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.
Blog
- Central Florida | Beach | Hotels | Travel
One More Weekend: Why a Back-to-School Getaway With Your Kids Matters
Sometimes, all we need is one weekend away to feel like we squeezed a little more summer out of the season. But more importantly, it gives us a chance to reconnect with our kids even as the back-to-school craziness begins.
Dinosaurs Are Roaring Into MOSI: New mini-golf course and MORE!
At MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Innovation, the prehistoric past is coming to life with exciting new adventures.
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!
INSIDE LOOK: Coastersaurus ROARS back into action at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Coastersaurus is BACK on track, and we’re talking to two people from the team at LEGOLAND Florida Resort who helped it roar back to life!
Monster Jam Returns to Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena!
Monster Jam is roaring back into Tampa! We’re sharing some highlights to know before you go!
- Central Florida | Disney | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Fall Family Fun | Halloween | Things to Do
INSIDE LOOK: Fall into Magic at Disney Springs
It’s finally fall ya’ll…at least it is at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, and we’re taking you inside the magic of it all so you know what to expect.
Nurturing Social-Emotional Well-Being at Lightbridge Academy Tampa-Westchase
At Lightbridge Academy of Tampa-Westchase, we believe a child’s success begins with feeling safe, supported, and connected. While early literacy, math, and science are important building blocks, social-emotional well-being is just as essential during the early years. When children learn to understand their emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop confidence, they’re better prepared to succeed…
50+ Fall Events, Pumpkin Patches, Halloween Events, and MORE!
The 2025 list of pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and fall festivals in Tampa Bay is here and promises some ghoulishly good times.
The BEST Halloween Events for Kids in Tampa Bay + MORE Fun!
We’re sharing the best Halloween events for kids in Tampa Bay, along with trick-or-treating events, costume ideas, spooky snacks, and MORE!
A New President and a New Era at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Q&A with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s new president, Jon Vigue, on the park’s history and latest area, the new Lion & Hyena Ridge!
Back To School With The Library
Time to head back to school! Check out these titles to find books that can help prepare everyone for the school mindset.
Kids to Know: Cameron Cowans
Meet 13 year old Cameron Cowans of Troop 46 in Tampa who collected over 350 used musical instruments to help support local music programs.
Introducing Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Newest Residents, Wahoo and Tuna!
Meet the newest residents of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Pinniped Pier, the adorably fun sea lions Tuna and Wahoo!
5 Cool Things to See at the Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt, now on display at the Tampa Museum of Art
See over 117 objects on display to immerse you in the lives of ancient Egyptians at Tampa Museum of Art’s “Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt.”
A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be back for 2026! We’re sharing what we know so far!
High Speeds, No Helmets
BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Experts want parents to take a serious look at e-bike and e-scooter safety There’s a new menace on the road, and chances are, you’ve already looked at one and thought, “That looks like fun!” Before adding that electric bike or scooter to your shopping cart, however, BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist…
From Tiny to Thriving: Baby Cash’s Story
When Kelsi learned her pregnancy had taken a sudden turn at just 24 weeks, she was thrown into a frightening new reality: preparing for the possible birth of a micropreemie. What followed was a journey marked by uncertainty, resilience and the specialized care that helped her son, Cash, survive and thrive. Kelsi, a first-time mom…
- In Print | Back to School | Education | Elementary School Years | High School Years & Beyond | Middle School Years
Beyond the Letter Grade: What Hillsborough’s “A” Means for Students
This summer, Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrated a milestone more than a decade in the making: earning its first “A” district grade from the Florida Department of Education in more than 10 years. That’s certainly exciting news for the district, but if you’re a parent, you might be wondering: What does that actually mean for…
Lunchbox MVPs: Dairy Snacks Kids Love
In partnership with Florida Dairy Farmers Another school year is here, which means packing lunchboxes is probably back on your daily schedule. As parents, we want to make sure that our kids are enjoying what they eat away from home while also getting the proper nutrients to keep their bellies and brains full. While kids…
Why Your Child’s Back-to-School Checklist Should Include an Eye Exam
New shoes. Fresh pencils. A backpack that somehow already weighs more than your child. Back-to-school season has a rhythm every parent knows. We check the supply list. We fill out the forms. We make sure our children have what they need to begin the year with confidence. But before the first homework assignment, before the…
The K–8 Advantage with Excelsior Prep
Why More Families Are Choosing One School for the Journey Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While traditional middle schools continue to serve many students well, a growing number of families are exploring the benefits of a K–8 education. Research suggests that continuity, strong relationships and…
STEM is Important – So What Can Parents Do About It?
