Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Know Before You Go!
Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns in 2025 on Friday, August 1-Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Author: Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne is an award-winning former television news journalist who spent 15+ years in newsrooms across the state of Florida including Sarasota, Tallahassee, Fort Myers and right here in Tampa Bay.She covered the political beat, crime beat and every day breaking news during her time in Florida newsrooms, but is now focused on sharing positive news stories and events with families in Tampa Bay. She is a proud mommy of two little boys who keep her on her toes and laughing every day.Her goal is to inspire families just like yours to get out and play and experience all that Tampa Bay and our great state of Florida have to offer! She encourages you to share your stories and upcoming events so we can spread the good news.
Teacher to Know: Yung Romano, M.Ed., Strawberry Crest High School
Pre-IB Biology teacher at Strawberry Crest High, Yung Ramano, is sharing how STEM students are being prepared for world-changing careers.
Kids to Know: Samira Garcia, 9th Grade, Blake High School Dance Magnet Program
Read how Samira Garcia is embracing her passion for dance at Blake High School and inspiring others to follow their artistic dreams!
Kids to Know: Kniya Godfrey, 10th Grade, Bloomingdale High School
Learn how Kniya Godfrey helped Bloomingdale’s girls’ basketball team win its first state title and what inspires her on and off the court.
Kids to Know: Aahan Swain, 7th Grade, Walker Middle Magnet IB World School
Learn how Aahan Swain’s experience in robotics and coding is preparing him for a future in medicine and inspiring others to never give up!
Yes, YOU CAN become a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park!
The all-new Weeki Wachee Mermaid Experience is helping mermaid dreams come true -going on now until September 25, 2025!
INSIDE LOOK: New Space-Themed Ride to Launch at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
We’re sharing the details on LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s groundbreaking all-new indoor roller coaster to immerse us in a LEGO® galaxy in 2026!
Glazer Children’s Museum Launching Play for Everyone to replace Free Tuesday
This fall, the museum will be replacing its popular Free Tuesdays program with Play for Everyone initiative to give families in need more flexibility and access to the museum.
Celebrate All Things Outer Space at MOSI!
Celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with your kids at Space Exploration Day at MOSI. Read about all the fun things to do!
Things to Do | Family Fun | Featured | Parenting | Parks + Attractions | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun
EXTENDED AGAIN: The Busch Gardens + Adventure Island FREE Preschool Card is Back in 2025!
The 2025 Preschool card allows for FREE unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for children ages 5 and younger through December 31, 2025.
INSIDE LOOK: Wild Oasis Realm at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The Wild Oasis Realm at Jungala, “North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm”, is now open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Awesome Places to Go Trick-or-Treating this Halloween in Tampa Bay
If you’re not up for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood…or even want to snag some treats before Halloween, there are some SPOOKtacular events happening throughout October, including some huge outdoor trick-or-treating events on Halloween weekend!
A Parent’s Guide to Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida 2025
We’re dishing on all the details about Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida to help you map out your family’s adventure this Halloween season!
Christmas>Orlando | Central Florida | Christmas | Disney | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Holiday Family Fun
A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom 2025
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns in 2025 on select nights from November 7 through December 21. We’re sharing our favorite things about this magical event!
20+ Best Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay to Visit with the Kids
Your Guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches from around Tampa Bay! Get ready for an amazing experience to welcome Fall – and some great pictures!
The BEST Things to Do Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Bay
Our team of local parents has curated this list of awesome things to do Labor Day weekend in Tampa Bay with the kids!
The Caladesi Island Ferry is ready to sail again! Here’s how to spend your day Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island is ready to welcome visitors once again as the Caladesi Island Ferry resumes services on July 3, 2025. We’re helping you plan your visit.
Clothes To Kids Needs Your Help to Clothe Kids this School Year
Clothes to Kids makes sure kids in need have the clothes they need to feel confident. Read how it all began and how you can be part of the impact!
