A Very Florida STATE-cation
So what if it’s hot outside? We’re in Florida! Here is our roundup of some of the wildest adventures we can seek out with our families.
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5 Nonstop Flights For Nearby Family Getaways
Halfway through 2021, many Tampa Bay area families are tired of staycations and yearning for the real thing. Try these easy nonstop flights!
Parks + Attractions | Attractions | Outdoors | Parks | Tampa | Things to Do
10 Things We LOVE About Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa
To say we LOVE Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park near downtown Tampa is an understatement. It is absolutely stunning! We highly encourage you to take the kids and go discover the 25-acre park. We promise you…there is truly something for everyone here. Related: Looking for a fun trip to the Tampa Riverwalk by downtown Tampa?…
INSIDE LOOK: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit” at Glazer Children’s Museum
“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit” is now open at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Come along with us on a tour!
INSIDE LOOK: Secrets of the Zoo: ZooTampa
If you’ve ever watched an episode of the popular Nat Geo WILD series “Secrets of the Zoo: ZooTampa,” you may already know …
Back in Time: A Day Trip to Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is only 55 miles from downtown Tampa, but it feels like a world away. Maggie Rodriguez takes you on a tour for a perfect day trip.
BACK TO THE BEACH – Kicking off beach season with a day trip to Siesta Key
Only one hour from Tampa Bay, Siesta Key waits for you and your family! Enjoy an amazing beach, great food, and a fun atmosphere!
Busch Gardens Offers FREE Admission to Active Duty Military and Veterans
Through June 27, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is offering free admission for U.S. military veterans and their families.
Native American Festivals to Discover in Florida
On February 6, 2021, my family and I went to the Brooksville Native American Festival. At the festival, we saw several Native American, South American, and Polynesian tribes. There was traditional dancing, music, handmade art, jewelry, primitive demonstrators, and most of all, Native food. This Native American Festival is a family-friendly activity to enjoy. While…
How Poetry Helps Improve Literacy and Self-Expression
Poetry gives children freedom to invent anything they want and learn in a new way! Visit your public library for poetry for all ages.
Boca Grande: A day trip to a railroad hub, now one of the Gulf’s most elegant beach towns
Maggie Rodriguez takes us along on an adventure to Boca Grande sharing her favorite places to explore and things to do with the kids!
Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Beach | Outdoors | St. Pete | Summer Break Fun | Things to Do | Travel
A Picture Perfect Day at the #1 Beach in America: St Pete Beach
We’re sharing top picks of things to do in St. Pete Beach so you can plan your next trip to the number one beach in the United States!
Writing a New Chapter with Maggie Rodriguez
Maggie Rodriguez, a monthly contributor to our magazine, has forged a new, more flexible career path as the co-host of Daytime on WFLA.
For the Love of Earth and Family: LUFKA Refillables Zero Waste Store in Tampa
Meet Kelly Hawaii and her husband Parosh, launched their business Lufka Refillables Zero Waste Store right here in Tampa!
Mermaids in Tampa Bay. Yes, it’s TRUE! They Live in Weeki Wachee Springs
Learn more about the history and magic of mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South opens new NICU to care for the tiniest patients
The new Level II NICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South provides specialized around-the-clock care 24 hours a day, seven days a week for newborns and their mothers.
Best Resort Staycation Ideas for families traveling from Tampa Bay
With resorts adding so many amenities that you don’t need to leave the property to have a good time, booking a staycation has become popular.
Heavy Metals in Baby Food: Expert info on what you need to know
Dr. Rachel Dawkins, a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital shares the need to knows about heavy metals in baby food.
Everything you need to know about The Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s
The Riverwalk takes center stage for pre-game events to get the community and our visitors a chance to step inside the Super Bowl Experience.
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Spots to Social Distance in Tampa Bay
Life during a pademic has us all seeking a little bit more space! We’re sharing some of our favorite social distancing friendly places in Tampa Bay!
Toddler Toe Walking: What’s Normal, What’s Not
Paul Benfanti, M.D., helps parents understand if and when they should be concerned about a child who might show signs of toe walking.
