Instead of heading to big theme parks, why not explore Lakeland’s incredible family-friendly activities? From outdoor adventures to hands-on learning experiences, there’s something here for kids of all ages.
When planning family outings near Lakeland, Florida, driving to Disney World might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Lakeland is a wonderful, family-focused destination often overlooked by its larger neighbors, Tampa and Orlando. With a mix of nature, creativity, and interactive attractions, Lakeland offers endless things to do with kids in Lakeland FL—no long lines or high ticket prices required.
Whether you are looking for outdoor parks, indoor attractions, educational museums, free family activities, or a fun rainy-day plan, Lakeland gives families plenty of ways to spend meaningful time together in Central Florida.
Below are eight must-visit spots guaranteed to make your next family day both fun and educational.
Quick Answer: Best Things to Do with Kids in Lakeland, FL
The best things to do with kids in Lakeland, FL include visiting Bonnet Springs Park, exploring the Florida Children’s Museum, seeing aircraft at the Florida Air Museum, walking through Hollis Garden, feeding the swans at Lake Morton, playing at Common Ground Playground, watching a Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball game, and taking a wildlife tour at Safari Wilderness Ranch.
For families who want a mix of learning, movement, creativity, and hands-on play, the Florida Children’s Museum inside Bonnet Springs Park is one of the best places to start.
1. Explore Bonnet Springs Park
Escape the busyness of downtown with a visit to Bonnet Springs Park—a 168-acre oasis blending urban design with natural beauty. This expansive space includes the Florida Children’s Museum, botanical gardens, a butterfly house, and shaded walking trails. Kids can enjoy splash pads, playgrounds, and open green areas ideal for picnics or games.
The park also hosts educational exhibits that encourage kids to learn about local ecosystems, making it one of the top things to do with kids in Lakeland FL year-round.
Bonnet Springs Park is especially helpful for families who want one location with several kid-friendly options. You can spend time outdoors, visit the museum, enjoy lunch, and let kids move freely without needing to drive to multiple places.
Address: 400 Bonnet Spgs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
Website: Bonnet Springs Park
Best For: Outdoor play, picnics, walking trails, family photos, and museum visits
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and blanket to turn your museum visit into a full-day outdoor adventure.
2. Visit the Florida Air Museum
Whether your children dream of flying or just love exploring new worlds, the Florida Air Museum offers something for everyone. The museum showcases classic planes, ultralights, and vintage warbirds, plus an interactive Discover Zone where kids can experiment with aviation-themed games and STEM activities.
This hands-on experience introduces young learners to science, innovation, and Florida’s aviation history—cementing it as one of the best things to do with kids in Lakeland FL for curious minds.
For families searching for educational things to do in Lakeland, this is a strong choice because it connects history, engineering, flight, and imagination in a way kids can understand.
Address: 4075 James C. Ray Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811
Website: Florida Air Museum
Best For: STEM learning, aviation fans, homeschool outings, and indoor family activities
Pro Tip: Check the current SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo schedule before visiting if your family wants to experience airshows, aviation exhibits, and special events.
3. Wander the Hollis Garden
For a peaceful yet inspiring family outing, head to Hollis Garden, a 1.2-acre botanical haven located within Lake Mirror Park. With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, fountains, and walking paths, it’s a living art gallery that encourages observation and appreciation of nature.
Children can spot butterflies, identify flower species, or take part in scavenger hunts offered on-site. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do with kids in Lakeland FL, combining education and beauty in one setting.
This is a great stop for families who want a slower-paced activity, especially with younger children, grandparents, or kids who enjoy nature and photography.
Address: 614 E. Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
Website: Hollis Garden
Best For: Nature walks, plant learning, photos, and calm family outings
Pro Tip: Print a plant scavenger list before your visit to make learning interactive.
4. Feed the Swans at Lake Morton
No family trip to Lakeland is complete without visiting the city’s beloved swans. Lake Morton’s circular one-mile path offers easy walking, scenic views, and a chance to see black and white swans—descendants of the pair gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.
It’s a free, laid-back way to enjoy nature and learn a bit of local history. Kids will love feeding the swans with bird-safe food and spotting other wildlife like ducks and wood storks.
Lake Morton is one of the best free things to do with kids in Lakeland, especially for families who want a simple outdoor activity that does not require tickets or a long schedule.
Address: Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
Website: TripAdvisor – Lake Morton
Best For: Free family fun, walking, bird watching, and local history
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for a mini bird-watching challenge.
5. Explore the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum
Art lovers will appreciate the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. Formerly known as the Polk Museum of Art, this modern facility showcases rotating exhibits and family workshops. It’s free to visit, making it a budget-friendly stop among the top things to do with kids in Lakeland FL.
