ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA?

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.

Have kids that love to bowl? Sign up for FREE Bowling for summer 2026 with Kids Bowl Free at Incredibowl in Winter Haven, Lake Wales Bowling, or Maple Lanes in Lakeland.

Free and $1 summer movies are back in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Plant City! Find showtimes, schedules, and ticket info for all the local theaters offering summer movie deals for kids in 2026.

Formerly Cobb Free Summer Movies, and now called CMX Summer Film Fest, you’ll find the same great movie program for kids and families every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the Summer for only $1.99 per person. Includes CMX Cinemas in Lakeland and Winter Haven.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back this year with 10 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy summer movie fun at Cinemark Theatres every Wednesday and Thursday this summer. Only $1.75 per ticket.

Regal Summer Movie Express – $1 Kids Movies. Summer movie fun every Monday through Thursday in Lake Wales / Winter Haven. Find out what movies are playing this Summer.

Summer Kids Fest is BACK at Premiere Cinemas in 2026 with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy free summer movie fun at Premiere Cinemas in Plant City, FL every Wednesday and Thursday this summer.

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 in Lakeland and across Polk County that are open to the public. Find a place to get wet and cool off this summer.

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! Requires advance sign up.

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,.

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.

Wawa Summer Fun Days are back for 2026! Get free admission to Bok Tower Gardens on the last Thursday and Friday of every month from May through August. Spots are limited — see all the dates and register now.

The end of the school year is near and it is time to celebrate! Reaching the finish line on the school year definitely calls for a celebration for kids, parents, and teachers, and we’ve got a list of fun last day of school activities and things to do.

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 our tips for taking kids. May 9 – 10, 2026.

May includes the Watermelon Festival, Mother’s Day, Mayfaire by-the-Lake, Teacher Appreciation, blueberry picking, peach picking, Sunflower fields, outdoor fun, and a calendar full of community events. Check out our list of things to do in May in Lakeland and across Polk County.

Say THANK YOU during Teacher Appreciation Week with this great list of gifts teachers will love. Includes FREE ways to thank a teacher, plus a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to giving gifts and showing teachers how much you appreciate them!

Find out what mom really wants for Mother’s Day! Ideas for celebrating moms in Lakeland and Polk County. Meal deals, activities, gift ideas, local discounts, and more.

The Polk County School Calendar for the 2027-28 school year has been approved. Get dates for the first day of school, last day of school, Christmas Break, Spring Break, and more.