Slide into summertime fun at River Ranch, located just east of Lake Wales + Frostproof. | Photo provided by Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Saddle up for a visit to River Country Water Park at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. Located just over an hour east of Lakeland, this resort brings western-themed fun with Polk County’s newest water park. With this week’s heat warnings, the timing couldn’t be better.
Guests of all ages can cool off on three water slides — and only the bravest will try Stampede Falls’ free-fall plunge. Little cowpokes can play on the Splash Pad, and grown-ups will find ultimate relaxation in the lagoon pool.
Get unlimited water park access with annual + seasonal passes, or buy packages with access to the resort’s other activities.
Order vittles at Barn Bites, a dude ranch-inspired snack shack with ice-cold drinks, including build-your-own margaritas. Feeling shady? Rent a private cabana with room for up to six buckaroos.
River Country Water Park is now open daily, with tickets starting at $19.95, and resort guests get free water park access during their stay. River Ranch’s activities + events are also open to visitors — don’t miss the Saturday night rodeo.
2025 U.S. Barefoot National Championships | Wednesday, July 30-Saturday, Aug. 2 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale | Free | The country’s top barefoot water skiers will showcase their jumps, tricks, and slalom skills on Champions Lake.
Trivia Night: SpongeBob Edition | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | If you know who lives in a pineapple under the sea, you’re ready for this themed trivia night at the Rooftop Bar.
Yoga with Kitties & Kayla | 6:30-8 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $15 | Find your flow and fellowship with free-roaming feline friends.
Friday, Aug. 1
Sangria Night | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Flavor and fun await at this event featuring Latin music, sangria flights, and dancing.
First Friday: Back to School | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Find vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment lining Kentucky Avenue + prepare for the next school year.
Swan City Improv | Times vary | Union Hall | $13 | This comedy team will make up scenes on the spot with a new “Comedy Lottery” style in addition to its “Lakeland Legal” show — you’ll even see Editor Connor perform.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Harry Potter Bingo Party | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Wands and robes are encouraged as you play wizarding rounds of bingo for house points.
Ladies Donuts & DIY | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Parlor Doughnuts | $16 | Connect with other women over a delicious do-it-yourself project.
Mi Escuela Montessori school is making moves. The Lakeland dual-language school shared a rendering of its future 57,000-sqft building coming to the Stuart Crossing planned development in Bartow. In the meantime, additional applications for this coming school year have opened.
Biz
The cafe is closed at Ax-Caliber after its final days in business this past weekend, but the doors are opening one more time for a restaurant equipment sale. Visit today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to shop tables, kitchen appliances, signage, and even a pool table.
Closed
Another one bites the dust. Marsh Rabbit Run Trail is the latest Circle B Bar Reserve area to be closed due to alligator activity. Don’t worry, the closure is just temporary — nesting season typically lasts through the end of summer.
Edu
Students’ career paths will take flight at PCPS’ Air Traffic Control training program. High schoolers will graduate from the 10-month program with the necessary certificates to start jobs in this high-demand field. Next, PCPS plans to add a second simulator + remote digital tower technology. (LkldNow)
Arts
The works of artist Rachelle Eason will be on display at Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio’s upcoming art show + sale on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2-7 p.m. Eason will sell handmade pottery and plant-stained paper, with proceeds going toward the art studio’s planned expansion.
Drink
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar is raising a glass to caregivers in August, offering bottomless mimosas all month long to celebrate the back-to-school season. The deal is available each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — we would add on an order of spicy chicken and waffles, too.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team + apply today.
Visit Orlando Science Center for unique, educational, and (most importantly) air-conditioned summer activities. Get tickets to discover exhibits and hands-on fun for all ages, from dinosaurs to live animals.*
Biz
Connect with our 45,400+ Instagram followers by partnering with LALtoday for a sponsored social post. Choose between our feed or story placements — or why not both? Explore even more advertising opportunities with us + elevate your brand’s reach.
Travel
Psst — You’re making flying too complicated. Sign up for Going and get emailed when flights to your dream destination are up to 90% off.*
Trending
Just dropped: limited edition colors of Bissell’s viral carpet cleaner, the Little Green Machine. Get all the stain-removing, deep-cleaning action in purple or in blue.*
Category
Try This
🗓️ I know what we’re gonna do today
From markets to concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Swan City. | Photo via @buenamarket
There’s so much happening in Lakeland, but how do you keep up with it all? That’s where LALtoday’s community calendar comes in handy. Use these five pro tips so you never get caught saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Looking for a specific type of event? Search for categories like “Live Music” or “Kids” to find what speaks to you.
You can search based on location, too — for example, you can search “Bonnet Springs Park” to see just what’s happening there.
Our calendar defaults to show events within 15 miles of Lakeland, but if you’re up for a drive, you can expand the range to see events as far as Tampa + Orlando.
On the other hand, you can use the map view to find events near you.
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.
Today is National Climb a Mountain Day, but last I checked, Florida’s fresh out of those. Instead of a mountain hike, I recommend a leisurely stroll through Mount Dora. This charming town is located ~1.5 hours from Lakeland, and it’s the perfect place to squeeze in a last-minute vacay before summer ends. Take my guide.
}})