Young artists can take part in drawing challenges or join kids’ art camps to learn about color, form, and imagination.
This is a smart indoor option for families who want a creative break from outdoor attractions. It also gives children a chance to slow down, observe, ask questions, and connect with visual storytelling.
Address: 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801
Website: Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Best For: Art education, creative kids, free indoor activities, and family workshops
Pro Tip: Encourage your kids to bring a sketchbook and recreate their favorite piece from the gallery.
6. Spend a Day at Common Ground Playground
This all-abilities playground is designed for inclusivity, ensuring kids of all ages and abilities can play side by side. Featuring themed play zones, climbing areas, and imaginative spaces, Common Ground Playground is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful things to do with kids in Lakeland FL.
It’s a place where every child can build confidence and connection through play.
For parents looking for toddler-friendly activities in Lakeland or a place where siblings of different ages can play together, Common Ground Playground is a strong choice.
Address: 1000 E. Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803
Website: Common Ground Playground
Best For: Inclusive play, toddlers, sensory-friendly play, and active kids
Pro Tip: Bring snacks and enjoy the shaded picnic pavilions between play sessions.
7. Catch a Flying Tigers Baseball Game
Sports-loving families will enjoy catching a Lakeland Flying Tigers game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium—the official Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. With face painting, balloon artists, and bounce houses, it’s a vibrant atmosphere that keeps kids entertained throughout.
On Family Fun Sundays, children 12 and under can run the bases after the game—a highlight that makes this one of the most exciting things to do with kids in Lakeland FL.
A baseball game is a great option for families who want an affordable evening activity, especially during baseball season. It gives kids a chance to enjoy live sports without the size, cost, or crowds of a major league stadium.
Address: 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Website: Lakeland Flying Tigers Schedule
Best For: Sports fans, evening activities, family entertainment, and group outings
Pro Tip: Arrive early for photo ops with the team mascot, Southpaw.
8. Visit Safari Wilderness Ranch
Experience the thrill of an African safari without leaving Central Florida. At Safari Wilderness Ranch, families can take guided tours by vehicle, camel, ATV, or kayak while learning about conservation and animal behavior. From zebras and antelopes to lemurs and water buffalo, it’s an adventure kids won’t forget.
This one-of-a-kind eco-experience ranks high among things to do with kids in Lakeland FL because it combines education, wildlife, and outdoor exploration.
For families who want something more adventurous than a park or museum, Safari Wilderness Ranch offers a memorable day trip that feels different from typical Central Florida attractions.
Address: 10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
Website: Safari Wilderness Ranch
Best For: Wildlife lovers, animal education, outdoor adventure, and family day trips
Pro Tip: Try the drive-thru safari option for younger children or first-timers.
Bonus: Florida Children’s Museum — Where Learning Meets Play
The Florida Children’s Museum is a must-see for families. Located inside Bonnet Springs Park, it’s a hub of hands-on learning where play meets education. Kids can role-play community jobs, experiment with building materials, and explore interactive science exhibits tailored to different ages.
With flexible memberships and ever-changing exhibits, it’s one of the most rewarding and creative things to do with kids in Lakeland FL.
For parents searching for a children’s museum in Lakeland, the Florida Children’s Museum offers a strong mix of indoor play, educational exhibits, creativity, and family-friendly programming. It is also a great rainy-day activity, homeschool field trip option, birthday destination, and repeat-visit attraction for local families.
Address: 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815
Website: Florida Children’s Museum
Best For: Hands-on learning, indoor play, toddlers, early learners, school-age kids, and memberships
Pro Tip: Purchase a membership for unlimited visits, guest discounts, and access to special museum events.
Best Indoor Activities for Kids in Lakeland
If the weather is too hot, rainy, or unpredictable, Lakeland still has several indoor options for families. The Florida Children’s Museum is one of the best indoor activities for kids in Lakeland because it gives children room to play, explore, build, imagine, and learn through interactive exhibits.
Other indoor family-friendly options include the Florida Air Museum for aviation and STEM learning and the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art for creative exploration.
For families with young kids, indoor attractions can make the day easier by offering shade, restrooms, predictable spaces, and educational activities that still feel fun.
Best Free Things to Do with Kids in Lakeland
Families looking for affordable activities in Lakeland can enjoy several low-cost or free stops. Bonnet Springs Park, Hollis Garden, Lake Morton, Common Ground Playground, and the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art are all strong options for budget-conscious family fun.
