How to Find Books Your Kids Will Love
Finding books that capture your children’s hearts can be a delightful adventure. Encourage them to dive into their passions at the library, nurturing a lifelong love for reading.
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Eco-Friendly Places to Shop in Tampa Bay
Discover Tampa Bay’s best eco-friendly shopping spots! From zero-waste stores to local farms, find places where shopping sustainably is not only easy but also supports the planet and teaches valuable lessons to our kids.
Spring into Brunch: Fresh Ideas for a Seasonal Spread
Embrace the joy of spring with our fresh brunch ideas! From a customizable yogurt bar to a vibrant mimosa station and an elegant brunch charcuterie board, we’ve got everything you need to create memorable moments for your family and friends.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit a Pediatric Emergency Center
When your child faces an emergency, knowing where to turn is crucial. Discover the top 5 reasons why a pediatric emergency center, with its specialized care and child-friendly approach, can make all the difference during those critical moments.
Exploring Heritage Village in Largo: A Parent’s Guide to This Historical Adventure
Discover the magic of yesteryear with a family trip to Heritage Village in Largo. Explore historic homes, learn intriguing tales from the past, and enjoy this free attraction.
Top 5 Reasons Teens and Preteens Should Come to Camp
From mastering new sports to unleashing creativity in arts or tech, camp is a treasure trove of opportunities that promises fun and growth for teens and preteens, all while allowing them to enjoy those precious sleep-in mornings.
The Future is WILD at ZooTampa: A Look Ahead at Future Expansions
From the new Australia Realm to future expansions, discover how each visit supports vital wildlife preservation efforts and educates the next generation.
Solar Eclipse Watch Parties in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing some awesome solar eclipse viewing parties to experience with the kids in Tampa Bay!
Strengthening Families: The Role of Community Collaboration
Discover how the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County uses community collaboration to get families the help they need to create strong communities where every child can flourish.
How to Safely View April’s Solar Eclipse in Tampa Bay
The Great American Solar Eclipse is about to make its way across the United States on Monday, April 8, 2024, and this spectacular show will be partially visible from Tampa Bay!
Disney Discounts and Deals for Florida Residents including Disney Annual Passes
If you’ve got your heart set on bringing the kiddos to Walt Disney World this year…now is the time to take advantage of a great deal for Florida residents!
The Top 5 Sleep Disorders in Kids
Dr. Ortiz with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Sleep Center shares 5 common pediatric sleep disorders and what you can do about them.
Australia Realm NOW Open at ZooTampa and it’s Awesome!
The Australia Realm is now open at ZooTampa. We’re dishing on the details about what to expect.
Hop Over to The Florida Aquarium for Easter Family Fun!
Dive into Easter fun at The Florida Aquarium with a weekend of family-friendly activities, including a special Easter egg scavenger hunt, sensory-friendly experiences, and memorable photos with the Easter Bunny.
How to Plan an Epic Day at Tampa Bay AirFest 2024
We’re sharing top tips on how to plan an epic day at Tampa Bay AifFest including how to get there, what to bring, and the event schedule.
- Legoland | Attractions | Central Florida | Spring | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Theme Parks | Things to Do
LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race Experience is now open at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort!
Prepare to become the ultimate race car driver at the NEW Ferrari Build & Race Experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort!
Where to Celebrate Pi Day in Tampa Bay!
Pi Day is March 14 (3.14) and there are some fun ways to celebrate this mathematical (and tasty) holiday around Tampa Bay!
Get Outside with The James Museum’s Spring Break Scavenger Hunt!
Calling all adventurers! Get outside this spring break and explore St. Pete’s natural habitats with The James Museum’s all-new scavenger hunt!
- Disney | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Things to Do | Uncategorized
The Coolest Non-Theme Park Things to Do at Disney World: FootGolf, Fishing, and MORE!
Did you know you can spend your entire trip to Walt Disney World and not step foot into the parks and still have a magical time? We’re showing you how!
Lab Coats and Moon Soil: A Peek at Hillsborough County Public Schools Magnet Programs
While Dunbar Elementary Magnet is creating future doctors, Stewart Middle Magnet is shaping future scientists!
Moms to Know: Danielle Bayard Jackson, 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.
From Garden to Glass: Simple Steps to Start Your Smoothie Garden
Imagine stepping into your backyard and plucking fresh ingredients for your morning smoothie. That dream can become a reality, even for beginner gardeners!
Easy March DIY Crafts for Kids with Karimah Henry of @craftingafunlife
Get crafting with the kiddos this March with Easter AND St. Patrick’s Day activities!
