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Holiday Activities in Tampa Bay

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It feels like it’s said every year around this time but can you believe the winter holiday season is in full swing? Where did this year go? Whether you’re ready to kiss 2016 goodbye or you’re holding on to it for dear life, there’s still plenty of holiday activities in Tampa Bay. Here are our suggestions for how you and your family can best enjoy the holiday season this year.

Holiday Markets

Popular is European countries like Germany, these open air markets feature independent vendors who sell an assortment of goods from handcrafted items to food and drinks. They’re popularity is on the rise in the United States and in Tampa Bay. Some of the most popular ones are Sea World’s Christmas Market, Gifts and Green hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church, Urban Oasis Farm’s Holiday Market, Holiday Craft Market at Largo’s Central Park, and A Very Merry Market at Great Explorations Children’s Museum.

Holiday Activities in Tampa Bay

Parades

Macy’s may have the monopoly on Thanksgiving Day parades but the Tampa Bay area isn’t going to let the winter holiday season pass by without some fanfare. There are numerous parades taking place across the region during December including Magical Night in Dade City, St. Petersburg’s Snowfest and Santa Parade, and Santa Fest and Christmas Parade in Tampa. The region doesn’t just limit the parades to the streets though St. Pete takes the festivities with its Beach Boat Parade and the Main Street New Port Richey Festival and River Lights Boat Parade.

Other Holiday Fun

The holidays don’t have to just be about shopping and parades. There’s also fun events such as the Chase the Dreidel Run, a 5K fun run in St. Petersburg, Santa’s Holiday Revue, a musical featuring Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs. If you want to embrace the season in a more northerly style there is ice skating open to the public at Tampa’s Winter Village and a display of 2 million pounds of carved ice sculptures called ICE! featuring Charlie Brown at the Gaylord Palms Resort.

What holiday events are you attending this year? Tell us in the comments section!

Halloween Events in Tampa Bay

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It’s that time of the year again! Halloween is almost upon us. While officially Halloween may be only a one day event, the spirit takes hold of the area throughout all of October. The Tampa Bay area offers a multitude of Halloween Events. From family friendly to the truly scary, there’s something for everyone. We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up a list of fun events in the area.

Family Friendly Halloween Events

  • Guppyween. Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive Tampa. October 29 & 30, 1-5 p.m. Children in costumes: $10, Adults: regular admission price, members get in free.
  • Creatures of the Night. Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W. Sligh Avenue Tampa. October 28 & 29, 4-10 p.m. Multiple ticket options available.
  • Halloween Horribles Parade. Center Place Brandon 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon. October 30 beginning at 3 p.m. Children is costumes are invited to participate in the parade. Must have a ticket to participate. Tickets $2 per child.
  • Boo Bash. Coachman Park Bright House Field 601 N. Old Coachman Road 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free alternative to trick-o-treating with multiple activities for children and plenty of candy.

Halloween Events in Tampa Bay

Teen Halloween Events

  • Ybor City Ghost Tour. King Corona Cigars 1523 East 7th Avenue, Ybor City. Two hour walking tour. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for children (8-12). Children under 5 are not permitted, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail. 2837 South Frontage Road Plant City. October 28-31, 7:30-10 p.m. Not recommended for children under 12. Closed toed shoes are recommended for wear. Multiple admission options.
  • Howl-O-Scream. Busch Gardens 10165 N. McKinley Drive Tampa. October 27-30 7:30 p.m. Tickets include shows and rides, prices start at $66 with multiple discount and deal packages.

Adult Halloween Events

  • A Nightmare on Franklin Street. Tampa Theatre 711 N. Franklin Street Tampa. October 23 – 31, times vary. Screenings include The Conjuring, The Shining, Poltegeist, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
  • Scream-A-Geddon. TreeHoppers 27839A Saint Joe Road, Dade City. September 25 – November 1, select nights and times.
  • TASCO Field of Screams: The Asylum. Boyd Hill Entertainment Studies Ares 2900 31st Street St. Petersburg. October 28 – 31, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. Admission is $15.
  • The Shallow Grave. 701 42nd Street NW, Winter Haven. September 30 – November 5, select dates and times. Admission is $17 per person per attraction, combination tickets available.

Where are you going to celebrate the Halloween spirit this year? Tell us in comments or share pictures on our Facebook page.

Summer Events for Kids in Tampa Bay

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The school year is quickly coming to a close and that may leave many parents scratching their heads for ideas to keep their kids engaged and entertained throughout the summer. Sure there are days that will be spent at the beach or the park or a national park but there are other days where weather may keep you indoors or you and the kids will want a change of pace. We have a list of summer events for kids in Tampa Bay that we’re sure your whole family will enjoy being a part of.

Summer Events For Kids in Tampa Bay

Library Programs

The Hillsborough County Public Library system and Pinellas Public Library Cooperative hosts an array of classes and events for kids as young as newborns all the way through their teen years. Events for the younger crowd include story time, baby and toddler yoga, Paws to Read, crafts, and science classes. For teens there are opportunities to learn to paint, play classic board games, computer classes, and even movies at the library. You can learn more by visiting the Hillsborough events calendar and the Pinellas events calendar.

