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If you are wondering what to do in Lakewood Ranch, well, you aren’t doing it right =:)
Your fun, entertainment, and general happiness as a Lakewood Ranch resident (or soon-to-be) are a high priority!
Lakewood Ranch was strategically designed, so you always have things to do day, night, and weekends. (600 events and activities each year!)
There should never be a dull moment in your Lakewood Ranch experience.
Because of multiple local groups and organizations, you will always have 101 things to do in Lakewood Ranch 🙂
3 Reasons For Year Round Events and Activities
Year-round entertainment and fun opportunities are not just some fluke at Lakewood Ranch. It’s by design.
Here are 3 reasons why there is always something for you to do in Lakewood Ranch this weekend and everyday!
1. Master Planned Community
Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community. [LINK to LWR GUIDE]
100 years were spent planning every detail of Lakewood Ranch, including how residents would live and enjoy Lakewood Ranch after it was built.
One important part of the master plan was to reserve 40% of the land for nature preservation and parks (about 10,000 acres), providing space and amenities for activities all year.
2. Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts
Lakewood Ranch has what’s called Community Development Districts, also referred to as CDDs.
The Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts provide long-term care to the area.
This includes planning, budgeting, constructing, operating, and maintaining community-wide infrastructure. This also includes managing and maintaining the Lakewood Ranch Parks, park features, and amenities.
Because of the Community Development Districts, Lakewood Ranch will always be clean, maintained, and well taken care of.
3. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA)
The Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) is a non-profit organization that creates community events and activities for Lakewood Ranch residents.
Many events and activities leverage the amenities and features throughout Lakewood Ranch and community parks.
With these 3 things working together, there will always be things to do, sights to see, and community neighbors to meet all year in Lakewood Ranch!
Now, here’s your ultimate 101 things to-do list from A – Z.
Did I miss any things you like do here? Please tell us in the comments.
INFO These parks and activities are in addition to the parks and recreational activities offered within the home villages and neighborhoods of Lakewood Ranch. The amenities offered within home communities are usually restricted to homeowners only.
There’s a lot for you to remember ❗
Grab our handy dandy checklist to help you remember all the great things you can do in Lakewood Ranch ✅
101 Things to Do in Lakewood Ranch
1. Art
Art takes many forms these days. Whether it’s interactive, making bracelets or Christmas ornaments, you and your kids can learn to create your own art in many different ways.
Watch the community calendar for a variety of art-related events.
You’ll usually find the art activities here:
- Waterside Place
- Bob Gardner Community Park
Info: Most art activities will require a small fee to cover the supplies cost.
replace image:
Image source
2. Barrelates
Ever wanted to try Barrelates? You can!
Barrelates is listed as an activity on the community calendar for the fall/winter of 2022.
Barrelates is a fusion-style workout that combines mat pilates and ballet barre to work your body.
You’ll be inspired to move to the music for additional fun.
You’ll usually find the Barrleates activity here:
- Bob Gardner Community Park
3. Baseball
Want to run around the diamond? How about hitting some balls out of the park?
Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of places to play baseball or tee-ball with you and the family.
You’ll find baseball fields here:
- Bob Gardner Community Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Lakewood Ranch Park
- Summerfield Community Park
You’ll even find batting cages at:
- Lakewood Ranch Park
Once again, you must reserve the baseball field for a small fee. See Lakewood Ranch Parks Guide for more information. [LINK to LWR PARKS GUIDE]
4. Basketball
Want to shoot some hoops? You and your family can play basketball!
You have 4 local parks in Lakewood Ranch that offer basketball courts for you to enjoy.
- Country Club/Edgewater Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Lakewood Ranch Park
- Summerfield Community Park
All basketball courts require rental for a small fee.
Learn more here: How to Rent Facilities at Lakewood Ranch Parks [JUMP LINK HERE] and Lakewood Ranch Parks Guide. [LINK to LWR PARKS GUIDE]
Don’t know how to play basketball? No worries. You can learn.
The Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) group has you covered!
Learn basketball for adults is free for residents 🙂 And there’s a For Kids version too!
