All of our year-round posts are listed right here in the Guide to Lakeland so you can find anything and everything you’re searching for! With information on indoor fun, local playgrounds, education options, seasonal fun, and much more, we’ve got the scoop on events and activities for families and kids in Lakeland. Check back regularly, we are adding new info weekly!
Birthdays
The ULTIMATE Birthday Party Guide to Lakeland
Local Birthday Freebies in Lakeland & Polk County
Give your Child a Birthday to Remember at a Lakeland Flying Tigers Game
Fat Chihuahua Entertainment – Mobile Party & Event Entertainment
Baby & Toddler Activities
Activities for Babies, Preschoolers, Toddlers and Moms
Classes & Lessons
Lakeland & Polk County Swimming Lessons
Central Florida Athletics: Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Tumbling & more
Education
Polk County School Choice Options – Magnet, Charter, IB, Academies & more
Polk County’s FREE VPK Program – With New Delayed Enrollment For Later Birthdates
2018 – 2019 Polk County School Calendar
Guide to After School Programs in Lakeland
Get Personalized School Swag from Prep Sportswear – Hats, Shirts, Backpacks & more
Teacher Appreciation Gifts… what to buy and what to avoid
Education – Schools & Tutoring / Test Prep
Huntington Learning Center: Personalized Tutoring Services & Test Prep in Lakeland
Lakeland Mom looks at All Saints Academy
Crossroads Christian School provides a Personalized Education Focus for Grades K-12
Kid Friendly Eats
The Best Ice Cream, Cookies, Yogurt & Cupcakes in Lakeland
Parks, Playgrounds & Outdoor Activities
The Rotary Playground in Hernando’s Landing at Lake Parker
The Best Shaded Playgrounds in and around Lakeland
Pools, Splash Pads and Water Parks in Lakeland and Polk County
Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden at Bok Tower Gardens
Parenting & Things for Mom
Our Top 10 Favorite Family Board Games
Guide to Local Direct Sales Consultants & Mom-Run Businesses
Pregnancy & Baby
Our Tour of the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women & Children at Lakeland Regional Health
Special Needs & Special Kids
Sensory Friendly & Special Needs Activities in Lakeland & Central Florida
Sensational Sundays – Sensory Friendly Fun at Family Fun Center in Lakeland
U-Pick Farms & Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets in Polk County
U-Pick Strawberry Farms in Central Florida
U-Pick Blueberry Farms in Lakeland & Polk County
Seasonal
Looking for something specific? Search all posts ↓ OR browse by category
Browse All Posts by Category
Lakeland Gives Back: Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Needs at Local Non-Profits
Learn about volunteer opportunities and donation needs in the Lakeland area. Find out about non-profits in our community serving seniors, kids in foster care, at-risk teens, and more.
Talking to Children About Violence
A catastrophe, such as a violent act in school or a story heavily covered by the media, is frightening to children and adults alike. Learn more about how to talk with children about the event and decrease their fear.
Lakeland Area Family Photographers Guide
Pregnancy portraits, newborn photos, first birthdays, family pictures… a great photographer can capture your family’s most precious moments. We’ve put together a Guide to help you find the right photographer to tell your family story.
Night To Shine: Polk County’s Special Needs Prom at First Presbyterian Church
On Friday, February 8, 2019, Lakeland will host Night to Shine - a prom night event for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. Learn how you can be involved as a guest, a volunteer, or supporter.
2018 Halloween Freebies and Deals in Lakeland & Winter Haven
Restaurants and attractions in the Lakeland & Polk County area offering Halloween freebies and deals on meals, kids meals, treats and admission!
Upcoming Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Holiday Fun at Explorations V Children’s Museum
Explorations V Children’s Museum has a calendar full of kid-friendly fun happening in October, November and December. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Boo Bash, Kidsgiving, Pennies for Play, Blast Off, Try It, and many other special events planned just for YOU.
An Evening of Hope & Healing with Dr. Alan Wolfelt: Coping With Loss & Grief – Oct. 30
If you are coping with grief and loss, or want to help a loved one, make plans to attend this FREE event on Tuesday, October 30 to learn about the normal, necessary process of grief and mourning that comes before hope and healing.
WE3 Expo to highlight options in Polk County Schools for PreK through Adults
Visit the WE3 EXPO at The RP Funding Center from November 1 - 3, 2018 to learn about the innovative careers, schools, and programs offered in Polk County Schools.
Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating on October 31
For kids, Halloween is one of the best nights of the year! It can also be a dangerous night with so many people out and about. We've got a list of tips to keep your kiddos safe and happy while you have a FUN Halloween night!
Local Birthday Freebies in Lakeland & Polk County
Celebrate your birthday with free meals, desserts, discounts, & gifts from your favorite local restaurants and stores in Lakeland & across Polk County.
Fall Family Fun: Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a Halloween Party built for kids! Festivities include live shows, a trick-or-treat trail, character meet & greets, LEGO® builds, fireworks, and more. ALL of the activities are included in a regular LEGOLAND® Florida admission ticket.
Rockin’ Bouncies – High Quality Inflatable Bounce House Rentals in Lakeland
Rockin' Bouncies stands out with their commitment to safety, top notch customer service, and unique selection of high quality inflatable rentals and bounce houses.
Trunk or Treat Activities, Fall Festivals, & Single Day Halloween Events
Trunk or Treating, Carnivals, Hayrides, Halloween Movies, Fall Festivals & more – with over 30 Fall and Halloween events happening this month, there is something for everyone on our calendar in October!
Corn Mazes, Farms, & Pumpkin Festivals in Lakeland and Central Florida
Looking to explore a corn maze, working farm, or just get outside for a fall afternoon? We've got a list of corn mazes and pumpkin festivals happening in Lakeland and nearby areas.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Free Books for Kids 5 & Under
If you have a child under the age of 5, you can sign up today for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library - a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until age 5.
Fall Family Fun: Harvest Holler Corn Maze, Hayride and Farm in Polk County
Read our review of Harvest Holler Corn Maze in Polk City, just outside of Lakeland. Farm animals, corn maze, hayride, Frank-N-Slide, cow train & more. Fall Family Fun!
Fall Family Fun: Pumpkin Safari Experience at Safari Wilderness Lakeland
During the month of October, Safari Wilderness in Lakeland offers a fall-themed animal safari at 1/2 the price of a regular visit! Visit today for a unique and memorable family experience.
Florida Dance Theatre to host Pirate Party and performance of Peter Pan
Florida Dance Theatre is hosting two exciting family friendly events in September that you don’t want to miss! Get details on the Pirate Party with Peter Pan and his Neverland friends at Explorations V Children’s Museum, and a one night only performance of Peter Pan in collaboration with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra.
9Round Lakeland: The 30 Minute Workout for Busy Moms & Dads
With no set class times, a quick 30 minute circuit workout, encouragement from personal trainers, and new exercises every day, we LOVE working out at 9Round Lakeland. Find out how you can try a workout for free!
Fall & Halloween Activities: Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, Halloween Events & More
We've got a full list of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, family-friendly fall events, haunted houses, Halloween activities & more in Lakeland, Winter Haven, & Polk County.