4 Big Reasons Families Love Lakeland, Florida

Parents know how challenging it can be to find quality activities for children, even when there’s not a pandemic. But parents in Lakeland, Florida have the advantage of living in a family-friendly city with nearly everything geared around children. 

Here are four big reasons families love Lakeland.

# 1: Lakes, parks and nature

Lakeland is smack-dab in the middle of nature, featuring 38 lakes (the origin of the city’s name “Lakeland”) and 40 parks.

There are a total of 38 named lakes within the city limits (which doesn’t include a number of smaller lakes). The sizes of the lakes range from 1.5 acres at Lake Blanton to 2,185 acres at Lake Parker. Alongside many of the lakes are parks offering a wide range of activities on and off the water from boating, paddling and swimming to biking, hiking and camping. Barnett Family Park is a favorite and even has a splash pad!

For swimming safety, parents should know that the City of Lakeland's Lakes and Stormwater Division actively monitors the lakes, which includes water quality on 16 of the major lake systems for physical, chemical, bacteriological and biological parameters as well as water levels at 14 of these lakes.

# 2: Bok Tower Gardens is a national treasure 

Bok Tower Gardens, 25 miles from Lakeland, is a 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary that features the 205-foot tall Singing Tower with its carillon bells. All of this sits on one of the highest points of peninsular Florida. It is a National Historic Landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

There are events at Bok Tower Gardens year-round, such as Spring Bloom, the most colorful time of year as thousands of azaleas, camellias, and annuals explode; and Concerts Under the Stars that add music to the incredible outdoor atmosphere. There also are arts and crafts workshops, culinary demonstrations and many other community events. There’s always something going on at Bok Tower Gardens for family fun and entertainment.

Additionally, Bok Tower Gardens recently completed a 5-year, $16 million renovation project that included a new visitor center and the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Exhibit Hall, which has exhibits chronicling the history of the gardens and founder Edward W. Bok, a publisher and philanthropist who dedicated the sanctuary to Lakelanders in 1929. Learn more at Home - Bok Tower Gardens.

# 3: Large-scale annual events for the holidays

Lakeland is a happening place for the holiday season with two large-scale, annual events that attract the entire community.

The Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo features an air show with military fighter jets booming through the skies and hot air balloons resting on the clouds, while on the ground there are more than 50 exhibitors, a car show with more than 150 classic vehicles, and 200 aircraft to touch and feel. The large-scale event, held at the Lakeland Linder International Airport campus, also includes a 5K race, onsite camping, lots of great food, and a visit from Santa Claus. Parking is $20 per vehicle, but individual admission is free. Learn more at Holiday Flying Festival - SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo.

The Lakeland Christmas Parade, heading into its 41^st year, is a hallmark event that kicks off the holiday season in Lakeland. The large-scale event, organized by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, begins with a fireworks display. The centerpiece of the event is a parade that starts at the RP Funding Center and makes its way through downtown, featuring its special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus. Learn more at The Lakeland Christmas Parade | City of Lakeland.

# 4: Families are getting good deals on new homes

The master-planned, new home community of BridgeWater in Lakeland is extremely popular with families. The 575-acre suburban community from William Ryan Homes Tampa Division has a wide range of family activities like a clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, fishing dock, and canoe launch pad – all surrounded by gorgeous lakes.

William Ryan Homes is offering five floor plans with up to four bedrooms ranging from 1,488 to 2,490 square feet, with prices starting in the high $200s. All homes come with a covered lanai and a 2-car garage.

Learn more at BridgeWater | New Homes for Sale in Lakeland, FL. To schedule a model home tour or learn more about BridgeWater, call Maxine at 813-773-2989 or email her at mstull@wmryan.com.