Let’s Explore Tampa’s Only Pirate Ship: The Lost Pearl
Join Captain Terrible T.J. on The Lost Pearl for a fun pirate cruise through Tampa Bay with great views and plenty to see along the way!
Moms to Know: Kate White, Glazer Children’s Museum
Learn how Kate White brings play into everyday life, from leading at Glazer Children’s Museum to making memories at home with her kids.
Kids Travel Talk: A Screen-Free way to Connect with your Kiids about Travel
Meet Anna De Jesus, the creator of Kids Travel Talk, a travel-inspired tool that helps kids and parents connect through conversation.
FIRST LOOK: Join us for an undersea adventure at SEA LIFE Florida!
Explore SEA LIFE Florida with us, the all-new aquarium for kids at LEGOLAND Florida Resort!
Farms | Things to Do | U Pick
Where to pick sunflowers and other pretty flowers in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some of our favorite flower fields where you can pick flowers right now in Tampa Bay!
Straight Talk with Dr. Alissa Morris of Imagine Orthodontic Studio
Dr. Morris from Imagine Orthodontic Studio is sharing everything you need to know about braces – and why they’re not just for kids!
2025 Scalloping Season in Florida: It’s a Must Do Family Adventure
This may finally be the year your family gives scalloping in Florida a try! Scalloping season is nearly here and we’re dishing on the details.
It’s going to be a WILD summer of ALL-NEW Fun at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island
Busch Gardens is going big in Tampa Bay, investing nearly $40 million into its local parks, including the water park Adventure Island. And this means even more family-friendly fun for you to experience!
EWG’s 2025 Guide to Sunscreens and Best Sunscreens for Kids
The Environmental Working Group has released its 2025 Guide to the best sunscreens. See if yours made the list!
INSIDE LOOK: The all-new LEGO® Festival at LEGOLAND Florida
The new LEGO ® Festival is a celebration of PLAY and will be held at all seven LEGOLAND Resorts where kids can let their imaginations can run wild and creativity knows no limits!
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Tampa Bay to Kick-Off Summer Break
We’re sharing family-friendly ways to honor Memorial Day in Tampa Bay.
Avoid the Long Lines and Celebrate at a Disney After Hours Party!
We love the Disney After Hours events for two reasons: the lines are shorter and it’s a lot less hot outside since you’re not sweltering in the blazing hot Florida sun.
A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be back for 2025! We’re sharing what we know so far!
Ronald McDonald House Charities debuts 5th house in Tampa Bay at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has partnered with St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital to open a new house in the hospital, expanding its ability to serve even more families in the Tampa Bay area.
The James Museum in St. Pete launches Sun-sational Summer Savings!
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Pete is offering some amazing deals and freebies you and the family can take advantage of this summer and even as soon as Mother’s Day!
When Accidents Happen, Preparedness is Key: A Tampa family learns about the importance of water safety
Learn about the importance of water safety through one family’s story and why being prepared makes all the difference around water.
Things to Do | Day Trips | Family Fun | Farms | Food + Drink | Food and Drink | Parenting | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun
U-Pick Farms in Tampa Bay: Where to pick blueberries, flowers and veggies now!
We’re sharing all of the best farms where you can pick citrus, veggies, berries, and more!
Awesome Things to Do on Mother’s Day Weekend in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do on Mother’s Day weekend and we’ve got something for every amazing mama on our list!
Mother’s Day Deals and Freebies in Tampa Bay 2025!
Mothers living in and around the Bay Area have it good this year as some great Florida attractions are recognizing the hard work that goes into the toughest hood around, motherhood, and giving us a free day to play!
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns April 27-May 10, 2025!
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In program returns September 15-28, 2024. You can trade in your old car seats in exchange for a Target Circle Bonus.
Mother’s Day Flowers: Where to create your own flower bouquets in Tampa Bay
Mother’s Day flower bouquet workshops are a delightful and creative way for families to celebrate Mom and we’re sharing some of our top picks.
Monster Jam Returns to Tampa’s Amalie Arena in 2025!
