Options, Options Everywhere: Expanded HCPS Magnet Schools & School Choice Opportunities
Hillsborough County Public Schools offer a growing list of innovative magnet and school choice options for the 2025-2026 school year.
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New Rides and Shows at Walt Disney World: The Latest Magical Attractions
New rides, shows, and experiences have arrived at Walt Disney World. And even more are on the way! Come see what’s new and what’s on the horizon at the most magical place on Earth.
Yes, you and the kids can go dig for dinosaurs…and we did it with PaleoAdventures!
Yes, you and the kids can go dig for dinosaurs…and you can do it alongside the paleontologist who discovered Big John, the world’s largest triceratops, the dinosaur on display at Glazer Children’s Museum!
Trick-or-Treat at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Halloween Spookquarium!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium will transform into a Halloween Spookquarium on Halloween night with trick-or-treating, underwater pumpkin carving, and more!
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, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is a must-do. Each holiday season, I visit every single Orlando theme park, and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration ranks towards the top…
How to Volunteer with the Kids in Tampa Bay: 10+ ways to give back
We’re sharing ways you can volunteer with the kids in Tampa Bay to turn quality family time into give back time!
The BEST Halloween Events for Kids in Tampa Bay + MORE Fun!
We’re sharing the best Halloween events for kids in Tampa Bay, along with trick-or-treating events, costume ideas, spooky snacks, and MORE!
INSIDE LOOK: Harvest Days at Keel Farms in Plant City 2025
Join us for a look at this year’s Harvest Days at Keel Farms and explore all of the fun fall farm fun for the family!
INSIDE LOOK: Mote SEA is now open in Sarasota and it’s INCREDIBLE!
There’s a brand-new aquarium in Tampa Bay for you to explore with the kids, and it is absolutely incredible. We got a chance to get a peek at Mote SEA: Science Education Aquarium before opening day. So let’s dive into all the details so you can map out an epic day under the sea! When…
MOSI Launches First-Ever Space Week with its New Astrophysicist
MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, is blasting off with its first-ever Space Week, featuring brand-new space-themed activities each day from October 4-10.
20+ Best Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay to Visit with the Kids
Your Guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches from around Tampa Bay! Get ready for an amazing experience to welcome Fall – and some great pictures!
20+ Adorable Fall Festivals in Tampa Bay for Kids
These adorable Tampa Bay fall festivals will make you want to inhale the pumpkin spice! Fun for the whole family…and the pictures!
8+ Not-to-Miss Corn Mazes in Tampa Bay and Beyond
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! We’re sharing our favorite corn mazes in Tampa to explore this fall with the kids!
INSIDE LOOK: Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa returns with NEW thrills in 2025!
ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night family-friendly Halloween party is returning in 2025 for 13 nights with NEW treats and thrills!
Teacher to Know: Brainard Harris, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Brainard Harris is a mentor, innovator and leader who brings aerospace technology to life for students at Stewart Middle Magnet.
Moms to Know: Angeline Howell, Creating Change Through Play and Purpose
Local mom and changemaker, Angeline Howell, is inspiring hands-on learning, building community and shaping the future of education in Tampa Bay.
The Play List: Let’s explore FloridaRAMA in St. Pete
FloridaRAMA in St. Pete is the perfect day for kids of all ages to explore the most funky, interactive art installations you’ll see anywhere!
A Rose By any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet: Retelling Shakespeare for Teens.
For teens and families looking to approach Shakespeare from new perspectives, there’s plenty on offer at the library.
Kids to Know: Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson
Meet Madison Richardson, a tae kwon do champion raising awareness for causes that empower kids and fund life-changing cancer research.
USF Volleyball Coach, Jolene Shepardson, on a Full Court, Full House and Full Heart
University of South Florida’s head volleyball coach, Jolene Shepardson, balances coaching life and motherhood.
Tailgate Treats the Whole Family Will Cheer For
Score big with these winning game-day tailgate treats to keep everyone going from the opening kickoff until the final down!
