Best Places to Host School Spirit Nights in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some of our favorite Tampa Bay area businesses that support local school Spirit Nights!
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Krewe Life: Meet Truett Gardner of YMKG and His Family
YMKG’s captain, Truett Gardner, will lead the legendary invasion. Truett shares treasured Gasparilla memories, extending from his childhood to ones made with his children, along with what he’s looking forward to for the 2024 Gasparilla season.
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!
Awesome Things to Do at the Library with Toddlers and Preschoolers
Arrrgh you looking for a free adventure to enjoy with your bitty buccaneer this Gasparilla season? Aye know just the place. Point your sails in the direction of your local library and sally forth! With five types of early literacy programs being offered in-person, you’re sure to find a story time that fits your needs. We can’t…
Hillsborough County Public Schools Celebrates its Education Rock Stars
Have you seen the commercial where employees keep calling each other rock stars, and then actual rock stars show up and shut them down?! Well, we challenge Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol or Joan Jett to step in one of our schools and shut US down – because our employees are as close to rock stars as you…
Prehistoric Predators exhibit NOW OPEN at ZooTampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is once again transporting you back into prehistoric times so you and the kids can go nose to snout with some of the world’s most ferocious prehistoric predators. Prehistoric Predators is a limited-time exhibit and the final day to experience it is Sunday, April 28, 2024. The best part — it’s…
Tampa Bay’s Dream Couple: Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt of HGTV’s “100 Day Dream Home”
Long before Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt were hosts of the popular HGTV series “100 Day Dream Home,” they were classmates at Riverview High School. Now married for eight years, living in their own dream home in Ruskin, and raising Mika’s 14-year-old daughter, Jade, together, they’re reflecting on their journey and looking ahead to an exciting new year.
Kids to Know: Bayshore Christian School’s Fourth Grade Class
Every fall at Bayshore Christian School, the fourth grade classes gather to plan for a market. The products, packaging and prices are determined individually by each nine and ten year old student. However, they decide collectively how the profits from the project will be used. While they learned how to execute a successful business, they…
10+ Restaurants Where Kids Eat for Free in Tampa Bay
Dining out is fun but it can also add up! Check out our list of restaurants where kids eat free in Tampa Bay!
Moms to Know: Lauren Suttell, LJ Aesthetics
Have you ever heard the saying “in a world full of Kardashians, be an Audrey (Hepburn)?” When it comes to raising girls in today’s world, I am reassured that there are women in the aesthetics field that promote a graceful approach to aging that enhances natural inner and outer beauty—much like the iconic faces before…
How to Craft Your Motherhood Vision Board for a Purposeful New Year
Yamel Belen shows us how to create a vision board as a tangible representation of our dreams and aspirations.
Say goodbye to burnout with help from local mama, Jess Massey, founder of Hustle Sanely
As we get ready to step into a new year, a time when many of us look to reset, we’re introducing you to a local mom who has been right where you are—smack dab in the middle of burnout. Jess Massey not only found her way out, but she developed a planner and system to help other women find their path to a more “peacefully productive” life.
How to Host a Birthday Party at Walt Disney World – and Other Special Events
Find out how to host a birthday party at Walt Disney World and other special events like baby showers and more!
The BEST Birthday Party Venues and Businesses in Tampa Bay!
Get ready to celebrate! We’re sharing the BEST birthday party venues and businesses in Tampa Bay to elevate your next party.
See Yourself at the Y in the New Year – Start Now!
How about a New Year’s resolution you can actually keep? How about the first step to leading a healthy life as a habit? As we approach the new year, the Tampa YMCA is excited to announce the introduction of our state-of-the-art InBody machines. The InBody Fitness Test: A Complete Body Composition Analysis The InBody test…
How Corbett Prep is Building a Bridge to Middle School in Fifth Grade
It’s elective day in fifth grade, and the Forensic Science class is seated in Corbett Prep’s Middle School lab with mysterious red vials and tiny plastic trays for a lesson on blood type analysis. The synthetic blood will react differently depending on the blood type when mixed with an antiserum, so the fifth graders carefully…
Fire Drill: How to Prep Your Family to Prevent and Escape Home Fires
As we welcome 2024, many of us are filled with exciting new resolutions: To eat healthy, to save money, to exercise. BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist Michelle Sterling has one other resolution that each one of us can make. The good news is that it’s quick, inexpensive, and can potentially save your life: to change the…
Andres’ Birth Defect and Battle with Gastroschisis
Pediatric surgeon Paul Danielson, M.D., at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, has often been called in the middle of the night to perform lifesaving surgery. But when Andres was born in 2022, it was a surgical scenario that Danielson had never experienced in his medical career. Andres had gastroschisis, a birth defect that occurs when…
What’s NEW in 2024: It’s going to be the best year ever in Tampa Bay!
2024 is going to be huge in Tampa Bay with NEW rides, attractions, and experiences for families—and we are loving it!
Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Baseball Spring Training in Tampa Bay
Did you know the Florida Grapefruit League has called our beautiful Sunshine State home for 130+ years? We’re showing you where you can catch a spring training game in Tampa Bay.