STEM used to be an easy-to-understand acronym. In the 1990s, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was an education buzzword — a category for science fair volcanoes, “Hello, World” coding and bridges built from marshmallows and toothpicks. Today, with ample access to AI, 3D printers, computer-aided design (CAD) software, digital simulators and more, STEM is…
From an Unexpected Loss to a Thriving Family
From an Unexpected Loss to a Thriving Family, Thanks to the Renowned USF Health | Tampa General Hospital Fetal Care Center Kadian was at a holiday party, six months into what had been a normal pregnancy, when she began experiencing a worrisome sensation of deep pressure — unlike anything she had felt before. “That’s when…
Moms to Know: Danielle Bayard Jackson, Female Friendship Coach, Educator & Author
With schedules that are packed with playdates, sports, school, and the many other ways we socialize our kids, what, then, is left for us parents who also dream of a Monica to our Rachel? This is where a Friendship Coach comes in.
“The Art of Banksy” exhibit now open at the Straz Center in Tampa
The world’s largest authenticated collection of Banksy art is now on stage at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa for a limited time.
The Family Business: An INSIDE LOOK at children’s clothing line, Emerson and Friends
I first came across the Emerson and Friends children’s clothing line a couple of years ago at Butter Bug Boutique in South Tampa. While the fabrics were everything I was looking for — buttery soft and lightweight — what caught my eye were the Florida-inspired designs. My favorite? The pattern featuring our beloved manatee. Come…
INSIDE LOOK: Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is ready to debut Lion & Hyena Ridge, one of the world’s most immersive animal habitats and the park’s largest expansion in a decade, and we got a SNEAK PEEK!
INSIDE LOOK: Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida 2026
We’re dishing on all the details about Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida to help you map out your family’s adventure this Halloween season!
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Know Before You Go!
Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns in 2026 from Monday, July 20, to Sunday, August 20, 2026.
ASK THE DOCTOR: 10 Expert Tips to Set and Achieve Goals
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is sharing 10 expert tips for setting family goals for the new school year and how goal setting helps build lifelong skills and to strengthen family bonds.
DATE NIGHT IDEA: Get Crafty at Adult Craft Night at Glazer Children’s Museum!
If your algorithm has convinced you that everyone is making charm bracelets, pouring candles, bedazzling everything they own, and keeping junk journals…this is your sign to join in the fun of crafting.
Avoid the Long Lines and Celebrate at a Disney After Hours Party!
We love the Disney After Hours events for two reasons: the lines are shorter and it’s a lot less hot outside since you’re not sweltering in the blazing hot Florida sun.
INSIDE LOOK: Tampa Bay Rays Game Day at Tropicana Field with the Kids
Our team here at Tampa Bay Parenting recently went to a Tampa Bay Rays Family Fundays game to give you an INSIDE LOOK at game day to help you plan a day fit for the memory book. So let’s play ball!
ZooTampa Baby Boom: The BEST summer ever to meet two baby rhinos!
ZooTampa welcomed a whopping 50+ babies this spring, which means there are a lot of cute new faces for you and the kids to see this summer.
The James Museum in St. Pete Launches Summer of Savings!
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Pete is offering some amazing deals and freebies you and the family can take advantage of this summer!
- Back to School | Big Kids | Education | Elementary School Years | In Print | Lil Kids | Middle School Years | Summer Break Fun
Back-to-School Fair Returns Aug. 1 with Free Backpacks, Family Fun and School-Year Inspiration
Picture this: a student proudly slinging a brand-new backpack over their shoulders, a favorite sports mascot posing for photos nearby, performers taking the stage to showcase their talents, and parents crossing items off their back-to-school shopping lists … all while enjoying a break from the Florida heat. That’s the scene families can expect at the…
A Lifechanging Food Allergy Treatment: Charlotte’s Story
Learn how a food allergy changed everything for Charlotte’s family, and what the doctor’s at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital can do to help.
INSIDE LOOK: LEGO® Pokémon™ and LEGO® F1® headlining LEGO Festival zones at LEGOLAND Florida
The LEGO ® Festival is a celebration of PLAY and will be held at all seven LEGOLAND Resorts where kids can let their imaginations can run wild and creativity knows no limits!
Carrying Forward a Tampa Tradition: Phil Alessi Jr. on Family and Legacy
Today, more than a century after his grandfather opened Tampa’s Alessi Bakery, Phil Alessi Jr. finds himself serving as both a caretaker of a beloved local institution and a steward of its future.
Moms to Know: Jen Smurr, Owner, Born + Bread Bakehouse, Lakeland
Meet Jen Smurr, Owner of Born + Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland, Florida.
- Attractions | Babies | Big Kids | Busch Gardens | Elementary School Years | Lil Kids | Middle School Years | Parks + Attractions | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Summer Break Fun | Tampa | Theme Parks | Things to Do | Tweens and Teens
Our Favorite Things to Do at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for All Ages and Stages
We’ve put together a list of some of our team’s favorite things to do at Busch Gardens with our kiddos at all ages and stages.
