Easy Back to School Lunch Ideas and Best Lunch Boxes for Kids
Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia shares easy school lunch ideas, including her favorite lunch boxes for kids.
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‘Breakfast with Peppa’ at Peppa Pig Theme Park extended! We’ve got top tips for you!
It’s going to be an OINKtastic summer with the debut of Breakfast with Peppa at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
Local mom shares expert tips on how to homeschool your child in Tampa Bay
Local mom Denise Taylor shares expert tips on how Tampa Bay area families can find abundant local resources to kick off their homeschool journey.
Ask the Doctor: How much sleep does your child need, is melatonin safe, and more common questions
How much sleep do your kids actually need? Bobbi Hopkins, MD, a sleep expert and medical director of the Sleep Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital answers.
Kids to Know: Mason Hawk
Mason Hawk may be a great student, a strong athlete and a gifted pianist, but his passion and advocacy for children battling life-threatening illnesses is what truly makes him stand out. Inspired by his brother’s liver transplant journey, Mason found purpose through volunteering with Children’s Dream Fund at the age of 13. This past spring,…
Moms to Know: Eileen Esposito, The Sunflower Patch
At The Sunflower Patch, Eileen Esposito combines her talents as a music therapist, recording artist and songwriter to create enchanting experiences for children. With a deep-rooted passion for music ingrained in her DNA (her great-great-uncle composed “Silent Night”), Esposito’s own musical journey began at a young age. Today, with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy…
Friends and Feelings: Expert Tips to Help Your Children
Friendships come with feelings that children don’t always know how to handle. It’s tempting to lash out when we’re angry, but there’s zero possibility that someone will respond to nastiness by being nice.
Advocating for your Child: Tips from Hillsborough County Public Schools
As parents, we are the number one advocate for our children when it comes to their educational journey. Ensuring that your child has all the resources and support they need to be successful is our top priority as well in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS).
Hillsborough Strong: Trailblazing Students Doing Incredible Things in Music, Media and Technology
These four award-winning students from Hillsborough County Public Schools are sharing their successes and advice for doing the things they love. Justice Jones Rising fifth-grader, Hunters Green Elementary, Tampa Award: Hillsborough County Elementary Fine Arts Festival, All County Modern Band Drummer On his passion for music: “I love to do what I do because I…
Isabella’s Tale: How TGH’s Pediatric GI Program Came to the Rescue
The nightmare began with a simple shopping-mall pretzel. But thankfully for a Tampa Bay middle-schooler named Isabella, a scary and painful ordeal ended with the help of the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Children’s Hospital’s acclaimed pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) program in collaboration with the sole academic GI program in Tampa Bay, USF Health Pediatric Gastroenterology. Tampa…
Sulphur Springs Garden Club Helps the Community Bloom
Start counting: there’s collard greens, squash, kale, Jamaican callaloo, sugar cane, onions, tomatoes, bananas, edible marigolds (yes, really!), blueberries, peanuts, lettuce, oregano, mint, sage and so much more. This is the beautiful Garden Club at the Sulphur Springs PK-8 Community Partnership School, an estimated 800 square feet of space in Sulphur Springs, where students learn…
How to get free eBooks and admission to museums, tutoring help, and more through your local library
We want to welcome you and your children back to school for the 2023-2024 school year! The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is always available online as a resource for students throughout the year. Here are some of our favorite resources to share for the new school year: eBooks at the Library eBooks are accessible through…
Simple ways to organize your house now for stress-free mornings with the kids
We’re turning to local home organization expert Anyely Difato of The Neat Technique for her top tips to get organized for back-to-school.
How to Pick and Wear a Backpack
Backpacks are a back-to-school staple and necessity, but they tend to get heavier each year as students get older, which can be concerning for parents. Ryan Fitzgerald, M.D., a fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon with Children’s Orthopaedic and Scoliosis Surgery Associates (COSSA), treats patients at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He shares backpack safety tips to…
Getting Young Learners Ready for a Successful School Year: 7 Tips to Prepare
Corbett Prep shares pro tips on how to prepare your young kids for the first day of school.
How to book a free or low cost car seat inspection in Tampa Bay
Safe Kids provides free and low-cost car seat inspections in the Tampa Bay area. You might want to book one because most parents are doing it wrong.