Monster Jam is roaring back into Tampa at Amalie Arena on August 15-17, 2025! We’re sharing some highlights to know before you go!
Florida’s Largest Planetarium Now Open at MOSI
MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, is ready to blow your mind with Florida’s largest digital dome theater and planetarium!
Just Launched: Tampa Bay Diaper Bank
Discover how the newly launched Tampa Bay Diaper Bank is making a difference for families facing diaper need in Hillsborough County.
You can finally watch the Rays play in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field
The Tampa Bay Rays will play this season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa and we’re dishing on the details!
Where to Take Pictures with the Easter Bunny in Tampa Bay 2025
There are so many awesome places to take Easter Bunny pictures in Tampa Bay! We are going to start our list with ongoing photo opportunities so there’s more flexibility with your busy schedule and then we’ll cap it off with large events where the Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance for pictures! (We’ll…
It’s Blueberry U-Pick Season! Where to pick blueberries in Tampa Bay
The sweet blueberries are ready for the picking at several farms and we’re showing you where!
Glazer Children's Museum | Museums | Museums + Aquariums + Zoo | Spring | Spring Break | Things to Do
Expanded FORTS exhibit now open at Glazer Children’s Museum and it’s awesome!
The Glazer Children’s Museum unveiled its expanded FORTS exhibit on the second floor, and it’s what every kid’s fort-building dreams are made of.
The BEST Things to Do this Spring Break in Tampa Bay with the Kids
We live where the world comes to play, so you don’t have to go too far this Spring Break to find an epic family adventure in Tampa Bay!
Our Favorite Spring Festivals in Tampa Bay
Springtime in Tampa Bay means a weekend schedule packed with festivals. A few of our favorites are back, and we have a NEW addition this year.
The Best St. Patrick’s Day Events in Tampa Bay for Families
Join in some great St. Patrick’s Day events in Tampa Bay, Clearwater & St. Pete!
AWESOME Kid-Friendly Hotels: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s Hotels
When it comes to theming and things to do, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s hotels are easily a top pick for family travel.
Where to see dinosaurs in Tampa Bay
Have a kid who loves dinos? We’re sharing all of the places where you can see dinosaurs in Tampa Bay and even awesome exhibits that are worth the drive!
Happiness Grows Here: Finding Magic at Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia
Learn about Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia through a discussion with the owners, who share how they turned their dream into a farm-focused escape.
New at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit
Discover how BayCare Kids partners with Clearwater Marine Aquarium to teach kids about wellness, with Dr. Christina Canody sharing health tips.
10 Ways to Upgrade Your Day with Unforgettable Animal Encounters at ZooTampa
Give your next visit to ZooTampa a VIP twist by upgrading your day with an up-close animal encounter or backstage tour!
INSIDE LOOK: Dinos Unearthed invade ZooTampa!
Join us for a peek at what to expect at Dinos Unearthed at ZooTampa!
Things to Do | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Family Fun | Parks + Attractions | Summer Break Fun | Videos
The BEST places to watch a rocket launch in Florida
We can sometimes spot a rocket launch from here in Tampa, but why not experience one up close at least once before the kids grow up?
Florida State Parks You Must Visit with the Kids
We’re sharing some of our team’s favorite Florida state parks to visit with the kids near the Tampa Bay area and beyond!
How to Have the Best Day Ever at the Florida Strawberry Festival
The 90th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival is back in 2025, kicking off on February 27 through March 9. The theme for this year is “The Stage is Set!” We guarantee that there will be no shortage of strawberry shortcake… and strawberry everything at the festival, so come hungry! Bring cash too since you’ll need it…
NINJAGO Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida: Here’s what to expect
Join us as we take you through what to expect at LEGO NINJAGO Weekends which is being celebrated through February 17, 2025!
Our Favorite Things to Do with the Kids at the Florida State Fair!
The Florida State Fair is back February 6-17, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds with even more family fun! We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do with little ones!