With an ever-growing list of new shops, restaurants, and activities in town, Lakeland never runs out of adventures to offer. But let’s be real – sometimes living in such a vibrant + booming city can put a pretty big strain on your wallet. (We totally get it. 💸)

So, in an effort to decrease financial anxiety – while increasing levels of fun – here’s our list of 9+ free activities to do in town, plus a few right on the outskirts. We call this, ‘Lakeland on the Cheap.’ ⤵️

1. Hike through the wilderness

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Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned trailer, wondering where to bring a date, or just need a little nature induced R&R – there is a trail with a rewarding view out there for you. Check out one of the many trails scattered through our area.

2. Farmer’s Market

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September has arrived + you know what that means...the Farmer’s Market is back in action. However, we do have to warn you (and your wallet) – as much fun as it can be to just enjoy a nice walk downtown and meet new people, it can also be tempting to stock up on goodies from local vendors.

3. Immerse yourself in an art walk

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It’s no secret that Lakeland is an actual mecca for artists. Corner-to-corner, you can find eye-widening sculptures, statues + murals alike – paired with a low cost-of-living. Whether you want to learn about the sculptures that line Lemon St. or the tapestries that decorate downtown, we recommend going on a self-guided walking tour.

4. Take a stroll around Lake Hollingsworth

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A walk around Lake Hollingsworth is quintessential Lakeland at its finest. #ProTip: See if you can spot the otters that call the lake home. They like to sunbathe on the docks in the summer. Or, for a more quiet walk, check out Lake Morton. Just be sure to pack extra veggies (and not bread) if you plan to feed the waterfowl.

5. Visit the Polk Museum of Art

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Recently featured in Forbes Magazine essentially as an art epicenter, Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum with rotating exhibits and permanent collections. The best part? Admission to the museum is always free to the public.

6. Take a trip to the Lakeland Public Library

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Immerse yourself in a wonderland of books, audio, and more at LAL’s lakeside library. Like most libraries, admission is free. So snag yourself a library card, curl up by one of the many lake-facing windows, and throw yourself in a book. Bonus: Check out what the hoopla is all about.

7. Try free samples at Publix

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Okay, so we know a trip to Publix isn’t really free. But, DYK sometimes Publix Apron Cooking School dishes out free samples? Swing by the counter stations for a free demo, and leave with a sample of the food + a recipe card – so you can duplicate the artistry at home.

8. Guide yourself through the largest Frank Lloyd Wright museum

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No doubt we’re pretty hyped that the largest Frank Lloyd Wright museum in the world is located right in our neck of the woods. From a fountain that shows very little chill to a few potentially haunted structures, guide yourself through a personalized tour.

9. Keep up with local events

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Livin’ it up in Lakeland means your calendar is chock full of tons of free events. #ProTip: You’ll just need to keep up with the local calendar to learn which ones are free. That’s where we come into play. Check out our PlanAhead for all the #MustDo events in town. Or, if you haven’t already, sign up for our free daily newsletter. We promise to do the heavy lifting in searching for events for you.

Bonus

Looking to venture out of Lakeland? Here are a few more attractions we’d recommend.

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)