Okay, so maybe we tweaked that iconic “Mean Girls” line to fit the purposes of this guide — but RV travel really is having its moment. In honor of June being National Camping Month, check out these seven places around Lakeland to park your RV, from peaceful parks to themed resorts.
Park your RV here and relax under your own personal tiki hut.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins
It’s always five o’clock at this island-themed resort area, named the Best Luxury RV Resort by USA Today in 2025. Don’t have an RV but still want to live on island time? Check out one of the fully air-conditioned cabana cabins, or snag a day pass to enjoy the pools + other amenities without staying the night.
Lakeland RV Community
Both family + pet-friendly, this resort features more than 220 full hookup RV sites. Check out the game room, heated swimming pools, and hot tub to decompress and relax, or meet fellow vacationers at the resort’s movie nights and ice cream socials.
Senior Social | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mitchell’s Coffee House | Price of purchase | Older LGBTQ+ adults can connect at this monthly meet-up while sipping and snacking on coffee shop goodies.
Summer Kids Crochet Club | 12-1 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Kids ages 9-17 can get hooked on crocheting with these weekly crafting sessions.
Surfin’ Safari | 6:30 p.m. | The Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35 | Take a trip to the California beaches of the 1950s + 1960s with this act that will play hit songs from the decades.
Thursday, June 12
Summer Pre-K Book Club | 2-3 p.m. | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center | Free | Enjoy a story and song based on a popular children’s book, then leave with a copy to enjoy at home.
Pitties & Pearls | 6-10 p.m. | Adams Estate, Lake Alfred | $100+ | Raise funds for Polk County’s pups with a silent auction, casino games, and a concert by The Sofa Kings.
Disney’s “Newsies Jr.” | Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 22 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $12+ | Extra, extra, local youth actors will bring this Tony Award-winning musical to life for two weekends only.
Saturday, June 14
Nellie Madalynne Brooks Park Dedication | 9 a.m. | Nellie Madalynne Brooks Park | Free | Celebrate the future of the former Webster Park, now named after a local civil rights + community leader.
Juneteenth Celebration | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Rueben Williams Sports Complex, Winter Haven | Free+ | Join this lively celebration that will include live performances, a vendor market, and a zone just for kids.
People’s choice voting is now open for the 2025 Florida Outdoor Sculpture Contest. To vote for your favorite piece, drop a comment or reaction on its photo in the City of Lakeland’s Facebook album. See them in person by taking a walk down Lemon Street.
Quoted
“You know what excites me? Surprise games, pop-up games, going into a small town that never would expect us,” said Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole in a recent interview. We like the sound of that — join our unofficial campaign to bring them to Joker Marchant Stadium.
Traffic
The 30th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5K Series kicks off this Saturday, June 14, with future runs on July 12 + Aug. 9. This weekend’s race is already at capacity, so if you’re driving around Lake Hollingsworth instead of running, plan ahead with the handy Traffic Guide.
Opening
New flavors are coming to Bowen Yard, Winter Haven’s downtown food hall. Hemingway’s has moved its Cuban stall out, and BG’s Indian Kitchen is taking its place this week. Take a peek at the menu, featuring butter chicken bowls, masala fries, and veggie samosas.
Try This
Something magical is coming to Bok Tower Gardens this Saturday, June 14. Visit the gardens for Fairy Fest, where you can find art, music, family activities, animal encounters, and even a fairy godmother flight from the tower. Wings + costumes are encouraged.
Eat
Don’t you forget about this deal. Did you know that Good Thyme has a Breakfast Club? Pick up a punch card and get a stamp with 10 orders to earn a free breakfast item worthy of any Princess or Brain — a fried chicken biscuit is already calling our name.
Edu
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Wellness
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Post of the Day
SEA LIFE Florida, Polk County’s first aquarium, is “o-fish-ally open” at Legoland in Winter Haven. You can buy aquarium admission for $25 per person, or you can bundle it with a park ticket for access to all the theme park has to offer. See you on the Pirate River Quest after walking the 180-degree undersea tunnel.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m currently in the thick of reading The Empyrean series (aka “Fourth Wing”) by Rebecca Yarros. So far, it’s been a great change-up from what I typically read — but I might need a palate cleanser after. Good thing we’ve got some great local bookstores at the ready.
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