Image Source: https://lakewoodranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-Q4-Parks-Guide_compressed.pdf
For current events, check out the LWR Community Calendar.
5. BBQ
Yes, BBQ! Grilling yummy BBQ in your backyard is not your only activity in Lakewood Ranch.
But don’t know how to grill? Well, there’s a class for that!
Image source: https://lakewoodranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-Q4-Parks-Guide_compressed.pdf
Attend Grilling 101 to learn tips and tricks for mastering grilling and the various things you can BBQ. Once again, completely free to residents!
Feeling lazy? Then you could just enjoy someone else’s BBQ, like Nancy’s Bar-B-Q at Lorraine Corners 🙂
Is this making you hungry? Check out our Lakewood Ranch Restaurant Guide for all the great places to eat! [LINK to LWR RESTAURANT GUIDE]
6. Beach
You probably didn’t move to Florida not to go to the beach.
Most of us who live in Lakewood Ranch and Florida, for that matter, moved to be closer to the beach.
So why not experience them? Often!
You happen to live near some of the best beaches in Florida!
(Just picture your toes in the white sand while your eyes feast on the glistening clear, turquoise water!)
Since Lakewood Ranch is pretty big (33,000 acres), the nearest beaches to you will depend on where you live.
If you live in north Lakewood Ranch, you are near:
- Bean Point Beach
- Manatee Public Beach
- Cortez Beach
- Coquina Beach
If you live in south Lakewood Ranch, you are near:
- Lido Key Beach
- Siesta Beach
- Sarasota Beach
And this is, by no means, an exhaustive beach list. There are more beaches for you to experience if you wish!
For more info, check out our Lakewood Ranch Beach Guide. [LINK to LWR BEACH GUIDE]
7. Biking
Prefer to bike your way around town? Just want an easy family bike ride to wear out your kids?
Lakewood Ranch has 150 miles of mixed-use trails and designated biking lanes.
These trails go through parks, streets, and around different neighborhoods.
Whether you want:
- a casual family bike ride
- or just prefer to get around by bike
- or want to practice hardcore for your next bike race
…all of these biking use cases are accepted here.
Refer to the Lakewood Ranch Trail Map to plan your next bike route. [INSERT LINK]
Or join the next Community Bike Ride.
Image Source: https://lakewoodranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-Q4-Parks-Guide_compressed.pdf
Maybe consider starting a Lakewood Community Parks and Recs Guide page log to continuously link to . OR link to the calendar events page: https://www.mylwr.com/158/Community-Calendars?loxi_pathname=/community-bike-ride-2-7206
You can join a Lakewood Ranch Ambassador and others for a 10-mile bike ride throughout Lakewood Ranch. You’ll meet up at Main Street!
Biking for fun doesn’t get any easier than this 🙂
8. Bingo
Love to play bingo?
You can plan Bingo in the park with your own food and beverages. WIN!
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities host regular bingo events.
Bingo usually takes place happens at:
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
You must register to participate in these Bingo events. Do that here. [INSERT LINK]
9. Block Parties
Want to hang out with a bunch of other Ranchers in the street?
Block Parties can take on multiple meanings at Lakewood Ranch.
Lakewood Ranch has multiple events that shut down the streets to make room for food trucks, local bands, local vendors, and you!
These are considered big block parties!
Some of the Lakewood Ranch block party events include:
- Ranch Nite Wednesdays
- Music on Main First Friday of the Month
- Farmer’s Market Sundays
- Block Party & Club Day
Orginal ….
Ways to stay up to date on current Lakewood Ranch activities:
- Lakewood Ranch Facebook Page – You will get frequent posts for current happenings
- Lakewood Ranch Community Calendar – A list of monthly events and activities
- Lakewood Ranch Parks and Rec Guide – A printable PDF guide of community parks events and activities
Alternative ….
Overwhelmed already? And we’re not even done with the B’s yet!
I created a resource guide to make it easier for you to keep up with all the great happenings in Lakewood Ranch. Check out our Lakewood Ranch’er Life Guide. or Lakewood Ranch Guide?
