Back in Time: A Day Trip to Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is only 55 miles from downtown Tampa, but it feels like a world away. Maggie Rodriguez takes you on a tour for a perfect day trip.
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Uncovering the Gift in Every Child – Corbett Preparatory School
It’s easy to spot giftedness in some children, such as the precocious reader who devours books above their grade level or the math whiz who solves complex problems quickly. But what about the child who mediates a conflict with empathy or who notices details others miss? The creative thinker who builds something from nothing? The…
20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
We’ve rounded up our list of events going on this weekend to help you plan your best weekend ever!
Unlock Your Child’s Potential: Explore Pinellas County Schools
Pinellas County families have an exciting range of options when choosing the best learning environment for their children. With 89% of Pinellas County Schools earning A and B ratings—and the district earning an A rating for two consecutive years—families can feel confident their children have access to a high-quality education.
A New Year of Strength and Support Begins at the YMCA
As we kick off 2026, many individuals and families are looking for meaningful, sustainable ways to prioritize their health and well-being. At the Tampa YMCA and the YMCA of the Suncoast, we’re proud to be more than a great gym; we are a community hub where people of all ages can grow stronger, feel supported…
Nurturing Bright Futures Why Parents Choose CREATE Education
Education is at the core of development in childhood and early adulthood. With the right curriculum, community, and resources, an educational program can be the bridge to a bright future. Through evidence-based teaching, a unique blend of cross-disciplinary learning, and a focus on holistic development, the CREATE program (Children’s Recreational, Educational, Arts and Therapeutic Experience)…
Tracii’s Miracle – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Tanica stood at her daughter’s bedside in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, seemingly trapped in a nightmare. Hours earlier, in a freak accident at the family’s home, 3-year-old Tracii had been pinned between the car and the wall of the house. Her injuries were extensive. “I was…
Children’s Network of Hillsborough County: Growing Families Through Adoption Across the Tampa Bay Area
Every child deserves to thrive in a loving home, and as the lead agency charged with administering the child welfare system in Hillsborough County, the Children’s Network of Hillsborough County (CNHC) has been connecting kids with families, leading to more than 1,200 adoptions since July 2022. A Strong Foundation With child welfare at the core…
Top Picks for the Best Gasparilla Brunches This Year
Argh you ready? Gasparilla is upon us and before you party like a pirate, we’ve got our picks of brunch spots to enjoy before the parade.
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tampa Bay: Parade, Fireworks and More!
Get ready to ring in 2024 with these awesome family-friendly and adults-only New Year’s Eve events around Tampa Bay!
Get Ready to Party! Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey® returns in 2026 with NEW Show
We got a SNEAK PEEK of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® circus, which is about to make history again when it debuts its new production of the “Greatest Show on Earth®” right here in Tampa Bay, kicking off its next ALL-NEW national tour at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Jan. 2-4, 2026.
Where to Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Tampa Bay with the Kids
We’re sharing some of our favorite New Year’s Eve fireworks displays Tampa Bay, including one event that launches at noon!
- 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!
How to host a kid-friendly Kwanzaa celebration
Kwanzaa is a holiday founded in 1966 to help African-Americans reconnect with their culture. Here are 5 ways to have a kid-friendly Kwanzaa.
Snuggle Up with Kangaroo Joeys During Pouch Pals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Hop on over to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to snuggle up baby kangaroo joeys during the Pouch Pals Baby Roo Encounter!
Our Favorite Family-Friendly NOON Year’s Eve Events in Tampa Bay!
There are so many unique and FUN ways to ring in 2025 with a Noon Year’s Eve celebration with the kids! We’ve put together this list of some of our favorite family-friendly parties!
Q & A: STOMP’s Dilian Cantrell Prepares to Make Some Noise at The Straz Center this Month
We caught up with STOMP’s Dilian Cantrell before the pulse-pounding hit show makes a bang at The Straz Center later this month.
