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Our Favorite Things to Do Thanksgiving Break in Tampa Bay
By Laura Byrne December 2, 2025

Lucky you for calling Tampa Bay home. There are so many things to do in Tampa Bay. From day camps to events and activities, we’ve got it all on our top picks list.

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Metropolitan Ministries Sounding the Alarm: Donations Needed Desperately
By Laura Byrne October 27, 2025

Metropolitan Ministries says it is serving double the number of families it typically serves, and it could get worse, but there are ways your family can help support them and the families they serve.

Read More Metropolitan Ministries Sounding the Alarm: Donations Needed Desperately
The Future of Walt Disney World: New Rides and Attractions Coming Soon
By Dani Meyering October 26, 2025

Walt Disney had one foot planted in the past and one in the future. His vision and excitement for the future continue as Walt Disney Imagineering finds new ways to bring beloved Disney stories to life. So many new rides and shows are now open at Disney, and unsurprisingly, more are on the horizon! Let’s…

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How to Volunteer with the Kids in Tampa Bay: 10+ ways to give back
By Laura Byrne December 9, 2025

We’re sharing ways you can volunteer with the kids in Tampa Bay to turn quality family time into give back time!

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20+ Best Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay to Visit with the Kids
By Laura Byrne October 5, 2025

Your Guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches from around Tampa Bay! Get ready for an amazing experience to welcome Fall – and some great pictures!

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50+ Fall Events, Pumpkin Patches, Halloween Events, and MORE!
By Brie Gorecki October 10, 2025

The 2025 list of pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and fall festivals in Tampa Bay is here and promises some ghoulishly good times.

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An E-Scooter Emergency: Cooper’s Story
By Ashley Marshall October 31, 2025

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…

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Celebrate the Holidays with Tampa’s Pirate Ship: The Lost Pearl
By The Crew of Lost Pearl - Tampa's Pirate Ship March 9, 2026

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.

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A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025
By Laura Byrne September 18, 2025

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be back for 2025! We’re sharing what we know so far!

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Scary Good: Our Team Shares Their Favorite DIY Halloween Costumes
By Laura Byrne September 23, 2025

Our team here at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine share their favorite DIY Halloween costumes to spark some ghoulishly good ideas this Halloween!

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INSIDE LOOK: What to expect at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2025
By Brie Gorecki September 6, 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!

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The BEST Things to Do with Kids at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
By Dani Meyering October 20, 2025

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.

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The Play List: Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete
By Zoe Joiner March 12, 2026

Check out why Great Explorations children’s museum in St. Petersburg is the perfect place to unleash your toddler’s imagination and creativity!

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The Play List: Dinosaur World
By Zoe Joiner March 12, 2026

Read about all the fun waiting for your family at Dinosaur World, including new ride-on dinos, splash pads, fossil digs, and more!

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Moms to Know Tami Kent: The No More Foundation
By Tara Payor, Ph.D. August 1, 2025

Get to know Tami Kent, founder of The No More Foundation, which aims to eliminate poverty, orphans, and human trafficking in Tampa Bay.

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Hurricane Season 2025: What to Know About Storm Flooding with ABC Action News’ Denis Phillips
By Brie Gorecki July 2, 2025

Hurricane season is upon us again, and we’re catching up with ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist, Denis Phillips, to help us understand what to be prepared for and how he turned his famous “Rule #7” catchphrase into a way to help others in need.

Read More Hurricane Season 2025: What to Know About Storm Flooding with ABC Action News’ Denis Phillips
Avoid the Long Lines and Celebrate at a Disney After Hours Party!
By Laura Byrne, Dani Meyering May 23, 2025

We love the Disney After Hours events for two reasons: the lines are shorter and it’s a lot less hot outside since you’re not sweltering in the blazing hot Florida sun.

Read More Avoid the Long Lines and Celebrate at a Disney After Hours Party!
One and Done: St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Pioneers a New Infant Cardiac Stent that is a Pediatric Game Changer
By Anu Varma Panchal May 1, 2025

Read about the St. Joseph’s Children’s Infant Cardiac Stent and its impact on treating newborns with heart conditions.