NOTE Consider making a Lakewood Ranch Resources PDF / Checklistfor additional click and download/takaway? create a page for LAKEWOOD RANCH THINGS TO DO RESOURCE GUIDE ???? Add all links and resources for Lakewood Ranch – pull from Lakewood Ranch Google Doc with all links…
10. Bolly X
Want to have fun while working out? Then why not try out Bolly X!
Bolly X is a fun cardio workout inspired by the music and dance of Bollywood, India’s film industry. Bolly X made its first debut on Shark Tank, which funded the workout’s popularity across the US.
But at Lakewood Ranch, you don’t have to sign up for any service or monthly fee. You can get moving, sweating, and having fun Bollywood style at one of Lakewood Ranch’s many activities 🙂
11. Cornhole
Did you know Lakewood Ranch hosts the 2nd largest recreational cornhole league in the nation?
Cornhole is HUGE in Lakewood Ranch!
And you have multiple opportunities to play cornhole.
- Play on a league at Ranch Nite in Waterside Place.
- Or play for free at one of the scheduled Cornhole activities 🙂
Casual Cornhole usually takes place happens at:
- Waterside Park
12. Disc Golf
Ever fancy playing disc golf? Lakewood Ranch has its own public disc golf course, also referred to as frisbee golf.
And it’s free!
You can learn, play and perfect your disc golf skills here:
- Bob Gardner Community Park
Bob Gardner Community Park is the only park in Lakewood Ranch that includes a disc golf course. The Bob Gardner Community Park Disc Golf Course covers 2400 square feet of greens and baskets.
You can play rounds of frisbee golf on this fairly easy, 9 hole course with flat elevation and well-defined fairways.
Source: https://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/bob-gardner-park
Need lessons on how to play disc golf?
Lakewood Ranch Residents can learn the basics of disc golf for free.
Discs will be provided with an instructor showing how to play the game and have a great time while you are at it.
Wanna be a more serious disc golfer?
You can do this too! Grab your frisbee and play with other disc golfers.
Check out MVP Sports and Social Club for more information for league play.
13. Dog Park
Got 4-legged family members?
Let them run, play and get their energy out with dedicated small and large dog parks here:
- Bob Gardner Community Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
Info: Dog parks require annual membership registration with payment and proof of vaccines. Learn more before you go here. [LINK to DOG PARK REquirements)
14. Drink
No shame in needing freshly brewed coffee in the afternoon!
Or wanting to sit outside in the Florida sunshine with a fancy colorful cocktail to make you happy.
Or enjoying a good locally brewed beer to fancy your tastebuds!
Lakewood Ranch offers more than 375 shops, eateries, and services to keep you going; however, you require it 🙂
Source: https://lakewoodranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/community_fact_sheet.pdf
Some of the popular places to drink in Lakewood Ranch are:
Main Street
- Starbucks
- Grove
- Craft Growlers to Grow
Waterside Place
- Crop Juice
- Good Liquid Brewing
- Korê Steakhouse
- Vintage Mobile Bar hosted by Cornerstone and Co. at Ranch Nite Wednesdays
Beverages in the Street Program
Waterside Place has a special program called Beverages in the Street (BITS) that allows you to enjoy your drink outside.
This means you can legally walk around Waterside Place with your alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in hand!
Life doesn’t get too much better than this.
Seriously like to get your buzz on? (No shame in admitting…) Check out our Lakewood Ranch Happy Hour Guide and our Lakewood Ranch Beer Guide. [INSERT LINKS]
15. Eat
Hungry? Well, you need food to survive! Heck, we all do.
Whatever your tastebuds desire, Lakewood Ranch can fulfill them deliciously.
Lakewood Ranch has a variety of restaurants for you and your family.
It doesn’t matter what type of food you are craving. You’ll find just about every food style here!
Some of the popular places to eat in Lakewood Ranch are:
- Sofia’s
- Fusilly’s
- Korê Steakhouse
- The Lucky Pelican
This is a too-short list of great places to eat here. And doesn’t do our Lakewood Ranch food scene justice.
Check out our Lakewood Ranch Restaurant Guide here. [INSERT LWR RESTAURANT GUIDE ]
16. Exercise
Want to be in the best shape of your life?