- Christmas>Events and Things to Do | Clearwater | Family Life>Fun>Holidays>Thanksgiving>Volunteer and Donate | Volunteer
‘Tis The Season for Giving: Giving Machine Comes to Clearwater Florida
‘Tis the season for giving, and the Tampa Bay Area is now home to Light The World’s Giving Machines! These machines are a great way to give to local and worldwide charities in a fun and interactive way this holiday season. Since their debut in 2017, Giving Machines have appeared in 126 cities around the…
The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
Whether you want to meet Santa, take in the dazzling beauty of Christmas lights, or celebrate the season at local theme parks, we’re sharing our list of our favorite Christmas events in Tampa Bay for families.
Tampa Bay’s BEST Restaurants for Christmas Dinner, Including To-Go Options!
The Best Christmas Dinner Spots in Tampa Bay – from Sit Down Restaurants to Amazing To Go Christmas Meals!
The BEST Free and Cheap Holiday Events in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing our favorite free and cheap holiday events and Christmas events in Tampa Bay to help you save!
INSIDE LOOK: Why we love HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort return in November and we’re taking you inside the fun to help you build your most awesome day ever!
Savor the Season: Dine-In Spots for Christmas Brunch
You’ve got a lot on your plate during the holidays, so we’ve compiled the best list of places for Christmas brunch!
SNEAK PEEK: Galacticoaster, a Space-Themed Ride to Launch at LEGOLAND® Florida Feb. 27, 2026
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!
INSIDE LOOK: The magic of bringing Nutcracker to life at the Straz Center in Tampa
We’re taking you inside the production of Nutcracker by Next Generation Ballet® at the Straz which has been months in the making.
AI Support: The Hidden Dangers for Our Kids and Teens
Jennifer Katzenstein, PhD of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital discusses how to help kids navigate the world of AI and the impact on mental heath.
Play It Safe: Common Toy Hazards and How to Avoid Them
Holiday toys are fun but some can be hazardous for little ones. BayCare Kids and Wellness shares tips on how to choose safer toys this season.
The Gift of Time: How Kroger Delivery Makes the Holidays Easier for Busy Families
The holiday season is busy! On top of the holiday shopping, gift wrapping, and festive fun, let Kroger Delivery take care of the groceries for you!
- MOSI | In Print | Museums | Things to Do
SNEAK PEEK: Set Your Imagination in Motion at MOSI’s Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit in January
Get ready to crank, spin and fly into the mind of the world’s greatest inventor at “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion” at MOSI next month!
INSIDE LOOK: onbikes Builds More Than Just Bikes in Tampa Bay
One of our favorite events happens every December with the onbikes organization. My family and friends have been longtime supporters of this organization and its mission to gift bikes to kids and people in Tampa Bay.
The Play List: Play all day at the St. Pete Pier
Looking for something fun to do outdoors to take advantage of Florida’s beautiful “winter” weather? Go for a day of play at the St. Pete Pier!
Life Skills: Local mom writes instruction manual for teaching kids life skills
A conversation with Andria Owen on teaching motivational life skills and her new book, “Connection Over Perfection.”
The Zest Podcast: We asked to share a Tasty Year in Review
Whether you’re wrapping gifts, road-tripping or running off the holiday stress, let The Zest Podcast keep you company this season!
Winter Reads for the Whole Family!
Just because it doesn’t snow in Florida, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a snowy read! Check out these titles to get you in the winter spirit.
Making Waves with Watermelon Swim this Holiday Season
Watermelon Swim is making a big splash by giving back to the community this holiday season with their annual holiday Giving Tree.
The Gift of Giving: How IB Students Spread Holiday Cheer All Year Long
Learn how IB students at Walker Middle Magnet School and Adum K-8 plan to spread holiday cheer this season.
Kids to Know: Kids 4 A Cause
Get to know Dominic Fouché, Sheldon Fouché, and cousins Michael Kuhn, and Christian Kuhn – the four boys behind Kids 4 A Cause.
Moms to Know: Malissa Spencer
Get to know mom and businesswoman, Malissa Spencer, senior entertainment manager for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Teacher to Know: Micaela Spatola, Tampa Bay Technical High School
Get to know Micaela Spatola, Tampa Bay Technical High School’s Agriculture and Veterinary Assisting Instructor, and her hands-on learning method.
The Power of Connection: How Moms of South Tampa Are Redefining Networking
Discover how networking for Moms of South Tampa is being redefined by the ‘MOST’ Business Networking group and how you can get involved.
