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!
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!
Family-Friendly Earth Day Events in Tampa Bay
Celebrate Earth Day with your family by exploring several fun events in Tampa Bay! Join the community in making a difference while creating lasting memories.
- Art | Festivals | Gasparilla
Bringing Music and Opportunity to Tampa Families: A Conversation with the Gasparilla Music Foundation
The Gasparilla Music Festival brings thousands of Tampa Bay area music lovers together for a weekend of live performances, local food, and family-friendly fun. Behind the festival is the Gasparilla Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated not only to showcasing great music but also to expanding access to music education through initiatives like the Recycled Tunes program.
- 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 plan your best day ever at the Gasparilla Music Festival 2026!
We’re sharing everything you need to know about this year’s Gasparilla Music Festival in downtown Tampa February 16-18, 2024!
- Things to Do | Family Fun | Featured | Parenting | Parks + Attractions | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun
The Busch Gardens + Adventure Island FREE Preschool Card is Back in 2026! (DEADLINE EXTENDED)
The 2026 Preschool card allows for FREE unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for children ages 5 and younger through December 31, 2026.
The Best Restaurants for Mother’s Day Brunch in Tampa Bay for 2026
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 11 which means it’s time to book Mother’s Day brunch! We’re dishing on our favorite mom-approved restaurants!
Growing, Learning & Laughing: Summer at the Y for Preschoolers!
Learn why Summer at the Y for Preschoolers is a great choice for parents to let their children grow, learn and laugh all summer long!
To Outer Space… And Beyond! Books about Astronomy.
Children are naturally curious about what lies beyond our planet. Here are some books the Tampa-Hillsborough County Library has about astronomy: the science that studies everything beyond earth’s atmosphere. For younger children/ preschool and lower elementary school. “Space: Let’s Zoom up to the Stars!” by DK Publishing introduces young children to vocabulary about the…
West Coast Morgans: Building Confidence Since 2001
In a world filled with screen time and packed schedules, some of the most meaningful lessons still happen outdoors — with fresh air, open space and a trusted equine partner. For families across Tampa Bay, West Coast Morgans (WCM) has been providing that experience since 2001, helping children and adults develop responsibility, communication skills, and…
Navigating the Path of Parenting and Resources
As a mother and an early childhood professional, these two roles did not always align for me. My mom brain often took over, all my knowledge going out the window when my baby was crying. I wanted to fix what was wrong and make my baby feel better as soon as possible. Eventually, my early…
Coming Soon: Required Electrocardiograms During Sports Physicals
There’s a big change coming for parents of high school athletes. Starting this fall, a new law called the Second Chance Act will require all high school athletes who want to play sports during the 2026-2027 school year to pass an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) screening. The bill allows a student who has received an EKG/ECG in the…
A Summer to Shine on Stage
Outsmart Lord Farquaad. Dive Under the Sea. Dance in Dalmatian dots. If you’re looking for a summer camp experience for your child that combines movement and music and generates thunderous applause, a week on stage may fit the bill. Musical theatre camps – a longstanding tradition at Corbett Prep’s CAMP IDS – give students of…
- Family Fun | Farms | In Print
True Blue: Five great ways to enjoy your Florida blueberry haul
This time of year, Florida blueberries are ripe for the picking. And little hands are the perfect size to collect the bounty. Here are some ways to enjoy your haul during blueberry season.