There are 101 different ways to exercise, get fit, and stay fit in Lakewood Ranch.
So you can create your own version of a healthy lifestyle tailored to your wants and needs.
Exercise Stations
No need to house expensive equipment in your home. Or pay for an expensive gym membership.
You can workout (for free) using exercise stations throughout these parks:
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Waterside Park (Coming soon…)
These park-built and maintained exercise stations allow you to stay fit while enjoying the great Florida outdoors!
Exercise Activities
Would you rather just show up and be shown exactly what moves to do?
The Lakewood Ranch Community Calendar is full of fitness-related events and activities leveraging all types of exercises, from high-impact and high-intensity using weights and resistance bands to low-impact and low-intensity workouts using body weight.
A few example exercises events on the calendar right now are:
- Fit4Kids for 5 – 10 yr olds
- Fit4Tweens for 11 – 13 yr olds
- Fitness in the Park for 18+
- Silver Circuit for 55+
- Strenght Mobility Balance for 55+
Info: Some of the exercises are free. Some are paid. The cost details and requirements will be listed with the event details. You will register on the Lakewood Ranch Recreation Catalog website.
Women’s Exercise Club
The Lakewood Ranch Women’s Exercise Club is an exercise group just for women.
The Women’s Exercise group meets multiple times a week to help you stay motivated and held accountable for exercising on a regular basis.
To join this club or learn more, see Women’s Exercise Club.
Source: https://www.mylwr.com/377/Womens-Exercise-Club
17. Farmer’s Market
Want something to do every Sunday?
The Farmer’s Market is a staple thing to do in Lakewood Ranch.
Every Sunday. All year long.
This should easily become your weekend tradition.
With over 90 vendors every week, you’ll find everything from local produce to local artists and crafters.
You’ll be able to find good things to eat too from local restaurants and food vendors while you are there!
Great for you and your whole family!
Lakewood Ranch Farmer’s Market Bonuses:
- Enjoy yoga (free) in Waterside Park before the Farmer’s Market opens
- A special interactive art corner will keep your little ones entertained too
- Listen to local bands with live music while you shop, eat and walk around 🙂
Learn more at The Market and check out the vendor list here.
18. Field Bocce
Ever wanted to play bocce? Or learn how to play?
Lakewood Ranch offers field bocce as a free activity you can learn for free as a resident.
You can learn the rules and meet other residents while you play.
Field Bocce usually takes place happens at:
- Waterside Place
19. Fishing
Enjoying putting a hook in the water?
With easy access to many bodies of water for catching many different types of local fish, no surprise Florida is well known for fishing.
Designated Fishing Lakes in Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch was designed with fishing in mind too.
You’ll find designated fishing lakes in these Lakewood Ranch Community parks:
- Braden River Nature Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- James L. Patton Park
Lakewood Ranch Fishing Club
Wanna fish with the big boys or gals?
Lakewood Ranch also has a fishing club.
You will have the option to fish for both fresh and saltwater fish.
You’ll also be able to connect with other fishers, learn new fishing tips and techniques, and simply connect with like-minded fishers.
For more information, check out The Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club Facebook page.
Free Fishing Saturdays
Want to learn the art of casting and tying a good knot?
Lakewood Ranch Residents can learn the basics of fishing through the Fishing Saturdays free activity hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA).
Fishing Saturdays usually take place happens at:
- Lake Patton in the James L. Patton Park
20. Football
How about some football?
Whether you want to play football or just watch others play, you’ve got options in Lakewood Ranch.
Lakewood Ranch Parks Football Fields
Gather up your own team and play football!
These Lakewood Ranch Parks have football fields:
- Country Club East Park
- Lakewood Ranch Park
Multi-use fields:
- Country Club Park Edgewood
INFO Most sports fields require advance registration and payment. Learn more here.
Lakewood Ranch High School Football
Not mentioned here yet much is that Lakewood Ranch has its own schools. These schools will provide local events for you to participate in.
Lakewood Ranch High School has its own football teams. You can support your local high school football team, whether you have high schoolers go there or not.
Go to a game with your family and relive your old high school days in the bleachers!
