Spring break: Travel away or stay and play around Lakeland

Are you taking a vacation this spring break or planning to make the most of the week at home? Whatever you’re up to, we have you covered with spring break ideas in and around Lakeland.

A palm tree stands on the white sand beach before a blue ocean.

Plan a beach trip, theme park visit, or out-of-state vacation from Lakeland.

Photo by @magwhat

It’s nearly spring break, with PCPS students out of school Monday, March 16-Friday, March 20. Use these ideas to make the most of the season.

A crowd of people sits in lawn chairs and on blankets on a grassy field watching a movie on a large inflatable screen.

Bonnet Springs Park will end a week full of family activities with a silent disco and a free showing of “Inside Out 2" on the lawn on Friday, March 20.

Photo by LALtoday

Stay close to home

The biggest event of the week will be Bonnet Springs Park’s Full STEAM Ahead. Visit Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for hands-on fun learning science, technology, engineering, arts, and math concepts.

This isn’t a drop-off event, but if you need somewhere to keep the kids busy all day, Lakeland Mom has an extensive camp guide.

Waves crash on the beach under a lavender sky.

Wind down while watching the sunset at Treasure Island.

Photo by @ethans.pic.dump

Have fun in the sun

The ocean is calling. We have recommendations for 11 beaches within a three-hour drive, plus some quieter beaches that grown-ups will appreciate.

Springtime is also an excellent excuse to take a dip in one of Florida’s natural springs. We love Weeki Wachee the most, but expect crowds.

epcot-theme-park

Editor’s pick: Brave the crowds to try the violet lemonade at the Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT.

Photo via Pixabay

Hit the theme parks

Speaking of crowds, prepare yourself if you’re going to a Central Florida theme park this month. According to Undercover Tourist’s crowd calendar, March 15-29 is one of the busiest times in Orlando.

If your heart is set on a theme park trip, there’s a lot to look forward to. Visit the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World, party it up for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, taste your way through Busch Gardens’ Food and Wine Festival, and ride the thrilling new Galacticoaster at Legoland.

natinal whitewater center in charlotte north carolina

Fly from LAL to USA in Charlotte, NC to take on the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Photo via Orlando International Airport

Get out of town

Planning a vacation outside of Central Florida? Take an Amtrak train south to Miami or up the Atlantic coast.

If flying is more your speed, all Avelo routes are running from Lakeland International Airport during spring break week. Pro tip: Prices are higher if you fly out on Sunday, March 15. Save by leaving later in the week.

More from LALtoday
Finding our next read and supporting local independent book sellers? We’re in.
See this expert team of pilots at their airshow performances in Lakeland.
Take our word for it — these are the activities, exhibits, and stops we wouldn’t miss at Florida’s largest aerospace expo.
It’s more than just big planes and huge crowds. This aviation extravaganza raises funds for local aviation education — here’s how much.
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
Even with forecasters predicting less activity than normal in the Atlantic this year, here’s how you can start preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland.
The only thing better than a baseball game is when it comes with extra perks.
See top performers on stage when they stop in Tampa + Orlando on Broadway national tours.
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
This annual festival celebrates all things aviation. Save this guide to admission, activities, and aviation fun.