Looking to meet your new year’s resolution in Lakeland? From feeling fit to finding more family time, check out our local resolution recommendations below.

Cook more meals at home

Chefs interact with attendees as they cook | Photo via @thelaltoday

Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 Florida Ave. S. | Take a class led by professional chefs. Whether you’re looking for a solo experience, a date night, or a family-friendly lesson, book a class here to learn new culinary skills and recipes.
What’s Cooking Lakeland, 6935 S. Carter Rd., Ste. 6/7 | Children and teens can book a class here to learn the basics of food preparation. Pro tip: Host your private birthday party here for a finger-lickin’ fiesta their friends won’t soon forget.

Join a gym

Restoration Fitness & Nutrition, 2984 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | Meet with a registered dietitian for a custom nutrition plan or a personal trainer for sessions designed for your specific goals. Pro tip: Book a free introduction to see if it’s the right fit for you.
9 Round, 3604 Harden Blvd. | Interested in kickboxing? This dedicated kickboxing gym offers a free one-on-one session so you can try it without the commitment.
Vital Fitness, 2500 Drane Field Rd., Ste. 113 | Specifically designed to help busy professionals find the time they have to work out, Vital Fitness offers personal training, community classes, and nutrition coaching to fit your schedule.
Lakeland Group Fitness, 4688 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Described as “a gym for Lakeland,” Lakeland Group Fitness boasts members from all walks of life with a variety of fitness levels and goals. Schedule a free consultation to see if it works for you.
Didn’t see one that fit your needs? Check out our full list of local fitness spots, from cycling studios to women’s fitness studios, here.

Read more books

Pressed Books and Coffee | Photo by @sarahmaephotography

Crash Bookshop, 3125 US Hwy. 98, Ste. 1 | This independent bookshop prioritizes collaboration with local businesses, features local authors, and works to build community connections.
Inklings Book Shoppe, 2120 S. Combee Rd. | This used bookshop offers new and previously owned novels. Pro tip: If a specific title you’re searching for isn’t in stock, the staff will order you a brand new copy.
Pressed Lakeland, 213 E. Bay St. | Meet with local authors, enjoy locally made baked goods, coffee, and tea, and attend community events. This spot offers new + used books and features a rotating selection of books by local authors.

Start a business

Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St. | Members of this coworking space on Lake Mirror have access to a commercial kitchen, maker space (fitted with a wood shop, metal shop, and 3D printing lab), and meeting rooms. Entrepreneurs can choose to work from the coworking space, a dedicated desk, or a private office.
The Well, 114 E. Parker St. | Thiscoworking space in downtown east features a recording studio, podcasting and video production studio, and community enrichment programs.
Find more information, resources, and tips from local business owners in our full guide to starting a business.

Spend more quality time with family

Take the kids to this 500-sqft aerial tree house at Bonnet Springs Park. | Photo by @wakeupsunshinephotography

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | Lakelanders finally got to enjoy this long-awaited 168-acre public park in October of 2022. Stop by to visit must-see attractions like the Crenshaw Canopy Walk, Givewell Foundation Nature Center, and more.
Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | This state-of-the-art children’s museum (formerly known as Explorations V Children’s Museum on Kentucky Avenue) opened at Bonnet Springs Park in November of 2022. The 47,800-sqft museum features indoor and outdoor multi-sensory exhibits, including a 100-ft Blinky the Alligator playground.
Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave. | Families with older children can stop by this arcade bar for a night of games. Brought to downtown Lakeland by the owners of Cob & Pen, this spot is known for its new and nostalgic arcade games (we’re talking everything from pinball to Mario Kart).
Family Fun Center, 4825 S. Florida Ave. | Are you a mini golf guru or an arcade aficionado? Either way, you can find something for family members of all ages at this 40-year establishment on Lakeland’s south side.
Public parks, locations vary | Who says you have to drive to Disney World for a magical park? Take the family to one of Lakeland’s 70+ public parks (yes, you read that right) for a day of fresh air and fun. From walking trails to dog parks and pools, you can read about some of our favorites here.

Practice self-care

When it comes to pumpkin spice, don't stop at food and drink. | Photo by LALtoday

DayDreams Spa, 1463 Town Center Dr. E. | Head to Lakeside Village for a massage, facial, or medical spa service. You can book your service here.
Rafa Natural, 244 N. Kentucky Ave. | Meet your skincare goals with organic products from a locally-owned store. You can shop for your new year necessities in store or online.
Pura Vie Holistic Studio, 115 Traders Alley | From massage therapy to facials and yoga, this holistic studio offers services and products in the heart of downtown Lakeland.
Viva Vitality, 1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 208 | Viva Vitality is the name, and medical-grade skincare is the game. Stop by this locally owned Dixieland med spa for treatments and products Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Find even more suggestions in our guide to Lakeland's businesses promoting wellness.

Explore your city

Frank Lloyd Wright Tours, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Tour Florida Southern College, home to the world’s largest concentration of structuresdesigned by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Choose a self-guided tour or an in-depth tour led by a docent — both are available daily for reservations.
Lake Mirror Historic Tour, 121 S. Lake Ave. | Walk the Frances Langford Promenade around Lake Mirror to go back to Lakeland’s beginnings in the late 1800s. These tours, offered on the fourth Tuesday of each month, even take guests in the famed loggia.
Guided Kayak Eco Tours, 525 Lake Crago Dr. | See Lakeland from a new point of view. Call or email to make your reservation to paddle 1.5 miles from Lake Parker to Lake Crago as guides point out native wildlife along the way.

Donate unused items

Donate your designer clothes to Top Buttons — the proceeds from their sales support the store's Wearing Confidence Program. | Photo via Top Buttons

Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe, 2934 S. Florida Ave. | This nonprofit helps families enduring transition. In addition to clothing and furniture, this is a great place to donate toys with more life left in them.
Top Buttons, 236 N. Kentucky Ave. | Donate your business casual and professional attire to Top Buttons' Wearing Confidence Program, which distributes clothes to those who are searching for careers.
Lighthouse Ministries, 215 E. Magnolia St. | Lighthouse relies on donations of clothing, shoes, linens, and more to provide support for individuals experiencing housing insecurities.
Check out our full list of places to donate clothes, electronics, housing materials, blood, and more here.