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.
santa claus in Tampa Bay

Where to Take Pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay in 2023

free holiday events in Tampa Bay

The BEST Free and Cheap Holiday Events in Tampa Bay

Light up dance floor at Enchant Christmas in St. Pete 2023

What to Expect at Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field in St. Pete

Things to Do Thanksgiving Week in Tampa Bay

Our Favorite Things to Do Thanksgiving Break in Tampa Bay

Four free COVID tests available beginning on Sept. 25.

How to get free COVID tests for your family

Tampa Bay Parenting Toys for Tots at Toys R Us Where to donate toys

12+ Places to Donate New Toys in Tampa Bay this Holiday Season

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

The Most Adorable Places to Celebrate Christmas on the Farm in Tampa Bay

The Most Adorable Places to Celebrate Christmas on the Farm in Tampa Bay

Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent Family Volunteer

How Your Family Can Give the Gift of HOPE at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent

Where to see the Nutcracker in Tampa Bay The Straz Center

Where to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay

Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent

Thanksgiving donations desperately needed in Tampa Bay

where to donate Halloween candy in Tampa Bay

Awesome Ways to Donate Halloween Candy or PLAY with Candy!

Letters from Santa

Don’t miss out on the USPS letters from Santa program!

The crew of Pirate Water Taxi's Haunted River Tours

INSIDE LOOK: Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted Tours are a Must-Boo!

RSV

The 411 on RSV | What you need to know about this common virus

Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award

Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award Recipients

Pelvic Floor Therapy, The HOPE Docs

Pregnancy and Your Pelvic Floor: Why exercise and pelvic floor therapy matter

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Parenting Class

CMA and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Team Up to Offer Free Parenting Classes

Kandy the Witch at Busch Gardens Spooktacular

Spooktacular returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with NEW characters and treats!

Corbett Prep Christoff family on school boardwalk

A Place to Call Home: Corbett Prep Helps Tampa Transplants Find their Village

LEGOLAND Florida resident deals hurricane evacuees discounts

LEGOLAND Florida and Disney Offering Hurricane Evacuees Discounts on Hotels

award-winning students

Hillsborough Strong: Trailblazing Students Doing Incredible Things in Music, Media and Technology

EPCOT Pickle Milkshake

Pickle Milkshakes and more tasty fun at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

free car seat inspections in Tampa Bay

How to book a free or low cost car seat inspection in Tampa Bay

kids and social media addiction

Is your child addicted to social media? Here’s what you need to know.

Shaka-Lake Shores at Adventure Island waterpark in Tampa

Splash Pads in Tampa Bay to Keep Your Cool

Blink gun violence film

Blink: A new, locally produced film puts the spotlight on gun violence in Tampa Bay

MOSI

MOSI STEAMing Ahead into a Future of Growth and Innovation

things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay mermaid tails CMA

Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Tampa Bay with the Kids

LEGOLAND Things to do this summer in tampa bay

Totally Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Summer with the Kids

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The BEST Hotels and Resorts in Tampa Bay for Families

Sidd and Ami Pagidipati Bought big John the triceratops

Meet the People Bringing ‘Big John’ the Triceratops to Tampa

Hurricane Tax Holiday 2019

Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays to Return in 2024

SeaTREK at The Florida Aquarium

Experience what it’s like to walk underwater with SeaTREK at The Florida Aquarium

Caladesi Island boardwalk

How to plan your visit to Caladesi Island, one of America’s Top 10 Beaches

Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River with kids

What You Need to Know About Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River

Kiwanis Cares for Kids TreeHouse at Bonnet Springs Park

10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland

Giant Tortoise Encounter at ZooTampa

9 Ways to Upgrade Your Day with Unforgettable Animal Encounters at ZooTampa

Recycled Tunes

Gasparilla Music Festival’s Impact: The gift of music for local kids through Recycled Tunes

Earth Day

10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day, Every Day

Little Red Wagon Native Plant Nursery in Tampa

Easiest Home Garden Ever: A native plant garden is the way to go!

