20 Best Things to Do in Lakeland FL
The first time I ventured into Lakeland was years ago on a back roads route from my parents’ home in Miami to mine in Ocala after spending a long weekend with them. It was just another small, somewhat rural town. I didn’t realize then all the things to do in Lakeland FL. It was so far off my radar, it might as well have been another planet.
Fast forward several years; I gradually learned more about the town, what Lakeland’s famous for, and all the attractions in this small city. It’s been eye-opening, to say the least, and I can’t wait to continue exploring everything it offers in the years to come.
If you’re like I was and don’t know much about this central Florida town, don’t go anywhere. In this post I’ll help you discover all the amazing things to do in Lakeland, from fun activities to historic places to entertaining nightlife. I hope you’ll find this to be a definitive guide to the best Lakeland activities.
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About Lakeland, Florida
But first, let’s briefly talk a little about Lakeland Florida. The town is located between Orlando and Tampa on I-4, the expressway that connects Tampa and Orlando. It’s located closer to Tampa and could be considered about halfway between Clearwater Beach and Orlando.
The population in 2021 was roughly 116,000. It’s about the size of Clearwater, population-wise, though it’s much less well-known. Lakeland has two very unique and different claims to fame. First, it’s the home of the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world. More on that later. Second, it’s where the uber-popular Florida grocery store, Publix, is headquartered.
Now that you know a little more about Lakeland, let’s jump into the activities!
At a Glance
1. Explore the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world
I mentioned before that one of the things Lakeland is famous for is its collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. If you love architecture, and especially Wright’s architecture, exploring this collection is one of the best things to do in Lakeland.
Located on the campus of Florida Southern College, the collection was the brainchild of college president, Dr. Spivey, who approached Wright to design a “great education temple in Florida”. Wright visited the campus before agreeing to the commission. Upon seeing the land, he remarked that he could envision buildings on a campus that would grow “out of the ground and into the light – a Child of the Sun.”
Over the course of 20 years, Wright designed 18 buildings. Of those the college funded and constructed 13, one of which was built posthumously. The buildings were connected to each other via the longest system of covered walkways in his career, which became known as the Esplanade.
Florida Southern College provides tours to visit the 13 buildings and learn more about each. Ranging from a basic 90-minute tour to an in-depth 2.5 hour tour, each provides the right amount of information to suit your interest in the work of one of America’s greatest architects.
2. Come face-to-face with giant gators at Circle B Bar Reserve
You might not recognize the name Circle B Bar Reserve; however, you might recognize the now-famous alligators which cross hiking trails right in front of people walking the shady paths. If you’ve seen one of those photos or videos, you’ve seen Circle B Bar Reserve. For the alligators alone, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Lakeland, Florida. It’s so much more than gators though.
Circle B Bar Reserve is a former cattle ranch which has been restored, in part, to a more natural state. A series of canals, ponds, and lakes provide habitat for the alligators and a host of other animals. It’s best to arrive at or shortly after sunrise when the other animals are out and about.
At that time of morning a golden glow settles across the wetlands where sandhill cranes ply the wet ground for breakfast. Morning dew glistens from cobwebs and dangles from flower petals. It’s a beautiful way to start the day.
Circle B Bar Reserve is free, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of facilities. There are a few picnic shelters, porta-potties by the parking lot, and a Discovery Center. If hiking is your thing, the trails here provide more than 6 miles of unpaved paths to explore.
3. Enjoy a day in nature at Bonnet Springs Park
One of the fun things to do in Lakeland is Bonnet Springs Park, a 180-acre park which opened in October 2022. Bonnet Springs Park has quite a remarkable history. From the very beginning of Lakeland’s history in the 1880s, the land along the shore of Lake Bonnet was a railyard. Though it ceased operations nearly 50 years ago, the site sat abandoned, overgrown and home to many of Lakeland’s homeless.
Several years ago the community decided to restore the property to a more natural state and create a park that could be enjoyed by all. Though still a work in progress, Bonnet Springs Park features so many activities for the entire family. The Florida Children’s Museum is housed here. There’s also a canopy walk, a butterfly house, several playgrounds, a boardwalk through the wetlands, watercraft rentals, cafes, a native plant garden, a nature center, and more.
Located less than a mile from the heart of downtown Lakeland, it’s easy to enjoy a morning or afternoon strolling around Bonnet Springs Park and a great place to let the kids burn off some energy if they’ve been cooped up in the car or indoors. Like Circle B Bar Reserve, Bonnet Springs Park is free so it’s a great option for the budget-minded.
4. Find quiet contemplation at Hollis Garden
When the hustle and bustle of travel, or life in general, drives you to seek a quiet place to decompress, Hollis Garden stands up as that quiet place. Though located in the heart of downtown Lakeland, I found the 1.2 acre garden to be peaceful with its planned gardens and views of Lake Mirror.