Read More One and Done: St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Pioneers a New Infant Cardiac Stent that is a Pediatric Game Changer
Kids to Know: Elise McEachern
By Julie Tingley April 5, 2025

Discover how Elise McEachern balances school, riding, and training while working toward her dream of becoming a professional horse trainer.

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Next Generation Ballet alumnus Jarod Curley returns for Nutcracker at The Straz
By Laura Byrne March 12, 2025

We’re catching up with Jarod Curley, an alumnus of Next Generation Ballet who now dances with the American Ballet Theatre. He is returning to The Straz as a guest star dancer in the 2024 production of Nutcracker.

Read More Next Generation Ballet alumnus Jarod Curley returns for Nutcracker at The Straz
Kids get free admission at LEGOLAND® Florida on Sunday, Dec. 15 with toy donation
By Meghan Roth December 11, 2024

Kids can get in free at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort for one day only on Sunday, December 15, 2024, if they bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots through a partnership with Coca-Cola.

Read More Kids get free admission at LEGOLAND® Florida on Sunday, Dec. 15 with toy donation
10 Kid-Friendly Ideas to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home
By Laura Byrne December 30, 2024

We’ve searched some of our favorite blogs to find some amazing ideas for your New Year’s Eve or Noon Year’s Eve celebration at home with the kids!

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Where to Meet Mickey, Disney Princesses, and MORE at Walt Disney World
By Michelle Spitzer December 20, 2024

It doesn’t matter how old you are. Whenever you see Mickey Mouse, you can’t help but smile. Interacting with and meeting Disney characters is a must when visiting Walt Disney World. However, finding them can sometimes be challenging. Get your camera and autograph book ready because we did the work for you, breaking down where…

Read More Where to Meet Mickey, Disney Princesses, and MORE at Walt Disney World
Navigating Parents’ Digital Dilemma: Balancing Technology and Education
By Maggie Rodriguez March 4, 2025

Tech isn’t all bad! We’re sharing expert tips for parents on how to balance technology and education to promote safe and effective digital use.

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Splash Into the Holidays with the ALL-NEW YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium!
By Brie Gorecki November 18, 2024

The Florida Aquarium is bring a NEW holiday tradition to Tampa Bay! Check out what you can experience at YuleTides, from November 29-January 5.

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Blippi is Coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!
By Brie Gorecki November 5, 2024

Join everyone’s favorite energetic friend, Blippi, for Blippi’s Interactive Experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay November 9 and 10!

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Kids to Know: Remembering Jacob Ari Kamis (2006-2022)
By Julie Tingley March 12, 2025

Learn about Tampa teen, Jacob Ari Kamis, who’s legacy continues to shine through a photographer contest at Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

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Awesome Florida Resident Deals in Tampa Bay and Beyond!
By Brie Gorecki November 4, 2024

We’re sharing some amazing Florida resident deals at area attractions and resorts to help you plan your most epic local getaway ever!

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13 Scenic Road Trips to Experience the Beautiful Colors of Fall
By Brie Gorecki September 23, 2024

Check out these easy and accessible trips outside of Florida to take where you can experience the vibrant colors of the fall season!

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Mom to Know: Maxine Reyes
By Julie Tingley March 12, 2025

From the Air Force to the Army, Maxine Reyes shares about her incredible career with the U.S. Military, plus founding Courage & Grace Foundation.

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FIRST LOOK: The ALL-NEW Phoenix Rising Coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!
By Brie Gorecki July 16, 2024

Take a sneak peek at the ALL NEW Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

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Dive into Fun this Summer at Adventure Island!
By Brie Gorecki October 2, 2024

It’s summer in Florida, which means the heat is ON! What better way to cool off than by splashing around at a water park? One of our favorite ways to keep cool when the weather is hot is to spend the day at Adventure Island, Tampa’s island paradise. The park is chock full of thrilling…

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Spend a Summer Day at Sand Key Park
By Brie Gorecki June 20, 2024

Sand Key Park is one of our top picks for beaches we love taking kids to! Check out why we love spending salty summer days here.

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40+ BEST Free Things to Do with the Kids in Tampa Bay
By Laura Byrne June 20, 2025

You don’t have to be a penny pincher to want to take advantage of a free or cheap deal every now and then. This is the full guide to the most awesome free and cheap things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!

