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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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!
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.
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!
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.
- 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!
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.
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 at The 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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…
- 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.
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!
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!
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: ICE! at the Gaylord Palms featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Gaylord Palms will celebrate the holidays with ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends return this year for some magical holiday fun.
Where to get Thanksgiving Dinner in Tampa Bay: Dine in Restaurants and To-Go Options
Let someone else do the cooking! We’re sharing our top picks of Thanksgiving Dinner take-out and dining in options in Tampa Bay.
15+ Best Farmers Markets in Tampa Bay for Farm Fresh Produce
We’re dishing on our favorite farmers markets in Tampa Bay for farm fresh, locally grown produce, local honey, and more!
INSIDE LOOK: What to Expect at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
We attended Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on opening night to give you a peek at what to expect to help you plan your magical night out.
The Toy Insider Reveals the Hottest Toys For 2025!
The Toy Insider is sharing the best toys for 2025 to plan your holiday shopping! From playroom favorites to Best in STEM, it’s time to make your list!
The Gift of Experience in Tampa Bay: A Holiday Gift List Must
Rather than overloading our kids with more toys and clutter, why not give the gift of experience in Tampa Bay? An annual pass or membership to a local attraction is not only cost-effective, it’s a gift that keeps on giving year–round to the entire family. Added bonus- many of the attractions that offer summer camps…
Where to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay
The beloved holiday performance is returning to the stage in 2024! We’re sharing our favorite places to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay.
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!
Your Guide to Children’s Gasparilla 2025: What You Need to Know Before You Go
The Children’s Gasparilla is Saturday, January 18, 2025, and we’re sharing all of our expert tips on where to park, how to upgrade your day, what to bring, and more!
12+ Places to Donate New Toys in Tampa Bay this Holiday Season
The high cost of living and inflation continue to make a significant impact on families and the non-profit organizations that support them. If you are financially able, donating a new toy and even food for a local family in need will make a big difference this holiday season.
The Best Holiday Shows in Tampa Bay to See With the Kids
We’re sharing some of our favorite Christmas shows on stage in Tampa Bay to help you plan your December to remember.
- Christmas | Christmas>Gifts>Metropolitan Ministries | Holiday Family Fun | Thanksgiving | Things to Do | Tweens and Teens | Volunteer
How Your Family Can Give the Gift of HOPE at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent
There is an urgent need for food and toy donations at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent. We’re sharing ways your family can help.
One of the World’s Most Immersive Animal Habitats to Open this Spring at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is roaring into 2026 with the ALL-NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge, an extraordinary new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care portfolio and the most ambitious new habitat in more than a decade.
