RECENT ARTICLES
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! Available Monday - Friday during the 12pm - 4pm skate session. Requires advance sign up.
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Outdoor Summer Fun in Florida: Clear Kayak Tours
Looking for a unique activity to do this summer in Florida? Go kayaking in a clear kayak! This one of a kind experience will allow you to enjoy the natural wonders around you AND underneath you. With multiple multiple locations across Central Florida, clear kayak tours can be done as a day trip from the Lakeland area.
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Face Masks Required in Lakeland for Indoor Locations beginning on July 2
On Thursday, July 2 the Lakeland City Commission voted to require face masks in indoor locations where social distancing cannot be maintained. A list of exceptions and additional details are included in the article.
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Should you let your kids watch Hamilton on Disney+?
Hamilton is being released on July 3 on Disney+ and we cant wait! It is a brilliant historical show with amazing music. If you're wondering if Hamilton is kid friendly or curious why it is rated PG-13, we’ve got more details on how to decide if it is appropriate for your kids.
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Polk County Public School Students to Receive $313 P-EBT Card by Mail
If your child attends a Polk County Public School, check your mail this coming week – a P-EBT card with $313.50 on it is being sent to all Polk County Public School students enrolled in a traditional school, as well as some charter school students.
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27 Things You Can Do Outdoors in Lakeland This Summer
Are you searching for outdoor activities to do with your family this summer? We are! Check out these things to do outdoors in Lakeland where you can enjoy the fresh air and open spaces and let the kids have fun while still social distancing.
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Go Paddling: Canoe and Kayak Rentals and Guided Tours in Central Florida
Get outdoors and explore Central Florida's waterways, rivers and beaches by canoe or kayak. We've rounded up 15 places with canoe rentals and kayak guided tours within 1-2 hour drive from Lakeland, plus a few options right here in Polk County.
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Where to Buy Face Masks in Lakeland
Wondering where you can buy face masks in the Lakeland area? We've got a list for you. While there is no mandate on wearing face masks in public from the State of Florida, Polk County, or City of Lakeland (at time of publishing), the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings to help slow the spread.
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Hurricane Preparation Tips – Lakeland & Polk County Florida
Another year, another hurricane season here in Florida. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst is our motto! Find out how to stay informed, local resources, emergency shelters, plus a huge list of tips to prepare your house for a possible hurricane.
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Family Fun Center – Mini Golf, Indoor Play, Games, Laser Tag and More
Family Fun Center of Lakeland has arcade games, redemption games, 18 holes of outdoor mini-golf, Funtasia soft play, laser tag, laser maze, a huge prize counter, food, and more for a day of family-friendly fun.
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4th of July Events & Fireworks in Lakeland and Polk County
Nothing says SUMMER like 4th of July festivities and FIREWORKS! We've got a list of all the places to find Independence Day Celebrations in Lakeland & Polk County.
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Celebrating Father’s Day in Lakeland – Gift Ideas, Family Activities, Weekend Freebies
Find unique Father's Day gifts for dads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, & Polk County. We've got gift ideas, family activities, weekend freebies & more.
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Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden at Bok Tower Gardens
Think of a place where children can explore in nature, using their imagination to cook in an outdoor kitchen or put on a stage show. Sit back and watch as they climb and run, play outdoor music, and look for insects and worms. This amazing outdoor play area is right here in Polk County - Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden at Bok Tower Gardens.
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Why Your High Schooler Should Still Take the ACT or SAT Test
As ACT and SAT testing has been repeatedly postponed, some students are delaying their test prep plans, or thinking of skipping these tests altogether. Learn more about the impact of SAT/ACT changes, and current misconceptions about colleges and universities making these tests optional for college admission.
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Explorations V Children’s Museum Reopens June 15: Safety + Kindness
Explorations V Children’s Museum is excited to welcome the community back for exploration and hands-on learning! They reopen on Monday, June 15 with modifications to protect you, your family, and the Museum team. Learn more about modified hours, reservations, and safety protocols.
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Mental Wellness in Children and Teens during COVID-19
We interviewed a local psychiatrist to learn how to help our kids navigate disappointment, anxiety, isolation, and other mental wellness issues affecting children and teens right now. Watch the interview or read the full Q&A.
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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. Includes both FREE and paid camps and online activities.
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12 Open Fields and Parks Where You Can Play Outdoors in Lakeland
Whether you need a place for the kids to be able to run free, or you want to have open space to throw a football or frisbee, we’ve rounded up a list of parks with open fields in the Lakeland area that are open to the public and available for play.
