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.
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.
INSIDE LOOK: Tampa Bay Rays Game Day at Tropicana Field with the Kids
Our team here at Tampa Bay Parenting recently went to a Tampa Bay Rays Family Fundays game to give you an INSIDE LOOK at game day to help you plan a day fit for the memory book. So let’s play ball!
ZooTampa Baby Boom: The BEST summer ever to meet two baby rhinos!
ZooTampa welcomed a whopping 50+ babies this spring, which means there are a lot of cute new faces for you and the kids to see this summer.
The James Museum in St. Pete Launches Summer of 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!
INSIDE LOOK: LEGO® Pokémon™ and LEGO® F1® headlining LEGO Festival zones at LEGOLAND Florida
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!
- Attractions | Babies | Big Kids | Busch Gardens | Elementary School Years | Lil Kids | Middle School Years | Parks + Attractions | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Summer Break Fun | Tampa | Theme Parks | Things to Do | Tweens and Teens
Our Favorite Things to Do at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for All Ages and Stages
We’ve put together a list of some of our team’s favorite things to do at Busch Gardens with our kiddos at all ages and stages.
What’s NEW at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Pinniped Pier and more!
It’s been a busy year at Clearwater Marine Aquarium as the team welcomed new animals and prepares to debut the new Pinniped Pier exhibit!
All Aboard! Largo Central Railroad Celebrates 35 Years
We’re learning more about Largo Central Railroad from the people who keep the trains moving as they celebrate 35 years in our community.
A Magical Way to Experience American History at Walt Disney World
A magical visit to Walt Disney World’s Liberty Square unveils hidden gems and history, just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.
STAYcation Ideas: The BEST Hotels and Resorts near Tampa Bay for Families
We’re sharing some of our favorite kid-friendly hotels in Tampa Bay whether you are looking for a beachfront getaway or something totally unique the kids will love!
INSIDE LOOK: FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience LEGOLAND Florida Resort!
Get a peek at what to expect at the FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience, which runs through July 19, 2026.
Enchant Christmas returning to Tropicana Field in St. Pete in November!
Enchant Christmas, the ‘World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze,’ is taking over Tropicana Field, and we’re helping you plan your visit.
INSIDE LOOK: New Tours and Experiences at ZooTampa this Summer!
It’s going to be a wild summer at ZooTampa! Not only can you explore the amazing new Florida Waters, where you can let the kids press their noses to the aquarium glass and go nose to snout with the manatees once again, but you can also book all-new experiences to upgrade your day. Several new…
INSIDE LOOK: Sunshine Needlepoint in Ybor City
We’re getting to know the ladies who launched Sunshine Needlepoint, a new store in Ybor City, and learning more about the resurgence of this crafty activity!
INSIDE LOOK: Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida 2026
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!
FREE and CHEAP Movies All Summer Long in Tampa Bay
Keep your cool and head to the movies this summer and take advantage of these FREE and CHEAP deals offered at Tampa Bay area theaters!
- In Print | Life + Home | Parenting | Tampa
A Most Egg-cellent Family Pet: Chickens!
When the Hartneys of South Tampa aren’t at work or school, or blasting off to worlds far, far away in MOSI’s new “Above and Beyond” exhibit, our cover family is busy raising seven adorable Orpington hens.
Old Florida Attractions You Can Still Visit Today
While there’s no doubt the arrival of Walt Disney World changed the landscape of tourism in Florida, the state’s beaches, natural springs, parks, and weather have long attracted tourists here. Back in the day (as our kids would accuse us of saying), it was roadside attractions that reigned supreme, and you can still visit many of these today with your kids!
INSIDE LOOK: Adventure awaits at Pirate Island Hotel at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Your little swashbucklers worked like captains all school year! Now it’s time for them to play like a pirate, and we can’t think of any better place to map out an adventure than LEGOLAND Florida’s Pirate Island Hotel.
INSIDE LOOK: Soar with us at the new ‘Above and Beyond’ exhibit at MOSI
Get ready to soar this summer at MOSI’s new summer exhibit, “Above and Beyond”, an interactive experience where you can learn about the history of flight, experience for yourself how birds master flight, and even see a slice of a real airplane’s fuselage to help answer the question…how’d they do that?
40+ BEST Free Things to Do with the Kids in Tampa Bay
You don’t have to be a penny pincher to want to take advantage of a free or cheap deal every now and then. This is the full guide to the most awesome free and cheap things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!
Tampa Bay Rays Announce “Best Summer Ever at Tropicana Field”
The Tampa Bay Rays are back at the Trop, and they’ve got some big plans for fans this summer with the unveiling of the “Best Summer Ever at Tropicana Field,” which includes ticket deals and all-new experiences for kids.
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: ‘Pig Family Travel Adventure’ at PEPPA PIG Theme Park
PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Winter Haven just debuted an all-new experience for families this summer that gives you the chance to go globetrotting with Peppa Pig and family without ever having to leave Florida!
INSIDE LOOK: Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is throwing a party to celebrate summer from May 26 to September 8, 2026! We’re showing you all that’s NEW to experience this summer.
The BEST Ice-Cream Shops in Tampa Bay!
There’s no better way to cool off than a big scoop of ice-cream! We’re sharing some of the best ice-cream shops in Tampa Bay.
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.
- Attractions | Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Things to Do
The BEST Water Parks in Tampa Bay: Keep cool and have FUN!
Keep your cool at one of our favorite water parks in Tampa Bay! From theme parks to community parks, we’re dishing on all of our top spots!
- 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!
INSIDE LOOK: Plan the best day ever at 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.
- 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!
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!
2026 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.
“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.
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!
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!
- 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 now open, and we’re taking you on a tour!
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 with the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
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!
