April is one of our favorite months to get out of the house and make family memories. This month includes Easter, 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.
- Watch the airshows + explore the planes at SUN ‘n FUN
- Easter Egg Hunts + Bunny Photos
- Celebrate Spring at Springtime Farms
- Celebrate books at the World of Reading Festival
- Spend an Evening or Saturday morning in Downtown Lakeland
- Have Fun + Support a Local Organization
- More Community Events in April
- Visit a Sunflower Field or Pick Wildflowers
- Pick Blueberries
- Spend time outdoors
- Get registered for Summer Camps
Watch the airshows + explore the planes at SUN ‘n FUN
The SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, held in Lakeland from March 28 – April 2, 2023, 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’ve got an article with more details and tips for attending Lakeland’s air show with kids. NEW IN 2023 – Ages 10 & under are FREE every day at SUN ‘n FUN, plus there are Florida Resident Deals on Saturday and Sunday.
Easter Egg Hunts + Bunny Photos
Easter is April 9 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.
Don’t miss these Featured Easter Events – Easter Tea at Somos Church, Easter Bunny Photos at Lakeside Village, and an Easter-themed LEGO Camp with Bricks 4 Kidz.
We can also help you find a Friday fish fry during Lent.
Celebrate Spring at Springtime Farms
During the first two weekends of April you can visit Springtime Farms! Enjoy a day of fun with the family, featuring Easter egg hunts, petting zoo, farm activities, Easter Bunny photos, and more. All activities are included for just $14 per person. Come create lasting memories and make this Spring one to remember. Open weekends March 18 – April 9.
Celebrate books at the World of Reading Festival
The Junior League will host the annual World Of Reading Festival in Barnett Park Saturday, April 15 from 9am – 1pm. This is a FREE event open to families and kids of all ages. Crafts, balloon artists, face painters, Jack Hartmann, kids activities, free books, snacks and drinks, and a chance to meet a Featured Author.
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 Night at the Museum when grown ups take over the exhibits at the Florida Children’s Museum for one night only on Saturday, April 15. Enjoy grownup drinks, small plates, and sweets with special music and games throughout the night. This annual fundraiser supports the mission of the Florida Children’s Museum.
The annual Lakeland Swan Derby on Lake Mirror is Friday, April 28 – 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).
More Community Events in April
Bonnet Springs Park has events for families every weekend, plus they are hosting a Movie on the Lawn – Encanto – on Friday, April 7. Buena Market and Bonnet Springs Park are teaming up to bring you the Buena Night Market on Saturday, April 8. Central Florida artists and makers, live music, and more.
The City of Auburndale is hosting CityFest on Saturday, April 15 from 11am – 9pm. This free community event includes activities for the entire family – Touch-a-Truck, food and games, catch a water sports competition, and dance to live music through the afternoon and evening with multiple live bands and headliner Sister Hazel.
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles is a fun, family-centered day at the Plant City Airport that includes numerous real aircraft on display, radio-controlled aircraft displays and demonstrations, a large car show, and operating model train layouts. Saturday, April 22.
Visit a Sunflower Field or Pick Wildflowers
Sunflowers and wildflowers bloom in Florida in both spring and fall. Local sunflower farms near you 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}
Pick Blueberries
Blueberry season in Florida kicks off in 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.
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!}
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.