What do Kids Want More than Phones? Independence!
Lenore Skenazy co-founder of Let Grow with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt, discuss what kids want more that phones.
Cinematically Spooky: Celebrating Halloween at the Historic Tampa Theatre
A Nightmare on Franklin Street returns to Tampa Theatre for goulishly good frights for all ages this Halloween season!
50+ Fall Events, Pumpkin Patches, Halloween Events, and MORE!
The 2025 list of pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and fall festivals in Tampa Bay is here and promises some ghoulishly good times.
Setting The Stage: Winter/Spring Arts Classes Now Enrolling At The Marcia P. Hoffman School Of The Arts
Discover all about the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts Winter Classes, beginning January 10, 2026 at Ruth Eckerd Hall!
Encouraging Wonder: What Happens When Preschoolers Ask Why
It happens almost overnight. You blink, and your baby suddenly has become a walking, talking little person with an intense desire to know things. The word “why” probably falls from their mouths at least a few times a day. Like most parents, you provide them with an answer. Sure, it might be a really good…
An E-Scooter Emergency: Cooper’s Story
It was a call no parent wants to receive. When John’s phone rang, his son, 14-year-old Cooper, was out riding his e-scooter. “I heard moaning on the phone, then the call dropped,” John recalls. “I turned around immediately and headed to where he was supposed to be.” He found Cooper badly injured after a fall…
The Not-So-Scary Facts About the Flu Vaccine
Halloween costume ordered? Check. Candy purchased? Check. Pumpkins carved? Check. Flu shot scheduled? Wait…flu shot? That’s what Dr. Marcy Solomon Baker, pediatric medical director for BayCare Medical Group, advises parents: By Halloween, make sure you’ve got your flu shot. Why? Because it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to become fully effective, and…
Opening New Chapters: New Worlds Reading Brings Free Books and Joy to Young Florida Readers
New Worlds Reading helps Florida children develop strong reading habits by delivering free books and activities to their homes. The program supports VPK through fifth-grade students in Florida public and charter schools who are not yet reading on grade level. Each month during the school year, enrolled children receive a free book and fun literacy…
The Art of Negotiation: High School Students Learn Essential Life Skills
Whether you are a teen asking your parents for an extended curfew or a seasoned professional closing a big business deal, the art of negotiation is a critical life skill that is not typically included in the average high school curriculum. At Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, students had the chance to dive into…
Celebrate the Holidays with Tampa’s Pirate Ship: The Lost Pearl
Tampa Bay has no shortage of holiday magic, but this season, one of the most unique ways to celebrate is by setting sail aboard Tampa’s only pirate ship, the Lost Pearl.
Tampa YMCA and the Tampa Bay Lightning Take Hockey from the Ice to the YMCA
Fall at the Tampa YMCA means the return of everyone’s favorite youth sports. From soccer and basketball to dance, flag football and more, our programs keep kids active, learning and having fun in a safe, supportive environment. Families across Tampa Bay look forward to this season as children build confidence, develop new skills and form…
Festive and Fun Lunchbox Ideas for October with @lunchboxmafia
Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia is dishing on some festive and fun lunchbox ideas for the kids and even adults!
Meet the 2025 Recipients of Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Award
Get to know Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Hillsborough County students who go above and beyond to fight bullying in our community.
Halloween For Tweens and Teens: Teen-Approved Frights and Fun
Marisa Langford is sharing fun, safe and most importantly TEEN-APPROVED options for Halloween for teens and tweens in Tampa Bay.
Sensory-friendly Halloween Events in Tampa Bay
Halloween is a great holiday for kids to dress up, get LOADS of candy, visit a pumpkin patch, and carve it! For families with neurodivergent or sensory needs, many traditional Halloween celebrations and experiences can be intense and overwhelming. No one wants their child to miss out on a great holiday, so we’re lending a…
Book-o-Ween Costumes for the Books! Easy DIY Costumes Inspired by Your Child’s Favorite Books
Karimah Henry of @CraftingaFunLife is sharing easy DIY Book-o-Ween costumes to make based on your child’s favorite books!
