Things to Do with Kids in Tampa

by Kate LowethJune 19, 2019

Whether you are there for a beach vacation or just to see the sights, Tampa is the ultimate Florida city for families looking for a good time. With attractions for kids from amusement parks to outdoor spaces, this list has all of the things to do when you are in Tampa. Get some inspo below and visit our Tampa events calendar for all the info on what’s happening in Tampa!

photo: Jeremy Thompson via flickr

Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, combining world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and more than 12,000 animals. Challenge a 335-foot drop tower, Falcon’s Fury, or race like a cheetah on Cheetah Hunt. Busch Gardens’ newest attraction, Cobra’s Curse, puts a spin on family thrills with this one-of-a-kind spin coaster.

10165 N McKinley Dr.
Tampa, FL
Online: buschgardens.com/tampa

Horse Power for Kids and Animal Sanctuary
This animal sanctuary has exotic and livestock species. Families can enjoy farm animals, pony rides, train rides, hayrides, horseback riding all in a farm setting.

8005 Race Track Rd.
Tampa, FL
Online: horsepowerforkids.com

Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Lettuce Lake Park opened in 1982 and quickly became a hub of activities. The 240-acre site offers something for everyone—wooded picnic areas and a playground are family favorites. A 1.25-mile bicycle path/jogging trail, complete with a fitness course, meanders through the park.

6920 E Fletcher Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: hillsboroughcounty.org

photo: Todd Van Hoosear via flickr

Glazer Children’s Museum
Glazer Children’s Museum is a 53,000-square foot facility in the heart of Downtown Tampa. Created specifically for children 10 and under, the Museum is a place where parents and children can learn through play and shared discovery. It offers 170 “interactivities” in 12 themed areas for families to explore and connect while having fun along the way.

110 W Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL
Online: glazermuseum.org

TECO Line Streetcar System
The TECO Line Streetcar System is a 2.7-mile line serving the dining and entertainment destinations in Ybor City, the Channel District (including the Port of Tampa and Channelside Bay Plaza) and Downtown Tampa. Operating until late on Fridays and Saturdays, the TECO Line Streetcar features 11 stations, each equipped with ticket vending machines. The TECO Line Streetcar is a fun, historical trip that is more than just getting you to your destination!

1201 E 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: tecolinestreetcar.org

Tampa Riverwalk
The concept of a river walk along the downtown Tampa waterfront has been around since the mid-1970s. Attend a community event or spend some time exploring the city.

Ashley Street
Tampa, FL
Online: thetampariverwalk.com

photo: birder62 via pixabay

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1,300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. Check their schedule before going as the day at the zoo is filled with loads of opportunities for animal encounters if you plan your day wisely.

1101 W Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: zootampa.org

The Florida Aquarium
Go from tree level to sea level while being entertained and educated at The Florida Aquarium! With thousands of animals and plants including sharks, alligators, seahorses and more, you’re sure to have an amazing aquatic experience. Bring a change of clothes as the Splash Pad is perfect for hot days.

701 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, FL
Online: flaquarium.org

Hillsborough River
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water. Visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA-accessible swimming pool.

1101 E River Cove St.
Tampa, FL
Online: floridastateparks.org

The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Tampa
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Tampa events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.

—Kate Loweth

Burger King’s Meatless Burger Is Coming to a Location Near You

by Erica LoopMay 2, 2019

It may have seemed like an April Fool’s Day prank, but Burger King’s Impossible Whopper is a real thing and the vegetarian burger will soon be rolling out nationwide.

After testing the new Impossible Whopper at locations around the St. Louis, Missouri area Burger King has announced that it plans to expand the testing of the meatless burgers in more markets with the intent of offering the new vegetarian option at locations nationwide by the end of the year.