Opened in 2000, Hollis Garden was first planned in the 1920s but Florida economic woes of the late 1920s and the Great Depression put the kibosh on the garden plans, part of a larger city beautification plan. In 2000, local philanthropists Lynn and Mark Hollis provided the funding for the creation of the garden and a perpetual fund for its upkeep.
Like many other places on this list, Hollis Garden is free to the public. On my visit, I saw families enjoying the plants, photographers with their clients picking the perfect spot for portraits, and solo travelers like myself strolling along the paved walkways. Besides being a great place to visit, Hollis Garden is walking distance to many other Lakeland things to do so it fits seamlessly into any itinerary, especially if you love visiting botanical gardens in Florida, or in general.
5. Discover stunning artwork at Polk Museum of Art
If you’re in central Florida looking for cultural things to do, Lakeland Florida might not be your first choice. But you also shouldn’t discount it. I’ve visited my fair share of museums in Florida and elsewhere. Polk Museum of Art stands as one of the finer small town museums I’ve had the pleasure to discover.
Like many other Lakeland activities, admission is free though they definitely accept donations. Permanent exhibits include a collection of African and Oceania artifacts, particularly from tribes in those parts of the world, paintings by local artists, and unique sculptures. Many of the displays we saw, however, are temporary ones though they are no less inspiring for being temporary.
Though Polk Museum of Art strives to highlight local and Florida-based artists, they also showcase artists from around the world and art created around the world. For art and history lovers, this is a must-see museum when you’re in Lakeland.
6. Take in a ball game at Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Florida in the spring is known for two things – Spring Break and Spring Training. It just happens that Lakeland is home to the Detroit Tigers for Spring Training. If you’re a baseball fan, taking in a game a Joker Marchant Stadium is one of those Lakeland FL things to do you don’t want to miss out on.
The stadium features a 360-degree walkable concourse and a variety of seating options. Families can even spread out a picnic blanket on the outfield berm and let the kids play in the interactive children’s play area. If you aren’t in Lakeland during Spring Training, you might still have a shot at catching a game. Lakeland is home to the Minor League Lakeland Flying Tigers.
7. Go on a safari in central Florida
Go on safari? In Florida? Yes, you can! One of the most unique Lakeland, Florida attractions is Wilderness Safari Ranch. More than a zoo or a theme park – in fact, not either of those – this facility promises an adventure like no other in Florida. Located in the Green Swamp Wilderness area, one of the largest wilderness areas in Florida, Wilderness Safari Ranch offers several safari options to fit your needs.
Take a drive-thru safari tour from the comfort of your own vehicle, perhaps a good option for families with small children. Or take a custom vehicle tour on the ranch’s custom open-air truck. If you’re looking for something a little more on the wild side, try an ATV tour, a camel tour, or a kayak tour. And you can even spend the night with their new safari glamping.
So what makes Wilderness Safari Ranch different from other wildlife parks, like Wild Florida? The 260-acre ranch is home to herds of some of the most exotic species from around the world. You won’t just see giraffes and zebras. You’ll see animals such as waterbuck, red lechwe, Uganda kob antelope, oryx (which are now extinct in the wild), and springbok.
8. Take a tour of the Publix Dairy Processing Plant
Publix Super Market is one of the largest grocery retailers in the Southeastern US, the largest employee-owned supermarket, and its Pub sub has garnered a cult-like following in Florida. Though the first Publix grocery store opened in 1930 in nearby Winter Haven, the grocery giant is now headquartered in Lakeland. It’s no wonder, then, that when you visit Lakeland, Florida you might want to visit places like their dairy processing plant.
The retailer’s largest plant is located in Lakeland and produces milk, ice cream, cultured products, and even carbonated soft drinks. This facility, like everything Publix does, is innovative in many ways, such as long production runs which equate to longer shelf life. This and many other details are covered in the tour. And – bonus! – it ends with a free scoop of ice cream.
9. Find fresh produce and more at Lakeland Downtown Farmers Market
One of my favorite things to do when traveling around the sunshine state is visit one of the many farmers markets in Florida. Not only can I find fresh produce to enjoy throughout the day, I often find beautiful handmade gifts to bring home for family and friends. Lakeland’s farmers’ market is more formally called the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, because vendors set up along the curb on the streets of downtown Lakeland.
If you’re running low on stuff to do in Lakeland, put the farmers market on your list. As many as 100 vendors gather Saturday mornings to offer their wares, rain or shine. Here, you’ll find all the things that make a farmers market great – produce and plants, art and repurposed furniture, honey and coffee, baked goods and ready-to-eat food, jewelry and exotic creations.
