Awesome NEW Things to Do in Orlando this Summer
How great is it to have Orlando just down the road from Tampa? This summer is filled with all sorts of new fun things to do including new character meet and greets, new rides, and MORE!
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What to Know About Florida’s VPK Program and the Benefits of Early Learning
Lindsay Carson, Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, shares details about optimal start times for learning, and how every parent can find the right Early Learning Center (ELC) for their budget.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Character Dining at Walt Disney World
Discover essential tips for booking the perfect character meal at Walt Disney World. We’re sharing locations inside the parks as well as ones that do not require any park admission!
Hurricane Season 2023: What to Know and How to Prepare
Although Tampa was lucky enough to narrowly miss Hurricane Ian’s path last year, we mourned with our neighbors to the south as we witnessed how catastrophically it hit them. With hurricane season in full swing, the threat of potential storms is scary. Social media and TV graphics can be overwhelming. Though Tampa hasn’t had a…
Meet the People Bringing ‘Big John’ the Triceratops to Tampa
We’re introducing you to the family who bought Big John the Triceratops and how the record-setting fossil ended up in Tampa.
Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays to Return in 2024
The state of Florida is providing some financial relief for families with not just one, but TWO Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays in 2024: June 1-June 14, 2024, and August 24-September 6, 2024.
Drowning Only takes 20 Seconds: Water Safety Tips Every Caregiver Needs to Know
Michelle Sterling, Senior Wellness and Safety Specialist at BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Center, shares important tips every caregiver needs to know to keep kids safe around water this summer.
Things to Do | Museums | Museums + Aquariums + Zoo | Spring | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Uncategorized
How to See Big John, the World’s Largest Fossil Triceratops at Glazer Children’s Museum
Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa will soon be home to Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops for a three year exhibition.
Experience what it’s like to walk underwater with SeaTREK at The Florida Aquarium
Join us as we take you on a deep dive into what to expect when you walk underwater with The Florida Aquarium’s SeaTREK experience! Kids as young as 10 can participate too!
Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Travel
What You Need to Know About Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
The Weeki Wachee River is a Florida treasure. We’re showing up how to be good stewards as you go kayaking on the spring-fed river.
The Royal Affair at Tampa’s Back to School Fair!
Princesses at Back to School Fair Do you hear that enchanting sound? It’s the harmonious voice of Princess Jasmine, soaring through the air and heading straight for Tampa Bay’s largest Back to School Fair! Yes, you heard it right. Parties with Character – a Tampa Princess Company and your favorite provider of magical experiences, will be…
INSIDE LOOK Aboard Disney Cruise Line’s 25th Anniversary at Sea
From special character appearances and entertainment to exclusive treats and more, we’re sharing all the details on what’s happening during Disney Cruise Line’s 25th Anniversary.
Meet the Mother-Daughter Duo Who Sparked Seventh Avenue Apothecary
We’re getting to know the mother-daughter duo behind Seventh Avenue Apothecary, Phala Pesano and Jessica Reisner, as they share how they’re letting their own little light shine and using it to ignite others’ lights.
Procure in Tampa’s Hyde Park Village: On a mission to support woman-owned businesses
Procure is not your typical boutique. The unique retail concept sells products exclusively from women-owned businesses—most of them from Tampa and we’re getting to know the woman who brought it here to Tampa.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Other Minions Fun at Universal Orlando
With Minions: The Rise of Gru on your kids’ list of favorite movies since its release in 2022, there are more opportunities than ever to get in on a little minion fun at Universal Orlando. Here’s everything you need to know about the main attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and more minion fun at Universal Orlando…
Let’s Fly Away! Amazing Cities with Direct Flights from Tampa
Looking for a fun getaway for the family? There are some amazing vacation spots that are easily accessible from Tampa International Airport! Check out some of our team’s favorite vacation spots that are just a quick trip away!
Balancing it All as a Working Mom & Children’s Health Care Leader: Getting to Know Alicia Schulhof
We’re getting to know Alicia Schulhof, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s first female president.
