Blog

Day trip to Anna Maria Island'
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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.

Dinos Unearthed at ZooTampa Trex

20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay with Kids this Weekend

We’ve rounded up our list of events going on this weekend, including Dinos Unearthed at ZooTampa, Monster Energy Super Cross, the Florida State Fair, and MORE!

Lloyd_LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends at LLFR
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NINJAGO Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida: Here’s what to expect

Join us as we take you through what to expect at LEGO NINJAGO Weekends which is being celebrated through February 17, 2025!

Valentine's Day events for Kids

Valentine’s Day Events for Kids and Families in Tampa Bay

Love is in the air and there are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family! We’ve rounded up our favorite Valentine’s Day events around Tampa Bay.

Florida State Fair 2024
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Our Favorite Things to Do with the Kids at the Florida State Fair!

The Florida State Fair is back February 6-17, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds with even more family fun! We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do with little ones!

Wild Oasis Realm at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
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SNEAK PEEK: The NEW Wild Oasis Realm coming this spring to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

“North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm” is heading to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this spring and we’re giving you a sneak peek!

Tampa YMCA Preschool Summer Campers
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Tampa YMCA Launches Preschool Summer Enrichment Camp

Learn all about the brand new YMCA Preschool Summer Camp for 2-5 year olds, running from June 2 to August 8 at the Central City Family YMCA and Camp Sierra. 

child standing on a stool represents children with obesity

A Healthy Heart in Children Starts with Preventing and Treating Obesity

Did you know that excess weight in children can significantly impact their heart health and increase their risk of developing cardiovascular issues later in life? While many assume that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal heart muscle structure are only associated with adults, children with obesity can also suffer from these medical issues. The…

Mindy and Paul Mccord USF Women's lacrosse
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Building Culture That Lasts: Veteran Lacrosse Program Launchers Mindy and Paul McCord

Veteran coaches, Mindy and Paul McCord are trailblazing the way for USF Women’s Lacrosse and gearing up for their inaugural game on Feb. 7!

Keel Farms yoga
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A Tale of Two Farms: Legacy Lives at Ananda and Keel Farms

Discover Ananda and Keel Farms, two of our favorite local farms offering fresh food and seasonal festivities that showcase the best of Florida farming!

Valentine's day crafts bracelets
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Crafting From the Heart: Valentine’s Day Crafts from @CraftingaFunLife

Learn fun and easy Valentine’s Day crafts for the whole family, from handmade cards to DIY bracelets, for a creative and festive celebration.

Tyra Andre Mommy and wee travels
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Moms to Know: Tyra Andre, Mommy and Wee Travels

Learn about Tyra Andre’s journey from scientist to world traveler and how she turned her passion into a travel agency, “Mommy and Wee Travels.”

Race 4 Education winners
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Run, or Walk… For Education!

The Hillsborough Co. Public Schools Race 4 Education is coming up on April 12! Sign Up now to help support students’ physical education.

Park City Utah in the summertime.
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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.

Isabella Cooley
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Kids to Know: Isabella Cooley

Get to know Isabella Cooley, a young traveler and author of the book series “Let’s Explore with Isabella”, who’s explored 30+ countries!

Galentine's Danielle Bayard Jackson
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Remember Your Gal-entines!

Danielle Bayard Jackson explains why friendships are key to happiness and how to make this Galentine’s a meaningful celebration of connection.

Pediatric Heart Surgery David
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Infant Receives Life-saving Heart Care at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Read about a family’s journey through pediatric heart surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, where expert care gave baby David a second chance.

Black history month
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Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Tampa Bay

Black History Month was created to acknowledge, congratulate and celebrate the many contributions of African Americans in the United States.

BayCare Kids pediatric cardiologists at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital performed a miracle on Baby Adrian
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Heartfelt Gratitude: How BayCare Physicians Perform Daily Miracles for their Tiniest Patients

Learn how pediatric cardiologists at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital deliver support and offer lifelong congenital heart care to their tiniest patients.

10 Ideas for Non-Candy Valentine’s Day Cards

10 Ideas for Non-Candy Valentine’s Day Cards

If you are in search of non-candy Valentine’s Day card ideas, look no further! Check out our favorite ideas that include FREE printables!

