What’s Coming to Lakewood Ranch? Big Changes for 2026 and 2027 (SkyTrack, Life Time, and More)

This week I drove around Lakewood Ranch to check out what’s actually coming — new entertainment spots, a massive new athletic club, and a brand-new amenity center you can already see — and if you didn’t catch the video, I wanted to break it all down here too, dates and all.

First, a little perspective on size

Lakewood Ranch covers about 53 square miles across Manatee and Sarasota counties, and as of March the population was sitting at just over 80,000 people. This is a booming, growing area.

That matters when we talk about what’s coming. Something can be “in Lakewood Ranch” and still be a real drive from the neighborhood you’re looking at. So as we go through these, pay attention to where each one is — not just what it is.

SkyTrack: indoor go-karts, bowling, and more

SkyTrack is planned for the site just north of Urban Air on Professional Parkway. The big attraction is a multi-level indoor electric go-kart track, and their website describes a two-story venue with:

• Bowling

• Arcade games

• Gamified golf

• Places to eat

I can see this being a go-to when friends or family are in town and you need something everybody wants to do. Come out, do a couple of activities, and grab something to eat while you’re there. Having another indoor option is also really nice here in the summer, when it’s hot and humid and you just want to get out of the heat for a bit.

Their website is advertising a spring 2027 opening. The exact date hasn’t been announced yet, but this is definitely one to keep an eye on — the walls are up and they’re building every day.

Backyard Social: food trucks, live music, and games

Just south of Urban Air, Backyard Social is bringing food trucks, live music, a bar, and games. It sounds like somewhere you can meet up with friends, grab some food, and hang out for the evening.

I love the idea of having a place where you don’t have to plan out the whole night. You just say, “Let’s meet there,” and see what’s going on.

Their website currently says winter 2026, so it’s just a couple of months away. There isn’t an exact opening date listed yet, so that’s the window they’re advertising for now. Between this and SkyTrack, there’s quite a bit planned along that stretch — if you haven’t been over there in a while, it’s worth knowing where these places are going.

Life Time Lakewood Ranch

This one caught my attention because I enjoy working out. Life Time is coming to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard North, and right now their website is advertising an October 12th opening. It’s planned to be around 86,000 square feet with:

• Fitness studios

• Pools

• Pickleball

• A café

• A work lounge

I’m super excited for this one. I think it’s going to be a really cool addition to the Lakewood Ranch area as a whole.

If you’re looking at homes and you know you’d use something like this regularly, take a drive over and see how it fits into your routine. How far is it from the neighborhoods you’re considering? Would it be an easy stop before or after work? Those are the little things, but they make a difference when you’re doing them several times a week.

For membership pricing and what’s included, check directly with Life Time.

Don’t overlook the trails

While we’re talking about staying active — Lakewood Ranch has about 150 miles of trails, and roughly 46% of its acreage is set aside for open space and recreation.

That’s something I’d spend a little time exploring when you visit. Take a walk around the area you’re considering and see what’s nearby. For me, being able to get outside and go for a walk is something I’d factor into where I live, too.

The Summit at Shellstone: already open

Over at Shellstone in Waterside, there’s something residents can already enjoy. The Summit opened to residents on August 4th, and a public grand opening has been announced for November 7th. It has a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, spa, and places for residents to get together. (I did a full first look at the Summit here.)

This is something I’d pay attention to if you’re looking at new construction. When you walk through a model home, it’s easy to get focused on the kitchen or the outdoor space — and obviously you want to love the house you’re buying — but consider what’s around it too. Are you going to use the fitness center? The pools? The clubhouse?

And while you’re on the Waterside side, make time to stop at Waterside Place. One fact I thought was pretty cool: its farmers market was named number one in the country in the American Farmland Trust’s 2025 Farmers Market Celebration. So you’ve got the amenities within your community, plus places like Waterside Place to get out and explore.

More villages on the way in 2027

Lakewood Ranch’s July update said new villages on the Sarasota County side were preparing to open in 2027. They weren’t named in that announcement, so we’ll have to wait for more details — but it’s another sign of how much this area is still growing.

Bottom line

Between SkyTrack, Backyard Social, Life Time, and the Summit, there’s a lot changing in Lakewood Ranch over the next year. If you’re considering a move here, my suggestion is to spend more time outside the model homes when you visit. Drive around, stop for lunch, and check out the places you think you’d actually go. As these projects open, I’d love to come back and show you what they look like finished.

Which one are you most excited about — SkyTrack, Backyard Social, or Life Time?

If you’re thinking about moving to Lakewood Ranch and trying to figure out which part of the Ranch fits your routine, reach out. I’m happy to help you compare areas and figure out what actually makes sense for you.

This post is for general informational purposes and isn’t intended as legal, financial, or tax advice. Opening dates are announced targets and may change — check directly with each business for current availability, membership options, and fees. Always consult the appropriate professional for your specific situation. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Have questions about buying or selling in Lakewood Ranch? I’m here to help, whenever you’re ready.

I’m Diano Benallo with Michael Saunders & Company. Call or text me at 941-730-1900, email me at DianoBenallo@MichaelSaunders.com, or visit LakewoodRanchFloridaHomes.com to get started.