Summer is right around the corner, and with school letting out in just a few short weeks, many parents are scrambling with things to fill up their days during their kids’ vacation time. Whether you’re in between jobs and will be taking care of your kids full-time, or are currently employed and want to make the most of your occasional vacation days. there are plenty of things to do in and around Lakeland with your family. The best part? For those in between jobs or on a tight budget, many of these options are free or very low cost!
Hit the Movies
Both North and South Lakeland have theaters offering free or discount ($1) movie programs for kids over the summer. Have a group of friends who might like to go? If you can round up at least 25 people, you can get a special price on movie and popcorn packages as well! It’s a great way to spend an afternoon when the heat is high. Nothing is better than a cool, dark theater, a good movie, and a handful of popcorn with your kids. For more info, and the weekly schedule of what’s showing, check out http://www.lakelandmom.com/free-summer-movies-cobb-theatres/.
Head to the Water
When the temperatures soar, nothing beats time in the water when you can’t be in the AC. Fortunately, Florida has no shortage of water activities, so grab your towel and your sunscreen and head to the nearest beach or spring. Central Florida has multiple state parks offering access to, and swimming in, the freshwater springs, and they are a great place to spend an afternoon with a picnic and some friends. If the ocean is more your style, many gulf-side beaches offer free parking, picnic pavilions, bathrooms/showers, and even playgrounds. Pack up your lunch and hit the surf to cool off without spending a dime.
Theme Parks and Attractions
Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and many of our children’s museums and aquariums offer summer packages for small kids over the summer. Busch Gardens and SeaWorld offer their “Preschool Pass” which is a free card for kids ages 5 and under. For the price of your adult ticket, you and your young kids can spend days enjoying the animals and rides! Check family deals for places like the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo or the Florida Aquarium, and watch sites like Groupon.com for discount tickets to these attractions.
We hope you can pull some of these ideas to keep your kids (and you) having fun all summer. If unemployment is leaving you with more free time (and less money) than you’d prefer, PHR Staffing Solutions is ready to help you fill that space with the perfect position. We do the hard work for you, while you enjoy the time with your kids and family soaking up all that Lakeland has to offer. Simply apply for one of our current openings online, or call us for more information about getting your resume in our hands, and out to businesses throughout the Central Florida area.