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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Hurricane Relief: How to volunteer and where to donate
The Tampa Bay area has experienced back-to-back natural disasters with Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented storm surge and then the winds and floods from the most powerful storm to hit our area in a century, Hurricane Milton. This means many of our neighbors are in need of your support.
INSIDE LOOK: Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa returns with NEW thrills in 2024!
ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night family-friendly Halloween party is returning in 2024 for 13 select nights with NEW thrills and returning favorites!
9+ 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!
Ghoulishly Good: Our Favorite Halloween Jokes for Kids
Who doesn’t love a good Halloween joke?? And since it’s been a chaotic couple of years, we could all use a good laugh.
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!
How to Keep Bedtime Safe for Babies
In Hillsborough County and around the country, babies continue to die in unsafe sleeping environments. These tragedies are preventable, and Rebecca Bacon, executive director of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, wants parents and caregivers to know the rights and wrongs of safe sleep.
Hurricane Related School Closures in Tampa Bay
As we keep an eye on Helene, some Tampa Bay Area schools are announcing school closures in preparation for the storm’s potential impacts and so designated schools can serve as storm shelters.
A Parent’s Guide to Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida 2024
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!
INSIDE LOOK: The ALL-NEW Halloween Harvest at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Join us as we take you for a look at what to expect at this brand-new event for families that includes trick-or-treating, fun activities, and more!
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns Sept. 15-28!
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.
Middle School at Corbett Prep: Building Strong Foundations for Emotional and Academic Success
The middle school years can be…awkward. But, as the Runyan family of Tampa discovered, it’s actually quite the oppositive after sending their kids to middle school at Corbett Prep.
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”.
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!
Ronald McDonald House Charities to add 5th house in Tampa Bay at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is partnering with St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital to open a new house in June 2025 on the hospital’s third floor, expanding its ability to serve even more families in the Tampa Bay area.
Let’s Play Ball: September Game Day Fun with the Kids in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay’s pro teams are back at it and we’re showing you how to experience all the game day fun with kids!
Tampa Bay Sun FC: Ready to Kick Off a History-Making Season
The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club is kicking off its inaugural season this Sunday, August 18, bringing the highest level of professional women’s sports ever to the Tampa Bay Area. We’re getting to know head coach Denise Schilte-Brown as we talk women’s sports, motherhood, and her love of Tampa Bay.
A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2024
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back for 2024! We went on opening night to share all of the ghoulish details to help you plan an epic night!
Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is Here: Know Before You Go!
Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns in 2024 on Monday, July 29 through Sunday, August 11, 2024.
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!
The BEST Ice-Cream Shops in Tampa Bay!Â
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.
Take Me Out the the Ball Game: Join the Club with the Rays Rookies!
Calling all kiddos and Tampa Bay Rays fans! The Rays Rookies membership is open for all kids ages 14 and younger.
2024 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.
STAYcation in Tampa Bay: All That’s NEW to Explore!
If you’re sticking around town and need some fun ideas of things to do during these final weeks of summer break, we’ve got you covered! Let’s explore all of the NEW ways to connect and play in Tampa Bay! What’s NEW: ZooTampa Clouded Leopard Encounter This experience returned last month to the zoo, giving you…
Babies | Deals | Life + Home | Lil Kids
Florida’s Sales Tax Holidays: Freedom Month, Back-to-School + MORE
There are several sales tax holidays on schedule in 2024 including the popular Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday and Freedom Month!
On the Road Again… But are you using your child’s car seat correctly?
The research is out there, friends. Many parents and caregivers are not using their children’s car seats correctly. We’re turning to the experts to find out how to correct common mistakes.
What to Expect: Jurassic Quest ROARS Back into Tampa July 19-21!
Jurassic Quest is stomping back into the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa July 19-21, 2024 with an indoor prehistoric experience like no other!
FIRST LOOK: Indo-Pacific fish move into the Florida Aquarium’s Heart of the Sea habitat
The Florida Aquarium just unveiled the transformation of its second-largest exhibit, the Heart of the Sea habitat, welcoming thousands of new Indo-Pacific sea creatures!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is better than Splash Mountain. Here’s why…
Get a peek at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom and see why we feel it is not only more memorable than its predecessor but also serves as an immersive sequel to the movie!
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!
INSIDE LOOK: Pirate Water Taxi’s Dolphin Cruise in Downtown Tampa
Pirate Water Taxi has a NEW dolphin cruise in downtown Tampa to give you landlubbers a chance to see dolphins up close in the wild in Tampa Bay.