how to help save the monarch butterfly

How You Can Help Save the Monarch Butterfly

Easter Hacks

Local Parents Dish on EGG-cellent Easter Hacks

Tradewinds St Pete Beach Aquabana

The Ultimate Beachfront Staycation: TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach

kayaking with kids in Tampa Bay

10+ Awesome Spots to Go Kayaking with the Kids in Tampa Bay

Camp imagination Best Art Summer Camps in Tampa Bay

The Best Art Summer Camps in Tampa Bay

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The Best Outdoor Camps and Sports Summer Camps in Tampa Bay

USF Cyber Camp Coding camps in Tampa Bay

The Best STEM, Science, and Coding Summer Camps in Tampa Bay

The Best Performing Arts Summer Camps in Tampa Bay Dance and Circus Arts of Tampa Bay

The Best Performing Arts Summer Camps in Tampa Bay: Theater, Music, and Dance Camps

Trinidad, Tall Ships of America

Tall Ships St. Pete: How to plan the best day ever at this unique festival

Coaster Cupcakes Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival

How to Map Out Your Tastiest Day Ever at the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival

Southshore Bay Lagoon obstacle course

How to plan an epic day at Southshore Bay Lagoon in Wimauma

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The Best Summer Camps for Preschoolers and Little Kids

Zubrick Magic Theatre

The Magic and Wonder of Zubrick Magic Theatre

Travel Essentials for Kids Wonderfold Wagon

Our 6 Favorite Travel Essentials for Babies and Kids

Tampa Pickleball Crew

NEW in Tampa Bay: Meet and JOIN the Tampa Pickleball Crew

Clearwater Beach Sand Key Things to Do in Tampa Bay with the Kids

Our Favorite Things to Do in Tampa Bay with the Kids

Westgate River Ranch Conestoga Covered Wagon Luxe Glamping

Dude Ranch Glamping in Florida at Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

A Cool Day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Serengeti Flyer

What it’s like to ride the NEW Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Bay Rocket Speed Boat Tampa

NEW Bay Rocket Jet Boat Ready to Thrill in Downtown Tampa!

What's NEW at MOSI putt putt golf

What’s NEW at MOSI: Putt Putt, Toothpick Wonders + MORE!

LEGOLAND Pirate River Quest

Everything You Need to Know About the NEW Pirate River Quest Ride at LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida Hotels Florida resident deals

AWESOME Kid-Friendly Hotels: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s Hotels

best kids birthday party venues in tampa bay

10 Kid-Friendly Ideas to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home

How to help kids handle holiday stress

Ask the Expert: How to help kids handle holiday stress and sensory overload

Gasparilla Beads

Put those Gasparilla beads to use: Our favorite DIY crafts

Keel Farms kid friendly restaurants in tampa bay

The BEST Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa Bay!

Gallagher’s Christmas Trees in St. Pete

Gallagher’s Christmas Trees: A Tradition of Making Forever Memories

Letters from Santa

Don’t miss out on the USPS letters from Santa program!

Watermelon Seeds exhibit at Florida Children's Museum

INSIDE LOOK: The NEW Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland

RSV, Flu and COVID Tripledemic

Ask the Doctor: The “Tripledemic” Collision of Flu, RSV, and Covid

Halloween Jokes for Kids

Ghoulishly Good: Our Favorite Halloween Jokes for Kids

Halloween snack ideas

7+ Spooky Kid-Friendly Halloween Party Snack Ideas

DIY Halloween Costumes Mickey Mouse

Scary Good: Our Team Shares Their Favorite DIY Halloween Costumes

Ergle Tree Farm Cut your own Christmas Tree

Yes, you CAN cut down your own Florida Christmas Tree at Ergle Tree Farm!

Dexter Jackson community garden in Tampa

Growing a Garden of Impact with Former Bucs Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson

Stephani Shepard Great Life is a Must alopecia awareness

Ask the Doctor: Raising awareness about alopecia

Social Emotional Learning Books for Kids

Social Emotional Development with Early Learners: A librarian’s favorite SEL books for kids

Corbett Prep

Corbett Prep: Setting the Stage for Lifelong Success

kids can volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay

How to Volunteer with the Kids in Tampa Bay: 10+ ways to give back

Proper House Group owners

A Recipe for Success: We’re talking family, business and relationships with the Proper House Group

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day | 12+ local museums participating!

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day | 12+ local museums participating!