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.
Thank You to our Sponsor: Northside Christian Preschool
Northside Christian Preschool provides a Christ-centered learning environment for preschool-aged (ages 3-5, non-kindergarten) children to grow through play, learning experiences, and academic excellence.
Located in North Lakeland
Half-day and Full-day classes
Opening August 2024
- Watch the airshows + explore the planes at SUN ‘n FUN
- STEMapalooza
- Spring Fling + BBQ Festival in Bartow
- Spend an Evening or Saturday morning in Downtown Lakeland
- Have Fun + Support a Local Organization
- Celebrate Books + Reading
- Pick Blueberries
- Visit a Sunflower Field or Pick Wildflowers
- Spend time outdoors
- Sign Up for a workshop on Technology + Youth
- Get registered for Summer Camps
Watch the airshows + explore the planes at SUN ‘n FUN
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo held in Lakeland from April 9 – 14, 2024, 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. While we love SNF every year, this one is extra special – SUN ‘n FUN is celebrating 50 YEARS in 2024!
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 STARTING IN 2023 – Ages 10 & 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 featuring Dylan Scott with Special Guest Sara Evans
Tuesday, April 9 at 6pm
Included with your SNF Admission – Get Tickets
STEMapalooza
Every year, STEMapalooza brings the world of innovators to life through workshops, exhibits, presentations by panels of women in STEM, hands-on activities, giveaways and more. Join Girl Scouts of West Central Florida at the 12th annual STEMapalooza on Saturday, April 6 from 10am – 2pm to enjoy interactive activities while discovering new topics in science, technology, engineering and math. STEMapalooza is not just for Girl Scouts—it’s for EVERYONE! Bring your friends, family and anyone else ready for an adventure in STEM. Tickets are only $5 per person – get yours today.
Spring Fling + BBQ Festival in Bartow
Head to downtown Bartow for a day of spring fun, shopping, and BBQ on Saturday, April 6 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.
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 6. Enjoy grownup drinks, food, and sweets with special music and games throughout the night. This annual fundraiser supports the mission of the Florida Children’s Museum – visit the FCM website to get tickets.
The annual Lakeland Swan Derby on Lake Mirror is Friday, April 26 – 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 6 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 22 to April 27, 2024. 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 a different local bookstore each day 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}
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 including Family Game Night, Exploration Station, Evening Explorers and more. Get ready to party Caribbean style at Bonnet Springs Park’s Caribbean Carnival on Saturday, April 13. 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:
Sign Up for a workshop on Technology + Youth
While this event is technically the first day of May {Wednesday, May 1}, you’ll want to register in April to save your seat. Conversations in Behavioral Health: Navigating the Digital Age is a FREE event for parents, family members, teachers, administrators, and others wanting to learn about overcoming challenges or trauma and improving the lives of children by fostering a healthy balance with technology.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Lisa Strohman, co-author of Digital Distress: Growing Up Online, is a national speaker at schools, parent organizations, businesses, churches, and community groups where she addresses the challenges of raising responsible digital citizens and the realities of technology.
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.