Free activities are especially helpful for local families planning regular weekend outings, visiting relatives, or parents who want meaningful experiences without spending a lot on tickets.
Best Educational Things to Do with Kids in Lakeland
Lakeland is filled with educational family activities that do not feel like school. Kids can learn about ecosystems at Bonnet Springs Park, aviation at the Florida Air Museum, art at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum, wildlife conservation at Safari Wilderness Ranch, and hands-on discovery at the Florida Children’s Museum.
For families looking for learning-focused attractions in Central Florida, the Florida Children’s Museum stands out because it combines play, creativity, science, imagination, and real-world problem-solving in one location.
Rainy Day Things to Do with Kids in Lakeland
Rain does not have to cancel your family plans. If you need rainy day activities for kids in Lakeland, start with indoor destinations like the Florida Children’s Museum, Florida Air Museum, and Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
The Florida Children’s Museum is especially useful on rainy days because kids can stay active indoors while exploring exhibits designed for hands-on learning and creative play.
Quick Guide — Best Things to Do with Kids in Lakeland FL
| Activity | Type | Best For | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnet Springs Park | Outdoor/Nature | All ages | Free | Picnic and play day combo |
| Florida Air Museum | Indoor/STEM | Ages 5–12 | $ | Check current event schedule |
| Hollis Garden | Outdoor/Educational | Ages 6+ | Free | Bring a scavenger checklist |
| Lake Morton | Nature Walk | All ages | Free | Feed swans responsibly |
| Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum | Indoor/Art | Creative kids | Free | Bring a sketchbook |
| Common Ground Playground | Inclusive Playground | Toddlers and all ages | Free | Great for active play |
| Lakeland Flying Tigers | Sports/Entertainment | Families and groups | $ | Look for Family Fun Sundays |
| Safari Wilderness Ranch | Wildlife Adventure | Ages 5+ | $$ | Try the drive-thru safari option |
| Florida Children’s Museum | Interactive/Indoor | All ages | $ | Great for rainy days and memberships |
One-Day Family Itinerary in Lakeland
If you want an easy family plan, start your morning at Bonnet Springs Park where kids can walk, play, and explore outdoors. Then visit the Florida Children’s Museum for hands-on exhibits and indoor learning.
After lunch, take a calm walk around Lake Morton or visit Hollis Garden for photos and nature exploration. If your family still has energy, end the day with a Lakeland Flying Tigers game or another relaxed local activity.
This kind of schedule gives families a balanced day with movement, creativity, learning, and downtime.
Plan Your Family Adventure in Lakeland
When it comes to things to do with kids in Lakeland FL, the options are limitless. From splashing through Bonnet Springs Park to cheering on the Flying Tigers, every activity brings families closer together while showcasing the charm of Central Florida.
If your family is looking for an activity that is fun, educational, and easy to revisit, start with the Florida Children’s Museum. It is one of Lakeland’s top family-friendly attractions and a strong choice for parents who want kids to learn through play.
Ready to explore? Plan your visit to Florida Children’s Museum and experience the joy of learning through play—because every great day starts with discovery!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do with kids in Lakeland, FL?
Some of the best things to do with kids in Lakeland, FL include Bonnet Springs Park, Florida Children’s Museum, Florida Air Museum, Hollis Garden, Lake Morton, Common Ground Playground, Lakeland Flying Tigers games, and Safari Wilderness Ranch.
Is Florida Children’s Museum good for toddlers?
Yes. Florida Children’s Museum is a strong option for toddlers because it offers hands-on exhibits, imaginative play areas, and interactive learning experiences designed for young children and families.
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Lakeland?
The best indoor activities for kids in Lakeland include Florida Children’s Museum, Florida Air Museum, and Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. These are helpful choices during hot, rainy, or humid Florida weather.
What are the best free things to do with kids in Lakeland?
Families can enjoy free activities like Bonnet Springs Park, Lake Morton, Hollis Garden, Common Ground Playground, and the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
What are the best educational activities for kids in Lakeland?
Educational activities in Lakeland include visiting Florida Children’s Museum, exploring aviation history at Florida Air Museum, learning about plants at Hollis Garden, and discovering wildlife conservation at Safari Wilderness Ranch.
What can families do near Bonnet Springs Park?
Families visiting Bonnet Springs Park can explore walking trails, playgrounds, gardens, splash areas, green spaces, and the Florida Children’s Museum, which is located inside the park.
Is Lakeland worth visiting with kids?
Yes. Lakeland is worth visiting with kids because it offers a family-friendly mix of museums, parks, wildlife experiences, sports, gardens, and affordable local attractions between Tampa and Orlando.
