Here’s a free entertainment idea: feeding the swans at Lake Morton. | Photo by @exploring_uys
From major attractions like Bonnet Springs Park to hidden gems like Snapology, there’s something in Lakeland for children of all ages. With winter break coming up, you’ll have no trouble keeping your kids + grandchildren busy with this list of family-friendly Swan City activities.
Family Fun Center Have breakfast with Santa this Saturday, Dec. 21, and come back to ring in the new year during Family Noon Year’s Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 12 p.m.
Escapology Save Christmas in the “Saving Santa” escape room — book it in Kids Mode for little sleuths to join.
Little Lake Drop off the littles at this indoor play space for Winter Break Camp on select days in December + January.
Sim Boss At the Gamer’s Holiday Hangout on Saturday, Dec. 21, kids can play on racing simulators while you finish your holiday shopping.
Florida Children’s Museum Join the New Year’s Jammin’ Eve party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 — the dress code is pajama chic.
Line Dance Lesson & Bar Night | 5-11:45 p.m. | Union Hall | $8 | Cut loose with a line dancing lesson and drink of your choice, then stick around for open floor dancing.
The Wonderland of Lights | Wednesday, Dec. 18-Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | International Market World, Auburndale | $25+ | Pack up to eight people in your car to drive through hundreds of holiday light displays.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Made @ the Library | 5:30-7 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Tag, you’re it — register for this class to craft wooden gift tag ornaments.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” | Thursday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $33 | Local actors will perform this holiday classic in the style of a live 1940s radio broadcast.
Friday, Dec. 20
Christmas Turn Up Dance Fitness Party | 7-8 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15+ | You’ll sleigh this class when you combine dance, HIIT, toning, and active recovery.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Wonder House Christmas Tours | Saturday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | The Wonder House, Bartow | $25+ | Book a guided daytime or nighttime tour of this historic, mysterious home.
The museum’s expansion will feature all-new galleries and more space for free exhibits. | Photo provided by Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The flurry of the holiday season is exciting, but it can also be hectic. Pro tip: You can find moments of peace at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
Enjoy free admission and retreat into new worlds, including:
Dutch Impressionism: The Hague School, 1860–1930 (on display through Feb. 23, 2025) | Explore 19th-century Dutch life.
Rodin at the AGB: Selections from the Cantor Collections (on display through Jan. 11, 2026) | Experience the works of the infamous sculptor.
More to explore in 2025
Hair & Newton: The Rise of the Highwaymen | Discover works by African American artists depicting Florida’s natural beauty.
Andy Warhol | Delve into iconic pop art pieces.
American Art | See contemporary art movements and their societal impacts.
Frank Lloyd Wright and The College of Tomorrow | Examine the visionary designs of this renowned architect.
Work will begin next month to reconstruct part of State Road 33 near I-4. The FDOT project is expected to last until 2029 and cost $184 million, with Lakeland committing $3 million. When complete, the road will include four lanes, wildlife crossings, trails, and a roundabout. (LkldNow)
Coming Soon
An undeveloped site at LAL will soon be a new Florida State Guard base. The Guard will lease 8.9 acres to build an aircraft hangar and offices used for training and statewide public safety over the next 30 years, with the option to extend the lease up to 50 years. (The Ledger)
Edu
Florida Polytechnic University’s new president Dr. Devin Stephenson is skipping the typical inauguration ceremony scheduled for January. Instead, the school will use the event’s $100,000 budget for student scholarships. Get to know Dr. Stephenson in our Q+A.
Arts
The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency and Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation are seeking an artist to paint a mural on the RP Funding Center featuring Florida flora + fauna. Applications are due by Wednesday, Jan. 1 to create artwork that even the animals can enjoy.
Lakelanders
Several notable Lakelanders made Florida Trend’s “Florida 500" list of the state’s top 500 business leaders. This year’s “Living Legends” category includes Dr. Anne Kerr, Florida Southern College President Emerita, and Greg Ruthven, chairman and CEO of The Ruthvens.
Eat
Our eyes are on the pies Honeycomb Bread Bakers will be cooking up for pickups on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Place your order by tomorrow for a Dutch Yule pie, Nutcracker pie, Gingerfolk cookies, and fresh-baked bread. Pickups are available in Winter Haven or Lakeland.
Try This
Get your glow on before those holiday celebrations with an MDL Glow Facial, designed to decongest + revitalize skin with a deep cleanse, steam, exfoliation, extractions, facial massage, hot towels, and a hydrating or brightening masque. Learn more.*
Plan Ahead
A tradition 50+ years in the making continues in 2025 with Florida Southern College’s “Festival of Fine Arts.” This multi-month celebration features a wide range of events + performances from both local and international artists. Explore the full schedule.*
Health
Discover the Horizon IX, where German precision meets hearing innovation. With two processors, it separates speech from noise, delivering crystal-clear sound for effortless listening. (Plus: It’s virtually invisible — and already loved by 425,000+ customers.) Find out if you qualify for a 45-day trial.*
Last call. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
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Has LALtoday made an impact on your life this year? Did you find that life-changing concert in our Events section? Or use our City Guides to find recommendations on how to spend the perfect day with your family? Or impress your dinner guests with all the details of that new development in town?
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