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The Big Easy Meets Big Thrills at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras!
By Brie Gorecki, Adam Berkowitz January 26, 2024

Get a taste of the Big Easy right here in Tampa Bay with Busch Gardens Mardi Gras! Enjoy live music, parades, Cajun-inspired food and more!

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Krewe Life: Meet Truett Gardner of YMKG and His Family
By Tara Payor, Ph.D. January 27, 2024

YMKG’s captain, Truett Gardner, will lead the legendary invasion. Truett shares treasured Gasparilla memories, extending from his childhood to ones made with his children, along with what he’s looking forward to for the 2024 Gasparilla season.

Read More Krewe Life: Meet Truett Gardner of YMKG and His Family
Kids to Know: Bayshore Christian School’s Fourth Grade Class
By Julie Tingley June 3, 2025

Every fall at Bayshore Christian School, the fourth grade classes gather to plan for a market. The products, packaging and prices are determined individually by each nine and ten year old student. However, they decide collectively how the profits from the project will be used. While they learned how to execute a successful business, they…

Read More Kids to Know: Bayshore Christian School’s Fourth Grade Class
Licht Style: It all Works Out
By Tara Payor, Ph.D. December 21, 2023

Jason Licht, renowned Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ General Manager (a position he’s held since 2014), is, foremost, a dad and husband. With wife Blair, he navigates the peaks, valleys and predominantly uncertain terrain of parenting. They met during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, when she lived in Manhattan working in finance. Over six years, they…

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A Festive Feast: Snacks and Holiday Inspired Lunch Ideas from @LunchBoxMafia
By Jenny P February 7, 2024

This time of year, we’re all extra busy with fun outings, get-togethers and taking in all that the holidays have to offer. Don’t forget to slow down and savor these moments—especially with your kiddos. Here’s one way to enjoy the season: through savoring the flavors of these holiday inspired lunch and snack ideas! Make a…

Read More A Festive Feast: Snacks and Holiday Inspired Lunch Ideas from @LunchBoxMafia
INSIDE LOOK: Snow Days are back at The Florida Aquarium
By Laura Byrne November 25, 2023

Get your gloves ready! Snow Days are back at The Florida Aquarium and we’re giving you an INSIDE LOOK at this year’s event.

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The Great American Teach-In Helps Students Explore Future Careers
By Brie Gorecki November 16, 2023

The Great American Teach-In is an annual nationwide event that helps kids discover future career opportunities.

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Top 5 Kid-Friendly Things to do at Universal Orlando Holidays
By Dani Meyering November 5, 2023

We’re sharing our 5 favorite things to do with the kids during the holidays at Universal Orlando from Grinchmas, Harry Potter and more!

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The Best Hotels at Walt Disney World for the Holidays
By Dani Meyering October 20, 2025

Celebrate Your Best Christmas Ever in Orlando! There’s no place like home for the holidays, except perhaps Walt Disney World. If you’re ready to give your family the merriest memories this holiday season at Walt Disney World then it’s time to consider booking a hotel room. Disney area hotels are booking fast for the holidays….

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Thanksgiving donations desperately needed in Tampa Bay
By Laura Byrne October 22, 2024

The Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent in Tampa will officially open and begin accepting donations for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays on October 29. Once again, they need more help than ever, especially in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. This year, the non-profit which serves our six county region, expects to assist more than…

Read More Thanksgiving donations desperately needed in Tampa Bay
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Two local moms share their deep roots in Tampa Bay
By Tara Payor, Ph.D. September 22, 2023

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Tampa is rich with Hispanic Heritage. Two Tampa moms, originally from Puerto Rico, share details about their roots and raising their own children with Hispanic heritage in Tampa Bay.

Read More Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Two local moms share their deep roots in Tampa Bay
Kids to Know: Emersyn Southwick
By Julie Tingley September 22, 2023

Meet 7-year-old Emersyn, a remarkable little girl who bravely confronts medulloblastoma with her family, the community, and the Children’s Cancer Center by her side.

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Splash Pads in Tampa Bay to Keep Your Cool
By Laura Byrne May 15, 2024

Splash pads are a great way for kids of any age to have fun and cool off. Check out our picks for some of the best splash pads in Tampa Bay!

