The best trip within about five hours of Lakeland for each of the next 6 weekends, chosen for kids under 6. Every event links to the official page we checked it on.
6 weekends
3 cities
Closest: 45 minLast checked against official pages. How we choose
Each ring is one hour of driving from Lakeland. Under two hours is an easy day trip; past three, pack the pajamas.
Orange dots are picks on this page. Drive times are normal driving times without traffic.
We don't post event listings for these places, so check the official page for hours and what's on. The numbers match the map.
Crystal River has the only national wildlife refuge created specifically to protect habitat for the Florida manatee.
You can get a close-up look at Space Shuttle Atlantis, the only space shuttle displayed as if in flight.
The Spanish built Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, and it is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
You drive your own car through more than 300 acres where big herds roam open habitats, then park for the animal encounters.
45 min
about 45 min from Lakeland
Creatures of the Night, ZooTampa’s family Halloween nights, from 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The zoo’s family Halloween nights.
Fri Oct 30, Sat Oct 31 · From 4 p.m.ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Event ticket
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Lakeland that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Lakeland has the local list.
1h 15mabout 1 hr 15 min from Lakeland
ICE! opens at Gaylord Palms.
Giant ice sculptures, Nov. 13–Jan. 3.
Fri Nov 13, Sat Nov 14, Sun Nov 15 · See the resort’s siteGaylord Palms Resort, KissimmeeSeparately ticketed
1h 15m
about 1 hr 15 min from Lakeland
Dazzling Nights opens at Leu Gardens, plus ICE! at Gaylord Palms.
Giant ice sculptures, Nov. 13–Jan. 3.
Fri Nov 20, Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22 · See the resort’s siteGaylord Palms Resort, KissimmeeSeparately ticketedOpens Friday, Nov. 20; select nights through Jan. 3.
Fri Nov 20 · Timed entry from 5:30 p.m.Harry P. Leu GardensChildren $33–$53; adults $35–$563h 45m
about 3 hr 45 min from Lakeland
Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach is free every evening, and Saturday’s Holiday River Fest has a tree lighting, a lit boat parade at 6:30 and fireworks, also free.
Past three hours, make it an overnight: drive Friday, go Saturday.
Student-decorated lifeguard chairs and free holiday entertainment, Nov. 25–Jan. 1.
Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29 · EveningsJacksonville Beach
FreeTree lighting, lit boats on the St. Johns and fireworks.
Sat Nov 28 · From 5 p.m.; boat parade 6:30 p.m.Riverfront PlazaFree
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Lakeland that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Lakeland has the local list.
Car snacksPack more than you think you’ll need.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.Over the next 6 weekends our picks from Lakeland are Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville. Each one is chosen for what's on that weekend, with the dates, times and prices checked on the official pages.
Tampa (about 45 min), Orlando (about 1 hr 15 min), Sarasota–Bradenton (about 1 hr 45 min), Fort Myers–Naples (about 2 hr 45 min), Jacksonville (about 3 hr 45 min), Miami and Fort Lauderdale (about 4 hr 45 min). Times are normal driving times without traffic.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (about 2 hr), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (about 2 hr), Castillo de San Marcos (about 3 hr 15 min), Lion Country Safari (about 3 hr 45 min). We don't post event listings for these, so check the official page for what's open before you go.
Sometimes one city really does have the most going on two weekends in a row, like a holiday lights opening followed by a show. We don't rotate cities just for variety.
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.