Dooley Groves Citrus U-Pick Farms
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U-Pick Farms in Tampa Bay: Where to pick citrus, strawberries, and veggies now!

We’re sharing all of the best farms where you can pick citrus, veggies, berries, and more!

paddy fest st. pete
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Celebrate the Luck of the Irish at Paddy Fest in St. Pete!

Paddy Fest St. Pete is making a return with Irish themed fun! Head to Williams Park on Saturday, March 15, 2025 to celebrate the luckiest day of the year!

River O'Green Fest

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!

Tampa-River-O'Green-Fest Things to do this weekend
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River O’Green Fest returns this year to downtown Tampa!

Get a front row seat to watch the Hillsborough River transform into the most vibrant shade of green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day!

Inside Santa Cecilia: Character Dining at Plaze de Coco Restaurant on the Disney Treasure
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Inside Santa Cecilia: Character Dining at Plaze de Coco Restaurant on the Disney Treasure

The Disney Pixar film “Coco” is a colorful celebration of music, family, and Mexican culture, and it’s got some unforgettable tunes, from “Remember Me” to “The World is Mi Familia.” The animated film has so much energy, that it’s no surprise kids love it. Now, aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, there’s…

Sit inside a LEGO Ferrari at LEGOLAND Florida
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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!

galentine's Day

Fun Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Tampa!

Time to gather your girlfriends and celebrate a day that’s all about the strong bond of female friendship – Galentine’s Day!

Dinosaur Discoveries at MOSI
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NEW AT MOSI: Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas

Get your prehistoric questions ready. Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas opens January 25 at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, and it’s all about exploring what living, breathing dinosaurs were really like.

Sesame Street Kids' Weekends at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (2)
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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. 

How to spend Valentine's Day as a family

Sweet Valentine’s Day ideas to experience as a family

Valentine’s Day is about sharing love with those around you. Here are some sweet ways to celebrate together as a family!

RECYCLE Your Gasparilla Beads and Get Admission Discounts at Florida Aquarium!
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RECYCLE Your Gasparilla Beads and Get Admission Discounts at Florida Aquarium!

The Florida Aquarium wants your Gasparilla beads! In exchange, they’re offering discounts on admisison if you donate!

Gasparilla history
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The Legends and History of Gasparilla, One of Tampa’s Most Treasured Traditions

Shiver me timbers! It’s that time of year again when pirates take over Tampa Bay. Gasparilla, the long-standing Tampa tradition, is celebrating its 107th year at the end of the month. For many, this means getting decked out in their favorite pirate gear and watching the Gasparilla parades along Bayshore. The Parade of Pirates, the…

Banging all Drums! Waving all Scarves! Allisongs for Tots’ NEW LOCATION is Big, Beautiful and Ready for Students!
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Banging all Drums! Waving all Scarves! Allisongs for Tots’ NEW LOCATION is Big, Beautiful and Ready for Students!

Allisongs for Tots, the beloved Hyde Park music studio for kids is moving into its brand-new home and throwing a party for families this Tuesday!

Gasparilla flotilla Invasion

How to Watch the Gasparilla Flotilla Invasion

Before the parade, pirates will invade the waterways of Tampa for the Gasparilla Flotilla Invasion! Check out our favorite viewing spots.

a lego pirate ship on a table in front of a legoland sign

LEGOLAND Florida to invade the Children’s Gasparilla with a deal for kids!

LEGOLAND Florida will sail into the Children’s Gasparilla event with pre-parade character meet and greets and an AWESOME floats where kids can snag exclusive Gasparilla beads feauring a “Kids Go Free” deal!

MLK-Day-Parades-Tampa-Bay
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parades and Events in Tampa Bay

Celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. this holiday weekend in Tampa Bay. From parades to special events, there is something for every family on our list!

Big John, the world's largest fossil triceratops at Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa
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Where to see dinosaurs in Tampa Bay

Have a kid who loves dinos? We’re sharing all of the places where you can see dinosaurs in Tampa Bay and even awesome exhibits that are worth the drive!

where to see a rocket launch in florida
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Free Annual Pass for Preschoolers at Kennedy Space Center Available Now!

You only have a limited time to register for the free Junior Space Explorer Pass for kids age 5 and younger

Endless Surf Adventure Island
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The BEST Water Parks in Tampa Bay: Keep cool and have FUN!