Burger King planning to extend testing of its meatless "Impossible" Whopper, and will roll out the vegetarian option nationwide by the end of the year. https://t.co/UTH0oiw8rH pic.twitter.com/hF3c7zYSi2

— ABC News (@ABC) April 29, 2019

“The Impossible Whopper test in St. Louis went exceedingly well and as a result, there are plans to extend testing into additional markets in the very near future,” the company said. “Burger King restaurants in St. Louis are showing encouraging results and Impossible Whopper sales are complementing traditional Whopper purchases.”

Like the regular (meat-included) Whopper, the Impossible version will also come with lettuce, mayo, ketchup, pickles, onions and sliced tomatoes. But unlike the burger you’re used to, the new veg pick is made with plant-based patties from Impossible Foods that are created to mimic the look, feel and taste of real meat. Other burger chains, including White Castle and Fatburger, already offer a vegetarian option made with Impossible Meat.

Chris Finazzo, president of Burger King North America, told CNN Business that the Impossible Whopper will, “give somebody who wants to eat a burger every day, but doesn’t necessarily want to eat beef every day, permission to come into the restaurants more frequently.”

The new Burger King menu item means that the Impossible Burger will more than double its current reach. With the ramp-up, Impossible is currently hiring for a third shift and increasing hours at its Oakland, California plant so it can stay on top of the delicious demand.

—Erica Loop & Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Mali Maeder via Pexels

Kraft’s Newest Mac ‘n’ Cheese Is Your Kid’s Unicorn Dreams Come True

Mermaid Froot Loops Are Real—but There’s a Catch

T-Mobile Park’s New Menu Hits a Home Run

by Jeff ToteyApril 25, 2019

They say that a hot dog always tastes better at the ballpark. While that may be true, there are so many other tasty treats to try at T-Mobile Park this season. This year marks the ninth-year collaboration between the Mariners’ hospitality partner, Centerplate, and 2019 James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Ethan Stowell. Together, they’re bringing new tastes, new flavors and even a new signature cocktail inspired by the Mariners new partnership with T-Mobile to the park. Scroll down to see what you can expect to sink your teeth into this season.

Hit It Here Cafe

T-Mobile Park

Chef Stowell has made some exciting updates to the Hit It Here Café menu adding selections from his Ballard Pizza and burgers featuring Crowd Cow. Created with a half-pound Crowd Cow beef patty, the Hempler’s Bacon Burger is almost too good to be true. Topped with smoked sweet and spicy Hempler’s bacon, Tillamook cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce, it’s a real mouthful. Other burgers on the menu include the Spicy Burger (half pound Crowd Cow patty topped with Face Rock Creamery’s "In Your Face Habanero cheese,” Mama Lil’s pickled peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce), the Beyond™ Burger (a plant-based patty with lettuce, tomato, onion and vegan Just Mayo) and the Chef Inspired Burger created by some of Seattle’s top chefs, including Ethan Stowell, Maria Hines, John Sundstrom, Brady Williams and Mitch Mayers and will change on a regular basis.

If pizza is more your style, Stowell brings four kinds of personal-sized pizzas from Ballard Pizza, including Arugula & Guanciale, the Staple & Fancy (with pecorino, mozzarella, Zoe’s pepperoni, jalapeños and pineapple), Zoe’s Pepperoni and Cheese (with pecorino and mozzarella).

Order Up: A side of KuKu Fries with that burger. They are just as unique as they are topped with togarashie Japanese seasoning, red tobiko (flying fish roe), sriracha chili sauce, horseradish crema and chives.

Location: Hit It Here Cafe

Fat's Chicken

T-Mobile Park

Two of the best new tastes this season come with a Southern accent as the Central District’s Fat’s Chicken & Waffles brings its cuisine to the ballpark. The Five Spice Fried Chicken Thigh Sandwich is delicious with its garlic aioli, tomato, pickle, mixed greens and house-made pimento cheese on a toasted bun. It goes together nicely with the Creole-spiced mac & cheese (which is just the right amount of spice without becoming too “hot”) made with Tillamook cheddar and mozzarella sauce. Other great choices include Fat’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken Strips with fries, Fat’s Wings (served with lemon pepper, buffalo style or gasp, naked) and Poutine (French fries topped with house-made Andouille sausage gravy and pimento cheese and rice with Andouille sausage gravy (aka Jasmine rice smothered in house-made Andouille sausage gravy).