Summer Movie Express

Regal Cinemas is hosting a summer movie experience for nine weeks throughout the summer. Each movie is only $1 per ticket and a portion of the proceeds goes towards the Will Rogers Institute. Movies are all kid-friendly and include Despicable Me 2, The Peanuts Movie, and Shaun the Sheep. You can find more information about movie offerings and theater locations here.

Glazer Museum

Rotating on a regular basis, the museum staff host daily experiences related to a science, math, literacy, or art topic. Programs range in age for toddlers to teens. You can find more information on the museum’s website.

College For Kids

Organized in conjunction with the Pinellas County School District, this program is a flexible summer camp style program. It’s open for children in kindergarten through eighth grade and features instruction on topics such as art, STEM, and literacy. Lunch is provided daily and the program also has the option of before and after care. Additional information can be found through the program’s website.

Family Fun Days with the Tampa Bay Rays

Every Sunday is Family Fun Day at Tropicana Field. Each game features a free parking for cars with four or more occupants, giveaways for fans under 14 years old, pregame entertainers, concourse activities during the games, and kids can run the bases after each game. For a current schedule of Family Fun Days visit the Tampa Bay Rays website.

Do you have a favorite activity or event to keep the kids busy? Let us know is comments!

Holiday Events in Tampa Bay 2015

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‘Tis the season! Tampa Bay isn’t just a summer getaway. It has plenty to offer throughout the year and the holiday season is no exception. We’ve rounded up the best holiday events in Tampa Bay to check out throughout the season.

Holiday Events in Tampa Bay

Tampa Downtown on Ice. Skating rink is open now through January 3. $12 per person for 90 minutes of skating. Curtis Hixon Park 600 N. Ashley Drive Tampa, FL.

Holiday Lights in the Garden. Florida Botanic Gardens are decorated with holiday lights and displays. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit on select nights. A donation of $4 is suggested, children under 12 are free. 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL.

Holidays at the Village. The homes of Heritage Village, the historical living museum, are decorated in lights associated with their original time period. 11909 12th Street Largo, FL.

Let It Snow. The Bishop Planetarium produces a 32 minute show featuring holiday songs from Frank Sinatra to Trans Siberian Orchestra. The shows run throughout the month. www.southfloridamuseum.org

Holiday Nights at Ca’d’Zan. The mansion is decorated for the holidays. Come tour the rooms December 3, 10, and 17. Admission is $10, members are free. 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL. www.ringling.org/ca-dzan

Kresge Mega Light Display. Rated as one of the Top 3 light displays in the country by Today. The display is open from now until January 3, 6 – 10 p.m. 2719 Oakdale Street St. Petersburg, FL.

Bright Nights. Thursdays and Fridays until December 18th feature a holiday themed museum exhibits at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Admission is $15 per person, $10 for members. www.glazermuseum.org

For even more events you can visit tampabay.com/things-to-do/holiday.

Fall Events In Tampa Bay – 2015

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School’s back in session, everything is pumpkin spice flavored that must mean fall is here (or almost here). Sure summer is quickly becoming a distant memory but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. The Tampa Bay area is bursting at the seams with events for residents and visitors of all ages and interests. We’ve compiled a list of fall events in Tampa Bay for the next three months. Enjoy the season!

Fall-Events-In-Tampa-Bay

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Where to Celebrate New Year’s 2015 in Tampa Bay

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As 2014 comes to a close, the Tampa Bay region has plenty of activities and events to usher in 2015.  Whatever your style, there’s a way to celebrate the new year for everyone.

“First Night St. Petersburg” Family friendly event including music, light show, and firework shows (8 p.m. and midnight). Tickets range from $10-$15. Straub Park beginning at 4 p.m December 31. For more information call (727) 823-8906.

“Noon Year’s Eve” A countdown to noon including games, entertainment, and a juice toast.  Tickets range from $19.95 to $24.95.  Lowry Park Zoo beginning at 9:30 a.m. December 31.  For more information visit www.lowryparkzoo.com

New Year's in Tampa Bay

“Aqua-Eve” A 21 and over party with food, beer, and wine and a view of the Channelside fireworks at midnight.  Tickets are $110. Florida Aquarium beginning at 9:00 p.m. December 31.  For more information visit www.flaquarium.com

“Channelside Lights Up the Bay” The annual event includes live music and DJs, a ball drop, and fireworks at midnight.  Admission is free.  Channelside Bay Plaza beginning at 8:00 p.m. December 31.  For more information visit www.channelsidebayplaza.com

“Outback Bowl and Parade”  Marching bands, cheerleaders, and fans of Wisconsin and Auburn universities team up for a parade before the big game on Thursday.  Parade marches down Ybor City’s Seventh Avenue beginning at 5:30 p.m. December 31.  The Outback Bowl begins at 12:00 p.m. January 1 at Raymond James Stadium.  Tickets range from $80-$170.  For more information visit www.outbackbowl.com