Florida State Parks You Must Visit with the Kids
We’re sharing some of our team’s favorite Florida state parks to visit with the kids near the Tampa Bay area and beyond!
Outdoors
Our Favorite Things to Do with the Kids at the Florida State Fair!
The Florida State Fair is back February 6-17, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds with even more family fun! We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do with little ones!
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!
Conquering Kilimanjaro: A Father’s Journey to the Roof of Africa
Discover how Preston Rudie conquered the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the life-changing journey that pushed his limits.
The sweetest way to see Manatees: The TECO Manatee Viewing Center
The TECO Manatee Viewing Center is back open for the season! This is one of our favorite free things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay!
9+ 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!
The Best Turkey Trots in Tampa Bay this Thanksgiving
We’ve got a list of great family-friendly Turkey Trots in Tampa this Thanksgiving that will help your family burn energy and have fun!
Tampa Bay Sun FC: Ready to Kick Off a History-Making Season
The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club is kicking off its inaugural season this Sunday, August 18, bringing the highest level of professional women’s sports ever to the Tampa Bay Area. We’re getting to know head coach Denise Schilte-Brown as we talk women’s sports, motherhood, and her love of Tampa Bay.
Pirate Water Taxi launching new Dolphin Cruise in Downtown Tampa
Pirate Water Taxi has a NEW dolphin cruise in downtown Tampa to give you landlubbers a chance to see dolphins up close in the wild in Tampa Bay.
Family Fun | Outdoors | Parks | Things to Do
Exploring Myakka River State Park as a Family
Embark on a family adventure to Myakka River State Park, where the wild beauty of Florida unfolds. Perfect for families seeking both thrill and tranquility, it’s an experience that brings you closer to nature and each other.
It’s Blueberry U-Pick Season! Where to pick blueberries in Tampa Bay
The sweet blueberries are ready for the picking at several farms and we’re showing you where!
Get Outside with The James Museum’s Spring Break Scavenger Hunt!
Calling all adventurers! Get outside this spring break and explore St. Pete’s natural habitats with The James Museum’s all-new scavenger hunt!
Family-Friendly Spots to Snorkel in Tampa Bay
Snorkeling is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. And what better place to learn all about sea critters than to snorkel the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay!
Let’s Play! Our Favorite Parks and Playgrounds in Tampa Bay
Tampa is home to some amazing parks and playgrounds to help get some fresh air and get the wiggles out. Check out our favorite parks and playgrounds in and around Tampa Bay!
Parks + Attractions | Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Parks | Spring Break | Things to Do
Tampa Bay Bucket List: Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River
Swimming with manatees is a magical and unique experience you can only do in Crystal River. We’re sharing everything you need to know.
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.
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)!
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…
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.
10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland
When we say you have to see it to believe how incredible it really is, we mean it when it comes to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This brand-new privately built park on the outskirts of downtown Lakeland is a new place to play in Tampa Bay and we have a feeling it will quickly…
Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Beach | Hotels | Outdoors | Spring Break | St. Pete | Summer Break Fun | Travel
The Ultimate Beachfront Staycation: TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach
There’s no shortage of things to do at Tradewinds Island Resorts from floating cabanas and water park and so much more!
Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads | Outdoors | Spring Break | Spring Family Fun | Summer Break Fun | Travel
10+ Awesome Spots to Go Kayaking with the Kids in Tampa Bay
With so many water access points across the Tampa area, there are tons of places to go kayaking near you, whether you choose to book a guided tour or rent from a local kayak rental company.
The Most Beautiful Natural Florida Springs Near Tampa Bay
Enjoying traditional summer fun has been challenging this year, with limited access to our favorite activities but check out these Florida Springs!
The Best Outdoor Camps and Sports Summer Camps in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing the best summer programs offering outdoor and sports camps in Tampa Bay for kids of all ages.
10+ Florida Springs Your Family Needs to Explore
Looking for a day trip to get out of the house for a bit or to maybe take a weekend family “drivecation”? Look no further than the Florida natural springs!
INSIDE LOOK: The NEW Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland
Check out the NEW Florida Children’s Museum at Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park! The Florida Children’s Museum is fun for the whole family!
Brandon’s Best Pumpkin Patches
Your Guide to Brandon’s Best Pumpkin Patches from around Tampa Bay! Get ready for an amazing experience to welcome Fall!
How to Get FREE Admission to Florida State Parks with your Library Card
The Real Florida Reader Day Pass will get you free admission to one of Florida’s 175 state parks through September 12, 2022.
Where to Go Zip Lining in Tampa Bay with the Kids
See Tampa Bay in a while new away as you soar through the treetops. We’re sharing our top picks of places to zip lining in Tampa Bay.
Horseback Trail Ride
Horseback Trail Ride Like riding a magic carpet, but with a life of its own, that is what horseback riding felt like to me! Essentially one is on the back of a horse and follows a trail. I saw the other horses in front of me and the ones in the back as I was…
The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is BACK in 2022
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival presented by Visit St Pete Clearwater returns April 8-24.
Easy Steps to Starting an Herb Garden
There are so many great reasons to start an herb garden. For me, it’s having fresh herbs on hand for everything from meals to medicinal.
Adventures with ASD: Swinging in the trees at TreeUmph
TreeUmph is a family-friendly obstacle course adventure that consists of many rope bridges, plank walking, rope swinging, wall climbing, and most important of all, ziplining! And all this is done while at 60 feet up in the air! TreeUmph, located in Bradenton, has seven intensity levels for everyone’s preference. I have never tried something like…
Farms | Outdoors | Things to Do | U Pick
Where to Pick Strawberries, Blueberries, Citrus, and MORE!
*Check out our favorite springtime u-pick events in Tampa Bay offering peaches, blueberries, sunflowers and more! March and April are prime time for u-pick around Tampa! From sweet strawberries to fresh veggies, there are plenty of places where you can take advantage of Florida’s early growing season. U-pick can be a fun outing with family…
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.
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!
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?…
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Get WILD: Animal encounters in Tampa Bay your kids will never forget
We went to several local attractions to check out some of animal encounters in Tampa Bay so we can share our favorites with you!