The market’s location also makes it a perfect place to start your Saturday with coffee and a baked treat from one of the vendors, then walk over to Hollis Garden, the Promenade, or one of nearby playgrounds.
10. Take in a show at the historic Polk Theater
When looking for entertainment in Lakeland, be sure to check what’s playing at the historic Polk Theatre. Built in 1928, the Theatre was conceived by businessman John E. Melton who wanted to bring a vaudeville/movie palace to the rural town. He envisioned a multipurpose building, anchored by the movie palace and funded by street-front offices and retail stores.
Like many movie palaces of that era, Polk Theatre offered an opulent escape for everyone. Italian immigrant J. E. Casale created a place of magic and wonder influenced by his home country. The interior resembles a Mediterranean village. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye is drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior.
Today, the 1,400 seat theater showcases several forms of entertainment, from ballet to comedy, classic movies to plays. Check their website to see what’s currently playing.
11. Explore one-of-a-kind aircrafts at Florida Air Museum
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Lakeland Florida is the Florida Air Museum. Designated the “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center of the State of Florida”, Florida Air Museum displays unique aircraft, such as warbirds, antiques, and ultralights. It also offers year-round education in partnership with the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) and year-round camping on the Sun ‘N Fun campus.
First opened in a corner of a hangar at Sun ‘N Fun in the 1980s, the museum was meant to be a temporary one. However, it gained popularity, took over the hangar, and in 1991, the city of Lakeland helped fund the present-day museum building. Florida Air Museum strives to stay at the forefront of aviation education as well as pay tribute to aviation’s history.
12. Taste-test your way around Lakeland on a Tasty Tuesdays tour
Attention Foodies! If you plan to visit Lakeland, plan your visit around the third Tuesday of the month to experience one of the most mouthwatering activities in Lakeland FL – Tasty Tuesdays. Each month, Tasty Tuesdays features samples from ten eateries in downtown Lakeland and live music at Munn Park. It works similar to a “Taste of” festival.
The ticket package costs $25 and includes 10 tickets, one for each participating restaurant. Tickets are valid for a special sample plate on that evening any time from 4:30pm to 9:00pm. Patrons can eat at their own pace and can choose to use more than one ticket at the same restaurant. It’s basically a choose your own food adventure around downtown Lakeland. Participating restaurants vary from month to month, and you can see the current lineup at the Downtown Lakeland website.
13. Delight in all the fun at Florida Children’s Museum
Located in Bonnet Springs Park, the Florida Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Lakeland with kids. The 47,800 square foot facility features several unique spaces spread across two floors with the mission of “curating the world for all children to explore.” The state-of-the-art museum opened in November 2022 and promises hands-on exploration for the entire family.
Florida Children’s Museum offers exhibits for all ages. Littles can grow with seeds in the Watermelon Seeds exhibit. Older children might enjoy designing the vehicles of the future in the Design Park or acting out their dream life in City Play. The actors, videographers, and musicians of the family can create their own film, stop-action animation, or beats in TBD. Outside, the Harrell Family Charities Front Yard offers an enclosed space in which kids can play on the 100-foot long alligator, in the Dig Pit, or with a display of fossils.
The museum is also sensory-friendly, working with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D.) at the University of South Florida to create a space that can be enjoyed by all. These special features include shades on the windows, predictive floor patterns, sound-dampening walls, and wheelchair access throughout. The museum also offers sensory kits with headphones, fidget toys, and sunglasses.
14. Learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center
Though we know it as the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, the actual name is The Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center and Geico Gift Shop. If you have a lot of Lakeland Florida activities on your bucket list and find yourself unable to take one of the walking tours of Wright’s buildings at Florida Southern College, the visitor center is a good alternative.
The Center is made of the Usonian Faculty House – Wright’s vision for on-campus faculty housing – and the gift shop. Here, visitors learn more about Wright’s vision and architecture. It’s also from where the walking tours depart so if you’re taking one of those, you’ll see the Visitor Center. Be sure to visit the gift shop for a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired t-shirt or gift.
15. Find the perfect antique at the Lakeland Antique Mall
I don’t know about you but for me there’s something thrilling about poking through overstuffed booths to find the perfect treasure to bring home. I don’t do it often, but I do enjoy finding places like the Lakeland Antique Mall. Many might question this being one of the best attractions in Lakeland Florida but hear me out.
The Lakeland Antique Mall encompasses 44,000 square feet. That’s larger than the average grocery store in the United States. With around 250 vendors, it’s jam-packed with eccentric and diverse items to poke through on the hunt for your latest treasure. What kind of finds are waiting for you here? You name it, it’s probably here – Disney props, Dixie Belle paint, old board games, vintage lamps, and nearly anything that brings back nostalgia. It’s worth a visit, even if just to see the life-sized horse out front and the life-sized velociraptor “greeter” at the front door.
