Blog

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Celebrating Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in April and Those Traveling to Tampa Bay for Care

The Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, led by David Kays, M.D., was founded as the country’s first inpatient CDH unit with surgeons, nurses and other team members solely focused on CDH care.

A Parent’s Guide to the New TRON Lightcycle/Run NOW OPEN at Magic Kingdom!
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A Parent’s Guide to the New TRON Lightcycle/Run NOW OPEN at Magic Kingdom!

The wait is over for Disney’s newly anticipated TRON Lightcylcle/Run! Disney’s latest thrill ride is now officially open to the public. We were able to get a first look before the ride opened and are sharing all the details on what to know before you go!

Swimming lessons at the YMCA

Swimming Lessons at the YMCA: Creating Confident Swimmers

The world is 71% water; your child is 100% curious. Swim Instructor, Ulivia Cruz, shares that knowing how to swim is a life-saving skill for every individual, especially in Tampa Bay. There are in-home pools, lakes, rivers, streams and oceans and it’s crucial for your family to be water smart from the start. The Tampa…

self-care & parenting

Self-Care & Parenting: Put Your Oxygen Mask on First

Married, mother of two, Dr. Clark untangles why raising humans with strong senses of self is underpinned by parents’ self-care. 

How to help your child make friends
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Dr. Friendtastic: How to Help Your Kids Make Friends

Psychologist and parenting authority Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, author of “Kid Confidence,” offers advice on how to help your kids make friends in “Growing Friendships” and a new mini-podcast, “Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic”.

Books Your Kid Will Love
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How to Find Books Your Kid Will Love

Experts with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library are sharing some ways to make navigating the sea of books a little smoother to find books your kid will love.

Emma Campbell Hillsborough County 2022 Anti-Bullying Award recipient
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Kids to Know: Emma Campbell, 2022 Hillsborough Co. Anti-Bullying Recognition Award Winner

Meet the 5th grade recipient of Hillsborough County’s 2022 Anti-Bullying Recognition Award and find out how you can nominate a child or teen who has gone above and beyond to battle bullying.

locally grown produce in school lunches

Locally Grown – and Straight-to-Our-School Menu!

“We are basically the biggest restaurant chain in town!” Meet Arianne Corbett. If your child eats breakfast or lunch at a Hillsborough County Public School, she’s the one planning their menu. She’s a school nutritionist in a post-pandemic world. “The pandemic shifted the whole model of school feeding,” she said. “When the world shut down,…

Easter Hacks

Local Parents Dish on EGG-cellent Easter Hacks

We asked local parents to share their favorite Easter hacks to help inspire some new ideas for you! We are loving all of the responses and we think you will, too! Check them out: Related: Our favorite Easter Egg Hunts and more this week in Tampa Bay! What to put inside plastic Easter eggs and…

Bluey's Big Play coming to the Straz
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Behind the Scenes with Bluey! “Bluey’s Big Play” Coming to The Straz Center

Bluey is heading to Tampa for her first-ever stage show – Bluey’s Big Play! Head to The Straz Center on April 29 & 30 to see Bluey, Bingo, and all your favorite characters come to life!

Occupational Therapy

How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids Return to a Normal Life

April is Occupational Therapy Month. It’s a time to recognize the achievements of patients like 13-year-old Jaden who recovered from a serious accident, thanks, in part, to the efforts of occupational therapist Rachael Thibeau and other experts at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Jaden had gone for a ride on his friend’s pontoon boat on…

Florida VPK options for your child in Pasco and Hernando counties

Florida VPK options for your child in Pasco and Hernando counties

Learn more about the many VPK options for your child through the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties.

Cooking with kids
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How Cooking With Kids Teaches Responsibility and Respect

Kids chopping with actual knives? Stirring pots on hot burners? Responsible for a meal? You’d be surprised how successful kids of all ages can be in the kitchen.

Hillsborough County Summer Reading Challenge
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Join the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge to Keep Kids Learning 

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is hosting a Summer Reading Challenge for all ages from June 1 – July 31, 2023!

A Parent’s Review of Orlando World Center Marriott
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A Parent’s Review of Orlando World Center Marriott

Orlando World Center Marriott has no shortage of fun for the whole family. We’ve got the scoop on what to do and what to know before you go!

Tradewinds St Pete Beach Aquabana
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The Ultimate Beachfront Staycation: TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach

There’s no shortage of things to do at Tradewinds Island Resorts from floating cabanas and water park and so much more!

Bianca Burrows
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Local Artist, Bianca Burrows, shares her heart on blank canvases

Bianca Burrows, @itsbbart Did you know that local students get less than one hour of art instruction in school each week? For children that express themselves through a more creative approach or kids that struggle in school because they do not meet traditional academic standards, that’s not enough time in the school year for them to…

5 Reasons We LOVE Roundup Rodeo BBQ for Disney Dining
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5 Reasons We LOVE Roundup Rodeo BBQ for Disney Dining

When it comes to Walt Disney World restaurants you have lots of choices. The challenge is that many of the popular Disney restaurants book up. And some restaurants are more kid-friendly than others. That’s where Round Rodeo BBQ Restaurant comes in. New to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this Toy Story restaurant is a welcome addition. Let’s…

Make Playtime Meaningful

Have You Considered Taking Time to Play with Your Child Today? It’s Simple!

