Connecting moms in Polk County, Fla.

New to Lakeland and looking for playgroups.

Hello. My name is Rachel and I recently moved to Lakeland from Pennsylvania with my husband and 2 children. We bought the HobbyTown USA on S.Florida Avenue. My son, Alex, is 3 1/2 and my daughter, Avery, just turned a year old. I am new to the area and I do not know anyone here. I am looking for some support from other mommies and friends for my children. Are there any good playgroups in the area that anyone can recommend? Also, what are some fun places in the area to check out that are kid friendly and do not cost a whole lot of money? Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post. We are located on Sweetbay Dr. off of Pipkin Rd. -Rachel Mottern

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Permalink Reply by JGS on July 20, 2012 at 3:35pm

Hi Rachel,

I just moved to the area this past March. Our children are in the same age groups. One place we found that we absolutely love is Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

http://www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/LakeMirrorComplex.aspx

There are playgrounds for big and small kid, water features to cool down in, a beautiful botanic garden, a path around the lake to walk and plenty of picnic areas. It is all FREE. We can usually get two hours out of the park before we are all tired out. I usually take the kids myself and I have not had any problems with safety, etc.

Being new here myself I don't know all that much but we did have a wonderful time at Lake Mirror. Also, check out Lakeland Parks and Recreation on line. They have tons of offerings for adults and kids. Be glad you found a place in Lakeland. I am pretty sure Bartow rolls up the sidewalks and turns off the lights at 8 pm. It's pretty lonely out here. ;)

Welcome (to your new) Home,

Jackie

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Spezzano on July 23, 2012 at 10:33pm

Hi Rachel,

My name is Kelly. I am not new to Lakeland, but I am new to Polkmoms.com. I have a 3 1/2 yo son as well and one of his FAVORITE places is the Family Fun Center- they have an indoor playground area (Funtasia)that is AWESOME. It's $3.99 for 3's for all day play- and $1.99 for 1's. We love to go there because it's got a/c for mom and lots of energy is exerted and new friends are (almost always) made.

They also have a mommy/daddy and me group on Tuesdays at 10am and 2pm (it's a little more money b/c it comes with lunch for mom and child) but if your looking for group interaction it's pretty cool.

Attached is a link to their Mommy and Me Advertisement from their website:

http://www.thefamilyfuncenter.com/documents/Mommy%20and%20Me.pdf

Hope you find what you are looking for and Welcome to Florida!
~Kelly