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…
Alex’s Touching ‘Give Back’ Project After Years of Hospital Care
Alex Kulzer stacks hundreds of toys in bins and pushes them proudly through the entrance of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “I’m giving back to my community in a place that I grew up in,” says lifelong patient, 18-year-old Alex. “You never want to say, ‘I grew up in a hospital getting tests done,’ but…
Kids to Know: Sadie Dutton
Through the Children’s Dream Fund, I have had the incredible honor of connecting with a family that has endured so much. When the chances of survival were statistically low, where the critical number of perfectly matched stem cells were extraordinarily high, Sadie can say today that her battle is won. Because of the grace of…
Moms to Know: Giselle Mcnab – Author, Speaker, Founder of The SIS Project.Org
From a challenging childhood in New York City to troubled teen years marked by resilience and survival, Giselle McNab’s path to motherhood has taken her from darkness to enlightenment. With a remarkable account of breaking a cycle of abuse, the inspiration behind her book, and her mission to empower women and teen girls through her…
Hillsborough’s Favorite Reads of 2023
We’ve got you covered in search of a great books to gift this holiday season. Here are some of the most popular titles checked out this year by our customers: The Best Gifts to Read: Birth to Preschool Elephant Goes Potty by James Patterson With adorable illustrations, a winning elephant family and a triumphant ending, this sturdy…
Licht Style: It all Works Out
Jason Licht, renowned Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ General Manager (a position he’s held since 2014), is, foremost, a dad and husband. With wife Blair, he navigates the peaks, valleys and predominantly uncertain terrain of parenting. They met during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, when she lived in Manhattan working in finance. Over six years, they…
Disconnected – Protecting Kids From Their Devices is in Your Hands
If you had the power to protect your children from depression and anxiety, would you? Even though any parent would answer “yes” to that question, a valuable weapon in their arsenal often goes unused: the word “no.” Psychotherapist and author Thomas Kersting makes the case for prohibiting or limiting children’s screentime in “Disconnected,” which lays out…
Countdown to Kindergarten: 3 Expert Tips to Prepare Your Child Now
Parents and caregivers of preschoolers may notice time has a way of slowing down and then speeding up with the hustle of trying to make sure you capture each last moment: the last first day of preschool; the last time your child needed help tying their shoe; the last holiday celebrations you will attend at…
Let’s RUN! The best races in Tampa Bay for families this year!
Start warming up and check out the awesome list of Tampa Bay races for 2024 including the Gasparilla Distance Classic in February and MORE!!
A Festive Feast: Snacks and Holiday Inspired Lunch Ideas from @LunchBoxMafia
This time of year, we’re all extra busy with fun outings, get-togethers and taking in all that the holidays have to offer. Don’t forget to slow down and savor these moments—especially with your kiddos. Here’s one way to enjoy the season: through savoring the flavors of these holiday inspired lunch and snack ideas! Make a…
INSIDE LOOK: The Magical World of Nutcracker 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.
INSIDE LOOK: Snow Days are back at The Florida Aquarium
Get your gloves ready! Snow Days are back at The Florida Aquarium and we’re giving you an INSIDE LOOK at this year’s event.
What to Expect at Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field in St. Pete
Enchant Christmas is back at Tropicana Field in St. Pete. We’re sharing everything you need to know before you go.
Go on An Epic Journey with MOSI’s new DC Superheroes: Discover Your Superpowers!
Calling all superheroes! Get ready to be part of something truly extraordinary at MOSI! The all-new DC Superheroes: Discover Your Superpowers! exhibit has taken over the MOSI dome building.
Kids to Know: Dev Shah, winner of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee
How did local teen, Dev Shah, really win the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee? He was focused and ready. But even more than that, he went into the competition to enjoy every part of the experience.
Moms to Know: Mandy Schulis, founder of The Story Shift
Meet Mandy Schulis, a certified trauma-informed story coach and a driving force behind inspiring female entrepreneurs to dismantle their own barriers and harness the power of their unique stories for both income and impact.
How to get free COVID tests for your family
We’re showing you how to get four free COVID tests beginning Sept. 25 and where to go for low-cost or free COVID-19 tests in Tampa Bay.
The Great American Teach-In Helps Students Explore Future Careers
The Great American Teach-In is an annual nationwide event that helps kids discover future career opportunities.
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.
All About Adum K-8: The Hype Surrounding Hillsborough County Schools’ Newest K-8 School
There’s always a lot of excitement when a new school opens. However, the hype surrounding the new Kenneth E. Adum K-8 surpasses all expectations!
It Makes Cents: Shorecrest Prep Teaching Important Life Skill of Financial Literacy
Shorecrest believes that a challenging, college-preparatory curriculum must extend beyond academics to include a solid grounding in real-world applications. The newly launched Ross Roeder Institute for Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Economics (RRI) is just one example of how the school provides that preparation.
