Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to older adults. Clock into our retirement guide, and find opportunities in Lakeland that work for you.
Get fit
If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes designed for older Lakelanders.
- Polk Senior Games | These Olympic-style games take place each spring. Start practicing up for events like pickleball, archery, bowling, dancing, and even sudoku.
- Gandy Pool | Make a splash in a water-based exercise program such as Aqua Spin, Splashersize, or Deep Water Aerobics.
- Lakeland Senior Softball League | Play year-round softball at the Southwest Sports Complex — league season runs January-March.
- Lakeland Seniors Dance & Social Club | Learn ballroom, Latin, swing, and party dances at the Magnolia Building. Check out the group’s Facebook page to see the group’s moves.
- Community centers | There are plenty of free or low-cost fitness classes at each of Lakeland’s community centers, many of which accept SilverSneakers. Try body balance at Lake Crago or senior fitness at Kelly Recreation Complex.
- Senior Wellness Services | Take it easy with chair exercise or hop on the dance floor for line dancing lessons.
Spend time with family
Whether you’re hoping to spend more time with grandkids, children, or nieces and nephews, these suggestions might help.
- Kid-friendly activities | Never run out of ideas thanks to our list of activities for each member of your family.
- Florida Children’s Museum | If a family has a membership, grandparents or caregivers can be added on as qualifying members for $20.
- Parks in Lakeland | Let the little ones burn off some energy at one of Lakeland’s playgrounds + green spaces. Pro tip: Bonnet Springs Park offers free tram service from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., making it easier to get around its sprawling 168 acres.
The AGB Museum also offers hands-on classes so you can become the artist.
Photo by @agbmuseum
Explore the arts
Beat the crowds and take a weekday trip to one of Lakeland’s many museums, and be on the lookout for special discounts.
- Lakeland Community Theatre | Catch the latest Main Stage show with discounted tickets for audience members 55+.
- Polk Theatre | See your favorite classic movies on the big screen, or catch a concert in this historic downtown theater.
- The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | If you’re an art history buff, volunteer to be a docent and lead tour groups, from young students to older adults.
Volunteer
Consult our full volunteer guide for 50+ opportunities, but first check out these volunteer events that are perfect for retirees.
- RSVP Polk | The local chapter of this national network for volunteers ages 55+ offers several opportunities to help those in need at sites around Polk County.
- Volunteers in Service to the Elderly | Give back to other older adults by sorting and packing food items or by delivering groceries to their homes.
- ReadingPals | Volunteers are asked to help in local schools just one hour per week, teaching reading skills to kindergartners.
Take a class
It’s never too late to learn new skills while making friends. Try your hand at adult classes offering things like crafts, acting, and language lessons.
- The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center | Take classes in writing, computer education, Broadway history, and other topics. These six-week courses meet at College Heights United Methodist Church.
- Road Scholar Program | Is traveling on your bucket list now that you have more time? Get hands-on knowledge by adventuring across the state with trips designed for older adults. A few are also open to grandchildren.
- Lakeland Public Library | Pick up a new skill with free weekly classes on computers, foreign languages, crafting, and genealogy.
- Frank Lloyd Wright architecture tours | Florida Southern College offers discounts on its in-depth and basic campus tours for AARP members.
Eat out
One-hour lunch breaks are over. Now, you have ample time to enjoy the $12 lunch deals around town, plus:
- Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant | Diners ages 60+ can order off the lunch menu all day at this Lakeside Village spot.
- AARP discounts | Several casual restaurants around Lakeland offer deals if you’re a card-carrying member, including Carrabba’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Denny’s.
- Lakeland’s oldest restaurants | Keep it classic with a meal from these eateries you’ve loved for decades.
