Lakeland · Polk County, FL
Family things to do in Lakeland
Scout analyzed 84 Lakeland places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
84
Matches
24
Typical spend
$40
Typical visit
1.8 hr
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Family
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone is a good standalone activity for an hour or two of active fun, especially for kids' birthdays or family outings. Expect to spend $20-$35 per person for jump time and socks.
Family
Planet Obstacle - Adventure park
Planet Obstacle is an indoor adventure park suitable for a 2-3 hour family outing or birthday party, costing around $25-50 per person. It's an active experience that can stand alone or pair with a casual meal nearby.
Downtown
Lakeland Escape Room
Lakeland Escape Room is a good activity for groups looking for an hour of puzzle-solving. Expect to spend about $30-40 per person, making it suitable for a family outing or birthday celebration.
Sports & Recreation
Schalamar Creek Golf & Country Club Community
Schalamar Creek is suitable for a golf outing, potentially followed by a meal at the on-site restaurant. Expect to spend several hours and around $50-100 per person for a round of golf.
Sports & Recreation
Sanlan Golf Course
Sanlan Golf Course is suitable for a 3-4 hour golf outing, costing $30-$70 per person. It pairs well with a meal at a nearby casual restaurant after your round.
Sports & Recreation
Club Pilates
Club Pilates is good for a solo fitness activity or a planned wellness session. A typical class lasts under an hour and costs roughly $25-50 for a drop-in or trial class.
Golf Course
Cleveland Heights Golf Course
Cleveland Heights Golf Course is ideal for a half-day sports outing, typically costing $50-100 per person for a round of golf. It pairs well with a meal at a nearby casual restaurant after your game.
Arts & Culture
Huntington Hills Golf Club
This golf club is a good spot for a few hours of outdoor recreation, suitable for a solo round or an outing with friends. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for greens fees and potentially more for cart rental or food.
Sports & Recreation
The Club At Eaglebrooke
This golf course is suitable for a 4-hour morning or afternoon outing, likely costing $50-150 per person for greens fees. It's an outdoor activity best enjoyed on a clear day, and may pair well with a meal at the clubhouse afterwards.
Food & Drink
La Gran Muralla
La Gran Muralla is a casual restaurant, bar, and potential nightclub for an evening out, suitable for a meal and drinks. Expect to spend $20-$40 per person for an experience lasting around 90 minutes.
Imperial
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar's is suitable for a casual family meal, offering American comfort food at a moderate price point. Expect to spend about 1-1.5 hours and around $15-25 per person for an entree and drink.
Food & Drink
Ford's Garage Lakeland
Ford's Garage Lakeland is a casual American restaurant suitable for a family meal or a laid-back outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for a full meal.
Outdoors
Lake Morton
Visit Lake Morton for a peaceful hour or two, observing waterfowl like swans along the walking path. This is a free outdoor activity that pairs well with other local Lakeland stops.
Lake Parker Park
Lake Parker Park
Lake Parker Park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity with family or for a solo stroll, often lasting 1-2 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a stop before or after a local meal.
Downtown
Swan Brewing
Swan Brewing is a good spot for a relaxed afternoon or evening with friends, often featuring live music. Expect to spend $10-$35 per person for drinks and possibly some food, typically staying for 1-2 hours.
Outdoors
Bonnet Springs Park
Bonnet Springs Park is suitable for a family outing or solo adventure, offering nature trails, playgrounds, and educational exhibits. Expect to spend 2-4 hours and can be free or up to $20 for specific attractions or food.
Nightlife
Jessie's
Jessie's is a bar that often features live music, good for an evening out with friends or a date. Expect to spend $15-40 per person on drinks over 1.5-2 hours, potentially more if there's an event.
Outdoors
Holloway Park
Holloway Park is suitable for a 2-3 hour outdoor adventure, offering cross-country trails and wildlife viewing at no cost. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination for exercise.
Outdoors
Loyce E. Harpe Park
Loyce E. Harpe Park is suitable for a free, active family or solo outing, especially if you enjoy sports, biking, or walking your dog. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, best enjoyed on a pleasant weather day.
Downtown
The Joinery
The Joinery is a good stop for a casual meal with diverse food options and drinks, suitable for an hour or two. Expect to spend $20-$45 per person on food and a drink.
Downtown
Black & Brew
Black & Brew is a good stop for a casual coffee, breakfast, or lunch, especially if you want to sit outdoors. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-$25 per person.
Lake Parker Park
Hernandos Landing Rotary Playground at Lake Parker Park
This is a free outdoor playground suitable for families with young children, easily combined with a picnic or walk around Lake Parker. Expect to spend an hour or two playing.
Downtown
Polk Theatre
The Polk Theatre is suitable for an evening out to catch a film or live performance, often paired with dinner before or after. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and anywhere from $10-$75 per person depending on the event.
Outdoors
Polk's Nature Discovery Center
Polk's Nature Discovery Center offers a free outdoor experience for families or solo adventurers, ideal for a 1.5-hour visit. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a peaceful stop on a longer road trip, allowing for easy parking and nature exploration.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 57 of the 84 analyzed Lakeland places fit family.
- 60% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 73% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Adventurous, Scenic, Quiet.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Lakeland
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Lakeland.
See what's bookable in Lakeland(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Lakeland?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Lakeland — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Lakeland(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.