Latest Articles
Explorations V Children’s Museum reveals plans for new facility
Explorations V Children’s Museum has been named the anchor institution at the new Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This means Explorations V will be moving and we will have a brand new children’s museum for families in Lakeland and Polk County in the next 2-3 years!
The Best Ice Cream, Cookies, Yogurt & Cupcakes in Lakeland & beyond
I scream, U scream, we all scream for ice cream! Cookies! Frozen yogurt! Gelato! Cupcakes! Find the best places for sweet eats & frozen treats in Lakeland.
FREE Summer Programs at Lakeland & Polk County Libraries
Check out our list of FREE Summer Programs hosted by the Lakeland Library, Larry R Jackson Branch Library, Mulberry Library, and others around Polk County.
75+ Ideas for Summer Fun at Home
We've put together a list of ideas for things to do at home, and most require little or no preparation. Because let's be honest... mom wants a break too.
Online Summer Camps & At-Home DIY Activities
Online or Virtual Summer Camps are the ideal resource if you're traveling or looking for at-home activities to keep kids engaged & learning all summer long.
Summer Reading Programs & FREE Reading Resources
Want to keep your kids reading and learning over the summer? Find a FREE summer reading program or online book subscription to get them excited to read!
Get Your Kids Excited About Summer Reading with Epic!
Kids of all ages will love Epic - an unlimited eBook library your kids can take anywhere on a phone, tablet, or computer. Perfect for Summer Reading!
Pools, Splash Pads and Water Parks in Lakeland and Polk County
There is nothing better than a dip in the pool to beat the Florida heat! We've got plenty of local pools and splash pads here in Lakeland and across Polk County that are open to the public. Check out the options below to find a place to get wet and cool off this summer.
The Best Shaded Playgrounds In and Around Lakeland
Our picks for the best playgrounds in Lakeland with shade. Ziplines, slides, swings, and more - all shaded from the summer heat. Find a favorite Lakeland playground near you!
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FREE Admission to Bok Tower Gardens on May 11 for National Public Gardens Day
On Friday, May 11, 2018 your whole family can visit Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL for FREE as part of National Public Gardens Day. Click here to claim your free voucher to this Polk County landmark.
Free (& Inexpensive) Summer Bowling in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, & Lakeland
Have kids that love to bowl? FREE Summer Bowling at Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven and First Frame Bowl in Lake Wales. Plus discounted bowling at AMF Lanes in Lakeland.
Sign up for Kids Skate Free at Skate World Lakeland
Kids can skate FREE two times a week at Skate World in Lakeland when you sign up online for the Kids Skate Free program. Free summer fun!
Lakeland Tropics Outdoor Soccer Season kicks off May 12 – Summer Fun for the whole family
Bring your family to a Lakeland Tropics outdoor soccer game this May, June or July. Action packed soccer, family friendly fun, plus kids activities & opportunities for autographs and photos after every game. Make the Tropics part of your summer schedule!
Celebrating Moms – Ideas for Mother’s Day in Lakeland
Find out what mom really wants for Mother's Day! Ideas for celebrating moms in Lakeland and Polk County. Brunch, activities, gift ideas, local discounts.
Polk Museum of Art presents MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake – a Family-Friendly Lakeland Tradition
MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake presented by the Polk Museum of Art is an annual outdoor art festival in Lakeland, FL that has something for everyone! Family-friendly event with a children's art tent, performances, amazing artwork, and more. Read tips for taking kids!
Central Florida Athletics: Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Tumbling & more
Central Florida Athletics is one of Lakeland’s premier gyms for All Star cheer, recreational cheer, team gymnastics, tumbling, and recreational gymnastics. CFA also offers after school care, homeschool gym, summer camps, birthday parties, and more.
Teacher Appreciation Gifts… what to buy and what to avoid
Teacher Appreciation & End of Year Gift Ideas. A list of do's and don'ts when it comes to giving gifts and showing teachers how much you appreciate them!
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse 2018 – $1 Kids Movies
Summer Movie Clubhouse - $1 Kids Movies at Cinemark Theatres! Ten weeks of summer movies every Wednesday at 9am from May 24 - July 26, 2017 in Lakeland, FL.
The ULTIMATE Birthday Party Guide to Lakeland
Check out our party planner for birthday parties in Lakeland and nearby areas – venues, entertainment, cakes, inflatables, rentals, and more. Find a new and unique place to celebrate. Our party ideas will make planning kids birthday parties and other events a breeze!
Lakeland Mom looks at All Saints Academy
Learn about All Saints Academy, an independent Christian school for ages 2 - 12th grade. ASA has a college prep focus and is conveniently located between Lakeland and Winter Haven. From the small classes and personalized attention to the innovation and unique activities available to students, you'll be impressed!
Cobb FREE Summer Movies in Lakeland and Winter Haven (now CMX Cinemas)
Take a break from the heat and check out Cobb Theatres FREE Kids Summer Movies in Lakeland or Winter Haven this year! Now called CMX Cinemas, you'll find the same great free movie program for kids every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the Summer.
Regal Summer Movie Express – $1 Kids Movies in Lake Wales / Winter Haven
Regal Summer Movie Express - $1 Kids Movies! Summer movie fun every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am from June 5 - September 5, 2018 in Lake Wales / Winter Haven.
Junior League World Of Reading Festival – FREE Community Event on April 21
The Junior League will host the annual World Of Reading Festival in Barnett Park Saturday, April 21 from 8am-noon. This is a FREE event open to families and kids of all ages. Crafts, balloon artists, face painters, Jack Hartmann, kids activities, free books, snacks and drinks, and a chance to meet a Featured Author.
Celebrate National Library Week – April 8 – 14, 2018
Our Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers that host numerous events for children and adults. Find out about storytimes, classes, and hands-on events for children of all ages at local libraries in Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, Winter Haven, and across Polk County.
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