High school AP Capstone Program benefits and why your child should take advantage of it
The AP Capstone program equips students with independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills valued by colleges.
LEGOLAND Florida offering FREE Preschooler Pass, too!
Busch Gardens + Adventure Island just announced their FREE Preschool Card for little ones, and now LEGOLAND Florida has one too!
Why Choose a K-8 School? 5 Benefits of an Elementary and Middle School Program
Middle School may seem miles away when you are looking for a kindergarten for your child. Does it really matter if his school includes …?
Season of Giving: 10 Ways Your Family Can Give Back in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing different ways your family can give back in Tampa Bay whether it’s by volunteering your time or supporting a local non-profit.
November Cover Story: Meet Home DIY Influencer Lindsay Dean and family
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how to be comfortable at home. Home DIY Influencer Lindsay Dean shares what inspires her creations and how she got her start.
Flying During a Pandemic: What to Expect at TPA
While 2020 may be the year of the summer staycation, some families are opting to cautiously travel by air to see out-of-state relatives after being home.
Will Gholston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Conversation about Fatherhood & Football
Will Gholston became a father and an NFL player at the same time. Eight years and three kids later, he’s mastered both roles.
The Junior Buccaneers Cheerleading Program is Going Virtual in 2020!
If your little one loves to cheer and dance, the Junior Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading program might be a perfect match for them!
Focus, Faith and Family with Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt
Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt is heading to Tampa Bay with many of her other Fox News Channel hosts for the inaguaral Patriot Awards. She’s sharing more about motherhood, faith and focus at work.
Meet the Principal: Sala Sims of IDEA Tampa Bay
Sala Sims, Principal in Residence for IDEA Tampa Bay, believes that when you support children on their journey through college you are changing their lives.
8 Must-Do Outdoor Adventures in Tampa Bay with the Outdoorsy Diva
From the beaches, to the rivers and treetops, travel blogger Lauren Gay of the OutdoorsyDiva.com is sharing her 8 picks to explore in Tampa Bay!
Top 3 Party Planning Websites: Creative Inspiration for Your Next Birthday Party!
We have created a list of the Top 3 Party Planning Websites that will help you plan your next party, and add a little bit of creativity while doing it.
Moms to Know: Lindsey Jackson of Jackson in Action 83 Foundation
KNOW Tribe members and Jackson in Action 83 Foundation (JIA83), Jackson and Gorrell have worked together with military families since 2012.
Keep the Kids Busy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers During Quarantine!
You and the kids can get moving and get coloring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during your self-quarantine! Check out these FREE printables and videos!
Visiting The Florida Aquarium With Your Toddler
We love the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, FL! Here are some tips for visiting the aquarium with your toddler or young child.
Van Gogh Alive at The Dali extended through June!
Van Gogh Alive at The Dali is an immersive, multi-sensory art exhibit like you’ve never experienced before! We’re sharing what to expect.
Sign Up for Kindergarten this month with Hillsborough County Schools
If you have a rising kindergartner, this is the time to register! Hillsborough County elementary schools are hosting Ready for Kindergarten events this month.
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Dan Girardi Talks About Life After Pro Hockey
It’s a new season for Dan Girardi and his family. The former Tampa Bay Lightning player recently retired from the NHL and shares what life is like after pro hockey.
Yes, you CAN ride…or rent…a real Pirate Ship in Tampa
A real pirate ship is invading Downtown Tampa and it’s here to stay! Meet the Lost Pearl, the newest addition to the Pirate Water Taxi fleet.
Gasparilla Krewe Life: A season and way of life for local families
In Tampa, Gasparilla is a way of life. Below deck, there’s more to Gasparilla than beads. Gasparilla is family. Gasparilla is friends. Gasparilla is a treasure chest of memories and treasure trove replete with tradition.
What to pack in your hospital bag: An OB/GYN shares tips!
Dr. Jill Hechtman is a mom and OB/GYN, so she knows a thing or two about what you really need to pack in your hospital bag for baby!
