How to get free COVID tests for your family
We’re showing you how to get four free COVID tests beginning Sept. 25 and where to go for low-cost or free COVID-19 tests 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.
INSIDE LOOK: Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted Tours are a Must-Boo!
Ahoy brave souls! Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted River Tours have set sail once again in downtown Tampa with ghostly characters, eerie tales of the city’s past, and even a pumpkin surprise for the kids.
- Christmas>Gifts>Metropolitan Ministries | Family Life>Fun>Holidays>Thanksgiving>Volunteer and Donate
Thanksgiving donations desperately needed in Tampa Bay
The Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent in Tampa will officially open and begin accepting donations for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays on October 29. Once again, they need more help than ever, especially in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. This year, the non-profit which serves our six county region, expects to assist more than…
The 411 on RSV | What you need to know about this common virus
 We’re catching up again with Dr. John Prpich, BayCare Kids Pediatric Pulmonologist and Medical Director of Pediatric Respiratory Care at St Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, to learn more about RSV and a groundbreaking new medicine just approved for use in all infants to prevent RSV infection.
Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award Recipients
Each October, in honor of Bullying Awareness Month, Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Awareness Committee recognizes a student or students who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in our community. This year, it wasn’t just one person who stood out, but a local elementary school student and a group of students who are taking…
Pregnancy and Your Pelvic Floor:Â Why exercise and pelvic floor therapy matter
Your pelvic floor probably doesn’t come up in routine conversations with friends and family. However, if you’re pregnant or have had a baby, you’ve probably either thought about it or felt the impacts post-partum, even years after childbirth.
CMA and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Team Up to Offer Free Parenting Classes
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is teaming up with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to offer free parenting classes at CMA with classes that focus on different developmental milestones including speech, feeding, and reading for children from birth to 5-years-old.
Spooktacular returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with NEW characters and treats!
We’re showing you what it’s like to experience Spooktacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to help you plan a ghoulishly good day!
A Place to Call Home: Corbett Prep Helps Tampa Transplants Find their Village
Over the past few years, we have welcomed numerous new families to the Tampa Bay area who were seeking the warmth of not just the sun, but of our community too. Diving into a new city can be a tad overwhelming when your quest is not only to find a house, but a home; not…
LEGOLAND Florida and Disney Offering Hurricane Evacuees Discounts on Hotels
If you were ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Idalia, LEGOLAND Florida and Walt Disney World Resort are offering you and other Hurricane Idalia evacuees discounts on their resort hotels.
Hillsborough Strong: Trailblazing Students Doing Incredible Things in Music, Media and Technology
These four award-winning students from Hillsborough County Public Schools are sharing their successes and advice for doing the things they love. Justice Jones Rising fifth-grader, Hunters Green Elementary, Tampa Award: Hillsborough County Elementary Fine Arts Festival, All County Modern Band Drummer On his passion for music: “I love to do what I do because I…
How to book a free or low cost car seat inspection in Tampa Bay
Safe Kids provides free and low-cost car seat inspections in the Tampa Bay area. You might want to book one because most parents are doing it wrong.
Is your child addicted to social media? Here’s what you need to know.
Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D, talks about how to teach kids smart social media behavior and how to find a healthy balance.
Splash Pads in Tampa Bay to Keep Your Cool
Splash pads are a great way for kids of any age to have fun and cool off. Check out our picks for some of the best splash pads in Tampa Bay!
Blink: A new, locally produced film puts the spotlight on gun violence in Tampa Bay
Gun violence is a problem among youth in America—and this is not an opinion. Centers for Disease Control data shows gun-related deaths surpassed car accidents as the number one killer of children in our country in 2020, and that data hasn’t changed today, according to the Gun Violence Archive. This is where a new locally…
MOSI STEAMing Ahead into a Future of Growth and Innovation
A lot has changed in the world and in Tampa Bay in the 60-plus years since MOSI first opened its doors. Just as our community has grown and evolved, science and technology have too, taking us to frontiers we never could have imagined decades ago. The museum has also evolved, and while it’s not expanding…
Totally Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Summer with the Kids
We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do in Tampa Bay from an epic scalloping adventure to a day at one of our amazing local water parks!