The Science of Beauty – in Hillsborough County Public Schools
Microscopes, Bunsen burners and beakers: Let’s face it—sometimes it takes a little more to get students interested in science. Especially girls. Especially middle school girls. It’s unfortunate, but the numbers tell the story. In elementary school, 74% of girls express interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). However, during the middle school years, there…
Teacher to Know: Denise White, Pinellas County School Teacher of the Year
Caring, positive and inspirational — that’s how students describe Denise White of James B. Sanderlin K-8 IB World School. This year, she was named 2026 Teacher of the Year for Pinellas County Schools, recognizing more than three decades of dedication to local students. A proud Pinellas County native, White was honored at the Evening of Excellence hosted by the…
Moms to Know: Amy Martinez-Monfort, Founder/CEO, Tampa Laundry Company
Owning her own business was a childhood dream that nagged at Amy Martinez-Monfort even after succeeding as a corporate litigator for a top law firm and climbing to upper management at a pharmaceutical company. “I loved the work and the people,” she says, “yet deep down, I knew I was destined to build something of…
Car Seat 101
Avoid counterfeits, do your research, and read about how to choose and install a car seat Everyone loves a bargain, but your child’s car seat is not the place to look for one. Gina Baez, BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist, says that her team has lately noticed a proliferation of counterfeit car seats. While…
Kids to Know: Leela & Sonia
Tampa Prep high school students Leela and Sonia are helping inspire the next generation of STEM leaders by coaching elementary robotics teams across multiple schools. Through competitions, teamwork and problem‑solving, they’re showing younger students, especially girls, that robotics can be both challenging and fun. What has surprised you most about working with younger students in…
- Farms | Things to Do | U Pick
Where to pick sunflowers and other pretty flowers in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some of our favorite flower fields where you can pick flowers right now in Tampa Bay!
Awesome Things to Do on Mother’s Day Weekend in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do on Mother’s Day weekend and we’ve got something for every amazing mama on our list!
- 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
- Summer Break Fun | Art | Camps | Tampa
The Sweetest Summer Ever at The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts!
The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall is gearing up for a fun-filled, unforgettable summer with their summer camps and summer production.
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…
- Disney + Central Florida Fun | Parks + Attractions | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun
A Parent’s Guide to the BEST Kid Friendly Water Parks in Orlando
It’s easy to make a splash in Orlando. Being the vacation destination that it is, you can find lots of ways to cool off, including water parks. The problem is, there are so many! To help you sort through the great water parks for families in Orlando, here are our top picks for family-friendly water…
Spring Into Fun at the St. Pete Pier’s Spring Festival!
Home / Easter / Easter Egg Hunts and Events Easter is right around the corner, and the St. Pete Pier is bringing back one of our favorite events – the Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 5! What to Expect at the Spring Festival The festival will have tons of family-friendly entertainment…
The Best Easter Egg Hunts and Events in Tampa Bay
Discover the joy of Easter in Tampa Bay with a variety of egg hunts and events perfect for families. From underwater adventures to beachfront fun and farm festivities, there’s something special for every bunny.
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 set to debut this month, and we’re giving you a SNEAK PEEK from our hard hat tour because it’s too good not to share.
The Cost of Starting Conversations About Teen Drinking Too Late
Learn more about how the high cost of starting conversations about teen drinking can harm relationships and teen safety.
The Best Spots for Easter Brunch in Tampa Bay
Home / Easter in Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St. Pete The Easter holiday weekend is in April, and we’ve gathered some of our favorite Easter brunch restaurants in Tampa Bay! From waterfront views to elegant dining and brunch buffets, we’ve got something for every family on our list. For even more Easter fun, we’re also sharing…
Wild Spring Break Brings Animal Encounters to Glazer Children’s Museum
Families can go wild this Spring Break at Glazer Children’s Museum, where furry, feathery, and scaly animal friends are taking over for a week of unforgettable encounters.
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!
The Straz Center Announces its 2026-2027 Broadway Season Lineup!
The 2026-2027 Broadway at The Straz season lineup is here, featuring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, Hamilton, and more!
USF Brings Beach Volleyball to Tampa Bay: Coach Pri Piantadosi Lima’s Vision for a New Era
USF is launching its inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball season. We’re introducing you to head coach Pri Piantadosi Lima, a longtime professional beach volleyball player with an elite background, as she leads this history-making team in Tampa Bay.
What it means to keep going: Nick Schuyler on Loss, Resilience, and Life After
As a Tampa Bay parent raising young children, Schuyler reflects on how a life-altering experience shapes the way he approaches parenting, resilience, and the fleeting nature of time.
