09.04.2023

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Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

Kid-friendly plans for a school-free day

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

It’s Labor Day, Lakeland. Polk County Public School students have the day off. If you’re a PCPS parent or guardian, you may be looking for inspiration after summer, hurricane days, and other days off. We’ve got you covered.

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 with cozy comforts 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.
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Photo by @wakeupsunshinephotography

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. Bring an alphabet scavenger hunt or identify animal tracks together.

Animal encounters

Gator + Snake at Circle B Bar Reserve | Photo by Linda Waring at BirdWalk Photography

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 city 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.

10+ more kid-friendly activities

Asked

Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:

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

Did you know you could be the winner of a $50 gift card to our online shop, Six & Main? Answer this week’s survey questions for a chance to win!

Submit your answer

Events

Monday, Sept. 4

Kids Dance Party at the Boathouse | Monday, Sept. 4 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Children of all ages can join movement activities led by the pros at Local Motive Dance.

Tuesday, Sept. 5

Marvel Trivia Night | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Assemble your team and compete for prizes — dinner reservations recommended.

Wednesday, Sept. 6

Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Learn line dances from a teacher, enjoy drink specials, and catch karaoke with DJ Kep at 8 p.m.
Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your current knitting or crocheting project to share tips and tricks with other crafters.

Thursday, Sept. 7

Most Awkward Networking Event! 3.0 | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 6 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $15-$20 | Bring your business cards and prepare to get awkward as you meet with other young professionals.
Let’s Talk Lkld: K-12 Education | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | LkldNow will host this community discussion on local education with guest panelists and interactive sessions.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The new apartment complex on Orange Street across from Barnett Family Park is coming along. On Monday, Sept. 11, parts of Orange Street and Lake Avenue will be closed to traffic while underground utilities are installed. Drivers will still have access to the Magnolia Building parking lot. (LkldNow)

Real Estate

A Moving Feedback study used Zillow data to find cities where homebuyers closed on houses for less than the asking price. Out of 23 Florida cities, Lakeland ranked No. 21. According to the data, Lakeland buyers spent an average of $6,603 fewer dollars on homes than the listing price. (Business Observer FL)

Award

HAVEN Magazine has published its 2023 Best Of LKLD lists. Categories include food and drink, retail, home services, professional services, health and wellness, and art and entertainment. Congratulations to those selected — in our eyes, you’re all winners.

Traffic

A 64-day closure is underway on Waring Road between Old Medulla Road and West Pipkin Road. Crews started working on the project, which is related to the West Pipkin Road widening, on Friday. Keep an eye out for detours when driving in the area. (The Ledger)

Legacy

Jerry Herring, a Lakeland businessman affectionately known as “Mr. Downtown,” died at the age of 76. Jerry played a key role in the revitalization of downtown Lakeland in the 1980s and 1990s. At various times, Jerry purchased and revitalized the Bowyer Building, the Clonts Building, and 15 other downtown properties. (The Ledger)

Today Is

Labor Day — an annual federal holiday, first designated in 1894, that honors the contributions of workers in America. Celebrate at Swan Brewing’s Hoppy Labor Day event today at 2 p.m. featuring live music from David Smith and food from Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue.

Number

$15-20 million. That’s how much Mulberry’s upcoming project, which encompasses a new city hall building at 802 Canal St., a new civic center, and an expanded history museum, could cost. If all goes to plan, work could begin as soon as the spring of 2024. (The Ledger)

Drink

What’s up, pumpkin? Concord Coffee’s fall menu is live — stop by for a pumpkin spice latte, carrot cake tea latte, or a tiramisu latte this week. Pro tip: Ask for the barista’s choice to receive a cardamom brown sugar cappuccino.

Health

Join Lakeland Regional Health and the YMCA of West Central Florida on Saturday, Oct. 14 for Hoopin’ for Health — a 3-on-3 basketball tournament promoting fun, cardio activity, and health screenings for all. Register your team today (or join the cheering crowds). Here’s hoopin’ your team does well.*

Edu

Considering a career change or looking to take your tech job to the next level? Southeastern University’s SEU Tech certificates offer online, budget-friendly courses in software development, cybersecurity, and data science. Bonus: Courses are only eight weeks. Explore the program + register.*

Active

Looking for a local race to join in on? Here are four upcoming walks, runs and 5Ks happening monthly through December, all sponsored by Publix.*

Answered

We asked about your fall travel plans. Here’s what you said:

One of our readers plans to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Photo by @wncphototours

We asked our readers to share their fall travel plans. Here’s how your fellow LAL subscribers plan to enjoy the season:

53% of you definitely plan to take a fall vacation, with another 30% probably planning on it.
72% of readers plan to travel out of state.
67% prioritize activities and sightseeing when planning a vacation.

Your peers are headed to:

“Great Smoky Mountains”
“RV to Tallahassee for home football games! Go Noles!”
“We will be going to north Georgia for a fall camping/hiking trip! We will be hiking part of the Appalachian trail and enjoying the fall colors”
“The Blue Ridge/Smoky Mountains. Absolute camping perfection when the leaves start changing!”

Further destinations included:

“Cabo san Lucas”
“Manchester, UK”
“Greece and Egypt”
“Italy”
“Scotland”