The BEST Hotels and Resorts in 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!
Meet the People Bringing ‘Big John’ the Triceratops to Tampa
We’re introducing you to the family who bought Big John the Triceratops and how the record-setting fossil ended up in Tampa.
Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays to Return in 2024
The state of Florida is providing some financial relief for families with not just one, but TWOÂ Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays in 2024: June 1-June 14, 2024, and August 24-September 6, 2024.
Experience what it’s like to walk underwater with SeaTREK at The Florida Aquarium
Join us as we take you on a deep dive into what to expect when you walk underwater with The Florida Aquarium’s SeaTREK experience! Kids as young as 10 can participate too!
- Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Travel
What You Need to Know About Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
The Weeki Wachee River is a Florida treasure. We’re showing up how to be good stewards as you go kayaking on the spring-fed river.
10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland
When we say you have to see it to believe how incredible it really is, we mean it when it comes to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This brand-new privately built park on the outskirts of downtown Lakeland is a new place to play in Tampa Bay and we have a feeling it will quickly…
Gasparilla Music Festival’s Impact: The gift of music for local kids through Recycled Tunes
Gasparilla Music Festival is a harmonious fusion of music, sustainability, and giving back that supports non-profit Recycled Tunes by donating musical instruments.
Easiest Home Garden Ever: A native plant garden is the way to go!
Learn how to plant your own native plant garden with the help of Anita Comacho of Tampa’s Little Red Wagon Native Plant Nursery.
How You Can Help Save the Monarch Butterfly
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently put the migrating monarch butterfly on its Red List for Endangered Species.
Local Parents Dish on EGG-cellent Easter Hacks
We asked local parents to share their favorite Easter hacks to help inspire some new ideas for you! We are loving all of the responses and we think you will, too! Check them out: Related: Our favorite Easter Egg Hunts and more this week in Tampa Bay! What to put inside plastic Easter eggs and…
- Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Beach | Hotels | Outdoors | Spring Break | St. Pete | Summer Break Fun | Travel
The Ultimate Beachfront Staycation: TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach
There’s no shortage of things to do at Tradewinds Island Resorts from floating cabanas and water park and so much more!
- Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Travel
10+ Awesome Spots to Go Kayaking with the Kids in Tampa Bay
With so many water access points across the Tampa area, there are tons of places to go kayaking near you, whether you choose to book a guided tour or rent from a local kayak rental company.
The Best Art Summer Camps in Tampa Bay
If your child loves art or wants to try something new, check out one of the best art summer camp programs in Tampa Bay!
The Best Outdoor Camps and Sports Summer Camps in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing the best summer programs offering outdoor and sports camps in Tampa Bay for kids of all ages.
The Best STEM, Science, and Coding Summer Camps in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing the best STEM summer camps and science summer camps in Tampa Bay.
The Best Performing Arts Summer Camps in Tampa Bay: Theater, Music, and Dance Camps
We’re sharing our favorite performing arts summer camps in Tampa Bay for your child’s best summer ever!
Tall Ships St. Pete: How to plan the best day ever at this unique festival
Tall Ships St. Pete is a chance to immerse yourself in our nation’s maritime history whether you watch in awe from land or step on board one of the seven iconic ships, some dating as far back as the 1800s.
How to plan an epic day at Southshore Bay Lagoon in Wimauma
We’re sharing all you need to know to plan your day at Southshore Bay Lagoon, a 5-acre man-made lagoon where you can swim and enjoy fun water activities.
The Best Summer Camps for Preschoolers and Little Kids
Even little kids deserve to have the best summer ever at camp! We’re sharing out favorite summer camps for preschoolers in Tampa Bay!
The Magic and Wonder of Zubrick Magic Theatre
Get to know Chris and Ryan Zubrick as the illusionists share their journey in magic, a passion that began in childhood.
Our 6 Favorite Travel Essentials for Babies and Kids
Let’s face it, traveling with kids can be stressful. Here are 5 of our favorite things that help ease transitions and keep things moving smoothly on the road.