Knight’s Story: Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Three-year-old Knight is a joyful ball of energy as he runs from the family’s living room to dining room to kitchen. He loves this little game, and for most 3-year-olds, this wouldn’t be an extraordinary feat. But, for this child, it is remarkable. What is Sturge-Weber Syndrome? Knight was born with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a genetic…
Academy at the Lakes: We Must Teach History
Today’s public square includes much debate about the teaching of history in school. As both a school leader and a history teacher, I offer this: We must teach history in order to create active, engaged citizens. In doing so, we can also promote patriotism. Teaching History to Promote Patriotism History We teach history because history…
The Junior League of Tampa’s Holiday Gift Market Celebrates 22 Years of Giving Back
The Junior League of Tampa is celebrating 20 years of Shopping for a Cause with this year’s 2Oth annual Holiday Gift Market, Nov. 9-12, 2023!
The Most Important Conversations: BayCare Kids introduces a game-changing resource to battle mental health disorders
Here’s a sobering statistic: During the past three years since the pandemic, the number of kids visiting the Emergency Room at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for children’s mental health disorders has increased by 300 percent. That’s a three-fold increase. Here’s another number: When it comes to available mental health resources, Florida (one of the most…
The Power of Play: How Corbett Prep is incorporating PLAY in the classroom
There’s serious play happening in Corbett Prep’s PreK4 class on “Not a Box” day. Piles of craft supplies—stickers, glue, ribbons, markers, colored paper—are scattered around the classroom suite as students transform cardboard boxes into cars, rockets, houses, tunnels and even a unicorn. The Study of Play: Not a Box Inspired by the book “Not a…
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Things to do at Universal Orlando Holidays
We’re sharing our 5 favorite things to do with the kids during the holidays at Universal Orlando from Grinchmas, Harry Potter and more!
What to Expect at The Mother of All Baby Showers in Tampa in 2023
Oh, baby! The Mother of All Baby Showers presented by AdventHealth returns to Tampa Bay on Friday, November 10, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa.
The Best Hotels at Walt Disney World for the Holidays
Celebrate Your Best Christmas Ever in Orlando! There’s no place like home for the holidays, except perhaps Walt Disney World. If you’re ready to give your family the merriest memories this holiday season at Walt Disney World then it’s time to consider booking a hotel room. Disney area hotels are booking fast for the holidays….
Moms to Know: Meet Christina Unkel with the Super League Tampa Bay
As Super League Tampa Bay prepares to make its mark on the world of women’s soccer, the appointment of Christina Unkel as President represents an important moment in the sport’s history.
Full Circle Moments with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and Junior Cheerleaders
There’s something extraordinary about a life-comes-full-circle moment. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader Shay Garcia had such a moment when her daughter, Johanna, stepped onto the Raymond James turf as a Bucs Junior Cheerleader. Shay and Johanna share their TBBC experiences. Kaylee Strobel, a former Junior Cheerleader and current Buccaneers’ Cheerleading and Mascot Coordinator, also knows full-circle moments with the Bucs. Before firing the canons, read their firsthand accounts about TBBC’s lasting impacts.
INSIDE LOOK: Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted Tours are a Must-Boo!
Ahoy brave souls! Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted River Tours have set sail once again in downtown Tampa with ghostly characters, eerie tales of the city’s past, and even a pumpkin surprise for the kids.
- Christmas>Gifts>Metropolitan Ministries | Family Life>Fun>Holidays>Thanksgiving>Volunteer and Donate
Thanksgiving donations desperately needed in Tampa Bay
The Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent in Tampa will officially open and begin accepting donations for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays on October 29. Once again, they need more help than ever, especially in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. This year, the non-profit which serves our six county region, expects to assist more than…
- Halloween | Fall Family Fun | Tampa | Things to Do | Travel
Experience Tampa’s Haunted History on These Spooky Ghost Tours
Experience Tampa Theatre’s haunting history and other chilling ghost stories of some of Tampa Bay’s spookiest spots.
Q&A with Kendra Scott: Style Trends, Advice for Moms, and Her Passion for Giving Back
Jewelry icon, Kendra Scott, shares her new collection along with fall trends, style advice for moms, and discusses her passion for giving back to others.
Halloween Craft Ideas with Karimah of @CraftingaFunLife
Local mama and blogger Karimah Henry shares adorably spooktacular Halloween craft ideas for kids and even a magical DIY costume.
The 411 on RSV | What you need to know about this common virus
We’re catching up again with Dr. John Prpich, BayCare Kids Pediatric Pulmonologist and Medical Director of Pediatric Respiratory Care at St Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, to learn more about RSV and a groundbreaking new medicine just approved for use in all infants to prevent RSV infection.
A Night at the Museum: Celebrate Halloween with the Tampa Bay History Center!
We’re sharing all you need to know about “A Night at the Museum” for a hauntingly good time in Downtown Tampa!
Ask the Doctor: How to Prepare for the 2023 Flu Season
The 2023 flu season is expected to arrive earlier than usual with an uptick in cases already occurring in September. We may also see a tricky RSV season and an upward trend in COVID as a new variant is circulating. The Flu, COVID, or RSV: What is causing my symptoms? It may be challenging to…
Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award Recipients
Each October, in honor of Bullying Awareness Month, Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Awareness Committee recognizes a student or students who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in our community. This year, it wasn’t just one person who stood out, but a local elementary school student and a group of students who are taking…