Location: The ‘Pen

Paseo Caribbean Sandwiches

T-Mobile Park

Recently voted "Best Sandwich Shop in Washington,” by Thrillist, Paseo, brings their mouthwatering Caribbean flavors with inventive spins of favorite sandwiches each served with garlic aioli, caramelized onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeño and romaine lettuce on a toasted baguette. Choices here include the Caribbean Roast Sandwich (slow roasted pork shoulder in Paseo’s signature marinade), Smokin’ Thighs Sandwich (roasted skin-on chicken thighs), Tofu Delight Sandwich (sautéed organic tofu) and the West Caribbean Bowl (slow-roasted pork or chicken thighs atop jasmine rice with black beans, warm salsa, cheddar cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapeño and cilantro with tortilla chips.)

Order Up: The sides which are just as amazing. The roasted corn on the cob is unlike any corn you have ever eaten. Slathered in aioli, the ears are topped with parmesan cheese, cilantro and Paseo spices. Other sides include black beans and rice, Caribbean fries (with aioli, cilantro and Paseo spices) and nachos topped with cheddar cheese sauce, sour cream, caramelized onions, cilantro and pineapple chunks.

Location: Edgar’s Cantina & Edgar’s Home Run Porch

Li'l Woody's Burgers & Shakes

T-Mobile Park

Hamburgers might seem like a dime a dozen at the ballpark, but Li’l Woody’s is creating imaginative and savory combinations this season. Using fresh, quality ingredients, namely Painted Hills grass-fed beef, the burger joint has received high marks as one of the best places in Seattle. Now, you can enjoy the flame-broiled burgers served with chopped onion, diced pickle, tomato, lettuce, ketchup and mayo as you cheer on the M's. Choose from The Big Woody (1/4 lb. beef patty, Painted Hill’s bacon and Tillamook cheddar cheese), the Li’l Woody (the same burger minus the bacon) or the Impossible™ Veggie Burger. Your kids might prefer the chicken tenders and you can help them eat the hand-cut French fries.

Order Up: Fries from the mini fry menu featuring the now classic Garlic Fries, Queso Fries and a little something they like to call the ’95 Slide which is an order of fries with a small Full Tilt ice cream milkshake – for dipping! Sure, it sounds weird, but people love the savory/sweet combo.

Location: The ‘Pen

Sultan of Sandwich & The Natural

T-Mobile Park

The Sultan of Sandwich is offering a tribute to the Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus with its Grand Salami Sandwich. Believe it or not, it comes with a half-pound of local salami, smoked provolone cheese and grainy mustard on a marbled rye baguette. My, Oh My!

Location: Main Level, Section 105

Over at The Natural, you’ll find vegetarian options like the Beyond Meats Vegan Sausage (gluten-free, vegan plant-based protein topped with choice of condiments available in spicy or sweet Italian flavors. Even gluten-free buns are available if you prefer). Other choices include Avocado Toast (fresh scooped avocado on Franz Bakery organic high-protein, gluten-free bread and choice of up to two toppings), pre-made or build-your-own salads and the hummus platter.

Location: Section 132

Magenta Mojo Signature Cocktail & Buzz Margarita

T-Mobile Park

Pretty in pink, the new Magenta Mojo is a "disruptively light and refreshing” signature cocktail. It's considered not too sweet, strong or heavy and pairs well with many of the food choices featured here. It gets its vibrant color from hibiscus extract and includes vodka, Lillet Rose, Pamplemousse liqueur, and Peychaud’s Bitters and is topped with soda water. For an extra “buzz” spring the extra $3 for the lighted ice cubes.

Location: The ‘Pen, Terrace Club lounges and Lookout Landing

El Zacatecano mezcal is the base for the refreshing Mexican drink the Buzz Margarita. It features Szechuan buttons, edible flowers that tingle the tongue and toasted and spicy grasshoppers as a garnish.