NFL Sundays
Perhaps you just want to watch NFL football on Sundays?
Lakewood Ranch has you covered. Multiple restaurants use all their TVs for Sunday Football.
You can watch football while letting someone else do the cooking and the serving 🙂
Places that feature NFL Football Sundays are:
- Nancy’s Bar-B-Q
- Ed’s Tavern
Get the details at Nancy’s Bar-B-Q Lorraine Corners Facebook Page.
21. Gardening
Ever thought about getting into gardening?
Perhaps you are already a gardener, and just want to meet other gardeners in Lakewood Ranch.
Lakewood Ranch offers you ways to enjoy the tropical plant paradise of florida.
Maybe you want an agave plant. Maybe you just want palm trees. Maybe you just to know the best way to landscape your yard.
Learn everything you want and need to know about gardening here:
- Mobile Plant Clinic
- Lakewood Ranch Gardening Club
- Gardners Out East
Check out our Lakewood Ranch Resouce Cheat Sheet here. [INSERT LINK]
22. Golf
Is playing a round of golf always on your mind?
The state of Florida has 1,100 golf courses throughout the state.
Source: https://playinflorida.com/golf/#:~:text=Florida boasts over 1,100 golf,and 54% by local residents.
Lakewood Ranch has 6 golf clubs with 9 golf courses accessible within a 1 – 20 minute drive. (Depending on where you live in Lakewood Ranch 🙂
You could live on a golf course and have golf in your backyard. Or you can live close to a golf course and still golf as much as you want.
Play golf anytime you want at these 6 golf clubs:
- Esplanade Golf and Country Club
- Lakewood National Golf Club (2 golf courses)
- Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club (3 golf courses)
- Legacy Golf Club
- Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club
- Esplanade at Azario Club
Check out our Lakewood Ranch Golf Guide for more details on each course. [INSERT LWR GOLF GUIDE HERE]
23. Gravity Rail Swing
Ever taken a spin around a gravity rail swing?
Lakewood Ranch offers you a chance to try it out! This is NOT your usual playground equipment.
The Gravity Rail Swing in Lakewood Ranch offers a mini roller coaster-like ride around the track. The gravity rail is a small rail track that uses a slope, gravity, and speed to allow you to glide around the track in a swing seat.
Fun for kids of all ages!
Bob Gardner Park
You’ll find the Gravity Rail Swing attraction at Bob Gardner Park.
The Gravity Rail Swing is enjoyed on a first-come, first-served basis and is free to use during park hours.
See Bob Gardner Park for more information. [LINK to Bob Gardner in Parks guide]
24. Inline Skating & Hockey
Inline skating or rollerblade hockey, anyone?
Image
Lakewood Ranch offers a dedicated inline skate ring to rollerblade on a smooth surface or even play rollerblade hockey!
You’ll find the inline skate park at:
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
Info: You must rent and reserve the inline skate park for a fee. Click here to learn more.
25. Jumping
Want to jump around crazy on some serious inflatables?
Lakewood Ranch offers you the nation’s largest InflataPark with plenty of jumping opportunities!
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park offers jumping fun for all!
This fun is not only for your kids but fun for you and your entire family!
You can explore the 15,000 sq ft of the inflatable adventure park, climb up the inflatable rock wall, zip around the park on the 250 ft zip rail coaster, slide down the mountain slide, try to make it across the wrecking balls, and more!
Learn more on the Jumpin Fun Inflata Park Facebook Page.
26. Kayaking
Got a kayak?
If not, you could consider getting one.
Lakewood Ranch offers kayaking opportunities within the area and beyond.
You can explore the waters in your kayak while getting in some arm exercise simultaneously.
You will find a kayak launch at:
- James L. Patton Park
I’ve also seen people kayak at Greenbrook Adventure Park when it’s flooded.
Learn more in our Lakewood Ranch Parks Guide and GAP Flood section. [INSERT LINK TO GAP flooding section video]
Of course, if you go outside of Lakewood Ranch, you can kayak on other waters such as Lake Manatee, Braden River, and Manatee River.
What about the alligators?
Will they eat me or my kayak?