ZooTampa’s Manatee Hat Trick: Rescue, Rehab, Release
Manatees are among Tampa Bay’s natural gifts. Aquatic mammals and herbivores, manatees spend spring days swaying through our area’s warming waters. Endangered species, manatees don’t thrive in water colder than 68 degrees. With no natural predators, cold temperatures and boat propellors are manatees’ greatest threats. Through more than 20 years of life-saving work, ZooTampa’s world-renowned…
Spring Break is for Families: The Best Sunny or Snowy Destinations of the Season
Whether hitting the slopes or the beach is your idea of a perfect family adventure, you can enjoy your dream vacation in spring. We asked writer Terry Ward, an expert on family travel who’s visited 14 countries with her two children (ages 6 and 7), to share her top domestic and international picks for the…
Top Library Resources for Parents of Toddlers and Preschoolers
Looking for some fun free things to do with your little one? Look no further than your local library! Check out some of our favorite library resources for toddlers: Early Learning Hives Located at Riverview Public Library, New Tampa Regional Library and Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, our early learning hives are designated spaces for…
Kids to Know: Emaline Khavin
Meet Emaline, my friend who attended the Wee Macree Giveback Spectacular last fall. As she learned about different local youth populations in need and participated in activities to serve on the spot, she felt like something was missing. At 5 years old, with a heart bigger than her whole self, she looked lovingly at her…
Where to pick strawberries in Tampa Bay
Strawberry picking season is here and we’re showing you where to pick strawberries in Tampa Bay! It’s one of our favorite things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!
The Cutest Easter Basket Ideas for Kids!
Looking for non-candy Easter basket ideas? Here are some of our favorite giftable items, just right to tuck inside your Easter baskets this year!
Understanding Mononucleosis: A Comprehensive Guide
Mononucleosis, often known as ‘mono,’ is a contagious disease primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Commonly affecting teenagers and young adults, mono is notorious for its fatigue-inducing capabilities, alongside other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and occasionally, an enlarged spleen. Understanding mono’s transmission methods, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures…
Join the wave of swim programs at the Tampa Y
Learn more about all of the different swim programs available at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA for everyone in the family to have fun and learn to stay safe in the water.
5 Fun and Easy Ways to Prevent Summer Slide
It seems that each year as students return from spring break, there is a sense of anticipation in the air. Summer is nearly upon us, and families are penciling summer camps and family vacations into their calendars. (Or, if your family is anything like mine, you are just beginning to plan your child’s summer activities. No…
Embracing Unique Abilities: Supporting Developmental Growth for Every Child
As we dive into March, we embark on a journey of awareness and understanding, shining a light on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It’s a time when we come together to celebrate every child’s unique abilities and talents and to ensure that families have the support they need to navigate any challenges along the way. At…
Half-Day Summer Camps Combine for Full-Day Fun
Your kids want summer camps where they can battle robots, decorate cupcakes, design video games and play with American Girl dolls and Legos. Your goals for them are academic practice, exercise, time away from screens and maybe an opportunity to try a new activity. Can one Tampa summer camp accomplish all that before school is…
Care for the Whole Family: Child Life Specialists
When Ashlyn Strathman had surgery as a high schooler, it was a member of the hospital’s Child Life team who eased her nerves by giving the teen a hospital tour and teaching her relaxation techniques. Today, with a master’s degree in Child Life Studies, Strathman works at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in a role that…
INSIDE LOOK: Incredible Stingray Shores In-Water Animal Encounter at ZooTampa
Join us for a sneak peek of the new in-water stingray encounter debuting at ZooTampa!
ZooTampa debuts NEW Walking Trail with Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH
There’s a new way to get your steps in at ZooTampa and it’s wild!
Cirque Du Soliel’s BAZZAR Comes to Life Under the Big Top!
Cirque du Soliel returns to Tampa Bay with BAZZAR from February 22-March 24! See what goes into making this dazzling show come to life under the Big Top.
Celebrate Pi Day on March 14 with an Epic Pie Fight at Glazer Children’s Museum!
At Glazer Children’s Museum, we’re in the business of teaching through play, so when we decided to celebrate Pi Day we knew it had to be fun.
Family-Friendly Spots to Snorkel in Tampa Bay
Snorkeling is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. And what better place to learn all about sea critters than to snorkel the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay!
- Attractions | Central Florida | Deals | Disney + Central Florida Fun | Legoland | Parks + Attractions | Theme Parks
New LEGOLAND Florida Play Card deal available now for Florida residents!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and the most wonderful time to save with new awesome LEGOLAND Florida deals!
The SWEETEST THING: The Florida Strawberry
Did you know February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month? In fact, Plant City is recognized as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and is the dominant supplier of strawberries in the United States from November through March. Pretty sweet, right? Here’s another fun fact: Most of our Florida strawberries are grown within a 20-mile…
They’re Ready… But Are You? (It’s time to sign up for kindergarten!)