How an all-woman sports leadership team is shaping the Tampa Bay Sun on and off the field
In all of top-level American pro soccer, among 55 teams, only one has a woman in every lead coaching and competition role. That history-making team is also the Tampa Bay Sun.
It’s a “Spring Seal-abration” this spring break at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Celebrate spring break with purpose during Spring Seal‑abration at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, featuring new animals, newly renovated habitats, and immersive, hands‑on experiences all March and April.
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!
Our Favorite Orlando Hotels with Pools and Water Parks
We’re sharing the best Orlando resort options that have water parks where parents can actually relax while the kids play!
Celebrate Easter Weekend at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Dive into Easter weekend with Clearwater Marine Aquarium, with breakfast with the Easter Bunny, and enjoy a splash of holiday fun for the whole family.
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!
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Celebrates 100 Years of Healing
“This is an incredible milestone, a historical time for our organization, made possible by ongoing community support, dedicated employees and visionary leaders.” -Alicia Schulhof, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E., president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s
Moms to Know: Yamel Belen, Founder, One Love Doula & One Love Nanny
Yamel Belen was 17 when she had her first of five children. Another baby arrived three years later. Fast forward two decades and those daughters, now 27 and 24, are a huge part of their mother’s career success. They not only help with childcare for their younger siblings but also work alongside their mom at…
Building Confidence, Community and Careers: Tampa YMCA Summer Camps in Action
At the Tampa YMCA, summer camp is more than a seasonal activity; it’s a pathway for growth, leadership and lifelong connection. For over 135 years, families across the Tampa Bay area have trusted YMCA summer camp programs to provide safe, engaging and enriching experiences for children of all ages. From first-time campers discovering independence to…
Kids to Know: Kinley Whitt
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…
Teaching Teens to Think Like Innovators, Leaders and Problem-Solvers
At a time when financial literacy, economic understanding and entrepreneurial thinking are more essential than ever, Shorecrest Preparatory School is proud to introduce a new Signature Distinction for Upper School students: the Ross Roeder Institute (RRI) Certificate in Financial Literacy, Economics, and Entrepreneurship. Designed for students who are curious about how ideas become ventures and…
Teacher to Know: Christi Atkinson, Hillsborough County Public Schools Teacher of the Year
At Wharton High School, Christi Atkinson is doing far more than teaching science; she is shaping future environmental leaders and elevating excellence across campus. Serving as head of the science department, she teaches Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)/Cambridge Marine Science and AICE Environmental Science, where her students consistently outperform global averages in these rigorous…
Bump and Beyond: A Community Celebration of Parenthood and Preparedness
On April 12, 2025, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) hosted a community baby shower, “Bump and Beyond: Thriving Through Pregnancy,” at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. The event brought together approximately 70 registered participants for a day of connection, education and support for parents at every stage of their pregnancy…
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!
New Year, New Smile: Maximize Your Orthodontic Insurance Benefits & Start Your Journey This Spring Break!
Sam Patel, CEO of Imagine Orthodontic Studio, shares how to maximize your orthodontic insurance benefits.
River O’Green 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!
Monster Jam Returns to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium!
Monster Jam is roaring back into Tampa! We’re sharing some highlights to know before you go!
Five Awesome Things About the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Get a peek inside the action at the Firestone St. Pete Grand Prix and see why it’s a must-do with the kids!
LEGOLAND Florida Introduces Two Limited-Edition Snacks for Galacticoaster Launch
Thrills and fun are best paired with awesome treats. And friends, you’re in for a thrilling adventure at LEGOLAND, and your taste buds are coming along for the ride. To celebrate the grand opening of the all-new Galacticoaster, LEGOLAND Florida is offering two limited-edition snacks that are bold, colorful, and totally on theme — one…
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!
Best Resort Staycation Ideas for families traveling from Tampa Bay
With resorts adding so many amenities that you don’t need to leave the property to have a good time, booking a staycation has become popular.