Playing with your child supports early brain development. Learn how to make playtime meaningful with just five minutes each day.

Bugtopia butterfly

BUGTOPIA invades ZooTampa: Shrink down to size and walk among giant bugs!

Experience the buzz of BUGTOPIA at ZooTampa as you get up-close to 13 larger-than-life animatronic bugs that will educate and amaze!

Measurement Rules Glazer Children's Museum
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Weighing in on the FUN at the ‘Measurement Rules’ exhibit at Glazer Children’s Museum

See what it’s like to play in the Measurement Rules traveling exhibit at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa!

kayaking with kids in Tampa Bay
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10+ Awesome Spots to Go Kayaking with the Kids in Tampa Bay

With so many water access points across the Tampa area, there are tons of places to go kayaking near you, whether you choose to book a guided tour or rent from a local kayak rental company.

Florida Springs
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The Most Beautiful Natural Florida Springs Near Tampa Bay

Enjoying traditional summer fun has been challenging this year, with limited access to our favorite activities but check out these Florida Springs!

Shellebrate Spring and Discover Dinos at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
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Shellebrate Spring and Discover Dinos at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

Shellebrate spring and check out Dino Rescue at Clearwater Marine Aquarium before the exhibit goes extinct on April 15!

Fairyland Figurine Restoration
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Fairy Tales, Family and Tampa Flair: Getting to know Tampa restaurant icon, Richard Gonzmart

Lowry Park Zoo’s old Fairyland figurine restoration is underway, thanks to Richard Gonzmart of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants. See them at Ulele.

road trip and theme park snacks

The Yummiest Road Trip and Theme Park Snack Ideas for Kids

Bring on the road trips! And don’t forget the snacks! Jenny P. from @LunchBoxMafia shares tips for satisfying road trip and theme park snacks!

Alyssa Rhoads
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Moms to Know: Alyssa Rhoads, Eventing Tampa Bay, CEO Council

Meet Alyssa Rhoads, producer of show-stopping events and creator of joy, wonder and enchantment in everything she creates.

Rylee Miller
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Kids to Know: Meet kid-DJ, Rylee Miller

Meet Rylee Miller: Academy of the Holy Names fifth-grader, twin sister and a professional kid-DJ who’s spun for the Tampa Bay Lightning and more!

Peer Mentoring Program
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The Strongest Bond: Seminole Heights Elementary’s Peer Mentoring Program

Learn how the peer mentoring program at Seminole Heights Elementary is building communication, empathy, and kindness between groups of students.

Richard Hales
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Celebrity Chef Richard Hales’ Hometown Restaurant is a Family Affair

Tampa native and celebrity chef Richard Hales invites us into his home with his flagship restaurant, Black Brick, and talks family life in his hometown.

Best Orlando Hotels For Families Close To Theme Parks
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Best Orlando Hotels For Families Close To Theme Parks

Need a hotel near Universal or Disney? These are the best hotels for families near Orlando’s theme parks for all budget levels.

Camp imagination Best Art Summer Camps in Tampa Bay
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The Best Art Summer Camps in Tampa Bay

If your child loves art or wants to try something new, check out one of the best art summer camp programs in Tampa Bay!

best sports camps in Tampa Bay YMCA
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The Best Outdoor Camps and Sports Summer Camps in Tampa Bay

We’re sharing the best summer programs offering outdoor and sports camps in Tampa Bay for kids of all ages.

USF Cyber Camp Coding camps in Tampa Bay
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The Best STEM, Science, and Coding Summer Camps in Tampa Bay

We’re sharing the best STEM summer camps and science summer camps in Tampa Bay.

The Best Performing Arts Summer Camps in Tampa Bay Dance and Circus Arts of Tampa Bay

The Best Performing Arts Summer Camps in Tampa Bay: Theater, Music, and Dance Camps

We’re sharing our favorite performing arts summer camps in Tampa Bay for your child’s best summer ever!

Trinidad, Tall Ships of America

Tall Ships St. Pete: How to plan the best day ever at this unique festival

Tall Ships St. Pete is a chance to immerse yourself in our nation’s maritime history whether you watch in awe from land or step on board one of the seven iconic ships, some dating as far back as the 1800s.

Coaster Cupcakes Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival
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How to Map Out Your Tastiest Day Ever at the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival

The 2023 Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival features culinary flavors from around the world and not-to-miss concerts!

Southshore Bay Lagoon obstacle course
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How to plan an epic day at Southshore Bay Lagoon in Wimauma

We’re sharing all you need to know to plan your day at Southshore Bay Lagoon, a 5-acre man-made lagoon where you can swim and enjoy fun water activities.