Keep your cool at one of our favorite water parks in Tampa Bay! From theme parks to community parks, we’re dishing on all of our top spots!

Festival of the Arts at EPCOT: The Best Food and Activities for Kids
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Festival of the Arts at EPCOT: The Best Food and Activities for Kids

Learn about some of the best foods and activities for kids at the 2024 Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

Megladon at Amalie Arena
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Monster Jam Returns to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium in 2025!

Monster Jam is roaring back to Tampa Bay for two action-packed shows at Raymond James Stadium on February 1 and 2! We’re sharing some highlights to know before you go!

busch-gardens-preschool-card
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The Busch Gardens + Adventure Island FREE Preschool Card is Back in 2025!

The 2025 Preschool card allows for FREE unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for children ages 5 and younger through December 31, 2025.

Grossology exhibit at MOSI skin wall
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Grossology: A Squishy, Oozy Adventure at MOSI Extended through April 27, 2025!

Alert! There’s a new MOSI exhibit opening soon! We’re giving you an inside look at Grossology, opening 9/14, all about the gross stuff our bodies do that will make you giggle and gasp!

Gasparilla Invasion free things to do in Tampa Bay
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Where to Park for Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Gasparilla Pirate Fest is almost here! Plan ahead and know where to park before heading to the Invasion and Parade of Pirates.

Amy Schmidt author, Cannonball!
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New Year, New You: Why it’s Never too late to Reinvent Yourself

We’re chatting with Amy Schmidt, author of Cannonball!, on inspiring women to embrace change and start fresh at any stage of life.

volunteering creates happiness

Happiness Increases When Students Focus on Helping Others

Discover how Corbett Prep students and teachers learned how volunteering creates happiness when they worked together to create their new Watershed Warriors club.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Wesley Chapel

Growing For All Children at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital – NEW Wesley Chapel Hospital Coming Soon!

Learn about how the #1 children’s hospital in Florida, Johns Hopkins All Children’s, is expanding to Wesley Chapel with a new 56-bed hospital coming soon!

join the YMCA
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Find Your Spark at the YMCA this New Year

Discover the benefits of joining the Y this year, from childcare to group exercise classes, to personal training to swimming, youth sports and so much more!

Brain Rot
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BRAIN ROT Yes, it’s a thing. And yes, you can do something about it.

Dr. Jennifer Katzensein shares what brain rot is and how it impacts kids today. Learn her tips to help prevent it and encourage healthier habits.

Public Library Resources
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New Year, New Adventures at Your Public Library

Discover how public library resources can help you learn, explore, and create new opportunities for your family with free programs and tools.

Touchdown Pass Foundation Dylan Gandhi, Eaon McQuade and MJ Jones Jr.
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Kids to Know: Touchdown Pass Foundation: Dylan Gandhi, Eaon McQuade, MJ Jones Jr.

Discover how the Touchdown Pass Foundation makes football accessible for kids by providing equipment and opportunities to play.

Florida State Fair
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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.

Hope in the water
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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.

Protein Lunchboxes
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Powerful Protein Lunchboxes

Discover simple and delicious protein lunchboxes that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout your day.

Teacher of the Year
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Hillsborough County Public Schools Names Top Educators!

Did your child’s teacher make the list? See who’s been nominated for Teacher of the Year in Hillsborough County for 2024!

Liam Coen
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Life Behind Liam Coen’s Playbook: Football and Family with Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Offensive Coordinator

Learn all about how Liam Coen combines football and family in his busy life as an offensive coordinator coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Amber Uhler Mrs. Universe USA
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January Moms to Know: Amber Uhler, Mrs. Universe USA

Read about Amber Uhler’s story of perseverance, water safety advocacy, and her journey to becoming Mrs. Universe USA 2024.

Meatless Mondays Dalia Colon
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7 Tips for Meatless Mondays

Discover 7 simple and practical tips to make Meatless Mondays fun, flavorful, and enjoyable for the whole family.

Gasparilla beads at South Tampa Trading Co
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Ahoy, Matey! The best places in Tampa to buy Gasparilla outfits and beads

We’re sharing some of our team’s favorite spots to shop for the Children’s Gasparilla and Pirate Fest!

The Florida Aquarium expansion in 2025
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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!!

2025 NYE
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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!