Alligators are here in Florida. And they are here in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
And they are in our lakes.
Although alligators are not usually aggressive, use caution when you are on or around all lakes.
Kayak at your own risk and do not feed them.
(Feeding makes them more likely to approach humans…)
27. Movies
Like to watch movies?
Lakewood Ranch offers several ways to watch movies…indoors and outdoors.
Movies in the Park
These are your typical outdoor movie nights in the park.
These movie nights run on specific months throughout the year. Concessions are available, along with kid-friendly activities for the kids to do.
Bring your blankets, chairs, and family members (dogs included) to enjoy family-friendly movies for free.
You’ll find Movies in the Park in:
- Waterside Place
For the latest movie information and dates, check out Movies in the Park.
Lakewood Ranch Cinemas
Lakewood Ranch Cinemas is your traditional indoor movie theater.
You’ll find the latest movies on 6 different movie screens with the snacks you expect, like the large popcorn with extra butter and free refills, a box of candies, and an extra large coke!
(I’m now craving movie theater popcorn!)
If you are craving movies and popcorn too, check out Film Society for movie times!
28. Music
Enjoying listening to live music?
Lakewood Ranch offers plenty of ways to enjoy local music artists and bands almost daily.
Lakewood Ranch Events
Some of the regular events to listen to music:
- Ranch Nite Wednesdays
- Music on Main
- Live Music at the Plaza
Local Pubs
In addition to listening to music at regular events throughout our town, you’ll find local bands at restaurants and pubs too.
Some places where you’ll find live music events:
- Ed’s Tavern
- Truman’s Tap and Grill
- Craft Growlers To Go
CONSIDER USING BELOW ON ANOTHER POST – LWR Experience GuidE ?
Ranch Nite Wednesdays
Ranch Nite Wednesdays are one of the several weekly traditions you can depend on.
Every Wednesday night from October – May, Waterside Place becomes a block party with music, cornhole, local food trucks, drink options and local market.
Every week features different musicians for live music so you can listen to local sounds and songs while you enjoy Ranch nite.
6 – 9 pm. Dogs must be leashed. No coolers or outside food or drinks allowed.
Ranch Nite Wednesday’s take place at:
- Waterside Place
Music on Main
Music on Main is free music concert series in downtown Lakewood Ranch on Main Street the first Friday of every month.
Lakewood Ranch Main Street is blocked off from cars to allow residents and guests to mingle while listening to great live music.
Every month features live music from a different artist or band and local vendors with yummy foods, beer, and activities for the kids!
Bring your chairs to sit where ever you want and take in the 3-hour music performance.
Proceeds from these concerts are donated to non-profit organizations – the biggest reason to support this music event!
6 – 9 pm. Dogs must be leashed. No coolers or outside food or drinks allowed. Bring your chairs.
Music on Main takes place at:
- Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Learn more with our Lakewood Ranch Main Street Guide.
Live Music at the Plaza
You can enjoy music every weekend with Live Music at the Plaza.
With a different musican every Friday and Saturday, you’ll hear every music style from contemporary to eclectic acoustic to cirius swing.
Sit back, relax with a drink, listen to the tunes and take in the views of Kingfisher Lake.
You might want to bring your dancing shoes!
6 – 9 pm. Friday’s and Satruday’s. Dogs must be leashed. No coolers or outside food or drinks allowed.
Live Music at the Plaza takes place at:
- Waterside Place
Learn more with our Lakewood Ranch Waterside Guide.
Farmer’s Market Sundays
As mentioned previously, the Sunday Farmer’s Market is the place to be on Sundays.
It’s another block party with live music while you shop.
11 am – 2 pm. Sunday’s. Dogs must be leashed. No coolers or outside food or drinks allowed.
Live Music at the Plaza takes place at:
- Waterside Place
Local Pubs
In addition to listening to music at regular events throughout our town, you’ll find local bands at restaurants and pubs too.
Some places where you’ll find live music events:
- Ed’s Tavern
- Truman’s Tap and Grill
- Craft Growlers To Go
29. Nature Trails
Want to take in Florida’s nature and natural habitats?
Lakewood Ranch offers multiple ways to take in nature in its pure form.
