Ahoy, Matey! The best places in Tampa to buy Gasparilla outfits and beads
We’re sharing some of our team’s favorite spots to shop for the Ashley Children’s Gasparilla and Pirate Fest!
Blog
How to Watch the Gasparilla Flotilla Invasion
Before the parade, pirates will invade the waterways of Tampa for the Gasparilla Flotilla Invasion! Check out our favorite viewing spots.
Your Guide to Children’s Gasparilla 2026: What You Need to Know Before You Go
The Ashley Children’s Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A is Saturday, January 24, 2026, and we’re sharing all of our expert tips on where to park, how to upgrade your day, what to bring, and more!
The sweetest way to see Manatees: The TECO Manatee Viewing Center
The TECO Manatee Viewing Center is back open for the season! This is one of our favorite free things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay!
Valentine’s Day Events for Kids and Families in Tampa Bay
Love is in the air and there are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family! We’ve rounded up our favorite Valentine’s Day events around Tampa Bay.
Where to park for the Children’s Gasparilla and Pirate Fest parades
Gasparilla season is here! We’re showing you where to park for the Ashley Children’s Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A and Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
NINJAGO Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida: Here’s what to expect
Join us as we take you through what to expect at LEGO NINJAGO Weekends, which is being celebrated on select days through February 15, 2026!
The Legends and History of Gasparilla, One of Tampa’s Most Treasured Traditions
Shiver me timbers! It’s almost that time of year again when pirates take over Tampa Bay. Gasparilla, the long-standing Tampa tradition, is celebrating its 108th year in January. For many, this means getting decked out in their favorite pirate gear and watching the Gasparilla parades along Bayshore. The Parade of Pirates, the original parade, will…
- Things to Do | Family Fun | Family Life>Fun>Holidays>Gasparilla | Life + Home | Parenting | Pregnancy to Preschool Years
What to expect at the Children’s Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll
Possibly the most adorable event in the world, the Preschooler’s Stroll (launched in 2005) is an opportunity for the under-5 crowd to show their buccaneer spirit right before the main event, the Children’s Gasparilla Parade.
Gasparilla Children’s Parade Day: Bicycle + Pedestrian Safety Rodeo
Don’t miss out on all of the fun before the Children’s Gasparilla Parade on Saturday, January 18, 2025! Come out early and learn safety the fun way at the Bicycle Safety Rodeo from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Bayshore and South Rome Avenue! It’s FREE to attend!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parades and Events in Tampa Bay
Celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. this holiday weekend in Tampa Bay. From parades to special events, there is something for every family on our list!
“Pirate Invasion” takes over Glazer Children’s Museum
The Pirate Invasion, a family-friendly Gasparilla celebration, runs January 6-31, 2026.
Free Annual Pass for Preschoolers at Kennedy Space Center Available Now!
You only have a limited time to register for the free Junior Space Explorer Pass for kids age 5 and younger
How to get your FREE Preschool Card for SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica now + more tips
SeaWorld and Aquatica are bringing back the FREE Preschool Card for 2026, but you’ll want to act fast to take advantage of this deal.
Top Picks for the Best Gasparilla Brunches This Year
Argh you ready? Gasparilla is upon us and before you party like a pirate, we’ve got our picks of brunch spots to enjoy before the parade.
- Attractions | Busch Gardens | Legoland | MOSI | Things to Do | ZooTampa
What’s NEW in 2026 in Tampa Bay: NEW ways to play and exhibits to experience!
It’s going to be a BIG year in Tampa Bay with groundbreaking new rides and exhibits. And when we say ground-breaking…we mean it! We’re talking a first-of-its-kind coaster at LEGOLAND, the largest lion and hyena exhibit in the country, and even the largest expansion in its history at ZooTampa!
Behind the Scenes: Making the magic of the Ringling circus come to life
The Greatest Show on Earth is officially back after kicking off its national tour here in Tampa in early January, and if you went, we know you were wowed by the experience. Even before the historic Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus launched its all-new show, we got a chance to sit down with some of the stars of the show.
Uncovering the Gift in Every Child – Corbett Preparatory School
It’s easy to spot giftedness in some children, such as the precocious reader who devours books above their grade level or the math whiz who solves complex problems quickly. But what about the child who mediates a conflict with empathy or who notices details others miss? The creative thinker who builds something from nothing? The…
Unlock Your Child’s Potential: Explore Pinellas County Schools
Pinellas County families have an exciting range of options when choosing the best learning environment for their children. With 89% of Pinellas County Schools earning A and B ratings—and the district earning an A rating for two consecutive years—families can feel confident their children have access to a high-quality education.
A New Year of Strength and Support Begins at the YMCA
As we kick off 2026, many individuals and families are looking for meaningful, sustainable ways to prioritize their health and well-being. At the Tampa YMCA and the YMCA of the Suncoast, we’re proud to be more than a great gym; we are a community hub where people of all ages can grow stronger, feel supported…
