INSIDE LOOK: LEGO® Festival returns to LEGOLAND Florida in July
The 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!
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.
- 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!
Mother’s Day Deals and Freebies in Tampa Bay 2026!
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!
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.
- Things to Do | Family Fun | Featured | Parenting | Parks + Attractions | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun
The Busch Gardens + Adventure Island FREE Preschool Card is Back in 2026! (DEADLINE EXTENDED)
The 2026 Preschool card allows for FREE unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for children ages 5 and younger through December 31, 2026.
Small Business Month: The Courage to Launch
We met up with Secretary Griffin along Tampa’s Water Street in an enclave of locally owned small businesses for small business month!
Fossil hunting in Florida lands BIG find and you can make a discovery, too!
An amateur fossil hunter who found a record-breaking giant armadillo fossil shows how everyone can indulge in this hobby! Fossils are an important link to our past that help tell the story of how our planet has changed and how life has adapted — or didn’t. They’re also just really cool to look at and…
Clothe a Kid, Change a Life How YOU Can Make a Difference by Supporting Clothes To Kids
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!
“The Art of Banksy” exhibit headed to the Straz Center in Tampa
The world’s largest authenticated collection of Banksy art is heading to the stage at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa this summer.
FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience coming to LEGOLAND Florida Resort!
The FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience will debut on June 11 and run through July 19, 2026.
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!
A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be back for 2026! We’re sharing what we know so far!
ZooTampa to host first-ever Manatee Conservation Celebration on May 2
ZooTampa is inviting you and the kids to join them to celebrate the iconic sea cows during its first-ever Manatee Conservation Celebration on May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SNEAK PEEK: Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is roaring into 2026 with the ALL-NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge, an extraordinary new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care portfolio and the most ambitious new habitat in more than a decade.
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!
INSIDE LOOK: A magical afternooon at Disney’s Tea Experience at Grand Floridian Resort
Sip, sip, hooray!!! There’s a new afternoon tea experience at Walt Disney World Resort, and we’re spilling the tea!
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.
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns April 19-May 2, 2026!
For this limited time, you will be able to turn in an unused or expired car seat at guest services and receive a voucher for 20% off Target Circle Bonus on your next purchase of one car seat, booster seat, stroller, or other select baby home gear at Target!
Teacher to Know: José Cotayo, Education Specialist at Museum of Science & Innovation (MOSI)
A teacher does not need a classroom; José Cotayo has an entire museum at his fingertips to teach people of all ages about the wonders of STEAM.
- 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!
- Deals | Legoland | Theme Parks | Things to Do | Travel
LEGOLAND Florida Resort Deal: Stay for a night, play for a year!
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is offering an awesome deal for families… stay one night at one of the resort hotels and get a Gold Pass for each person to come back and play all year
Where to Take Pictures with the Easter Bunny in Tampa Bay 2026
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! Don’t…
10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day, Every Day
Earth Day is April 22. Check out this list of ten actions that we’re considering taking that can help make our world a better place.
Florida Waters at ZooTampa, the zoo’s largest expansion ever, is ready to welcome you!
ZooTampa’s largest expansion to date is set to debut this month, and we’re giving you a SNEAK PEEK from our hard hat tour because it’s too good not to share.
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!
INSIDE LOOK at the new Busch Gardens Food, Wine & Garden Festival
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is leaning into its “garden” roots with the unveiling of the Busch Gardens Food, Wine & Garden Festival!
INSIDE LOOK: Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is ready for launch
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!
Kids to Know: Kinley Whitt
As we celebrate Women’s History Month this month, we wanted to turn the spotlight on the future female changemakers who are already making a big impact in our community, and they’ve had the sweetest gig to make it all possible … selling Girl Scout cookies! We recently met up with Kinley Whitt of Troop 33228…
Monster Jam Returns to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium!
Monster Jam is roaring back into Tampa! We’re sharing some highlights to know before you go!
Plan the Sweetest Day Ever at the Florida Strawberry Festival with the Kids
The Annual Florida Strawberry Festival is back in 2026, kicking off on February 26 through March 8. The theme for this year is “Still Growing” 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 to purchase the…
A Day on Pirate Water Taxi: An awesome way to explore Tampa with the kids!
Pirate Water Taxi is celebrating 10 years of sailing Tampa’s waterfront, and the crew wants to make it easier for you to get around by launching a new continuous loop. They’ve also added four new 49-passenger water taxis to their fleet that include on-board restrooms. A MUST with kiddos! This is such a unique way…
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!
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!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes three adorable harbor seals!
There’s big news out of Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA)! The team recently welcomed a brand-new species to CMA and to the Tampa Bay Area with the addition of three adorable harbor seals.
Our Favorite Things to Do with the Kids at the Florida State Fair!
The Florida State Fair returns February 5-16, 2026, at the Florida State Fairgrounds with even more family fun! We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do with little ones!
Sweet Valentine’s Day ideas to experience as a family in Tampa Bay
Valentine’s Day is about sharing love with those around you. Here are some sweet ways to celebrate together as a family in Tampa Bay!
- Parks + Attractions | Attractions | Outdoors | Parks | Tampa | Things to Do
10 Things We LOVE About Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa
To say we LOVE Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park near downtown Tampa is an understatement. It is absolutely stunning! We highly encourage you to take the kids to explore the 25-acre park. We promise you…there is truly something for everyone here. Related: A Day on Pirate Water Taxi: An awesome way to explore Tampa with…
Big News: MOSI has a NEW name, NEW Digital Content Lab and NEW Center for STEAM Learning!
MOSI is stepping into the future by debuting NEW ways to learn and a NEW name that aligns more with their mission of being the area’s leading center for science learning.
RECYCLE Your Gasparilla Beads and Get Admission Discounts at Florida Aquarium!
The Florida Aquarium wants your Gasparilla beads! In exchange, they’re offering discounts on admisison if you donate!
Krewe Life: Meet Andrew Smith of YMKG and his wife Cali Smith
We met up with Andrew Smith of YMKG and his wife, Cali, to talk about what Gasparilla means to them, the importance of giving back to the community, and why they love raising their family in Tampa Bay.
The sweetest way to see Manatees: The TECO Manatee Viewing Center
The TECO Manatee Viewing Center is back open for the season! This is one of our favorite free things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay!
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 on select days through February 15, 2026!
Free Annual Pass for Preschoolers at Kennedy Space Center Available Now!
You only have a limited time to register for the free Junior Space Explorer Pass for kids age 5 and younger
- Attractions | Busch Gardens | Legoland | MOSI | Things to Do | ZooTampa
What’s NEW in 2026 in Tampa Bay: NEW ways to play and exhibits to experience!
It’s going to be a BIG year in Tampa Bay with groundbreaking new rides and exhibits. And when we say ground-breaking…we mean it! We’re talking a first-of-its-kind coaster at LEGOLAND, the largest lion and hyena exhibit in the country, and even the largest expansion in its history at ZooTampa!
Behind the Scenes: Making the magic of the Ringling circus come to life
The Greatest Show on Earth is officially back after kicking off its national tour here in Tampa in early January, and if you went, we know you were wowed by the experience. Even before the historic Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus launched its all-new show, we got a chance to sit down with some of the stars of the show.
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.
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: 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!
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.
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!
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.
- 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!
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!
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!
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.
