ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA?

With year-round sunshine here in Central Florida, you can find an abundance of 5k races, 10k races, and Fun Runs throughout the year! Check our list of upcoming family-friendly races and kids fun runs in Lakeland, Winter Haven & across Polk County.

Step back in time at the Alafia River Rendezvous. This annual event in Polk County is a living portrayal of pre-1840 America. Music, games, artisans & more, open to the public January 23-24, 2026.

In 2026, kids 5 and younger get into Busch Gardens Tampa AND Adventure Island Water Park for FREE! Sign up today to get your FREE Preschool Pass and have some theme park fun.

In 2026, kids 5 and younger get FREE ADMISSION to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Water Park! Sign up today to get your FREE Preschool Card and make some theme park memories.

Wondering where you can ring in 2026 with the kids? Explore family-friendly New Year’s Eve and NOON Year’s Eve celebrations in Lakeland, Polk County, + Central Florida — fun for all ages!

Track Santa Claus as he travels around the world on Christmas Eve. Thanks to modern technology, you can find out Santa’s current location on a phone, tablet, or computer using the NORAD Santa Tracker and Google Santa Tracker. {Plus FREE GAMES throughout December!}

School’s out, and the holidays are here! Find fun things to do around Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida during Christmas Break — from light displays and day trips to winter camps and outdoor fun.

Find ice skating rinks in Tampa, & Orlando where you can lace up your skates and hit the ice for a day of family fun at both seasonal and year-round ice skating rinks.

If you’re looking for camps for Winter Break, activities to keep your kids busy, or you need childcare while you’re working, we’ve got a list of Holiday Break camps in Lakeland.

Your holiday season, organized. Get the 2025 Printable Holiday Planner + Lights Guide for a smoother, happier December.

Whether it’s a fun family outing or an “experience” gift, we’ve got a list of Christmas events and activities happening in Tampa Orlando, and Central Florida this holiday season where you can make memories.

Find the best neighborhood Christmas Light displays and community lights around Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Plant City, and more. Includes a map you can use for your own Christmas lights driving tour!

Discover the ultimate guide to family-friendly holiday fun in Lakeland + Polk County — featuring Christmas parades, Santa photos, neighborhood light displays, festive events, live music, Nutcracker performances, tree lots & more!

From dazzling parades to cozy holiday markets, Polk County knows how to celebrate! We’ve rounded up all the can’t-miss Christmas events for families in one place so you can spend less time searching and more time soaking up the magic of the season.

Find a Christmas Tree Lot near you in Lakeland and Polk County, or explore Christmas Tree Farms where you can cut your own live Christmas Tree in Central Florida.

Find free and festive Christmas events happening around Lakeland and across Polk County! Discover parades, concerts, Santa visits, and holiday light displays for family fun on any budget.

The Lakeland Christmas Parade rolls through downtown on Thurs, Dec 4 — and locals know it’s one of the biggest nights of the season. Get the inside scoop on the parade route map, best viewing spots, parking tips, chairs policy, fireworks, and seven ways to make it stress-free.

Get ready for the 2026 Christmas parade season across Polk County! From Lakeland to Bartow, Havendale, Haines City, and more, enjoy free, family-friendly fun with festive floats, marching bands & plenty of holiday cheer.