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Check Out the New Weird and Wonderful World of MORPH’D at The Florida Aquarium!
By Brie Gorecki June 28, 2023

Check out MORPH’D, the all-new exhibit from The Florida Aquarium where you can meet some weirdly wonderful, and unique creatures such as axolotls, chameleons, and even bird poop frogs!

Read More Check Out the New Weird and Wonderful World of MORPH’D at The Florida Aquarium!
What You Need to Know Before Getting on a Disney Cruise
By Dani Meyering July 5, 2023

The best way to enjoy a Disney cruise is to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know before you and your family get on a Disney cruise.

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Local Family Shares Story to Prevent Drownings
By Allyn DiVito November 14, 2023

Water is part of the allure of living in Florida, but few realize that drowning is the leading cause of death among Florida children ages 1-4. Water Safety to Prevent Drownings One family is incredibly grateful to have averted such a tragedy. Having recently moved from Washington State to Venice, Florida, the family of five…

Read More Local Family Shares Story to Prevent Drownings
The Best Things to Do with Toddlers and Preschoolers in Tampa Bay
By Zoe Joiner April 12, 2026

With big kids going back to school, we’re showing you fun weekday activities to keep your preschooler busy in Tampa Bay.

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Our Favorite Things to do With Kids During a Sanibel and Captiva Getaway
By Brie Gorecki May 22, 2023

Heading to Sanibel and Captiva is an easy getaway from Tampa Bay. We’ve rounded up our favorite things to do there with kids!

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Local Parents Dish on EGG-cellent Easter Hacks
By Laura Byrne February 26, 2024

We asked local parents to share their favorite Easter hacks to help inspire some new ideas for you! We are loving all of the responses and we think you will, too! Check them out: Related: Our favorite Easter Egg Hunts and more this week in Tampa Bay! What to put inside plastic Easter eggs and…

Read More Local Parents Dish on EGG-cellent Easter Hacks
A Parent’s Review of Orlando World Center Marriott
By Brie Gorecki April 7, 2023

Orlando World Center Marriott has no shortage of fun for the whole family. We’ve got the scoop on what to do and what to know before you go!

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Best Orlando Hotels For Families Close To Theme Parks
By Dani Meyering September 5, 2025

Need a hotel near Universal or Disney? These are the best hotels for families near Orlando’s theme parks for all budget levels.

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Comedy Monster Jim Gaffigan Heads to Tampa
By Brie Gorecki February 7, 2023

America’s funniest dad, Jim Gaffigan, heads to Tampa. We got the chance to chat with him about his show, his family, and his ties to Tampa.

Read More Comedy Monster Jim Gaffigan Heads to Tampa
Moms to Know: Karrie Mueller, Webhead Interactive, Parties With Character, Cheap Cookie Cutters, Dairy Joy
By Julie Tingley June 3, 2025

Karrie Mueller has successful businesses, three happy children and a soulmate husband. Beyond Super Mom, she’s a Mom to KNOW!

Read More Moms to Know: Karrie Mueller, Webhead Interactive, Parties With Character, Cheap Cookie Cutters, Dairy Joy
Ask the Expert: How to help kids handle holiday stress and sensory overload
By Laura Byrne February 3, 2023

The holiday season isn’t always merry for kids so we’re turning to a local expert for advice and top tips.

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May Your Holidays be Merry and Safe!
By Anu Varma Panchal February 21, 2023

The holidays can be chaotic. Check out these tips to stay safe and healthy this season, when ordinary rules can fall through the cracks.

Read More May Your Holidays be Merry and Safe!
Moms to Know: A nonprofit leader’s mission inspires meaningful holiday family traditions
By Julie Tingley April 24, 2023

Mother of three boys, Tampa Bay realtor, and founder of the Christian Michael Hernandez Foundation (CMHF), Lindsay Hernandez lives by the mission of her nonprofit in every way possible: to be a light in this world through the provision of unconditional kindness. In a month that focuses on giving and gratitude, we are thankful for…

Read More Moms to Know: A nonprofit leader’s mission inspires meaningful holiday family traditions

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