Blog

A Parent’s Review of Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
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A Parent’s Review of Camp Margaritaville Auburndale

Looking for a Central Florida family getaway? Here’s a parent’s review of the new Camp Margaritaville Auburndale.

Preventing Birth Defects
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Preventing Birth Defects and Keeping Baby Healthy During Pregnancy

Oftentimes moms can’t prevent birth defects or other complications, but there are some things moms can do to prevent hospitalization at birth.

First Tee
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First Tee Introduces Golf and Key Values to Bay Area Kids

First Tee has nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

Toy Blocks

There are BIG benefits to playing with toy blocks and we’re telling you why

The next time toy blocks come out for play, remember that it’s more than just playtime, it’s a bonding and creative experience.

Dry January Janie Porter
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Dry January: Put down the wine and drink in joy instead

In time for Dry January, Janie Porter provides perspective on nurturing a fulfilling life without filling the tumbler.   

Inspire a Love for Learning this Year

Inspire a Love for Learning this Year

Here are some practices you can implement at home to ensure this year is filled with laughter, new experiences and a love for reading.

Us-Cryotherapy-Red-Light-Therapy-Tampa
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Red Light Therapy? It’s trending in Tampa Bay!

You may have been offered red light therapy as an option during a facial treatment, but how about red light therapy for your whole body? It’s a thing!

kid-friendly Kwanzaa
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How to host a kid-friendly Kwanzaa celebration

Kwanzaa is a holiday founded in 1966 to help African-Americans reconnect with their culture. Here are 5 ways to have a kid-friendly Kwanzaa.

Day Trips in Tampa Bay

The Best Day Trips in Tampa Bay for Families

We’re sharing our favorite family-friendly day trips in Tampa Bay! From Weeki Wachee Springs to Bok Tower Gardens, we’ve got a day’s worth of FUN for every family on our list!

New Year's Eve in Tampa ay
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New Year’s Eve Ideas for Families and Couples! Where to Ring in 2022.

Our list of NYE Hotspots for your and your significant other is updated almost daily through the end of the year – so keep checking back to see what’s new!

Endless Kid-Friendly Fun at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
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Endless Kid-Friendly Fun at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

There is so much to do this holiday season, both in Tampa Bay and in Orlando. It can be hard to decide what to do. If you have younger kids, especially preschool age, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is a must-do. I’ve visited every single Orlando theme park this holiday season, as I tend to do…

Feeding Tampa Bay, Holiday Traditions
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3 New Traditions You Can Start This Holiday Season

Here are three easy ways you can stand with your community, all while introducing new, rewarding holiday traditions!

winter village at Curtis Hixon Park ice-skating
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Cool Places to Play in The Snow and Ice Without Leaving Tampa Bay

We’re sharing a few places around town to check out if you want to play in the snow or take a whirl around an ice-skating rink.

Johns Hopkins
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Saylor Celebrates First Birthday Thanks to Her Medical Team

“Her outlook for a healthy life is a good one, thanks to the team at Johns Hopkins All Children’s,” her mother says.

New School on the Block: Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School

New School on the Block: Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School

Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School opens its doors on the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Campus for Innovative Learning in August 2022.

Easy and festive holiday cocktails with Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay
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Easy and festive holiday cocktails with Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay

Blogger Ginain Grayes is dishing on her favorite festive holiday cocktail recipes which can also be transformed into mocktails.

Carolynn Smith-Jones

Moms to Know: Carolynn Smith-Jones, Seven Marketing + PR

Carolynn Smith-Jones, owner of 7 Marketing + PR, has rebuilt her life from the ground up. Follow her journey, struggles, and faith!

swarzman

Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman Awarded State “Teacher’s Teacher” Recognition

The Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) honored Dr. Swarzman this month with the 2021 Edgar McCleary Service Award.

CALM
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Find a sense of CALM: How to teach social-emotional intelligence in the home

CALM is part of the Quality Early Education System-QEES that takes a holistic approach to early childhood education.

Curtain Time: A dialogue with the Patel Conservatory
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Curtain Time: A dialogue with the Patel Conservatory

Tara Payor talks one on one with Matthew Belopavlovich, artistic director for the Patel Conservatory about why theater is good for kids and families.

Libraries: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Libraries: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Foster your family’s holiday spirit with help from the public library. Learn about different holidays to teach children about diversity.

Pediatrics Residency

Class Act: BayCare welcomes its first batch of pediatric residents

Starting July 2022, BayCare will begin training the next generation of pediatricians when it launches the 3-year BayCare Pediatrics Residency

disney christmas

Celebrate the Season with Holiday Events in Orlando, Florida

Yes- jingle bells WILL be ringing, even in the pool, while eating a candy cane in the 80-degree beautiful weather that is the norm for Orlando in December!

