INSIDE LOOK: Why we love HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort return in November and we’re taking you inside the fun to help you build your most awesome day ever!
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.
SNEAK PEEK: Galacticoaster, a Space-Themed Ride to Launch at LEGOLAND® Florida Feb. 27, 2026
We’re sharing the details on LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s groundbreaking all-new indoor roller coaster, Galacticoaster, to immerse us in a LEGO® galaxy in 2026!
INSIDE LOOK: The magic of bringing Nutcracker to life at the Straz Center in Tampa
We’re taking you inside the production of Nutcracker by Next Generation Ballet® at the Straz which has been months in the making.
- 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 berries, flowers and veggies now!
We’re sharing all of the best farms where you can pick citrus, veggies, berries, and more!
Get Ready to Party! Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey® returns in 2026 with NEW Show
We got a SNEAK PEEK of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® circus, which is about to make history again when it debuts its new production of the “Greatest Show on Earth®” right here in Tampa Bay, kicking off its next ALL-NEW national tour at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Jan. 2-4, 2026.
The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
Whether you want to meet Santa, take in the dazzling beauty of Christmas lights, or celebrate the season at local theme parks, we’re sharing our list of our favorite Christmas events in Tampa Bay for families.
How to Experience the Best Winter Break Ever in Tampa Bay
‘Tis the season for sleigh loads of winter break fun in Tampa Bay! We’re sharing our top picks of things to do!
- Elementary School Years | Family Fun | Featured | Food + Drink | High School Years & Beyond | Middle School Years | Parenting | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Spring Break | Things to Do
The BEST Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa Bay!
We’re sharing some of our favorite spots to go out to eat with the kids in Tampa Bay!
Where to Take Pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay in 2025
We’re sharing some of our favorite spots to take pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay.
INSIDE LOOK: “Lucy Sparrow’s Quick Shop” at FloridaRAMA in St. Pete
World-renowned felt artist Lucy Sparrow is bringing her whimsical creations back to Tampa Bay, this time at FloridaRAMA in St. Pete beginning November 21, 2025.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND Florida with a Bedtime-Friendly Party
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND a few hours early with an AWESOME day filled with kid-friendly activities and a brickacular fireworks display at 8 pm to end the night.
The Most Adorable Places to Celebrate Christmas on the Farm in Tampa Bay
From single-day special events to family-friendly holiday events on the farms on weekends, there will be so much to explore and experience this year! Since we are still awaiting details for many of the holiday events this year, be sure to bookmark this page and revisit us. We will continue to update this post as…
A Legacy of Giving: A conversation with Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz
You have to wonder, what would Tampa Bay look like if the Glazer family had not become the owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995? We would have a very different community, and not just because of football.
How’d They Do That? A real ice rink in downtown Tampa at Winter Village
A real ice skating rink…outside…in the middle of downtown Tampa, Florida, where temps can easily peak in the mid-80s on any given afternoon in December? Yup! It’s totally possible, and it’s been happening every winter for the last ten years at Winter Village in Tampa!
SNEAK PEEK: Florida Waters at ZooTampa, the zoo’s largest expansion ever opens this spring!
ZooTampa’s largest expansion to date is under construction now, and while it’s not set to debut until spring 2026, we’re giving you a SNEAK PEEK from our recent hard hat tour because it’s too good not to share!
LEGOLAND Florida launches Junior Galaxy Explorers contest for young builders
LEGOLAND® Florida and LEGOLAND® California Resorts are teaming up for a nationwide search to form a team of creative Junior Galaxy Explorers who will be the first to ride the Galacticoaster on opening day on their designated coast!
The BEST Free and Cheap Holiday Events in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing our favorite free and cheap holiday events and Christmas events in Tampa Bay to help you save!
INSIDE LOOK: ICE! at the Gaylord Palms featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Gaylord Palms will celebrate the holidays with ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends return this year for some magical holiday fun.
15+ Best Farmers Markets in Tampa Bay for Farm Fresh Produce
We’re dishing on our favorite farmers markets in Tampa Bay for farm fresh, locally grown produce, local honey, and more!
INSIDE LOOK: What to Expect at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
We attended Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on opening night to give you a peek at what to expect to help you plan your magical night out.
The Gift of Experience in Tampa Bay: A Holiday Gift List Must
Rather than overloading our kids with more toys and clutter, why not give the gift of experience in Tampa Bay? An annual pass or membership to a local attraction is not only cost-effective, it’s a gift that keeps on giving year–round to the entire family. Added bonus- many of the attractions that offer summer camps…
Where to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay
The beloved holiday performance is returning to the stage in 2024! We’re sharing our favorite places to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay.
12+ Places to Donate New Toys in Tampa Bay this Holiday Season
The high cost of living and inflation continue to make a significant impact on families and the non-profit organizations that support them. If you are financially able, donating a new toy and even food for a local family in need will make a big difference this holiday season.
The Best Holiday Shows in Tampa Bay to See With the Kids
We’re sharing some of our favorite Christmas shows on stage in Tampa Bay to help you plan your December to remember.
Kids to Know: Jacob Pham, 8th grader at Corbett Prep Performed as Simba on Broadway in New York City
He’s only in 8th grade, and yet Corbett Prep 8th grader Jacob Pham has already lived a dream of so many: performing in one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, “The Lion King.” But landing the role of Young Simba was not overnight success, but the result of years of hard work, perseverance and the…
Moms to Know: Molly Lippincott, Senior Curator of Florida & Marine Life at ZooTampa
Get to know Molly Lippincott, senior curator at ZooTampa at Lowry Park as the Zoo gets ready to debut all-new animal experiences in 2026!
