Beaches + Waterparks + Splashpads

Endless Surf Adventure Island
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The BEST Water Parks in Tampa Bay: Keep cool and have FUN!

Keep your cool at one of our favorite water parks in Tampa Bay! From theme parks to community parks, we’re dishing on all of our top spots!

Peak Surf Park rendering of beach

SNEAK PEEK: Peak Surf Park Coming to Tampa Bay as soon as 2027

Get a first look at renderings of the planned Peak Surf Park in the Two Rivers development in Pasco County.

Scalloping 2024
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2024 Scalloping Season in Florida: It’s a Must Do Family Adventure

This may finally be the year your family gives scalloping in Florida a try! Scalloping season is nearly here and we’re dishing on the details.

Adventure Island Castaway Falls
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Dive into Fun this Summer at Adventure Island!

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…

swimming with the manatees
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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.

Shaka-Lake Shores at Adventure Island waterpark in Tampa
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Splash Pads in Tampa Bay to Keep Your Cool

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!

Make a Splash at Adventure Island’s Island Nights!
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Make a Splash at Adventure Island’s Island Nights!

Get ready to make a splash at Adventure Island with Island Nights! Enjoy all your favorite water slides and attractions along with fun entertainment through July 7!

The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer cover
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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…

best beaches in Tampa bay
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The Best Beaches in Tampa Bay for Kids and Families

As Tampa Bay locals, we’ve spent a lot of time at the beach and we want to share some of our favorite beaches in Tampa Bay to help you map out your best day ever!

Caladesi Island boardwalk
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How to plan your visit to Caladesi Island, one of America’s Top 10 Beaches

Caladesi Island has been named as one of the Top 10 Beaches in America in 2023 by Dr. Beach! We’re helping you plan your visit.

Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River with kids
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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.

Our Favorite Things to do With Kids During a Sanibel and Captiva Getaway
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Our Favorite Things to do With Kids During a Sanibel and Captiva Getaway

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

Tradewinds St Pete Beach Aquabana
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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!

kayaking with kids in Tampa Bay
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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.

Florida Springs
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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!

Southshore Bay Lagoon obstacle course
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How to plan an epic day at Southshore Bay Lagoon in Wimauma

We’re sharing all you need to know to plan your day at Southshore Bay Lagoon, a 5-acre man-made lagoon where you can swim and enjoy fun water activities.

The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches and Restaurants in Tampa Bay
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The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches and Restaurants in Tampa Bay

The Tampa area has some of the best beaches in the country and your pup can enjoy them too! Check out our list of dog-friendly picks!

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
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A Cool Day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Natajassa Prose of @proseandcompany is sharing what it’s like to spend the day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park with the kids!

Florida Springs
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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!

scalloping in tampa bay
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Pasco County’s Scalloping Season Extended to 37 Days in 2023!

Scalloping season in Pasco County returns in 2022 for 10 days of harvesting!

Tiered Pool Deck on Disney Wish with water slides
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What’s so Different About the Pools on the Disney Wish

What’s a Disney Cruise Line vacation without waterslides and pools? Our guide explains what’s different about the Disney Wish pools.

Florida scalloping
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A Florida Scalloping Adventure: Dive in with us to see what it’s like!

If you’ve been wondering what it’s like to go scalloping in Florida, come along with us as we take the dive with Plantation on Crystal River!

3 Reasons Every Child in Florida Needs Swim Lessons
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3 Reasons Every Child in Florida Needs Swim Lessons

Every child in Florida should take swim lessons. Here are 3 reasons, no matter what part of the state you live in.

water safety
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Stay Safe Around the Water this Summer

May is National Water Safety Month, a perfect time to remember that with all the water in Tampa Bay children must know water safety skills.

The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is BACK in 2022
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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.

Winter Beach debuts at The St. Pete Pier!
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Winter Beach debuts at The St. Pete Pier!

Ice skating on the beach? Although that sounds like a crazy concept, you can do just that at Winter Beach in St. Pete! Located at the St. Pete Pier, the new attraction boasts a skating rink with a 360-degree water view. Whether you’ve been skating for years or are just learning how, the Winter Beach…

watermelon swim
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Watermelon Swim: Something Fun Has Sprouted!

We have grown into Watermelon Swim! We are keeping the current experience, reputation, and values but adding a fresh and exciting twist.

Get Up and Go Kayaking at Shell Key Preserve #1 for a Reason
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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!

best beaches in florida for families
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Best Beaches in Florida for Families

Let’s all go the beach…let’s go to the beach! We are lucky to live like we are on vacation every day here in Tampa Bay. Florida has 825 miles of sandy beaches, so the real question becomes, “Which one?” Grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into some of our favorites. We’ll even share some of…

Day trip to Anna Maria Island'
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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.

Siesta Key beach
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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!

Boca Grande
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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!

St Pete Beach Things to Do
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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!

weeki-wachee-mermaids
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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.

YMCA swim lessons for every age and stage, including FREE lessons!
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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!

Florida-Aquarium-Splash-Pad-Tampa-Bay-Parenting
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The Florida Aquarium: The Splash Pad

The Florida Aquarium re-opened its new and improved splash area in 2017 and it is hands down our favorite place in Tampa Bay to splash, learn and play! “The Splash Pad” features a giant lily pad climbing structure, along with multiple water features and even two covered bug-themed dry play areas. The sandbox is also returning,…