Alright mamas, hold onto your heartstrings … especially if you have a preschooler! It’s time… To register them… For KINDERGARTEN! (And the sobs were heard round the bay.) Don’t worry; Hillsborough County Public Schools makes getting ready for kindergarten easy for you and fun for them! Schools across the district will hold Kindergarten Ready Open…
Adding Lunchbox Love is easy with these simple tips from @Lunchboxmafia!
Hello friends! It’s Jenny from @Lunchboxmafia sharing some easy Valentine’s ideas to make your kiddo’s lunch box extra special—and delicious. Check out these ways to bring hearts, pink and red, and everything sweet into your little one’s Valentine’s Day breakfast and lunch. Valentine’s Day Lunchbox Ideas: A Pop of Flavor These mini pop tarts taste…
Kids to Know: The Students of Gorrie Elementary School in Tampa
When Gorrie Elementary School mother Haylie Katz discovered Bess the Book Bus, she immediately thought of her children’s school community. With a committed PTA team that partners with nonprofits monthly to teachers who encourage students’ kindness potential, this neighborhood school has nurtured many standout kids to know. How did collecting for Bess the Book…
Moms to Know: Vicki Sokolik, founder of Starting Right, Now
Our local youth are at the very core of all we do, of how and why we make decisions, and why we give back and serve. Yet, there is a population of children among us that we do not speak nearly enough about. We notice them, but we do not see them. We hear them,…
Moms to Know: Meet Tori Penso, FIFA Women’s World Cup referee
Tori Penso, the first American to referee a FIFA Women’s World Cup final, has much to celebrate. The St. Petersburg-based mom of three, believes soccer has been a unifying gift for her family.
Celebrating Black History Month: A Journey of Learning and Empowerment for Families
February is the month of love and a time to celebrate and honor Black History Month. It’s an opportunity for families to come together and explore the richness of African American history, culture and contributions. Families that foster an inclusive understanding of different heritages can empower our children to appreciate diversity and promote a more harmonious society….
2024 is the Year of More at ZooTampa!
No visit to ZooTampa at Lowry Park is ever the same, and in 2024 (the year of more), we have some very fun and exciting things to amaze, educate and entertain the whole family in unique ways. Related: ZooTampa Debuts NEW Walking Trail in partnership with Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH Prehistoric Predators Don’t miss…
12 Valentine’s Dates to Match Any Vibe
In partnership with tampabaydatenightguide.com Though we love our kids, sometimes it’s nice (and important) to have some one-on-one time with your significant other. We know it may not always be so easy to up and leave the house for a date night or day, so making plans can be a big deal. We’ve rounded up…
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast Offer Plenty of Summer Camp Options for Families
Fun Fact: America’s first known summer camp was opened in 1885 by the YMCA, Camp Dudley in Orange Lake, New York. It has been a mainstay of Y programming since then. Thanks to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast – from Citrus to Pinellas County – there is a Summer Camp…
Meet Levi, the ‘mayor’ of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Dubbed “the mayor” for his outgoing personality and winning ways, Levi, 7, has spent more time in the hospital than many people do in a lifetime. While you might think that experience would lead to a dislike of medical facilities, in Levi’s case it’s just the opposite. “He loves Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital,” says his…
Evan’s Fight to a Healthy Heart
Patricia and Chris were ecstatic to tell family and friends that they were expecting. What they did not expect however, were concerns after their baby’s 18-week anatomy scan. “When they came in and told us something was wrong with his heart, we were just completely shocked,” Patricia recalls. Doctors referred Patricia to Courtney Wein, D.O., a pediatric…
NEW at MOSI: a-MAZE-ing Butterflies exhibit
Join us we explore the incredible life journey of the butterfly in the NEW ‘a-MAZING Butterflies’ exhibit at MOSI!
The Big Easy Meets Big Thrills at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras!
Get a taste of the Big Easy right here in Tampa Bay with Busch Gardens Mardi Gras! Enjoy live music, parades, Cajun-inspired food and more!
A Whimsical Wonderland: FloridaRAMA is a MUST-SEE for Families
Plunge into Florida’s whimsical weirdness at Fairgrounds St Pete’s celebration of all things that make Florida weird, wacky, and wonderful.
Let’s Play! Our Favorite Parks and Playgrounds in Tampa Bay
Tampa is home to some amazing parks and playgrounds to help get some fresh air and get the wiggles out. Check out our favorite parks and playgrounds in and around Tampa Bay!
- Parks + Attractions | Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Parks | Spring Break | Things to Do
Tampa Bay Bucket List: Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River
Swimming with manatees is a magical and unique experience you can only do in Crystal River. We’re sharing everything you need to know.
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!
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.