40% of Lakewood Ranch (about 10,000 acres) has been preserved to support recreation, nature, and wildlife at the same time.
You’ll find walking trails and dedicated preservation areas throughout these parks:
- Bob Gardner Community Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- James L. Patton Park
- Roger Hill Park
- Silver Falls Park
Our Lakewood Ranch Parks guide tells you all about about our parks and what amenties they have for you to enjoy.
30. New Resident Meetups
New to town?
I commonly see people ask to meet new people in local Facebook groups.
Lakewood Ranch offers ways for new Lakewood Rancher’s to learn the area and meet locals and other newbies alike.
MAYBE REMOVE THIS AND SAVE THIS FOR ANOTHER POST –
Lakewood Ranch Information Center
The Lakewood Ranch Information Center is the first place all newcomers should go.
Located in downtown Lakewood Ranch on Main Street, this is your welcome center to get all the information you need and want.
Whether you need help looking for what communities you may want to live, how to make the most of out of your visit or help understanding what’s around your new home, you will find friendly welcomes and customized guidance at the information center.
The Lakewood Ranch Information Center is located at:
- Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Reservations are suggested.
Learn more with our Lakewood Ranch Information Center Guide. [INSERT LINK]
REMOVE ABOVE
Newcomer Meetups
You can attend a Newcomer Meetup to meet others that live here while learning more about Lakewood Ranch and all the things to do here a new resident.
Newcomer Meetups rotate around different parks here:
- Bob Gardner Community Park East Picnic Pavillion
- Country Club Edgewater Park Pavillion
- Greenbrook Adventure Park Pavillion
- Summerfield Community Park
Registration is required for this event. Register here.
31. Photography
Got a fancy camera or just a smartphone?
Lakewood Ranch boasts plenty of photography opportunities!
You will find plenty of reasons to take photos of its parks, wildlife, preserved areas, lakes and local surroundings.
And, of course, you can also take pictures of your family in and around town.
No matter what the reason is for the picture, you can learn tips and tricks for taking better photos.
Because Lakewood Ranch offers you multiple photography activities and learning opportunities.
Intro to Phone Photography
Intro to Phone Photography is a frequent free activity to learn how to improve your phone photography.
You’ll learn how to make your phone pictures look like a professional’s work.
Intro to Phone Photography is usually held at:
- James L Patton Park
Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club
Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club is a local volunteer run club with chances to regularly connect with local photographers of all skill levels.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to improve your photography skills with different activities and showcase your work in various photography competitions.
If you’ve wanted to get more serious with photo taking, this club may be for you.
Learn more about the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club here.
32. Pickleball
Want to play Pickleball?
Pickleball is all the rage sport right now in the US, Florida and Lakewood Ranch.
Lakewood Ranch offers you multiple opportunities to get in on the game too.
You’ll find pickleball courts to use at:
- Lakewood Ranch Park
Info: You do need to rent the pickleball court before go. More details here.
Don’t know how to play pickleball?
Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club offers free classes taught by certified instructors.
You’ll be able to try out pickleball paddles during your training.
Watch the community calendar for the free Intro to Pickleball activity dates and times.
INFO: Many of the Lakewood Ranch Home Communities have pickleball courts for residents. If you really like pickleball, choose a neighborhood with pickleball courts included within the amenties.
33. Picnic
Fancy a meal by picnic?
There’s something about eating in the outdoors, especially in Florida.
Most of the parks in Lakewood Ranch offer the perfect spots for picnics.
Whether you want to enjoy a picnic on the grass or on a picnic table, you have options to create and embrace good times and memories of a good ole’ sourthern fashioned picnic.
You’ll find grassy spots and picnic tables at these parks:
- Bob Gardner Community Park
- Country Club Edgewater Park
- Country Club East Park
- Greenbrook Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Braden River Nature Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- James L. Patton Park
- Lakewood Ranch Park
- Silver Hills Park
- Summerfield Community Park
- Roger Hill Park
- Waterside Park
34. Pilates
Like mind-body exercises?
Lakewood Ranch offers you chances to learn and do Pilates as a way to stay in shape, relive tension and promote mind and body awareness.