NEW in Tampa Bay: Meet and JOIN the Tampa Pickleball Crew
Tampa Pickleball Crew founders dish about the easy-to-learn sport with a newly minted Major League that’s taking over Tampa Bay!
Our Favorite Things to Do in Tampa Bay with the Kids
We live here and PLAY here, so we know a thing or two about all fo the awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids! We’re sharing some of our favorites to help you plan the best day ever with the family in gorgeous Tampa Bay.
Dude Ranch Glamping in Florida at Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo
We’re dishing on all of the details to help you plan your glamping getaway at Westgate River Ranch in Florida!
- Parks + Attractions | Attractions | Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Parks | Summer Break Fun | Travel
A Cool Day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Natajassa Prose of @proseandcompany is sharing what it’s like to spend the day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park with the kids!
What it’s like to ride the NEW Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The newest ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Serengeti Flyer, is the world’s tallest and fastest of its kind and we’ve got the details!
Bay Rocket Jet Boat Ready to Thrill in Downtown Tampa!
There’s a new thrill ride in Tampa Bay! We’re sharing all you need to know about the Bay Rocket jet boat in Tampa.
What’s NEW at MOSI: Putt Putt, Toothpick Wonders + MORE!
The Museum of Science and Industry, MOSI, is offering even MORE fun things to do with the family and more is on the horizon.
Everything You Need to Know About the NEW Pirate River Quest Ride at LEGOLAND Florida
Pirates are heading to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven! Pirate River Quest is now open and we’re sharing all the details.
Ask the Expert: How to help kids handle holiday stress and sensory overload
The holiday season isn’t always merry for kids so we’re turning to a local expert for advice and top tips.
Put those Gasparilla beads to use: Our favorite DIY crafts
The annual Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza and Gasparilla Pirate Fest are spectacular events that leave you with buckets full BEADS if you are a lucky!!! We scoured Pinterest to find some amazing DIY craft projects to finally put all of those Gasparilla beads to use! All you need is a glue gun or glue, an imagination…
Gallagher’s Christmas Trees: A Tradition of Making Forever Memories
From the picture-perfect pumpkins and Christmas trees to magical moments with Santa, Gallagher’s is more than a pumpkin patch or tree lot.
INSIDE LOOK: The NEW Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland
Check out the NEW Florida Children’s Museum at Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park! The Florida Children’s Museum is fun for the whole family!
Ask the Doctor: The “Tripledemic” Collision of Flu, RSV, and Covid
We recently sat down with two local doctors to get expert advice on how parents can better protect our children against RSV, flu and Covid.
7+ Spooky Kid-Friendly Halloween Party Snack Ideas
Jenny P. of @lunchboxmafia is dishing on some spooktacular Halloween party snack ideas that double as lunchbox goodies!
Growing a Garden of Impact with Former Bucs Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson
Dexter Jackson’s passion for plants and people collide to help make a positive and healthy impact on children’s lives in Tampa Bay.
Ask the Doctor: Raising awareness about alopecia
Many women struggle with alopecia, but don’t often talk about it, since many don’t know much about alopecia.
Social Emotional Development with Early Learners: A librarian’s favorite SEL books for kids
Librarian shares her favorite social emotional learning books for kids to address 5 areas of SEL available from your local public library.
Corbett Prep: Setting the Stage for Lifelong Success
For the Butts Family, Corbett Prep is more than just a school. It helped set their children on a path of success they may have never realized.
A Recipe for Success: We’re talking family, business and relationships with the Proper House Group
Chef Farrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez and Chon Nguyen of the Proper House Group dish on success, parenting, and what’s on the menu in the future.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day | 12+ local museums participating!
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day is Saturday, Sept 17, 2022! We’re sharing which Tampa Bay area museums are taking part to open their doors for FREE.
Pasco County’s Scalloping Season Extended to 37 Days in 2023!
Scalloping season in Pasco County returns in 2022 for 10 days of harvesting!
A YES DAY with the Kids at Universal Orlando Resort
Natajassa Prose of @proseandcompany is sharing how she planned a YES DAY at Universal Studios for her kids.