Is your child addicted to social media? Here’s what you need to know.
Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D, talks about how to teach kids smart social media behavior and how to find a healthy balance.
Splash Pads in Tampa Bay to Keep Your Cool
Splash pads are a great way for kids of any age to have fun and cool off. Check out our picks for some of the best splash pads in Tampa Bay!
Worldschooling: A Family Summer Sabbatical Abroad
Tampa mom Michelle Schomp is sharing her family’s journey with worldschooling and is showing you how you can do it too!
Blink: A new, locally produced film puts the spotlight on gun violence in Tampa Bay
Gun violence is a problem among youth in America—and this is not an opinion. Centers for Disease Control data shows gun-related deaths surpassed car accidents as the number one killer of children in our country in 2020, and that data hasn’t changed today, according to the Gun Violence Archive. This is where a new locally…
“Dear Community… Thank you. Sincerely, Hillsborough County Public Schools”
Thank you. Sometimes, you just need to say thank you. Especially when you receive $653,000,000. That is how much money our school district has received, so far, from you, taxpayers, through the Education Referendum, which voters approved in November, 2018. The money is earmarked specifically for improvements to our schools such as air conditioning renovations…
Moms to Know: Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, ZooTampa
Driven by a cross-country opportunity to combine her passions and make a difference, Dr. Cynthia Stringfield embarked on a new chapter in her life when she moved from California to Florida in 2019. Today at ZooTampa, driven by a deep-rooted belief in the power of education, Dr. Stringfield dedicates her work to instilling a sense…
Kids to Know: Alyson Hobbs @aly_8_hockey
In a world where young dreams hold infinite possibilities, an 8-year-old girl who loved to skate found her way to the Tampa Bay Lightning Girls Hockey League to leave her mark on the ice. Alyson Hobbs, a focused and flourishing young player, is among other skillful teammates who showcase the boundless potential of girls in…
Four Paws and a Heart of Gold: St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital launches new facility dog program with its first four-legged employee
No one wants to find themselves in a situation where their child has to be admitted to a hospital. But if your family does have to do so, at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, you can rest easy knowing that your child is in the hands of some of the country’s most sought-after, highly trained professionals….
Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Month: One in a Million Bree
July is National Cleft Lip and Palate Craniofacial Awareness Month. Five-year-old Bree Brown is very special. So special, in fact, that she is literally one in a million. “Bree wasn’t breathing when she was born,” reflects an emotional Areen, Bree’s mom. During Areen’s pregnancy, Bree wasn’t measuring properly on sonograms. It was discovered that she…
MOSI STEAMing Ahead into a Future of Growth and Innovation
A lot has changed in the world and in Tampa Bay in the 60-plus years since MOSI first opened its doors. Just as our community has grown and evolved, science and technology have too, taking us to frontiers we never could have imagined decades ago. The museum has also evolved, and while it’s not expanding…
- Parks | Clearwater | Family Fun | Outdoors | Things to Do
The NEWLY Transformed Coachman Park in Clearwater is Now Open!
The ALL-NEW Coachman Park in Clearwater is now open featuring an awesome playground, splash pad, concert venue, and more! Check out their lineup of grand opening events now through July 4th.
Check Out the New Weird and Wonderful World of MORPH’D at The Florida Aquarium!
Check out MORPH’D, the all-new exhibit from The Florida Aquarium where you can meet some weirdly wonderful, and unique creatures such as axolotls, chameleons, and even bird poop frogs!
Go Outside with The Florida Junior Ranger and Every Kid Outdoors Programs
Take advantage of the Florida Junior Ranger Program and Every Kid Outdoors to get your child excited to explore our natural world (for free)!
INSIDE LOOK: A Day at Dinosaur World Florida with the kids
Dinosaur World is a must-visit in Tampa Bay and they’ve added some pretty ROARsome additions recently including mini golf, a dino train, and more.
Red, White and Blue Inspired Lunchbox and Snack Ideas for July 4th
Jenny P with @lunchboxmafia is dishing on some yummy July 4th-inspired lunch box and snack ideas to celebrate Independence Day!
What You Need to Know Before Getting on a Disney Cruise
The best way to enjoy a Disney cruise is to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know before you and your family get on a Disney cruise.