You can attend Pilates in the Park free event on the weekends. Pilates equipment and starter kits will be available for purchase if wanted.
Pilates in the Park usually takes place at:
- Waterside Place
35. Playgrounds
Need a place for your kids to get their energy out?
Half of our parks have playgrounds for your kids to enjoy.
You’ll find dedicated playgrounds and equipment at these parks:
- Bob Gardner Community
- Gardner Community Park
- Country Club/Edgewater Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- James L. Patton Park
- Summerfield Community Park
- Waterside Park
Learn more about all of our parks with our Lakewood Ranch Parks Guide. [insert link]
36. Polo
Ever been to a polo match?
Lakewood Ranch is home of the Sarasota Polo Club, one of the largest polo communities in the world. About 50,000 spectators attend during Polo season. https://sarasotapolo.com/
Polo season runs from January to April. On Sundays during season, you can join thousands of fans to experience what a real polo match feels like.
The skills of the riders, the stomping of the horses flying down the field and the teams celebrations everytime they score.
With about 170 acres including mulitple grass polo fields, a polo arena, and dedicated events before, during and after each polo match, you are sure to have a polo good time!
You can even learn how to play polo from professionals using their polo fields, horses and equipment.
37. Putt Putt
Prefer a round of miniature golf?
Lakewood Ranch has its own miniature golf attraction in the heart of downtown.
The Fish Hole at Lakewood Ranch offers two 18 hole golf courses entertwined with putt putt adventure, misters, tropical plants and 3,000 gallon koi pond.
The Fish Hole is fun for all ages!
38. Racketball
Pickleball not your thing? Then try out Racketball instead.
Lakewood Ranch offers Racketball courts to play a variation of a ball and a racquet invented in the 1950’s.
You’ll find the Racketball court at:
- Lakewood Ranch Park
39. Shop
Feel like shopping for something new?
Lakewood Ranch offers you many ways to get your shopping on.
From dedicated retail centers to mom and pop shops to market vendors, you are bound to find whatever you need in Lakewood Ranch.
You’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities at:
- Main Street
- Waterside Place
- The Green
- University Town Center
- Farmer’s Market
- Ranch Nite Wednesday
- Main Street Small Business Market
41. Soccer
Like to play soccer?
Lakewood Ranch offers plenty of soccer fields and soccer leagues to choose from.
You will find soccer fields at:
- Bob Gardner Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Summerfield Community Park
- Country Club East Park
- Greenbrook Park
- Lakewood Ranch Park
42. Tennis
How about a friendly game or two of tennis?
Lakewood Ranch offers multiple ways to play tennis for sport or just for fun.
You’ll find tennis courts at:
- Summerfield Community Park
- Lakewood Ranch Park
Want to learn or sharpen up your skills?
Take advantage of the free tennis activities offered for residents.
You can choose from Tennis for adults or kids.
43. Volleyball
Perhaps you are a beach volleyball lover or wannabe lover?
Lakewood Ranch offers you sand volleyball courts to play, practice and learn.
You will find volleyball courts at:
- Country Club/Edgewater Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Summerfield Community Park
- Waterside Park
44. Walk
Want to keep life simple and just walk your way to fit, active and healthy?
The same trails and sidewalks can be used for walking your way around Lakewood Ranch.
So find the nearest trail near you and walk your town!
View the trail map here. [INSET TRAil MAP]
45. Water Splash
Want to let your kids play in the fountain?
The Water Splash attraction will be for you and your kids. This park feature is in development and is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
You’ll find Water Splash at:
- Waterside Park
46. Yoga
Want to focus on your breathing and balance with Yoga?
Lakewood Ranch offers you options to do yoga. Whether in the park before the Sunday Farmer’s Market or on weeknights after work.
You’ll find free yoga opportunities at:
- Waterside Park
Yoga in the Ballroom
Yoga in the Ballroom is a yoga happy hour you can feel good about.
This is a regular event Hosted by Grove, a popular restaurant in downtown Lakewood Ranch.
Now that’s your list of 101 things to do in Lakewood Ranch this weekend and throughout the year!
Add more guide links here: