New at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit
Discover how BayCare Kids partners with Clearwater Marine Aquarium to teach kids about wellness, with Dr. Christina Canody sharing health tips.
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
INSIDE LOOK: Dinos Unearthed invade ZooTampa!
Join us for a peek at what to expect at Dinos Unearthed at ZooTampa!
- Things to Do | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Family Fun | Parks + Attractions | Summer Break Fun | Videos
The BEST places to watch a rocket launch in Florida
We can sometimes spot a rocket launch from here in Tampa, but why not experience one up close at least once before the kids grow up?
Florida State Parks You Must Visit with the Kids
We’re sharing some of our team’s favorite Florida state parks to visit with the kids near the Tampa Bay area and beyond!
Why Park City, Utah is a Perfect Getaway for Florida Families All Year Long
Read about the best things to do in Park City, from winter skiing to summer activities, and find top spots for dining, and family adventures.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends Return to Busch Gardens
Come on out to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to celebrate the pirate-themed Kids Weekends on Saturdays and Sundays from January 25 to February 9, 2025.
Rooted in History and Fun: The Florida State Fair and Gasparilla
Did you know that the Florida State Fair used to be celebrated with Gasparilla? We’re sharing the deets on these two beloved Tampa events.
Sustainable Seafood: PBS docuseries “Hope in the Water” highlights the possibilities in our world’s waters
Discover how the PBS series Hope in the Water highlights the importance of sustainable seafood and saving our oceans.
Reinventing Ringling: Creating an All-New Show for Generations of Families
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is returning with an ALL-NEW show in 2026. We caught up with Juliette Feld Grossman, who teamed up with her father to produce The Greatest Show on Earth, to talk about the evolution of the show.
What’s NEW in 2025: New Attractions, a Record-Breaking Planetarium, and MORE!
It’s going to be another exciting year with NEW ways to play in 2025 in Tampa Bay with new exhibits to experience, a record-breaking planetarium, and so much more!!
- Christmas | Christmas>Events and Things to Do | Holiday Family Fun | People to KNOW in Tampa Bay | Straz Center for the Performing Arts and Patel Conservatory
Next Generation Ballet alumnus Jarod Curley returns for Nutcracker at The Straz
We’re catching up with Jarod Curley, an alumnus of Next Generation Ballet who now dances with the American Ballet Theatre. He is returning to The Straz as a guest star dancer in the 2024 production of Nutcracker.
10 Kid-Friendly Ideas to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home
We’ve searched some of our favorite blogs to find some amazing ideas for your New Year’s Eve or Noon Year’s Eve celebration at home with the kids!
SNEAK PEEK: Peak Surf Park Coming to Tampa Bay as soon as 2027
Get a first look at renderings of the planned Peak Surf Park in the Two Rivers development in Pasco County.
Soar into the future with MOSI’s expanded Drone Zone!
MOSI recently expanded its Drone Zone, adding even more square footage and obstacles along with a chance to explore eveyrhting you need to know about drones!
A Conversation for Moms: The conversation continues in the Maggie and the Moms Podcast!
Join Maggie and the Moms in their relatable new podcast for open and honest conversations about parenting and life’s challenges.
Finding Light After Dark at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Resilience After the Hurricanes
After 3 weeks of being closed after flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is sharing their story of resilience.
Awesome Ways to Donate Halloween Candy or PLAY with Candy!
Did your little ghosts and goblins come home with a huge haul of Halloween candy? We’re sharing some of our favorite ways to donate Halloween candy and even use the candy in fun science experiments!
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.
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 Ooey Gooey Truth About Cavities!
It’s the season of candy, candy, and MORE candy, making it the perfect time to ask … what exactly is the science behind cavities? We’re turning to McIlwain Dental Specialists to learn more.
