INSIDE LOOK: Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa returns with NEW thrills in 2026!
ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night family-friendly Halloween party is returning in 2026 for 15 select nights with NEW treats and thrills!
Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne is an award-winning journalist whose 15+ years in Florida newsrooms have shaped her into a trusted voice for Tampa Bay families. As Creative Director and Managing Editor of Tampa Bay Parenting and Orlando Parenting she leads a team dedicated to delivering expert-backed, locally relevant content for parents and families across the Tampa Bay area. With a career spanning television and print journalism, Laura blends professional expertise with her personal journey as a mom to two boys, offering practical insights that resonate with busy caregivers.Laura earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Florida State University. She launched her career in 2002 as a reporter at SNN Local News 6 in Sarasota, followed by stints at WCTV in Tallahassee (2002-2007), WINK News in Fort Myers (2007-2009), and WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay (2009-2013). Over 25 years, she covered politics, crime, and breaking news, earning accolades for her sharp reporting and on-air presence.Since joining the magazine Laura has transformed Tampa Bay Parenting into an award-winning publication, doubling its revenue and creating timely, relevant local content for local parents, while earning multiple Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards for excellence in journalism.Laura also served on the Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board for Circuit 13, and as a board member of Leadership Hillsborough (Class of 2021-2022). A sustainer of The Junior League of Tampa, Laura’s civic engagement underscores her dedication to the Tampa Bay area.Laura’s insights reach beyond Tampa Bay Parenting. She’s been featured in outlets like WFLA, Tampa Bay Times, and The KNOW Women, sharing expertise on parenting and media.
Articles by Laura Byrne
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!
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!
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!
INSIDE LOOK: Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted Tours Returning as a Spookeasy in 2026
Ahoy brave souls! Pirate Water Taxi’s Haunted Tours are about to set sail once again in downtown Tampa with ghostly characters, and eerie tales of the city’s past..
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!
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns Sept. 20-Oct. 3, 2026!
For this limited time, you will be able to turn in an unused or expired car seat at guest services and receive a voucher for 20% off Target Circle Bonus on your next purchase of one car seat, booster seat, stroller, or other select baby home gear at Target!
A Dinner Date with the Kids at EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Take the kids on a culinary adventure around the world at EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival where you can taste and play all day!
INSIDE LOOK: The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios
This new experience is a space where families are encouraged to play, embrace their creativity, and immerse themselves in the nostalgia of beloved Disney films like never before!
Spooktacular returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a NEW character and treats!
We’re showing you what it’s like to experience Spooktacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to help you plan a ghoulishly good day!
- Central Florida | Fall Family Fun | Halloween | Pregnancy to Preschool Years | Theme Parks | Things to Do
Peppa’s Halloween Party is an OINKTASTIC way to celebrate the season at Peppa Pig Theme Park!
Peppa Pig Theme Park is hosting Peppa’s Halloween Party on select days throughout October with trick-or-treating, costumed character meet-and-greets, and more!
INSIDE LOOK: Brick or Treat kicks off this weekend at LEGOLAND Florida!
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!
Eat Well and Do Good: Community Harvest program returns this September
The 1905 Family of Restaurants, which runs well-known Tampa restaurants like Columbia and Ulele, is bringing back its Community Harvest program for the 29th year this September to support local nonprofits.
Kids Get in Free this Month at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor 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”.
INSIDE LOOK: ZooTampa Veterinarian Healing Zoo Animals with Acupuncture
Acupuncture on a duck… or a manatee? You betcha! ZooTampa’s veterinary team is incorporating this holistic approach to care for animals that may not be responding as well to traditional treatments, and it appears to be working.
Bright Ideas: Let’s meet three local inventors who are turning their big ideas into a family-owned business!
Have you ever used an everyday product and thought to yourself … there has to be something better out there? Or maybe you have a really cool idea for something that doesn’t even exist yet. Three local parents are proving it IS possible to turn your bright ideas into real, tangible products families will fall…
- Education | Back to School | Elementary School Years | Featured | In Print | Lil Kids | Middle School Years | Parenting
The Corbett Prep Difference: The Strollo family of South Tampa share why they picked this PK-8 school for their kids
We’re learning more about the family’s decision to send their two sons to Corbett Prep and how it has changed the trajectory of their boys’ lives.
INSIDE LOOK: Tampa Bay Rays Game Day at Tropicana Field with the Kids
Our team here at Tampa Bay Parenting recently went to a Tampa Bay Rays Family Fundays game to give you an INSIDE LOOK at game day to help you plan a day fit for the memory book. So let’s play ball!Â
INSIDE LOOK: Coastersaurus ROARS back into action at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Coastersaurus is BACK on track, and we’re talking to two people from the team at LEGOLAND Florida Resort who helped it roar back to life!
“The Art of Banksy” exhibit now open at the Straz Center in Tampa
The world’s largest authenticated collection of Banksy art is now on stage at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa for a limited time.
