RECENT ARTICLES
List of What is Open in the Lakeland Area – Updated 5/28
Florida is currently in Phase 1 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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Lakeland Mom’s 2020 Summer Camp Guide
We've got the ULTIMATE list of summer camp options in Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, and across Polk County, as well as some popular overnight camps in our area. Camp themes include Art, Sports, STEM, Preschool, Dance, Drama, Teens, VBS, and much more!
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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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Our Top 10 Favorite Family Board Games
Our family loves playing card games and board games, and we’ve graduated to strategy games where everyone – kids included – has a fair shot at winning and there are often bragging rights involved! See our 10 favorite family-friendly games both parents and kids will enjoy.
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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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15+ Fun Ways to Celebrate the Last Day of School
The end of the 2019-20 school year is near and it is time to celebrate! Reaching the finish line on this crazy school year definitely calls for a celebration for kids, parents, and teachers, and we've got a list of fun ideas for you to mark the occasion and kick off the 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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Where to find Sunflower Farms near Lakeland
May is Sunflower Season in Florida. Take a day trip to a Sunflower Farm to get outdoors and enjoy some colorful photo opportunities. Farms are open for U-Pick Sunflowers as well as Sunflower Mazes you can explore, only an hour from the Lakeland area.
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Visual and Performing Arts Camps for Summer 2020
These visual and performing arts camps will allow your child to explore their creativity while having fun this summer! Camp themes include acting, dance, music, musical theater, as well as visual arts such as painting, digital art, crafting, and more.
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Educational and Academic Summer Camps for 2020
Are you looking for a camp with an educational theme that offers academic enrichment or help for your child? These educational camps will help students progress academically over the summer with math, science, reading and writing activities, but always while having fun!
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Sports Camps for Summer 2020
We love summer sports camps because they let kids burn off energy and improve their skills at their favorite sport. If you're looking for a summer camp in the Lakeland or Winter Haven area where your son or daughter can play a sport at summer camp (or try multiple sports) this list is for you. Our guide includes camps for
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Summer Camps for Teens Ages 13+
We are here to help you find summer camps for those hard to find age groups, including teenagers! Check out our list of summer camps for children ages 13 & older in middle and high school.
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LAKELAND GUIDES
RECENT ARTICLES
Canceled Summer Camps for Summer 2020
Find out which summer camps in Lakeland and Polk County have canceled for Summer 2020 due to social distancing requirements and other restrictions. We’re keeping a list of camps that have been canceled so that parents can easily find them and keep them in mind for Summer 2021.
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Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park is just over an hour from Lakeland
At Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park, you and your family can see more than 100 exotic and native animals roaming freely, right from your own vehicle. Located just over an hour from the Lakeland and Winter Haven area.
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Virtual Tutoring & Test Prep Available in the Lakeland Area
Many of our local tutoring and test prep services have converted to online tutoring. This is a great opportunity for your child to receive additional one-on-one instruction, especially in any subjects where they might be struggling. Find out more about local tutoring and test prep options.
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12+ Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Gifts This Year {including Virtual options}
May 4th - 8th is Teacher Appreciation Week, and here at my house, I have never appreciated teachers more than right now! While we can’t thank teachers in person at school, we can still show our appreciation with this great list of gift ideas teachers will love, including FREE Virtual Thank You ideas.
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Sign up for the Lakeland Book Club and get a Free Children’s Book by Mail
The Lakeland Book Club is a collaborative network of nonprofits and volunteers with the shared goal of making sure that every student who needs a book receives a book while school is closed. If you have a child age birth through second grade, sign up to receive a free book by mail.
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Visiting the Emergency Department at Lakeland Regional Health during COVID-19
Wondering whether it is safe to go to the Emergency Department during COVID-19? The answer is YES. We did a video chat with Lakeland Regional Health to learn more about the precautions they have in place and provide you with some reassurance about visiting the Emergency Room.
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Things to Do Outdoors in Lakeland – Find Out What Parks & Trails are Open
Local parks and trails are starting to reopen on May 1. We've got a list of what is open and closed. You can visit a park or trail on our list, avoid people, and not have to touch any surfaces. Check out our list of outdoor things to do in the Lakeland area.
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Which Florida Beaches are Open?
Most coastal counties in the Tampa Bay area have voted to reopen their beaches in some form or fashion. This is an opportunity for people to get some sunshine and fresh air, get their feet sandy, dip their toes in the water, while social distancing from other people on the beach and following other guidelines. Find out which Florida beaches are currently open.
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Where to Shop Local for Mother’s Day Gifts
Mother’s Day is less than 2 weeks away, and it has never been more important to support our local businesses when buying gifts! We’ve got a list of local products and services for your mom, wife, grandma, or other special mother you're celebrating this year.
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Family Meal Deals from Lakeland Area Restaurants
If you’re wondering where to order family meals in Lakeland, we’ve got a list for you. Find out which local restaurants are offering to-go Family Meals Deals that allow you to feed your family at a reasonable price.
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Pregnancy & Childbirth at Lakeland Regional Health during COVID-19
Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be an anxious time for moms during normal circumstances, and the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has added to that concern. We talked with Lakeland Regional Health staff and are here to provide some reassurance for pregnant moms about what to expect if you are expecting right now.
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Polk County Schools Closed Though the End of the School Year – Distance Learning Continues
Polk County Public School campuses are closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Distance Learning will continue through May, and additional details will be provided by PCPS.
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Lakeland Regional Health and the City of Lakeland Open Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Center
As Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) continues to monitor and respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, they are collaborating with the City of Lakeland to open the City’s first COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center at the RP Funding Center, beginning Monday, April 20. Appointments required.
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Where to Get Cloth 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, City of Lakeland, or any other local government (at time of publishing), the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings.
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Where to Find Help in the Lakeland Area – Free Food, Mental Health Resources, Financial Assistance, and more
Over the past few weeks, many families in our community have been impacted by layoffs, reductions in work hours, or changes to your income. There are support systems in place to help at an unprecedented time like this and we compiled a list of places to seek assistance in the Lakeland area. It is ok to need help.
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