Don’t miss out on the USPS letters from Santa program!
The United States Postal Service is giving your child the opportunity to participate in the “Greetings from the North Pole” program for the cost of a postage stamp!
Our Favorite Things to Do Thanksgiving Break in Tampa Bay
Lucky you for calling Tampa Bay home. There are so many things to do in Tampa Bay. From day camps to events and activities, we’ve got it all on our top picks list.
Tampa Mom Launches Tampa Bay SNAP Gap Megalist to Help Local Families in Need
Tampa mom, Kas Miller, is hoping to help keep bellies full by bridging the gap with the launch of the Tampa Bay SNAP Gap Megalist.
10 Cool Places to Buy a Christmas Tree this Year in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some of our favorite places to buy Christmas trees in Tampa Bay, including where to cut your own tree.
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!
TPA All Access program is returning and we LOVE it!
TPA All Access is returning to Tampa International Airport beginning November 3, and we can’t wait! It’s a chance to go to the Airsides and experience all of the amazing local restaurants and shops while you dream up your next big trip, no plane ticket necessary!
Metropolitan Ministries Sounding the Alarm: Donations Needed Desperately
Metropolitan Ministries says it is serving double the number of families it typically serves, and it could get worse, but there are ways your family can help support them and the families they serve.
Yes, you and the kids can go dig for dinosaurs…and we did it with PaleoAdventures!
Yes, you and the kids can go dig for dinosaurs…and you can do it alongside the paleontologist who discovered Big John, the world’s largest triceratops, the dinosaur on display at Glazer Children’s Museum!
How to Volunteer with the Kids in Tampa Bay: 10+ ways to give back
We’re sharing ways you can volunteer with the kids in Tampa Bay to turn quality family time into give back time!
The BEST Halloween Events for Kids in Tampa Bay + MORE Fun!
We’re sharing the best Halloween events for kids in Tampa Bay, along with trick-or-treating events, costume ideas, spooky snacks, and MORE!
INSIDE LOOK: Harvest Days at Keel Farms in Plant City 2025
Join us for a look at this year’s Harvest Days at Keel Farms and explore all of the fun fall farm fun for the family!
INSIDE LOOK: Mote SEA is now open in Sarasota and it’s INCREDIBLE!
There’s a brand-new aquarium in Tampa Bay for you to explore with the kids, and it is absolutely incredible. We got a chance to get a peek at Mote SEA: Science Education Aquarium before opening day. So let’s dive into all the details so you can map out an epic day under the sea! When…
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!
20+ Adorable Fall Festivals in Tampa Bay for Kids
These adorable Tampa Bay fall festivals will make you want to inhale the pumpkin spice! Fun for the whole family…and the pictures!
8+ Not-to-Miss Corn Mazes in Tampa Bay and Beyond
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! We’re sharing our favorite corn mazes in Tampa to explore this fall with the kids!
INSIDE LOOK: Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa returns with NEW thrills in 2025!
ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night family-friendly Halloween party is returning in 2025 for 13 nights with NEW treats and thrills!
Meet the 2025 Recipients of Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Award
Get to know Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Hillsborough County students who go above and beyond to fight bullying in our community.
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!
Calling all pint-sized Bucs Fans: You can join the Jr. Bucs Fan Club today!
Kids can join the Jr Bucs Fan Club today and receive a super cool welcome kit, member perks, special event invites, and more!
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!
Scary Good: Our Team Shares Their Favorite DIY Halloween Costumes
Our team here at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine share their favorite DIY Halloween costumes to spark some ghoulishly good ideas this Halloween!
INSIDE LOOK: Kandy’s Sweetacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Join us as we take you for a look at what to expect at this SWEET event for families that includes trick-or-treating, fun activities, and more!
Yes, you CAN cut down your own Florida Christmas Tree at Ergle Tree Farm!
Discover this adorable tree farm in Dade City where you can cut down your own Florida Christmas tree this holiday season, or shop for a pre-cut tree from North Carolina!
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns Sept. 21-Oct. 4, 2025!
Target’s popular car seat trade-in program is returning September 21 through October 4, 2025.
Kids Get in Free this Month at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering FREE, one-day admission to kids ages 3 – 11 during the month of September in celebration of “Future Voyagers Month”.
AHOY! Let’s board a Pirate’s Christmas Cruise on the Lost Pearl!
Come aboard with us as we share our adventure on The Lost Pearl’s ‘A Pirate’s Christmas Cruise’ in Downtown Tampa!
Rooted in Learning: Local Farm Helping to Grow Young Minds at Corbett Prep
The Lawrance family teaches life lessons to students at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS in Tampa through a new raised-bed garden system.
Teacher to Know: Madeline Olivera- 5th-grade teacher at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS
Teaching is a calling, and for Madeline Olivera, a fifth-grade math teacher at Corbett Prep in Tampa, it was a lifelong dream to share her love of learning with a new generation of students. Olivera gets to share this love of education at one of the most unique schools in the Tampa Bay Area, where…
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!
NEW and Tasty fun at the 2025 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Take the kids on a culinary adventure around the world at EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival where you can taste and play all day!
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.
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.
