Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in tampa, FL

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Day Trips

This Weekend's Family Activities in Tampa Bay

July 30, 2009

We’ve made it to August folks! Preparations for school begin soon so it’s time to take advantage of some family fun before our schedules get too hectic. Here’s what’s happening around town this weekend.

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Tips for Road Trips with your Preschooler

by Caroline

July 27, 2009

We at Savvy Source are sure that many of our readers are embarking on the same summertime tradition as we are: the family road trip. Yes, your friendly editor Caroline is heading out on to the open road with her young ones in tow and a whole lot of sense of humor packed in the trunk. Often, we are testing out our children’s patience as we take them out on the road for longer stretches than they are used to. How do we survive it? Here are some tips.

Special toy bag: Before venturing out on your road trip, stop and pick up a few small, inexpensive toys, books and games for each child. Try not to spend more than a few dollars on each (since they may be lost or ignored later in the trip) but try to find things they don’t already have. Then pack these into a special toy bag. Show your children your goody bag and explain that if they behave, they will get a new toy every hour, or state line, or whatever goal you set. Make the goals realistic for your child so that they remain engaged and excited to earn another toy.

Food: Be sure to keep your children fed on the same schedule they are at home. Hungry travelers are not very patient travelers. Make food ahead of time and pack a cooler to save money. Then, consider adding in a few new fun treats for them to keep things interesting.

Stops: Depending on the ages of your children and the length of the trip, plan for a few lengthy stops. Then sit back and let your children expel some of that pent up energy. While play places found at roadside McDonalds offer great playgrounds, don’t feel you must stop at one. Pack some balls (inflatable beach balls work well as space savers) and stop near a safe grassy area where they can run around. Play tag, stage races, play “red rover”; do anything to get them moving.

Games: Don’t forget to break out the old school car games you played as a child. Younger kids enjoy the “ABC” game – try to find every letter of the alphabet. Older kids like to keep track of state license plates. “I Spy” never gets old either (well, to our kids at least). Start a story and have each family member take turns adding to the storyline. Here are some more websites with great ideas too!

Movies: If you are able to (or want to), playing a DVD in the car certainly passes the time for children. If this is an option you have, consider bringing movies that your children have not seen yet. However, with younger ones who love the familiar, sticking to oldies but goodies might keep their attention better.

A Sense of Humor: No matter how prepared you are, expect grumpy, annoyed, tired and bored children. It is inevitable. So do what you can to keep your cool and your sense of humor. The more you relax and enjoy yourself, the more likely it is that they will do the same. Eventually.

Happy Trails! Read more...

Visit The Pier in St. Petersburg

by Caroline

July 20, 2009

If you’re looking for a scenic spot to get out with the family or maybe show off the beauty of Florida to visiting relatives, a favorite recommendation is always The Pier in St. Pete. Here are some reasons why this spot is family friendly and always worth the trip.

Highlights from the Central Florida Zoo

by Caroline

June 22, 2009

Tucked away north of Orlando, and beyond the world of Disney extravagance, is the Central Florida Zoo. My family stopped by one morning while in the area – we were in search of an affordable morning activity for our children. While the Central Florida Zoo made for a great family outing, I should say upfront that it does not have the same number of animals, exhibits or rides as Tampa’s very own Lowry Park Zoo. That being said, it is perfect for young children who simply want to see some animals and have a little fun. In particular, I would like to share a few highlights that make this fun Orlando area zoo worth a visit if you are in their neck of the woods.

This Weekend's Family Activities

by Caroline

April 23, 2009

Tampa Bay parents have another busy weekend of activities to look forward to. Come check out what has made Being Savvy Tampa’s list for this weekend.

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This Weekend's Family Activities

by Caroline

April 16, 2009

With Earth Day coming up next week, there are all sorts of events planned this weekend to start raising awareness about this important day. While Earth Day isn’t the only thing going on around town - a lot of the events highlighted this week also happen to be free! Come see what’s happening for families in Tampa Bay this weekend.

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Local "Pick Your Own" Farms

by Caroline

March 10, 2009

Yesterday we listed some community farms and farmers markets to visit with your child. Today I would like to list some local farms where you and your children can pick your own fruit. I have fond childhood memories of going out to countryside strawberry patches to pick (and eat) as many berries as I could possibly manage. Consider creating the same fruit picking memories with your children!

Visit the Florida Strawberry Festival this Weekend

by Caroline

February 26, 2009

If you’re from Florida, you know that this state is known for more than just oranges. In fact, we grow some very fine strawberries in this state of ours. And to celebrate just that, it is once again time for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.

SeaWorld through the Eyes of a Preschool Mother

by Caroline

February 16, 2009

Last weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity as a mom blogger to visit SeaWorld thanks to the folks at Izea. A crew of central Florida mom bloggers met at the front gate and spent an entire day checking out the park together. Surprisingly, even after living in the area for four years, I had never been to SeaWorld. So in case you haven’t been to SeaWorld recently either - and you are possibly considering a trip - here is my take on the park from the perspective of a preschool mother.

