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.
Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne is an award-winning journalist whose 15+ years in Florida newsrooms have shaped her into a trusted voice for Tampa Bay families. As Creative Director and Managing Editor of Tampa Bay Parenting and Orlando Parenting she leads a team dedicated to delivering expert-backed, locally relevant content for parents and families across the Tampa Bay area. With a career spanning television and print journalism, Laura blends professional expertise with her personal journey as a mom to two boys, offering practical insights that resonate with busy caregivers.Laura earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Florida State University. She launched her career in 2002 as a reporter at SNN Local News 6 in Sarasota, followed by stints at WCTV in Tallahassee (2002-2007), WINK News in Fort Myers (2007-2009), and WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay (2009-2013). Over 25 years, she covered politics, crime, and breaking news, earning accolades for her sharp reporting and on-air presence.Since joining the magazine Laura has transformed Tampa Bay Parenting into an award-winning publication, doubling its revenue and creating timely, relevant local content for local parents, while earning multiple Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards for excellence in journalism.Laura also served on the Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board for Circuit 13, and as a board member of Leadership Hillsborough (Class of 2021-2022). A sustainer of The Junior League of Tampa, Laura’s civic engagement underscores her dedication to the Tampa Bay area.Laura’s insights reach beyond Tampa Bay Parenting. She’s been featured in outlets like WFLA, Tampa Bay Times, and The KNOW Women, sharing expertise on parenting and media.
Articles by Laura Byrne
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…
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!
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.