Margaret Zakarian Hosting

Holiday Hosting: Pro Tips from the Zakarian Family

The Holidays are Here! Margaret Zakarian gives her favorite tips to keep the holidays easy and stress free.

The Hidden Holiday Danger: Button Batteries

The Hidden Holiday Danger: Button Batteries

There has been an average of 3,500 button battery ingestions per year and the incidence has increased in the last decade.

Doublemint Sitting Toy Drive

Babysitters with BIG hearts hosting toy drive for foster kids

The powerhouse team behind the babysitting service Doublemint Sitting are growing their annual toy drive for foster kids and they need your help.

christmas tree pizza holiday lunch box ideas with @lunchboxmafia
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Make it MERRY with holiday inspired lunches by @lunchboxmafia

Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia is dishing on her favorite holiday inspired lunchbox ideas for the tastiest and most festive lunch ever!

Roo Powell
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Undercover Underage: A Mom Goes Undercover to Nab Online Predators

Maggie Rodriguez interviews Roo Powell, a child advocate who disguises herself as a teenager to nab online predators

Make it Merry: Holiday Lunches
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Make it Merry: Holiday Lunches

Til the Season for warm lunches! Jenny from @lunchboxmafia teaches you how to make warm lunches for your kids, and tips to keep them warm!

Feeding Tampa Bay volunteer

A Challenge for a Champion Community: 3 ways to stake a stand for Feeding Tampa Bay   

Hunger impacts more than those who are in need; it’s an “everyone problem.” Lack of consistent access to food has a long-term impact on our community’s future. Ending hunger is a vested interest for us all. 

Winter Beach debuts at The St. Pete Pier!
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Winter Beach debuts at The St. Pete Pier!

Ice skating on the beach? Although that sounds like a crazy concept, you can do just that at Winter Beach in St. Pete! Located at the St. Pete Pier, the new attraction boasts a skating rink with a 360-degree water view. Whether you’ve been skating for years or are just learning how, the Winter Beach…

Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade Holiday Spectacular

Holiday Parades and Boat Parades in Tampa Bay!

The celebrations are back in 2021! We’re sharing some of our favorite Christmas parades and boat parades in Tampa Bay!

Social and emotional learning
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Let’s Bake, Baby! Making Social and Emotional Learning Fun

Make learning fun! Baking Christmas Cookies with your child can become a form of social and emotional learning.

jordanna barrett shaq barrett tampa bay bucs

Perseverance, Character and Teamwork: Life Lessons with Shaquil Barrett

Shaq Barrett Tampa Bay Bucs’ linebacker and his wife Jordanna Barrett – share life lessons on perseverance, character, family & teamwork.

festive thanksgiving
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Festive Table: Make your kids table pop this Thanksgiving

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, Kid Collective Party Rentals offers tips on decorating your kid’s table with a festive twist!

Remembering the Inspiring Life of Winter the Dolphin
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Remembering the Inspiring Life of Winter the Dolphin

Winter the dolphin passes away at Clearwater Marine Aquarium at 16 years old after fighting an intestinal infection.

INSIDE LOOK: LEGOLAND Florida Beach Retreat
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INSIDE LOOK: LEGOLAND Florida Beach Retreat

Experience a family-friendly vacation at LEGOLAND Florida Beach Retreat with LEGO-themed bungalows and park excitement.

Mindsets Mural

Where Mindsets Matter

Students at Heritage Elementary School paint a mural based on the 7 mindsets, promoting relationship skills and responsible decision-making.

Moms to Know Kristen Brown

Moms to Know: Kristen Brown, TRIBE Seminole Heights

Social Entrepreneur Kristen Brown talks about TRIBE Seminole Heights, an after school program which serves 1,800 families and 2,500 students

ZooTampa Wildlife Explorer Quest
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NEW at ZooTampa! Wildlife Explorer Quest

ZooTampa Wildlife Explorer Quest is an exciting new way to interact with the Zoo! Kids go on a quest to find and learn about animals!

Ways To Give Back at Any Age This Holiday Season
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Ways To Give Back at Any Age This Holiday Season

It’s never too early to teach children the importance of giving back to others. Many organizations and charities need help year-round, but during the holiday season, the need is even greater. The impact of Covid-19 took a hit on charities worldwide last year. Food banks, homeless shelters, and donation sites are in dire need of…

Halloween inspired lunch box ideas with @lunchboxmafia
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Halloween inspired lunch box ideas with @lunchboxmafia

Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia is dishing on some spooktacular lunch box ideas for the kids and even adults!

watermelon swim
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Watermelon Swim: Something Fun Has Sprouted!