A Parent’s Guide to Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida 2025
We’re dishing on all the details about Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida to help you map out your family’s adventure this Halloween season!
Calling all pint-sized Bucs Fans: You can join the Jr. Bucs Fan Club today!
Kids can join the Jr Bucs Fan Club today and receive a super cool welcome kit, member perks, special event invites, and more!
A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be back for 2025! We’re sharing what we know so far!
Scary Good: Our Team Shares Their Favorite DIY Halloween Costumes
Our team here at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine share their favorite DIY Halloween costumes to spark some ghoulishly good ideas this Halloween!
INSIDE LOOK: Kandy’s Sweetacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Join us as we take you for a look at what to expect at this SWEET event for families that includes trick-or-treating, fun activities, and more!
Yes, you CAN cut down your own Florida Christmas Tree at Ergle Tree Farm!
Discover this adorable tree farm in Dade City where you can cut down your own Florida Christmas tree this holiday season, or shop for a pre-cut tree from North Carolina!
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns Sept. 21-Oct. 4, 2025!
Target’s popular car seat trade-in program is returning September 21 through October 4, 2025.
10 Awesome Kennedy Space Center Facts to Share on Your Next Visit or Field Trip!
Check out the top ten secrets of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex from a former space reporter and current dad.
INSIDE LOOK: What to expect at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2025
Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on September 5, 2025 and we’re dishing on all the details to help you plan a night of fright!
7+ Spookiest Haunted Houses Around Tampa Bay!
Halloween is on the horizon! What better way to get into the spooky spirit than to experience a haunted house?
Where to Celebrate Free Museum Day in Tampa Bay
Free Museum Day is on September 20, 2025! Check out the participating museums around Tampa Bay where you can take advantage of free admission.
Smiling Through It All: The Joyful Legacy of Dr. Michael McIlwain
Remembering the joyful legacy of Dr. Michael Mcilwain and what he meant to his patients and the Tampa Bay community.
Planning An Epic Family Night Out at the Disney Descendants/Zombies Tour in Tampa Bay
What to expect from the Disney Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour in Tampa, including songs, cast appearances, VIP upgrades, and more!
Kids Get in Free this Month at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering FREE, one-day admission to kids ages 3 – 11 during the month of September in celebration of “Future Voyagers Month”.
- MOSI | Museums | Things to Do
Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine to debut September 6 at MOSI
Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Starting September 6, visitors at MOSI can find out in a brand-new way with the opening of Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine, a hands-on exhibit that makes the world of AI exciting, accessible, and unforgettable.
Celebrating National Walk To School Day
National Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 8th, and this year will mark Tampa Bay’s biggest and best celebration in history!
A Hub of Wellness and Growth: An Inside Look at Hillsborough County Children’s Board Family Resource Centers
An Inside Look at Hillsborough County Children’s Board Family Resource Center and how they promote healthy child development.
The BEST Things to Do with Kids at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
From the best eats to the best storytellers, here are the best things to do with kids at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays 2023.
AHOY! Let’s board a Pirate’s Christmas Cruise on the Lost Pearl!
Come aboard with us as we share our adventure on The Lost Pearl’s ‘A Pirate’s Christmas Cruise’ in Downtown Tampa!
Rooted in Learning: Local Farm Helping to Grow Young Minds at Corbett Prep
The Lawrance family teaches life lessons to students at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS in Tampa through a new raised-bed garden system.
Tampa Bay Boy Inspires Book Series
Meet the local 6-year-old boy who became the inspiration for the book “A Boy with Blue Dino Glasses.”
INSIDE LOOK: YA BY THE BAY’s Story Warrior Festival
Meet Goosebumps legend R.L. Stine, meet bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson, and more YA BY THE BAY: Story Warrior Festival.
7 Easy Meatless Dinners for Busy School Nights
Work smarter, not harder with these easy meatless dinners that you can whip up between carpool runs.
