Welcome to Learning Lakeland

Learning Lakeland is your all-access pass to discovering how our city works; one fun adventure at a time! Meet friendly characters, dive into stories, and color your way through topics like water, recycling, parks, and more. It's a playful way for curious kids (and grown-ups) to explore Lakeland together.

• Meet the Characters

  	Morty the Swan Say hello to Morty, the most curious swan in Lakeland. He was named after his favorite hangout, where he paddles, poses, and makes plenty of splashy friends. Fun Fact Morty is a Mute Swan, which is funny, because he's not very quiet. He's always honking with excitement when he spots someone learning something new! Favorite Spot in Lakeland Lake Morton, of course! It's full of sunshine, swan snacks, and friendly faces.
  	Blinky the Alligator Say hey to Blinky, the goofy, grinning gator with a heart as big as Lake Hollingsworth! He's always up for an adventure, especially if it involves splashing, laughing, or learning something new. Fun Fact Blinky may look tough, but he's a total softie who loves science, snacks, and sunbathing on the shore. His name is a wink to another famous gator who once called Lake Mirror home! Favorite Spot in Lakeland You'll find Blinky cruising near the edges of Lake Hollingsworth, keeping an eye out for wildlife, trivia, and curious new friends!
  	Toby the Turtle Toby is back and better than ever! You might remember him from Toby's Water Warriors: he's the shell-smart turtle who loves keeping Lakeland's water clean and clear. Fun Fact Toby's a Florida Softshell Turtle, and while he loves a good swim, he's se­rious about protecting lakes, rivers, and everything that lives in them. He's the leader of the Water Warriors, and he's always on the lookout for new recruits (like you)! Favorite Spot in Lakeland Toby feels right at home in any of Lakeland's clean and beautiful lakes; the clearer the water, the bigger his smile!
  	Ollie the Otter Ollie is always on the move: splashing, sliding, and seeking out new adventures! She's playful, clever, and curious about everything. Fun Fact Ollie is a North American River Otter, which means she's a speedy swimmer, a great listener, and a big fan of clean, flowing water. She believes that when we all work together, we can keep nature wild and wonderful. Favorite Spot in Lakeland You'll find Ollie near any clean and beautiful lake in Lakeland, especially where there's room to play, learn, and make new friends.
  	Polly the Pollinator Polly is bright, bubbly, and totally in love with Lakeland's flowers, trees, and buzzing bees. She's always flitting from bloom to bloom, spreading cheer (and a little pollen) wherever she goes! Fun Fact Polly is a Monarch butterfly, and she's proud to be part of Lakeland's polli­nator family. Thanks to the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, she's got a safe, flower-filled home. Favorite Spot in Lakeland Polly's favorite place to flutter and feast? Hollis Garden: it's full of vibrant blooms, sunshine, and plenty of pollinator-friendly plants.

• Printable Activities

  

  Answer Key

• Videos

  Only Rain Goes Down the Drain	The Water Warrior Pledge

• Parent & Teacher Resources

  Learning Lakeland is designed for kids ages 4-11 to explore and learn. Whether you're in a classroom or having fun as a family at home, it's a great way to spark curiosity about how our city works through characters, coloring, and hands-on activities.

  We'd love to see how you're using it! Send photos and stories to LearningLakeland@LakelandGov.net or tag @LakelandGov to share the fun.