucked away just east of Lakeland’s vibrant downtown, this park offers a relaxing escape from the town center bustle. Bird-watch on the Great Florida Birding Trail where you can expect to see blue jays and maybe spot a cardinal, if you’re lucky.

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.

13 MORE IDEAS THIS WAY

Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:

A. A life-saver for me and my family
B. A fun place to gather with a group of friends
C. Places I actively avoid

TELL US HERE

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Friday, Feb. 10

Festive Flix | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie under the stars on the shore of Lake Mirror — this month’s flick is “Sing 2.”
Chase Dixon | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Listen to the musical stylings of Chase Dixon while pouring your own drinks at Union Taproom.
Rick Graham Band w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Jam out to Rick Graham Band while enjoying your favorite menu items from Smokin’ Chanchos.

Saturday, Feb. 11

MAP Student-Led Tour | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 1-2 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Tour the Polk Museum of Art with student docents from Florida Southern College — registration is required.
I’m Allergic to Color | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Channel your inner Wednesday Addams at this guided painting class paying homage to the Netflix series “Wednesday.”
Valentine Night Market | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 4-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Spend an evening under the stars shopping, dining, and enjoying live music — downtown retail shops will be open late.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Lakeland Record Fair | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free | Shop for records, cassettes, CDs, art, and other memorabilia from vendors across the state — a live DJ and local food will be on site.
Lakeland Concert Band Valentine Concert | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 2:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | Free | Hear the Lakeland Concert Band perform their Valentine’s Concert — pre-show starts at 1:45 p.m., and parking is free.
Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 12-7 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | $1 | Pour your own mimosas with prosecco on tap for $1 per ounce and free mixers.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor

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Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most impactful decisions families make. | Photo by SmartAsset

Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these seven common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

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Weather

86º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Development

Lakeland City Commissioners approved the 60-unit affordable housing complex proposed for Griffin Road. When complete, the units will resemble loft-style market-rate apartment units. A groundbreaking date is still TBA. 🏗 (Bay News 9 + The Ledger)
Progress on the new Southwest Middle School building is underway. The 183,000-sqft building will feature a modernized brick design to tie it to the existing campus. Learn about the full plan for the new campus and view renderings here.

Arts

The Polk Arts Alliance and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing are hosting two workshops for organizations interested in applying for “arts, cultural, and heritage event sponsorships for fiscal year 2023-2024.” Attend the first workshop at Lake Myrtle in Auburndale on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. (The Ledger)

Eat

Head to Swan Brewing or Dissent Brewing today to snag The Baking Brewer’s February creation — the Valentine’s Bake and Beer Pairing box. Each box contains four desserts and a flight of beers. Pro tip: If you extended Dry January into February, you can buy the bakes separately as well. 🧁

Community

Cult Legume invites you to Lake Parker Park tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. for a potluck and pickleball event. Bring a plant-based dish to this free event, and make sure to register online. No pickleball experience is necessary, but you can brush up on the basics here. 🌱

Drink

Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted more winter, but it’s springtime at Pressed. Head to the biz at 213 E. Bay St. to try its spring seasonal drinks, including a rose latte (“The Secret Garden”), a coconut matcha (“The Jungle Book”), and a Terrazzo tea with cardamom syrup (“The Middlemarch”).

Biz

Work smarter, not harder. Businesses looking to increase their brand visibility don’t have to create new content every time — check out this article that explains how to repurpose content for multiple mediums (think: Instagram, TikTok + YouTube). 📱 *

Seasonal

Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *

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A Lakeland poem for your Friday 🦢

Asked: Should Lakeland have a Poet Laureate?

What inspires poetry like our royal mascot? | Photo via @catapultlkld

Shoutout to Reader Jeffrey L. for submitting this poem in response to our “Should Lakeland have a poet laureate?” article. It’s not too late to join in the fun — send us your poem and we’ll add it here.

Now, without further ado, Jeffrey’s poem:

Swan, oh swan
Of thee we sing
Our fair city your grace you bring
Some plumed in purest snowy white
Some black in drama the jet of night

Regal bird of noble root
Your royal presence an attribute
That we as sign and symbol post
Across our realm, your loving host

On our many azure waters
Seen by scores of sons, our daughters
Gently gliding you sovereign sail
Your silent beauty ne’er shall fail

That’s not all, either. Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes of Orange Blossom Poems also submitted a Lakeland poem. Click the button below to give it a read.

READ THE NEXT POEM

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: If your poetry appreciation has been reinvigorated, head to Concord Coffee on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for a pop-up with Orange Blossom Poems. Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes will be creating custom poems.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Treat your sweetheart with a sweet tooth to a delicious bite from one of these local eateries.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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