16. Sample Lakeland’s best food trucks at Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally
Are you a foodie AND love food trucks? You might want to skip Tasty Tuesdays and make plans for Thursday Squared Food Trucks on the second Thursday of each month instead. Or just stay in town for a week and do both. After all, there are certainly plenty of things to do in Lakeland FL.
Thursday Squared is a partnership between Downtown Lakeland and Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally. Held in Munn Park from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, more than 20 food trucks usually participate. It’s a great time to sample the food from different trucks or support your favorites.
17. Pile in the car for a movie at the Silver Moon Drive-In
When drive-in movies in Florida and around the United States continue to decline and go out of business, the Silver Moon Drive-In thrives and is one of the most fun things to do in Lakeland Florida. One of only four drive-ins left in Florida, the Silver Moon has been serving entertainment in the Lakeland area for 75 years.
This drive-in has two screens and shows movies seven nights a week. The current and coming week’s movies can be found on their website. It also plays rain or shine. On weekend days, the grounds turn into a swap shop with dozens of vendors. Silver Moon Drive-In is also a dog-friendly spot so you can truly bring the entire family.
18. Discover the stories behind Lakeland’s most historic buildings
Occasionally we find guided walking tours of the historic districts in Lakeland. The Merchants Association has held one in the past and downtown Lakeland hosted a long running night time historic tour of the Munn District until 2023. That tour also appears to be discontinued for the moment. If you’re looking specifically for a guided tour, reach out to the city to see if they have any coming up.
All that aside, you can still go on a self-guided historic walking tour of the Munn District. This historic district is significant because it has the largest concentration of commercial vernacular buildings and is the oldest district in Lakeland. The printable map and brochure provides information about 45 historic buildings, including the Railroad Station, Munn Park, Lake Mirror Promenade, Terrace Hotel, and the Magnolia Building.
19. Plan your escape at an escape room
Escape rooms have popped up in nearly every city across the United States, offering thrilling fun for families and groups of friends. If escape rooms are your idea of fun things to do, Lakeland offers three for you to choose from. Two of these are in downtown Lakeland and make a perfect escape from normal vacation plans, especially if you want to leave the car at the hotel. Walking distance to Lake Mirror and the restaurants around there, it’s a great option for a night of fun before or after a good meal.
20. Take out your frustrations ax throwing
Like escape rooms, ax throwing has become a popular pastime in cities around the United States. Not surprising, it’s one of our favorite things to do in Lakeland at night. Or in the afternoon – I guess it depends on your frustration levels.
Ax-Caliber is a restaurant and ax venue which offers the best of both. At this unique place, you can grab a great meal with favorites like wings, Cuban sandwich, or flatbreads. From there move over to the ax-throwing venue for a fun evening of bullseyes and memories, or to the virtual range where shooters of all levels can practice on simulators powered by Smokeless Range technology. Whatever you choose, it promises to be a fun night to remember.
Where to Stay in Lakeland, Florida
When I’m in Lakeland, my favorite place to stay is The Terrace Hotel. An historic hotel, it’s now part of the Hilton family. With a great central location and easy parking, it’s a perfect place to use as a base and walk to everything Lakeland offers. For a more budget-friendly option, try the nearby Springhill Suites.
Where to Eat in Lakeland
Though there are dozens of good restaurants in Lakeland, here are some of my favorites and places I always recommend to friends or family who are looking for a good meal in this area.
- Cuban Delights Cafe (because I have to try Cuban food anywhere I go!)
- Fancy Q Sushi & Thai (if you’re craving something Asian)
- Purple Onion Deli-Grill (for a great sandwich)
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Lakeland FL
In conclusion, Lakeland offers so many experiences that cater to diverse interests and preferences. If you found this guide for things to do in Lakeland FL valuable, don’t forget to share it with friends, family, or anyone planning a trip here. Spread the word and let others discover the wonders that await in this hidden gem of a city. Thank you for reading, and may your Lakeland adventures be filled with joy and discovery!
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This looks great! As Europeans who don’t know better, we are always led to the same beachy locations in Florida. It’s great to learn more, thank you so much for sharing!
That’s so true! And, like most places, there’s so much more than the normal touristy sites.
What a lovely place for a nice weekend break. Safari looks interesting
Thanks for stopping by. Safari Wilderness Ranch is a lot of fun!
I’ve never heard of Lakeland but it sounds like a great town! Crazy that they have so many FLW buildings!! And seeing the alligators at Circle B would be a lot of fun.
Isn’t that a strange claim to fame in Florida? Totally unexpected – but delightful – to see so many Wright buildings in one place.
Great info! Gotta plan for Tasty Tuesday! Love exploring different foods!
That’s a definite favorite!