Meet Me In Polk

Beat The Heat On the Ice

The Arena at Lakeland Center is still the coolest place to be while temperatures soar. Through July 19 the Arena is open for public ice skating: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m., 5-7 p.m., 8-10 p.m. $7.50 adults, $6.45 children younger than age 12, $5.35 with your own skates. 863-834-8111.

 The Real Deal

If you’re searching for a real deal antique or just a real deal, you will want to check out the Downtown Antique Fair and Flea Market Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Bartow. 863-519-0508

 Solving the Puzzle

Let the folks at Peterson Nursery & Garden Center help you solve your landscaping problems with their workshop on “Solving The Landscape Puzzle” Saturday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 2184 County Rd. 540A, Lakeland, 863-644-6491.

 Goodness Snakes Alive and Calling All Frogs! to Polk’s Nature Discovery Center

Join Colt Creek State Park’s manager Scott Spaulding to explore the different types of snakes in Central Florida Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Workshop. From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Spaulding takes on snakes and kids with the Discovery Kids program “Goodness Snakes Alive,” Tailored toward kids, this program answers the questions:  What makes a snake a snake? How are snakes different than other reptiles? What do snakes need to live? While the program will be tailored towards kids, adults are sure to enjoy the interaction and information. Also in the  Workshop. Calling all Frogs! – an exciting activity and craft designed especially for kids 2-10 years old is scheduled for Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall. Polk’s Nature Discovery Center is located in the Circle B Bar Reserve at 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland  863-668-4673.

Building Castles

Learn the fascinating story behind the Tower and its carillon, create “Tower Art,” meet the animals that live around the Tower and take a trip inside the castle of the Gardens through imaginative readings Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Bok Tower Gardens’ Summer Days: Carillon Castle Creations. For children first through sixth grades, this weekly program will have a different theme and include outdoor play, art projects, nature walks and more. Cost for each class is $5 per child for non-members; or $4 per child for members. Contact programs@boktower.org or 863-734-1222. www.boktowergardens.org

 Don’t forget the weekly free and cheap movies.  Lakeside Village 18 in Lakeland and Grand Cinema 10 in Winter Haven offer “Astro Boy” (rated PG) and “Aliens in the Attic” (PG) July 13-15 at 10 a.m. Free.  The forecast calls for “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” July 13-15 at 10 a.m. at the Lakeland Square 10. Cost is$2.50.