Lakeland landed no. 15 on the U.S. and World Report News’ list for the 100 Best Places to Retire. The city rankings were based on the happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates + healthcare quality.

So today, we’re zooming in one step further – to the deals that the fabulously over 50 (or 55, or 60, or 65) can take advantage of on the daily.

Chances are that either you’re enjoying your golden years, or you have friends, family, or visitors who are. Here’s how you – or they – can be savvy and save a penny or two on events, restaurants, entertainment, services, shopping + more (so you can spend all that extra cash on local art, fine dining + maaaybe even your grandkids – if they’re behaving 😉). ⬇️

#ProTip: Discounts are at the discretion of the business and are subject to change; check-in before you head over to take advantage of them.

Also, many places offer discounts when you show your AARP card. If you aren’t an AARP member already, you can find out more about membership + sign up here. Membership starts at $12/year for people 50+ and includes free membership for spouses + partners (even if they’re not 50 yet).

🎓 Continuing Education

Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center | 840 Johnson Ave. | $10+ | 10% off on all standard tours (excludes group + private tours) of Wright’s architecture at Florida Southern College

🛍️ Shopping

Belk | 1400 Town Center Dr. | 15% off first Tuesday of every month

JoAnn | 4241 U.S. Hwy 98 N. | 20% off one Wednesday a month

Kohl’s | 1401 Town Center Dr. | 60+ | 15% off on Wednesdays

Michaels | 4017 U.S. Hwy 98 N. | 55+ | 10% off with AARP card

Ross | Various locations | 10% off on Tuesdays

T.J. Maxx | Various locations | 10% off on Mondays

Walgreens | Various locations | 65+ | 20% off once a month with Balance Rewards card (AARP members only)

🚗 Services

AT&T | Various locations | 65+ | $29.99 Senior Nation plan

Avis Rent A Car | 205 W. Memorial Blvd. | AARP members | 30% off

Budget Rent A Car | 120 W. Memorial Blvd. | 0-25% off base rates, plus a free upgrade on compact through full-size bookings, discounted GPS, and an additional driver at no cost with an AARP membership

Pep Boys | Various locations | 55+ | 10% off

🥡 Food + Drink

🍔 Fast food

Arby’s | 803 E. Memorial Blvd. | 55+ | 10% off + some locations offer a free drink

Chick-fil-A | 4132 U.S. Hwy 98 N. | 50+ | most locations offer a free small drink (excluding coffee) with a purchase or 10% off

Dairy Queen | Various locations | 55+ | 10% off or a free drink

Dunkin’ | Various locations | 50+ | Buy a large or extra-large drink and get a free doughnut

KFC | Various locations | 55+ | free small drink with purchase of a meal

Krispy Kreme | 4209 S. Florida Ave. | 50+ | 10% off

McDonald’s | Various locations | 55+ | discounts on coffee every day

Sonic | 5030 Dave Robbins Way | 60+ | 10% off or free beverage (varies by location)

Subway | Various locations | 60+ | 10% off

Taco Bell | Various locations | 65+ | 5% off or free beverage

Wendy’s | Various locations | vary depending on location; ask at the register

Zaxby’s | Various locations | 60+ | 10% off

🥘 Casual restaurants

Applebee’s | 60+ | Various locations | 10-15% off (may require Golden Apple Card)

Bonefish Grill | 225 W. Pipkin Rd. | AARP members | 10% off the check at lunch, brunch, or dinner (excluding alcohol + tip)

Carrabba’s Italian Grill | 4829 S. Florida Ave. | AARP members | 10% off

Chili’s | 3750 Lakeside Village Ct. + 3980 U.S. Hwy 98 N. | 55+ | 10% off

IHOP | Various locations | 55+ | special senior menu or a 10% discount

Outback Steakhouse | Various locations | AARP members | 10% off the entire check (excluding alcohol + tip) for lunch or dinner

Waffle House | Various locations | 60+ | 10% off every Monday

🍿 Entertainment

Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall & XD | 3800 U.S. Hwy 98 N. | $7 for senior tickets

Lakeside 18 & IMAX | 1650 Town Center Dr. | $8 for senior tickets

🏨 Lodging

Have visitors coming to town? Many chain hotels offer discounts for seniors with AARP memberships (as well as AAA memberships) when you book.

Comfort Inn | 60+ | AARP membership | 10% off

Comfort Suites | 60+ | AARP membership | 10% off

Hampton Inn & Suites | AARP membership | 10% off

Hilton | AARP membership | 10% off

Wyndham Hotels | AARP membership | 10% off

💰 Bonus list

Check out to this list of Polk County Senior Discounts to stay up-to-date on current discounts. Shoutout to Reader Liz C. for sending this our way. 🎉

Know of another discount? Add it to the comments below.

– LALtoday team (Kaylee and Abby)