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10 Places to Enjoy a Picnic in Lakeland
Enjoying an outdoor picnic is an ideal family activity for all ages. Here are our picks for 10 perfect picnic spots in Lakeland, many with picnic tables and a playground or other option for outdoor fun nearby.
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50+ Things to Do This Summer with Kids in Lakeland & Polk County
The Ultimate Family Summer Guide for Lakeland & Polk County. We've got over 50 ideas for activities, summer events, & things to do with kids this summer out and about around town.
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Lakeland Area Playgrounds are Open
One of the most commonly asked questions we have received lately is "are any playgrounds in Lakeland open?" The answer is some of yes! Find out which playgrounds are currently open for play.
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RECENT ARTICLES
Virtual Vacation Bible School and VBS Activity Boxes from Lakeland area Churches
We have some fantastic Vacation Bible School programs in the Lakeland area, but many of them aren’t happening in-person this year. Instead, area churches are bringing you Virtual VBS options and VBS Activity Boxes.
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Polk County School Lunch Pickup Locations and New Schedule for June & July
During Summer 2020, Polk County Schools will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to children 18 years and under. School lunches can be picked up at specific schools and community locations, between 11am-1pm on Monday and Thursday.
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Lakeland Pools, Libraries, and Skate Park reopen on Monday, June 1: What to Expect
The City of Lakeland has announced that libraries, pools, and the skate park will reopen on Monday, June 1. Find out what safety precautions and requirements will be in place if you are visiting one of these facilities.
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The Best Ice Cream, Cookies, Yogurt and Cupcakes in Lakeland {and beyond}
I scream, U scream, we all scream for ice cream! Cookies! Frozen yogurt! Gelato! Shaved Ice! Cupcakes! Find the best places for sweet eats and frozen treats in Lakeland and across Polk County.
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10 Fun & Free Kids Car Games for your next Family Road Trip
Taking a road trip of any length with your kids can really, well, drive you crazy! Check out our ideas for kids car games that are free and require very little in the way of preparation or supplies.
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Take-Home Activity Kits for Kids in the Lakeland area
Take-home kits, at-home activities, curbside pick-up kits… we aren’t sure what exactly to call these options, but local businesses and organizations have some great hands-on activities for your kids to do at home this summer.
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Take the Lakeland Mom Reader Survey – Summer 2020
Take our first-ever reader survey! Totally anonymous and takes 5 minutes or less to complete. We'd love to know more about what your plans and interests are for this summer, as well as some general questions about how you use Lakeland Mom. Your input is a huge help to us.
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HTeaO Lakeland: What’s Your Flavor?
Serving 24 flavors of fresh brewed iced tea, HTeaO Lakeland has quickly become my favorite spot to treat myself to a beverage, and my family loves it too. Call it what you want – a tea bar, tea shop, or tea buffet – HTeaO has one focus: serving delicious iced tea.
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75+ Ideas for Summer Fun at Home in 2020
We've put together a list of ideas for things to do at home during summer 2020, and most require little or no preparation. Because let's be honest... mom wants a break too.
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2020 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!
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Free Summer Bowling in Winter Haven & Lake Wales
Have kids that love to bowl? FREE Summer Bowling at Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven and First Frame Bowl in Lake Wales. We've confirmed they are both open and accepting Kids Bowl Free passes for Summer 2020.
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Swimming Pools & Splash Pads 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 swimming pools and splash pads here in Lakeland and across Polk County that are open to the public. Find a place to get wet and cool off this summer.
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Update on Free and $1 Summer Movies in Lakeland and Winter Haven
We have 4 local movie theaters that offer FREE or $1 summer movies for kids - Cobb & Cinemark in Lakeland, and Cobb and Regal in Winter Haven. We are waiting for updates for 2020 and do not know yet when these theaters will reopen OR if they will have any free or $1 summer movies this year.
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Drive-thru Safari Tours now available in your own car at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland
At Safari Wilderness in Lakeland, you can get up close and personal with llamas, zebras, watsui cattle, water buffalo, and more. For a limited time they are offering a guided drive-thru safari tour where you can see and feed exotic animals from the comfort of your own vehicle.
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List of What is Open in the Lakeland Area – Updated 6/4
Florida is beginning Phase 2 of reopening the state. We've got a list that covers local trails, parks, schools, libraries, pools, attractions, theme parks, sports teams, beaches, and more to help you keep track of what is open and closed in Lakeland and Central Florida.
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