INSIDE LOOK: New Stingray Feeding Experience at The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium just debuted a new Stingray Feeding Experience at its Stingray Beach touch tank, giving you a chance to see what it’s like to be a biologist who cares for these majestic creatures.
INSIDE LOOK: Very Eric Carle exhibit at Glazer Children’s Museum
Your child’s favorite book series is coming to life in a colorful and immersive way at Glazer Children’s Museum this summer!
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.
Fill Your CUP: The mission behind Tampa’s inclusive coffee shop
Maggie Rodriguez introduces us to the people behind CUP, one of the newest coffee shops in Tampa that is so much more than a cup of coffee, but a mission to make a difference.
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!
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.
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. Under the guidance of skilled florists, you’ll learn pro techniques as you create a stunning masterpiece for the mom in your life…or for yourself, because there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re sharing some of our favorite Mother’s Day flower…
INSIDE LOOK: A peek inside the LEGOLAND Florida Master Builder Workshop
Discover the magic behind LEGOLAND Florida’s iconic LEGO creations with a glimpse into the Master Builder Workshop. Led by enthusiasts turned professionals, we’re taking you where imagination meets reality, in a hyper-organized way!
Watermelon Swim and Shaq Barrett team up to offer swim lessons to more kids in Tampa Bay
In the wake of unimaginable loss, the Barrett family transforms their tragedy into a beacon of hope, partnering with Watermelon Swim to offer life-saving swim lessons to children in Tampa Bay.
EWG’s 2024 Guide to Sunscreens and Best Sunscreens for Kids
The Environmental Working Group has released its 2024 Guide to the best sunscreens. See if yours made the list!
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!
Mother’s Day weekend is nearly here and if you’re looking for ways to treat mama with the gift of experience, we’re sharing some fun Mother’s Day deals and spots where Mom gets in free …which mom can always appreciate! Mothers living in and around the Bay Area have it good this year as some great…
The Future is WILD at ZooTampa: A Look Ahead at Future Expansions
From the new Australia Realm to future expansions, discover how each visit supports vital wildlife preservation efforts and educates the next generation.
Solar Eclipse Watch Parties in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some awesome solar eclipse viewing parties to experience with the kids in Tampa Bay!
Disney Discounts and Deals for Florida Residents including Disney Annual Passes
If you’ve got your heart set on bringing the kiddos to Walt Disney World this year…now is the time to take advantage of a great deal for Florida residents!
Australia Realm NOW Open at ZooTampa and it’s Awesome!
The Australia Realm is now open at ZooTampa. We’re dishing on the details about what to expect.
Disney | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Things to Do | Uncategorized
The Coolest Non-Theme Park Things to Do at Disney World: FootGolf, Fishing, and MORE!
Did you know you can spend your entire trip to Walt Disney World and not step foot into the parks and still have a magical time? We’re showing you how!
Where to pick strawberries in Tampa Bay
Strawberry picking season is here and we’re showing you where to pick strawberries in Tampa Bay! It’s one of our favorite things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!
INSIDE LOOK: Incredible NEW Stingray Shores In-Water Animal Encounter at ZooTampa
Join us for a sneak peek of the new in-water stingray encounter debuting at ZooTampa!
ZooTampa debuts NEW Walking Trail with Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH
There’s a new way to get your steps in at ZooTampa and it’s wild!
Attractions | Central Florida | Deals | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Legoland | Parks + Attractions | Theme Parks
New LEGOLAND Florida Play Card deal available now for Florida residents!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and the most wonderful time to save with new awesome LEGOLAND Florida deals!
The SWEETEST THING: The Florida Strawberry
Did you know February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month? In fact, Plant City is recognized as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and is the dominant supplier of strawberries in the United States from November through March. Pretty sweet, right? Here’s another fun fact: Most of our Florida strawberries are grown within a 20-mile…
NEW at MOSI: a-MAZE-ing Butterflies exhibit
Join us we explore the incredible life journey of the butterfly in the NEW ‘a-MAZING Butterflies’ exhibit at MOSI!
A Whimsical Wonderland: FloridaRAMA is a MUST-SEE for Families
Plunge into Florida’s whimsical weirdness at Fairgrounds St Pete’s celebration of all things that make Florida weird, wacky, and wonderful.
Let’s Play! Our Favorite Parks and Playgrounds in Tampa Bay
Tampa is home to some amazing parks and playgrounds to help get some fresh air and get the wiggles out. Check out our favorite parks and playgrounds in and around Tampa Bay!
Parks + Attractions | Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Parks | Spring Break | Things to Do
Tampa Bay Bucket List: Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River
Swimming with manatees is a magical and unique experience you can only do in Crystal River. We’re sharing everything you need to know.