• January 1, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Circle B Bar Reserve

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of hakoar - Fotolia.com

2. Hollis Garden

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Robert Hainer - Fotolia.com

3. Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center

4. Lake Mirror Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Robert Hainer - Fotolia.com

5. Common Ground Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of pushish images - Fotolia.com

6. Lake Hollingsworth

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Robert Hainer - Fotolia.com

7. The Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun

8. Polk Theatr

© Davizro Photography/stock.adobe.com

9. Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© dbvirago/stock.adobe.com

10. Florida Children's Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Florida Children's Museum

11. Safari Wilderness Ranch

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Safari Wilderness Ranch

12. Holloway Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Holloway Park

13. Colt Creek State Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© floridastateparks.org

14. Lake Morton Historic District

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Robert Hainer - Fotolia.com

15. Gator Creek Reserve

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Wirestock/stock.adobe.com

16. Lake Tenoroc

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of watcherfox - Fotolia.com

17. Family Fun Center

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© splitov27/stock.adobe.com

18. Lakeland Highlands Scrub

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© David A Litman/stock.adobe.com

19. Lakeland Escape Room

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Reddogs/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Lakeland is the largest city in the Polk County Region, and was settled in the 1870s about a decade after the Polk County Region had been established. In the 1880s, a rail line was developed which saw Lakeland expand by an additional 80 acres, which is now known as the downtown portion of the city. Visitors can enjoy the historic promenade, amphitheater, museums, and the Hollis Garden which showcases over 10,000 indigenous Florida flowers and plants.

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