Make a Splash at Adventure Island’s Island Nights!
Get ready to make a splash at Adventure Island with Island Nights! Enjoy all your favorite water slides and attractions along with fun entertainment through July 7!
5 Reasons We LOVE the Disney Character Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace
Besides sharing five reasons we love Topolino’s Terrace for character breakfast, you can take advantage of our expert tips!
Magical Enhancements Coming to Disney Cruise Line This Holiday Season (2023)
The most wonderful time of the year will be even more joyful this holiday season as Disney Cruise Line unwraps new festivities for the whole family aboard Very Merrytime cruises! Two brand-new entertainment experiences are on the way! Plus, Disney characters will be dressed in jolly new looks and classic celebratory activities for the whole…
Totally Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Summer with the Kids
We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do in Tampa Bay from an epic scalloping adventure to a day at one of our amazing local water parks!
A Tampa Mom’s Meditation Focused Podcast Downloaded 100 Million Times
Katie Krimitsos knows what moms need to hear to relax. Her podcasts (recorded in her closet) have been downloaded more than 100 million times.
Dr. Luis Rodriguez: Healthcare Hero Dad and Local Neurosurgeon
Modern day Brady Bunch families really do exist, just ask Luis Rodriguez, M.D., M.A.S., and his wife Lisa Moore, M.S.N., M.H.A, R.N., who both work at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Dr. Luis Rodriguez is a neurosurgeon and Moore can be found in the cardiovascular ICU. This Father’s Day, Dr. Rodriguez reflects on his work as a…
Annie Brings Sunshine to The Straz Center
Annie the musical’s Christopher Swan talks about the timeless tale that families everyone are drawn to as the show heads to The Straz Center this week.
Meet the LaFace Family of RIPA & Associates, presenting sponsors of Big John the Triceratops
Chris LaFace, president and CEO at RIPA & Associates, along with his wife, Angela (a critical care surgeon who recently paused her career for increased family time), made a groundbreaking donation and support the Big John exhibit as presenting sponsors.
Yummy Summer Camp Lunch Ideas
Check out some yummy summer camp lunch ideas from Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia!
Ten Million Reasons to Love Kat Stickler
We’re getting to know Kat Stickler, a Tampa mom and one of TikTok’s most popular influencers.
Moms to Know: Quin Brewington, Sister Lady Girl, Second Act Summit
We’re getting to know Quin Brewington, creator of Sister Lady Girl and Second Act Summit.
Kids to Know: Madden Sheridan, Miracle By The Bay
At 11 years old, every breath Madden Sheridan takes is a miracle. Diagnosed with Jeune’s Syndrome in utero, Madden may have special needs and accommodations, but his passion for sports, making people laugh and building with Legos is just like any other kid his age.
Distinguished Programs Equal Huge Opportunities in Hillsborough County Public Schools
The Academy of Finance Program: Sounds like some fancy course at the college level, right? Did you know five of our high schools in Hillsborough County offer The Academy of Finance Program? And, even better, there are big scholarship opportunities available to students who complete this prestigious program. “The Academy of Finance is one…
The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer
With more than 900 natural springs, about 40 of which are open to the public, Florida is the perfect state to explore via its waterways. What better way than hopping into a tube to drift alongside your family? Here are our picks for the best places to go tubing in Florida from the water parks…
Hey, parents! Summer reading is for you too and the library has plenty to offer
Di you know the library offers a variety of reading formats and fun incentives for adults to accomplish their summer reading goals, too!
Local Family Shares Story to Prevent Drownings
Water is part of the allure of living in Florida, but few realize that drowning is the leading cause of death among Florida children ages 1-4. Water Safety to Prevent Drownings One family is incredibly grateful to have averted such a tragedy. Having recently moved from Washington State to Venice, Florida, the family of five…
Children’s Network of Hillsborough County: Celebrating a New Facility and Major Milestones as They Serve the Tampa Bay Area
Since 2022, Children’s Network of Hillsborough County, LLC (CNHC) has served as the lead agency for administering the child welfare system in Hillsborough County. Though only a year old, their team of professionals has decades of combined experience in all aspects of the Florida child welfare system centered on preventing abuse and neglect, achieving permanency…
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!
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
Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops, is now on display at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, and you can go nose to snout with him now!
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…