What’s NEW at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Pinniped Pier and more!
It’s been a busy year at Clearwater Marine Aquarium as the team welcomed new animals and prepares to debut the new Pinniped Pier exhibit!
All Aboard! Largo Central Railroad Celebrates 35 Years
We’re learning more about Largo Central Railroad from the people who keep the trains moving as they celebrate 35 years in our community.
- In Print | People to KNOW in Tampa Bay | Straz Center for the Performing Arts and Patel Conservatory
Q&A with “Hamilton” Star and Central Florida’s Own Eddie Ortega
Orlando native and Hamilton star, Eddie Ortega, talks about being in one of Broadway’s biggest musicals of all time, which heads to the Straz this fall.
A Magical Way to Experience American History at Walt Disney World
A magical visit to Walt Disney World’s Liberty Square unveils hidden gems and history, just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.
Summer is Calling – And So Is Your Best Smile
If straightening your child’s teeth — or your own — has been on the to-do list, summer is the time to do it at Imagine Orthodontic Studio. School is out, schedules are flexible and there’s room to adjust to new braces or aligners before the back-to-school rush. Whether your child is 7 and ready for…
Chill Out with Ice Cream Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat!
When summer is here and the sun is out, what sounds better than a cold, creamy ice cream treat? July is National Ice Cream Month, and we’re celebrating by sharing some of our favorite homemade ice cream recipes from our friends at Florida Dairy Farmers! These recipes are tried and true with real Florida dairy…
Back-to-School Means More to Explore at MOSI
At MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Innovation, back-to-school season is more than just supplies and schedules — it’s about keeping curiosity alive. From launching rockets and solving engineering challenges to building virtual worlds and exploring the mysteries of space, MOSI creates experiences that stick with children long after they leave. Here, learning isn’t limited…
Benefits of Probiotics for Kids – Culturelle Probiotics
The information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as medical advice or to replace professional medical care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before starting any new medication or dietary supplement. Did you know that over 70% of your child’s immune system resides in their gut? As…
A Pioneer in Minimally Invasive Pediatric Urology Surgery Leads the Way at Tampa General
While urology is commonly thought of as an adult specialty, children have unique urologic needs that require dedicated expertise. At Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), families have access to advanced pediatric urology care tailored specifically for children — combining innovation, precision and a deeply compassionate approach. In fact, Muma Children’s Hospital at…
STAYcation Ideas: The BEST Hotels and Resorts near Tampa Bay for Families
We’re sharing some of our favorite kid-friendly hotels in Tampa Bay whether you are looking for a beachfront getaway or something totally unique the kids will love!
Shining Summer Reads for Your Child’s Summer Reading Challenge
Check out these colorful summer-themed picture books to get your child to their 24-hour reading goal.
The BEST Family-Friendly July 4th Events in Tampa Bay
There are some awesome July 4th fireworks in Tampa Bay for you to choose from whether you are looking for a waterfront celebration or at a park.
Where to see July 4th fireworks in Tampa Bay in 2026
We’re sharing our favorite spots to watch July 4th fireworks in the Tampa Bay area!
- Family Fun | July 4th | Outdoors | ZooTampa
ZooTampa to Host Month-Long ‘Red, White and Zoo’ Celebration Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary
ZooTampa at Lowry Park will commemorate the United States’ 250th birthday with a month-long “Red, White and Zoo” celebration in July. The event will feature special themed animal enrichment activities, patriotic merchandise, festive food and beverages, giveaways and more! Related: Check out more 4th of July celebrations and 4th of July fireworks displays to honor…
Celebrate July 4th at Busch Gardens with Family-Friendly Fun, Food, Fireworks, and More!
Looking for something fun and festive for Fourth of July? Check out why Busch Gardens is one of our favorite family-friendly ways to celebrate!
INSIDE LOOK: FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience LEGOLAND Florida Resort!
Get a peek at what to expect at the FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience, which runs through July 19, 2026.
Enchant Christmas returning to Tropicana Field in St. Pete in November!
Enchant Christmas, the ‘World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze,’ is taking over Tropicana Field, and we’re helping you plan your visit.
INSIDE LOOK: New Tours and Experiences at ZooTampa this Summer!
It’s going to be a wild summer at ZooTampa! Not only can you explore the amazing new Florida Waters, where you can let the kids press their noses to the aquarium glass and go nose to snout with the manatees once again, but you can also book all-new experiences to upgrade your day. Several new…
INSIDE LOOK: Sunshine Needlepoint in Ybor City
We’re getting to know the ladies who launched Sunshine Needlepoint, a new store in Ybor City, and learning more about the resurgence of this crafty activity!
