ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA?
Lakeland Mom is the go-to resource for parents and families in Lakeland and Polk County, Florida.
We put all the information you are searching for into one easy to use website including kids activities, parenting support, local resources, and family friendly events. Our goal is to save you time searching and give you more time for family fun!
If you’re looking for things to do in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Plant City, Polk County, or Central Florida, you’ll find it all right here.
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RECENT ARTICLES
Back-to-School Guide for Lakeland + Polk County
Find all the info you need to kick off a new school year! Back to school events, places to get free school supplies, the 2025-26 school calendar, details on tax free shopping, our favorite school gear, Stuff the Bus donation locations, and more.
Back-To-School Bashes and Free School Supplies in Lakeland + Polk County
In need of free school supplies? Or just looking to celebrate the new school year with a back to school bash? We’ve got a full list of back to school events and places to get free school supplies.
Save Big in 2025: Florida’s Tax-Free Shopping Month and New Sales Tax Holidays
Florida families can save big in 2025 with expanded tax-free shopping! The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday now runs all of August, select emergency prep and outdoor items are permanently tax-free, and a new Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday runs September 8 through December 31, 2025.
Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Extended: Save All August Long!
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday now runs for an entire month – from August 1–31! Families can save on clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, laptops, and more. We’ve got all the details you need to make the most of this month-long opportunity to save on back-to-school essentials.

Spectacular 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 and fireworks in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, and across Polk County.
The Best Donut Shops in Lakeland + Winter Haven
Whether your favorite flavor is glazed, frosted, jelly filled, old fashioned, or chocolate, we can help you find the best donuts in Lakeland and Polk County.
FREE Summer Programs at Lakeland + Polk County Libraries
Check out our list of FREE in-person Summer Programs hosted by the Lakeland Library, Larry R Jackson Branch Library, Mulberry Library, Winter Haven Library and others around Polk County for Summer 2023.
75+ Ideas for Fun Things to Do at Home {that are easy + inexpensive or free!}
We’ve put together a HUGE list of ideas for summer fun at home. Crafts, food fun, board games, quiet time, scavenger hunts, outdoor play, and more.
Celebrating Father’s Day in Lakeland – Gift Ideas, Family Activities, Weekend Freebies
Find unique Father’s Day gifts for dads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Polk County. We’ve got gift ideas, family activities, weekend freebies and more.
Splash and Swim at the Lake Eva Water Park and Aquatic Center
Have you been to the Lake Eva Water Park in Haines City? It is a great place to cool off during the summer! The aquatic center has a splash pad, water slide, activity pool and water play area your kids will love, all for only $5 per person.
Summer Break Spot – Florida’s Free Summer Lunch Program for Kids 18 and Under
Florida’s Summer BreakSpot Program provides free meals to kids under 18 while school is out for the summer – no registration required! There are multiple locations in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and throughout Polk County. Find a free summer lunch location near you.
2025 Summer Reading Programs + FREE Books and 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!
50+ Free Things to Do in Lakeland and Polk County
Looking for FREE things to do near you in Lakeland and Polk County? We have some great ideas for you! Making memories and finding family fun doesn’t have to be expensive.
Regal Summer Movie Express 2025 – $1 Kids Movies
Regal Summer Movie Express – $1 Kids Movies. Summer movie fun every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am in Lake Wales / Winter Haven. Find out what movies are playing this Summer.
20+ Free Online Summer Camps + DIY Activities for Kids
Free Online Summer Camps are a great resource if you’re looking for DIY projects to keep kids engaged and learning all summer long. Check out these free websites that provide guided instructions for hands-on activities, coding, art projects, maker projects, and more.
Planet Fitness FREE Summer Pass for Teens: Summer Gym Membership
Teens ages 14 – 19 can work out for FREE all summer long at Planet Fitness locations with the Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass. Valid June 1 – August 31, 2025.
Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun: Things to Do with Kids in Lakeland + Polk County
The Ultimate Family Summer Guide for Lakeland + Polk County. We’ve got over 100 ideas for activities, summer events, & things to do with kids this summer out and about around town.
Free and $1 Summer Movies in Lakeland, Winter Haven, + Plant City
We have 5 local movie theaters that offer FREE or $1-2 summer movies for kids – CMX & Cinemark in Lakeland, CMX in Winter Haven, Regal in Lake Wales, and Premiere Cinemas in Plant City. Find out what summer movies are playing in 2025.