How to Experience the Best Winter Break Ever in Tampa Bay
‘Tis the season for sleigh loads of winter break fun in Tampa Bay! We’re sharing our top picks of things to do!
Where to Eat Breakfast With Santa In Tampa Bay
Breakfast with Santa is a great way to let your kids see the big guy up close and personal. Fill the season with holiday cheer with one of these great breakfast with Santa options! Bookmark this page and check back in at a later date, as we will continue to update this post as announcements…
Where to See Santa at Walt Disney World
Our complete guide on Where to See Santa at Walt Disney World will make it easy for your family to see Santa Claus at Disney.
15 Awesome Holiday Parades and Lighted Boat Parades in Tampa Bay
Parades are such a fun way to celebrate the holidays with the family and the best part is, it’s free to attend!
Holiday Break Camps in Tampa Bay 2025
School might be out, but there are still plenty of awesome camps around town to keep the kids busy! Check out these cool camps for kids during Thanksgiving and Winter breaks.
Where to find the most DAZZLING Christmas lights in Tampa Bay
Christmas Lights are starting to Sparkle in Tampa Bay! Get into the Holiday Spirit with a stroll or drive by these beautiful Christmas lights!
- Elementary School Years | Family Fun | Featured | Food + Drink | High School Years & Beyond | Middle School Years | Parenting | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Spring Break | Things to Do
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!
Where to Take Pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay in 2025
We’re sharing some of our favorite spots to take pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa is bigger and brighter in 2025!
One of our favorite holiday events in Tampa Bay, Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa, returns for 17 select nights beginning November 28!
INSIDE LOOK: “Lucy Sparrow’s Quick Shop” at FloridaRAMA in St. Pete
World-renowned felt artist Lucy Sparrow is bringing her whimsical creations back to Tampa Bay, this time at FloridaRAMA in St. Pete beginning November 21, 2025.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals at Theme Parks for Florida Residents
The gift of experience is coming with some savings if you shop Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday deals at Florida attractions.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND Florida with a Bedtime-Friendly Party
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND a few hours early with an AWESOME day filled with kid-friendly activities and a brickacular fireworks display at 8 pm to end the night.
The Most Adorable Places to Celebrate Christmas on the Farm in Tampa Bay
From single-day special events to family-friendly holiday events on the farms on weekends, there will be so much to explore and experience this year! Since we are still awaiting details for many of the holiday events this year, be sure to bookmark this page and revisit us. We will continue to update this post as…
The Burton Family of ABC’s The Great Christmas Lights Fight Talks Twinkling Lights, Faith, and Holiday Fun
The Burton Family Light Show, featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Lights Fight, is a must-see family event in Tampa Bay this holiday season!
A Legacy of Giving: A conversation with Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz
You have to wonder, what would Tampa Bay look like if the Glazer family had not become the owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995? We would have a very different community, and not just because of football.
NEW Festive Fun Coming to Downtown Tampa at Winter Village
Curtis Hixon Park has transformed into a Winter Village once again filled with holiday lights, ice-skating, theme nights, curling, NEW ice-skating shows, and MORE!
How’d They Do That? A real ice rink in downtown Tampa at Winter Village
A real ice skating rink…outside…in the middle of downtown Tampa, Florida, where temps can easily peak in the mid-80s on any given afternoon in December? Yup! It’s totally possible, and it’s been happening every winter for the last ten years at Winter Village in Tampa!
SNEAK PEEK: Florida Waters at ZooTampa, the zoo’s largest expansion ever opens this spring!
ZooTampa’s largest expansion to date is under construction now, and while it’s not set to debut until spring 2026, we’re giving you a SNEAK PEEK from our recent hard hat tour because it’s too good not to share!
LEGOLAND Florida launches Junior Galaxy Explorers contest for young builders
LEGOLAND® Florida and LEGOLAND® California Resorts are teaming up for a nationwide search to form a team of creative Junior Galaxy Explorers who will be the first to ride the Galacticoaster on opening day on their designated coast!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Welcomes Back Manatees to its Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has officially reopened its Manatee Rehabilitation Center and welcomed its first new patients of the year—three juvenile manatees named Sabal, Orchid, and Vora.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonies Around Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some of the Tampa Bay area’s most dazzling holiday tree lighting ceremonies!