Local Mom, Delilah Dawson, Pens New Novel Based on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
We’re introducing you to local mom of two, Delilah Dawson, an acclaimed author who not only wrote a novel based on Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, but also created a character you can meet at the park!
Generalization: The Key to Successful Learning
Generalization is essential to effective learning for everyone, but it is especially important for children with autism. invotherapries.com
Car Seat Safety: You’re probably doing it wrong. Admitting it is the first step.
When it comes to car seat safety, 95% of parents think their child is properly restrained in the car. Fact: Less than 10% of those parents are correct.
Outdoors | Tampa | Things to Do | Travel
Seven Days, Seven Ways to enjoy the Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Riverwalk – a great place to play, eat, drink and enjoy! Learn about Tampa’s Riverwalk activities, Riverwalk food & drink & fun!
Family and Football: Mike Evans on lessons from the field to home
We met with Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his gorgeous family to talk about football, fatherhood and philanthropy.
Hillsborough Schools: Unlock 50+ Magnet and School Choice Options
Puzzled over Magnet Schools and School Choice? Here’s how to unlock more than 50 school options, all with free tuition in Hillsborough County.
5 Fun Ways to WOW Your Kids with the Wonders of Space
Grayson Kamm, a dad of two and former TV journalist who covered the space program, shares cool facts and FUN ways to teach your kids about outer space!
YMCA swim lessons for every age and stage, including FREE lessons!
YMCA swim lessons and water safety courses are available all year! This is the time to take advantage of the courses, including FREE lessons this summer!
Four Ways to Daycation in Tampa Bay
Why vacation when you can daycation? There are so many options for families in Tampa Bay, so we’re sharing four ideas we think you and the kids will love!
The Family’s Anchor: Life after TV News is Beautiful for Maggie Rodriguez
Former CBS network news anchor Maggie Rodriguez shares her journey of transitioning from a fast paced career in the newsroom to life at home with her kids in Tampa Bay.
Peachy Perfect: U-Pick Peach Farms in Tampa Bay You Must Try!
Our Family Fun contributor Heather DeManche is sharing some her family’s favorite places to u-pick peaches in Tampa Bay! They are all just peachy perfect!
Whoa, BABY! Newsroom Baby Boom at WTSP 10 News
WTSP 10 News, the Tampa Bay area CBS affiliate recenlty experienced a BABY BOOM with several members of the team welcoming new bundles of joy at the same time!
Redshirting in Preschool vs. Time to Develop as a Whole Child
Redshirting in preschool refers to the practice of delaying a child’s entry into kindergarten to allow the child more time to mature or develop. More parents are doing it, but is it right for your child?
RAWRsome! Dinovations Lab Now Open at MOSI!
MOSI’s newest exhibit is going prehistoric with the unveiling of the Dinovations Lab featuring a diplodocus dino skeleton, Paleo Lab, and more!
Tampa Tarpons Summer Baseball Camp
George M. Steinbrenner Field; 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, FL 33614 | 813-673-3102 | milb.com/tampa/tickets/baseballcamp Receive professional instruction from the Tampa Tarpons, the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees! The Tampa Tarpons Summer Baseball Camp is available for all children ages 6-13. Campers will receive a Tarpons hat, camp T-shirt and access to a pre-game…
Tampa Bay Turners Gymnastics and Swimming
2301 26th Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 | 727-328-8500 | tampabayturners.com Gymnastics Classes, Competitive USAG Teams, current levels 3, 4, XG & XP State Team Champions, Indoor Heated Pool for Swimming Lessons starting at 6 months, Toddler Tumbling, Second Sunday Family Day, Birthday Parties, Tiny Turners Preschool (Lic 52-51-04744), Summer Day Camps. Cost: $40/day, $170/week…
Tampa U-Pick Farm | Florida Sweeties Open for Citrus This Month!
Florida Sweeties, known for their peach orchards, is offering a u-pick of citrus fruit during what looks to be perfect picking weather this weekend.
Flying with Car Seats | Expert advice on what you need to know before you go
Not sure how to navigate the friendly skies when it comes to flying with car seats? Michelle Pratt, owner of Safe in the Seat, shares expert advice.