This Weekend's Family Activities

by Caroline

January 30, 2009

Between Gasparilla and Super Bowl Sunday , there is a whole lot going on in Tampa this weekend. Its enough to overwhelm us a bit. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and do something else with your family, consider checking out one of these activities. Go (insert your Super bowl pick here)! Royal Lipizzan Stallions Winter Training Do your children love horses? How about dancing horses? Read more...

Visit Orlando's Gatorland

by Caroline

January 12, 2009

Over the holiday break, my family had the opportunity to visit Gatorland in Orlando. I haven't been there since I was very young and it has certainly changed over the years. If you are looking for something to do other than visit the expensive theme parks, you might want to consider spending an afternoon at Gatorland. As Florida residents, we are used to occasionally seeing an alligator Read more...

This Weekend's Family Activities

by Caroline

January 02, 2009

Happy New Year, once again! The holidays have passed and many Tampa Bay families are bidding adieu to visiting relatives and regrouping their homes before school and the regular work week begins on Monday. Hopefully you will find some time to enjoy these last few days of winter break together. Here are this weekend's suggested local family activities. Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus at the Read more...

Top 20 Memberships for your child in the new year

by Caroline

December 16, 2008

So Tampa Parents, are you looking for a practical gift for your children? Have all the toys stores got you down? Do you want to give your child something special, something different this year? Well, look no further. I have listed 20 local spots where you might want to consider buying an annual pass for your child. As Clark Griswold's cousin Eddy noted about the Jelly of the month club, "It's Read more...

The Holidays at Area Theme Parks

by Caroline

December 09, 2008

Today at Being Savvy, we are listing favorite local holiday gatherings. Since we have been announcing Tampa area holiday gatherings every Friday, I thought I would highlight the theme park holiday events in the area. This part of Florida certainly has a large number of terrific theme parks, and they go all out for the holidays! Holidays at Busch Gardens Our favorite Tampa area theme park Read more...

Take Your Littlest Athlete to Accesible, Local Sporting Events

by Caroline

November 20, 2008

Do you have children who can't seem to get enough of one particular sport? Wouldn't it be fun to go to a game with your pre-schooler? But maybe you're thinking the cost of tickets or overwhelming size of the event just isn't practical right now. Well, I've got an idea. There are endless opportunities to attend a sporting event right here in the Tampa Bay area, and they cost a whole lot less Read more...

Take a Family Hike in Hillsborough State River Park

by Caroline

November 10, 2008

Finally, it's that wonderful time of year in Florida when the heat has passed us by and we are left with perfect days filled with sunshine and clear, comfortable weather. It's time to tie on our hiking shoes, grab the kids and take advantage of it all by heading out to a local state park. One of my favs? Hillsborough State River Park. If you have preschool aged children who are up for a walk Read more...

Top 10 Things to do in Tampa before your kids grow up.

by Caroline

November 07, 2008

Part of being a parent is creating memories with our children. As a child, I can certainly remember being thrilled to ride a local carousel with my father and we have the pictures to prove it. Well, now it's our turn to make the same kind of memories for our children. Tampa offers so much for our families. Here are some suggested spots in Tampa Bay that we should all visit before our children Read more...

Get Lost with your Child in Sweetfields Corn Maze

by Caroline

October 29, 2008

Last weekend, my family and I were determined to enjoy this lovely fall weather by doing something seasonal. After some thought, we followed up with a local organic farm (found just over the border of Hernando county) that boasts a 4 acre butterfly shaped corn maze during the months of October and November. With a resounding cheer of approval from both of my sons, we set off to Sweetfields Read more...

Top Five Things to Do on a Rainy day in Tampa

by Caroline

October 28, 2008

Despite the wonderful press our state receives for its sunshine, we know that it does actually rain in Florida. And since our children are so used to outdoor living - if it rains, we need a plan. Fast. So here is a "go to" list for Tampa parents. When those rain clouds come rolling in, think about visiting one of these fun indoor spots in the Tampa Bay area. The Florida Aquarium When it Read more...

Local beaches and water fun

by Becky

August 05, 2008

Tampa Bay has some of the best beaches , state parks and water fun in the world. Whether you want to play in the water and collect seashells, swim in the springs or see mermaids up close , you can find it here. If you want to stay closer to home, pack a lunch and pretend you're on the beach at Oldsmar spraygrounds . Speaking of water, staying closer to home and pretending about the beach, Read more...

Room to run on Granma's Hug-n-Farm in Crystal Springs

by Becky

May 23, 2008

Do you live in the city (or the suburbs) and want your children to experience a taste of farm life? Make the books you've been reading about farm animals come alive. (Oink, oink! Moo, moo! Cock-a-doodle-doo!) Put on your overalls and straw hat and check out Granma's Hug-n-Farm in Crystal Springs. The farm is a large fenced-in, grassy area with lots to see and do. Children can pet Read more...

5 best 'day trips' within an hour

by Becky

May 19, 2008

I'm going with a water theme here for some day trips within an hour away, depending on where in Tampa Bay you live. 1) Anna Maria Island ( Bradenton , 51 minutes away) ~ Walk on the beach, play in the water and collect shells, ride the trolley or visit a local museum. 2) Lithia Springs Park (32 minutes away) ~ Take a dip in the inviting 72-degree water of Read more...