We have grown into Watermelon Swim! We are keeping the current experience, reputation, and values but adding a fresh and exciting twist.

Scouting Lasting Influence: The Importance of Nonparental Adults
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Scouting Lasting Influence: The Importance of Nonparental Adults

Tampa Bay dad Drew Weatherford is blessed that one of college football’s winningest coaches, Bobby Bowden, was among his nonparental adult figures.

LEGOLAND Florida celebrates 10th birthday with NEW experiences

LEGOLAND Florida celebrates 10th birthday with NEW experiences

LEGOLAND Florida debuted several NEW things to do with the kids and even announced a new ride coming in 2022!

Spaceship Earth EPCOT Tampa connection
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The Disney connection to Tampa Bay is more magical than you think!

There’s more than I-4 that connects Tampa Bay to Walt Disney World. Grayson Kamm shares some fascinating ways our roots grow deep with the Happiest Place on Earth.

Zubrick Magic Theatre in St. Pete
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Families Experience Wonder at the Zubrick Magic Theatre

Award-winning illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick stretch smiles and drop jaws for audiences of all ages at Zubrick Magic Theatre.

How Raprager Family Farm Got Its Start in Tampa Bay
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How Raprager Family Farm Got Its Start in Tampa Bay

We’re getting to know the family behind the Raprager Farm as they share what inspired them to open the farm to what’s next.

BOGO is BACK! A conversation with Zach Bogosian of the Tampa Bay Lightning
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BOGO is BACK! A conversation with Zach Bogosian of the Tampa Bay Lightning

Zach Bogosian is BACK and we’re sitting down with the Tampa Bay Lightning player to learn more about life off the ice as a parent and his return to the team.

Bucs
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Game Day Tips: Taking Your Kids to a Bucs Game

Planning a family outing to a Bucs game? Here’s what you need to know before you go to the next game at Raymond James Stadium!

Tampa Bay social media influencers Diana Blinkhorn

MAMA Social Media Influencers to Follow in Tampa Bay!

  If you asked someone what the heck a social media influencer was 10 years ago, they’d probably think you were crazy. (Remember those old school Facebook status updates…or worse…MySpace?) My oh my how time has changed! Social media influencers play a big role in many of our lives. Maybe their posts will inspire a…

COVID Testing and Kids
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COVID Testing and Kids: When is it necessary and which test is best?

COVID Testing and Kids: We are nearly two years into this pandemic and it’s important to know when to get your child tested for COVID-19.

LEGOLAND Florida is Celebrating its 10th Birthday This October!
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LEGOLAND Florida is Celebrating its 10th Birthday This October!

Legoland Florida is Celebrating its 10th Birthday This October With All-New Events, Attractions, and Surprises!

Top Three Winning LEGO MASTERS Models are Coming to LEGOLAND Florida Resort!

Top Three Winning LEGO MASTERS Models are Coming to LEGOLAND Florida Resort!

Top Three Winning LEGO Builds from FOX’s LEGO MASTERS Will Be On Display at LEGOLAND Florida Resort This Fall!

Our Best Summer Ever! Ideas to inspire your 2022 Summer Family Adventure
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Our Best Summer Ever! Ideas to inspire your 2022 Summer Family Adventure

We asked some of our contributors to share their summer adventures beyond our beautiful Sunshine State to help inspire your next family trip!

lunch box ideas with lunchboxmafia
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School Lunch Box Ideas with Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia

Stumped on what to include in your child’s school lunch box? Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia is sharing her top tips and cool ideas!

Erasing the Need: Where to Donate School Supplies to Help Local Kids
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Erasing the Need: Where to Donate School Supplies to Help Local Kids

School is almost back in session and that means shopping for school supplies, but for some families, a trip to the store can be stressful.

Get Up and Go Kayaking at Shell Key Preserve #1 for a Reason
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Get Up and Go Kayaking at Shell Key Preserve #1 for a Reason

Get Up and Go Kayaking’s Paddle Pals adventure for kids and their parents is a must experience! We’re giving all of the you the fun details!

Maggie and the Moms on Daytime

Maggie and the Moms: Watch the Full Episodes

Don’t miss a minute! We’re sharing all of the recent episodes of Maggie and the Moms. You can also watch Mondays on Daytime at 10 am.

Reunion Resort Florida
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Florida Summer Getaway: A Long Weekend at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee

We’re giving you a peek at all of the family fun at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, a perfect summer getaway in Florida!