April is one of our favorite months to get out of the house and make family memories. This month includes the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, U-Pick Blueberry season, Sunflower season, and a calendar filled with community events every weekend.
We’ve got a huge list of fun things to do in Lakeland with kids year-round, but this is our Top 10 list of things to do in April to help you make sure the “can’t miss” activities are on your calendar. If you enjoy one of these events, be sure to let the venue know that you heard about it from Lakeland Mom.
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Watch the airshows + explore the planes at SUN ‘n FUN
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo held in Lakeland from April 1 – 6, 2025, is the perfect way to introduce children to the world of aviation. It is one of the largest airshows in the US, held right here in Lakeland.
Many of you have likely watched the airshow from the side of the road near the airport, but if you’ve never been inside the gates of SUN ‘n FUN Lakeland you are missing out on the MANY other features of this great annual event, including exploring planes and hands-on activities for children and teens.
We can help you make the most out of this annual local event – check out our tips for attending Lakeland’s air show with kids. NEW IN 2025 – Ages 12 & under are FREE every day at SUN ‘n FUN, plus there are Florida Resident Deals on Saturday and Sunday.
Don’t miss the Opening Night Concert with Tyler Hubbard featuring Uncle Cracker
Tuesday, April 1 at 6pm
Included with your SNF Admission – Get Tickets
Spring Fling + BBQ Festival in Bartow
Head to downtown Bartow for a day of spring fun, shopping, and BBQ on Saturday, April 5 from 10am – 3pm. The Spring Fling Craft Fair includes over 80 craft vendors offering unique and handmade treasures. During the BBQ Competition you can indulge in the tantalizing aroma of sizzling ribs as pitmasters compete for the title of Best Ribs. It’s a perfect day of delicious food, vibrant music, and one-of-a-kind finds, all set against the backdrop of the blossoming spring season.
Easter Egg Hunts + Bunny Photos
Easter is April 20 and we’ve got a list of local activities and events. Find Easter Egg hunts near you, places to meet the Easter Bunny, and events to celebrate Spring. Our calendar includes events in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and across Polk County.
Spend an Evening or Saturday morning in Downtown Lakeland
Downtown Lakeland is hoppin’ this month {and every month!} Check out our list of upcoming family friendly events in Downtown Lakeland, including the Friday Night Live music series, Tasty Tuesday, plus every Saturday morning is the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market.
Have Fun + Support a Local Organization
Play like a kid again at Game Night at the Museum when grown ups take over the exhibits at the Florida Children’s Museum for one night only on Saturday, April 26. Enjoy grownup drinks, food, and sweets with special music and games throughout the night. It is our favorite local fundraiser – Laser Tag on Blinky, Supermarket Sweep in Publix, and tons of other fun games – plus casual attire!
Since admission only covers about 50% of the Museum’s operations, community support through this event makes a huge impact. Visit the FCM website to get tickets.
The annual Lakeland Swan Derby on Lake Mirror is Friday, April 25 – put on your best hat and watch the swan boat races while you enjoy a Friday night picnic on the promenade. Funds raised at this event support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM).
Celebrate Books + Reading
The Junior League will host the annual World Of Reading Festival in Barnett Park Saturday, April 12 from 9am – 1pm. This is a FREE event open to families and kids of all ages. Crafts, balloon artists, face painters, performers, kids activities, snacks and drinks, free books, and a chance to meet a Featured Author.
The Lakeland Book Crawl is April 24 to April 26, 2025. This is a week of wanderlust: getting lost and found in a good book. The goal of the annual book crawl is to bring booksellers, book lovers, and the greater Lakeland community together AND bring awareness to the community about local, independent bookstores.
Visit our local bookstores for deals, giveaways, and festivities:
Monday – Bookends Used Books and The Unbound Bookery
Tuesday – Inklings Book Shoppe
Wednesday – Pressed Books & Coffee
Thursday – Crash Bookshop
Friday – Little Bus Books
Pick Blueberries
Blueberry season in Florida kicks off in late March / early April. Check out our list of places to go blueberry picking near you. There are multiple farms right here in Polk County so you can pick blueberries close to home.
Visit a Sunflower Field or Pick Wildflowers
Sunflowers and wildflowers bloom in Florida in both spring and fall. Local sunflower farms are open from April – June for you to cut your own sunflowers or wander through a sunflower maze. Many farms also have fields full of zinnias and other colorful wildflowers for photos and cutting your own flowers. {Note – some farms are 1+ hour from Lakeland so be sure to map it out before you go}
Right here in Polk County, Harvest Holler is celebrating spring with its first-ever Spring Fling Sunflower Maze! Explore a vibrant sunflower maze, stroll through colorful zinnia fields, and enjoy You-Pick Flowers to create your own bouquet. Families will also love visiting KT’s Mini Moos, where kids can meet adorable mini cows. This family-friendly event offers a perfect spring adventure close to home!
Open Saturdays – April 19, April 26, May 3 // 10am – 7pm
950 Tavares Rd., Polk City, FL 33868
Website // Facebook
Spend time outdoors
April is a great month to spend time outdoors before summer arrives {when 10 minutes outside makes you feel like you’re going to melt!}
Bonnet Springs Park has fun events for families all month long plus a brand new event April 5-6 – BLOOM at BSP. See event details on the BSP website or on our community event calendar.
Our huge list of things to do outdoors in Lakeland + Polk County can help you find something fun to do with your family this Spring. It includes:
Get registered for Summer Camps
The beginning of April marks the 2-month countdown to the start of SUMMER! Whether you are looking for a full-day/all-week camp for your kids to attend, or an activity to get the kids out of the house for a few hours each day, Lakeland Mom’s Summer Camp Guide has you covered. We can help you find a Summer Camp near you with camps for art, gymnastics, martial arts, sports, cooking, day camp, teens, preschoolers, and more on our list.
Coming Soon…
Keep an eye on our website and be sure you’re signed up for our weekly email “fun-letter” {form below} – we’ve got lots of new content to publish in April including our Summer Fun Guide, Mother’s Day events, Mayfaire by the Lake details, U-Pick Peach Farms, and more.
Spring Activities Guide
Check out our full Spring Activities Guide for more things to do in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida from January – May. BBQ Festivals, Valentine’s Day, 5k races, seasonal events, annual favorites, SUN ‘n FUN, Easter Egg Hunts, Mother’s Day, and more.