Preparing Your Home and Family for a New Pet
Bringing a pet into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Before you bring your new pet home, there are some critical steps to ensure that you and your furry friend will be safe and comfortable. Ensure that all family members understand how to…
How to Take Advantage of FREE Safety Around Water Classes with the YMCA
The YMCA offers a variety of water safety classes.
The Benefits of Kangaroo Care with your Baby
Dr. Lilly Chang, with the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Institute shares the many benefits of practicing kangaroo care with your baby.
Involved Yet Invisible – Volunteering in Middle School
When your child is in elementary school, volunteering is easy. When your child gets to middle school, it can be a different story.
Beat the Heat with Streaming Services: Meet Kanopy
Kanopy Kids is a free (with your library card) streaming service that’s accessible on any device with curated content, parental controls and no ads!
Moms to Know: Sorboni Banerjee
We’re getting to know Sorboni Banerjee, a former television anchor who is not only a published author, but is inspiring others to dream big.
Kids to Know: Ansley Kins
Meet Ansley Kins, a kid author, designer and more!
10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland
When we say you have to see it to believe how incredible it really is, we mean it when it comes to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This brand-new privately built park on the outskirts of downtown Lakeland is a new place to play in Tampa Bay and we have a feeling it will quickly…
The Best Things to Do with Toddlers and Preschoolers in Tampa Bay
With big kids going back to school, we’re showing you fun weekday activities to keep your preschooler busy in Tampa Bay.
Summer Camp Keeps Tweens and Teens Active and Engaged
From outdoor adventures to pickleball games to escape rooms to playwriting, preteens and teens can fill their summer days with camps that reflect their interests.
Doctor Shares Own Experiences as a Mom to Help High-Risk Expectant Mothers
A high-risk pregnancy can be stressful, but Karen Raimer, M. D. , has helped calm nerves and provide answers for expectant mothers for more than 30 years.
Our Favorite Things to do With Kids During a Sanibel and Captiva Getaway
Heading to Sanibel and Captiva is an easy getaway from Tampa Bay. We’ve rounded up our favorite things to do there with kids!
Clear Sight: One Family’s Journey to Better Vision with the Help of Lion’s Eye Institute
Samantha Barlow’s mother, Julie, was the first to see that something was clouding her newborn baby’s beautiful deep blue eyes. When Julie held her daughter for the first time, Barlow looked up at her mother but seemed unable to really meet her adoring gaze. Julie wouldn’t let it go. A flurry of doctors and specialists…
Family Fun Day Trip to ICON Park Orlando
Pack the kids in the car and head on I-4 for a family fun day at ICON Park Orlando. Our picks include the best things to do with kids.
Gasparilla Music Festival’s Impact: The gift of music for local kids through Recycled Tunes
Gasparilla Music Festival is a harmonious fusion of music, sustainability, and giving back that supports non-profit Recycled Tunes by donating musical instruments.
Ten Ways Kids Can Help Save the Planet
Today, it’s more important than ever to start teaching kids about helping the environment. Here are 10 ways kids can help save the planet!
Moms to Know: Melanie Humenansky, Bayshore Christian School
Get to know Melanie Humenansky, head of school at Bayshore Christian School in South Tampa.
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.
Easiest Home Garden Ever: A native plant garden is the way to go!
Learn how to plant your own native plant garden with the help of Anita Comacho of Tampa’s Little Red Wagon Native Plant Nursery.
Things to Do | Tampa | Travel
Here’s What It’s Like to Go Glamping with Timberline Tampa!
We’re sharing everything you need to know before you book your Timberline Tampa glamping adventure and how to experience the must-do activities in Hillsborough River State Park.
How You Can Help Save the Monarch Butterfly
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently put the migrating monarch butterfly on its Red List for Endangered Species.
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!
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: 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: 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.
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”.
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.
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.
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,…
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…
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!
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.
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…
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.
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
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!
Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Beach | Hotels | Outdoors | Spring Break | St. Pete | Summer Break Fun | Travel
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!
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
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…
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 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!
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!
Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Travel
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.