Camp imagination Summer camp for preschoolers
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The Best Summer Camps for Preschoolers and Little Kids

Even little kids deserve to have the best summer ever at camp! We’re sharing out favorite summer camps for preschoolers in Tampa Bay!

Zubrick Magic Theatre

The Magic and Wonder of Zubrick Magic Theatre

Get to know Chris and Ryan Zubrick as the illusionists share their journey in magic, a passion that began in childhood.

Travel Essentials for Kids Wonderfold Wagon
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Our 6 Favorite Travel Essentials for Babies and Kids

Let’s face it, traveling with kids can be stressful. Here are 5 of our favorite things that help ease transitions and keep things moving smoothly on the road.

Campo Family YMCA Summer Camp

The Force behind Campo Family YMCA Summer Camp

Like all Y camps, the Campo Family YMCA Summer Camp provides a safe and supportive space for your child to learn, grow and thrive. We go behind the scenes to learn more about this popular camp.

Tampa Pickleball Crew
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NEW in Tampa Bay: Meet and JOIN the Tampa Pickleball Crew

Tampa Pickleball Crew founders dish about the easy-to-learn sport with a newly minted Major League that’s taking over Tampa Bay!

Brea the Facility Dog

How Brea Brings Smiles and Comfort to Hospitalized Children

Brea (Bray-UH), the first-ever facility dog at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, brings smiles and a friendly distraction for hospitalized kids.

TGH Maternal Fetal Medicine

The Highest Level of Care: TGH’s Nationally Acclaimed Maternal-Fetal Medicine Program

The Maternal Fetal Medicine program and Fetal Care Center at Tampa General earned a spot on Newsweek’s List of Best Maternity Hospitals in 2022 and was named highest ranked in Florida for Obstetrics & Gynecology by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-2023.

Reasons for Attending Summer Camp

5 Reasons to Make Camp Part of Your Summer

Besides the practical reasons for attending summer camp, Corbett Prep shares 5 more less-obvious reasons to fit camp into your summer schedule.

AngelEye Camera System at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

AngelEye Camera System: How Cutting-Edge Technology Helps Parents Bond with their Preemies

In December, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital rolled out the AngelEye camera system to help parent-preemie bonding in the NICU.

Acne

Acne: Causes, Types, and Treatment

Acne affects nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24. Advent Health Dermatologist, Dr. Graham, talks causes, types and treatments.

Healthy Snack Swaps
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Ask the Expert: Yummy and Healthy Snack Swaps for Your Kids

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Healthy Weight Initiative shares healthy snack swaps that go beyond “quick diet fixes” for national nutrition month.

Clearwater Beach Sand Key Things to Do in Tampa Bay with the Kids
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Our Favorite Things to Do in Tampa Bay with the Kids

We live here and PLAY here, so we know a thing or two about all fo the awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids! We’re sharing some of our favorites to help you plan the best day ever with the family in gorgeous Tampa Bay.

Flying with kids Tips

Flying with Kids: 7 Tips for more friendly skies

We have flown to Europe countless times and once we are there, we take multiple commuter flights. Here’s what I’ve learned: The most important thing is being prepared, prepared and more prepared!

Westgate River Ranch Conestoga Covered Wagon Luxe Glamping
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Dude Ranch Glamping in Florida at Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo

We’re dishing on all of the details to help you plan your glamping getaway at Westgate River Ranch in Florida!

Decorate Easter eggs
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The Cutest Easter Crafts for Kids with Karimah of @craftingafunlife

We’re adding a fun twist to the classic Easter egg activity, replacing hard-boiled eggs with plastic craft eggs to create paint drip eggs, tie-dye eggs, and even rice dyed eggs!

The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches and Restaurants in Tampa Bay
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The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches and Restaurants in Tampa Bay

The Tampa area has some of the best beaches in the country and your pup can enjoy them too! Check out our list of dog-friendly picks!

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
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A Cool Day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Natajassa Prose of @proseandcompany is sharing what it’s like to spend the day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park with the kids!

Behave Your Best 
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Why can’t they just behave? The truth behind your child’s unwanted behavior (and what to do about it!) 

When we have the right tools to address our child’s unwanted behaviors, difficult situations become easier to handle and our confidence as parents grows. Behave Your Best explores two common unwanted behaviors and what you can do to stop them.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth: What Parents of Young Children Should Know

Hand, Foot, and Mouth: What Parents of Young Children Should Know

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common virus in young children and, while it is usually not serious, it is very contagious.

Serengeti Flyer
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What it’s like to ride the NEW Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The newest ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Serengeti Flyer, is the world’s tallest and fastest of its kind and we’ve got the details!

teco
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TECO Line Streetcar: Exploring a modern city the old-fashioned way

Amidst the construction cranes dotting the landscape, you will see the electric wires that power the TECO Line Streetcar.

Wish Farms Strawberries

From New York to Plant City: The Story of a Wish Farms Strawberry

We’re getting to know Gary Wishnatzki, of Wish Farms, to learn more about the history of his family’s farming business in Tampa Bay and where they’re heading in the future.