Location: Hit It Here Café Club Level

The Frozen Rope and Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

T-Mobile Park

No offense to the classic Toll House cookie, but The Frozen Rope is bringing Metropolitan Market’s "The Cookie” to play. The 6 oz. treat is practically a meal with two kinds of Belgian chocolate, toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of fleur de sel. Sure, your kids will love it, but they won’t appreciate it. This one’s for you, mom and dad!

Location: Main Level, Section 132

Meanwhile, Shug’s brings a bit of nostalgia from its old-fashioned soda parlor to T-Mobile Park with two of its colorful portable carts hand-scooping Lopez Island Creamery's small-batch super premium ice cream.

Order Up: A prosecco float–a four ounce scoop of Lopez Island Creamery ice cream topped with San Martino Doc Extra Dry.

Location: The ‘Pen, Main Level Section 152

—Jeffrey Totey

Your Guide to the City’s Best Parks and Playgrounds

10 Free (or Super Cheap) Things to Do with Kids Under Five

100 Things Every Seattle Kid Must Do at Least Once

We Can All Eat Romaine Lettuce Now, CDC Says

by Erica LoopJanuary 11, 2019

Salad-lovers rejoice: according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the answer to the question, “Is romaine lettuce safe to eat?” is finally yes. Go ahead and grab a head from your local grocer’s shelf—minus the fear of getting a major bacterial infection.

The CDC issued a country-wide recall of romaine lettuce from Oct. 7 to Dec. 4, 2018 following an E. coli outbreak that included 62 illnesses with 25 hospitalizations. On Jan. 9, 2019 the CDC issued a statement letting us all know that, “This outbreak appears to be over.”

Photo: Liz Muir via Flickr

After an investigation of the outbreak, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified the sources of the E. coli outbreak inside an agricultural reservoir at Adams Bros. Farming Inc. Farm in Santa Barbara, California.

Contaminated lettuce products were pulled from store shelves, thrown out of restaurants and removed by consumers from their homes. So unless you happened to freeze some fairly old lettuce (which really isn’t recommended), eating romaine is safe once more.

Even though the recall is officially over, you should always make sure to thoroughly wash and dry all fruits and vegetables before eating them to reduce your risk of contracting food-borne illnesses.

—Erica Loop

The FDA Issues New Warning about Avocados

That Ground Turkey Recall Got Even Bigger

Is Romaine Lettuce Safe to Eat Yet? Yes—But with a Big Catch

by Erica LoopNovember 28, 2018

After last week’s major recall on romaine lettuce, plenty of us have been wondering, “Is romaine lettuce safe to eat?” As it turns out, yes—but only under very limited circumstances, as noted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

Following an E. coli outbreak that was linked to contaminated romaine, the CDC and FDA cautioned everyone to stay away from the popular leafy green. So if the lettuce shelves at your local grocer look bare, that’s why. You may have also noticed that any restaurant—from the finest foodie establishments to fast food chains—carrying salads, sandwiches or other romaine-containing products put a hold on selling those lettuce-centric items.

Photo: Keiko Zoll

Following the Nov. 20 update, 11 more cases of romaine-related E. coli were reported. This includes 43 cases across 12 state. Without a specific source, the CDC and FDA had n choice but to tell everyone to avoid all romaine. But now their investigation has narrowed down the contamination to lettuce from northern and central California.

Even though these agencies now have a general idea as to where the romaine originated, they are yet to find a precise grower or distributor. According to the CDC’s website, “If you do not know where the romaine is from, do not eat it.”

#OUTBREAK UPDATE – Preliminary traceback info indicates E. Coli illnesses are likely linked to #romaine lettuce grown in California this fall. Total illnesses – 43, hospitalizations – 16, deaths – 0 in 12 states. For up-to-date, detailed info >> https://t.co/vyKkwprO0D pic.twitter.com/bM9Q80SH0y

— FDA FOOD (Ctr for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition) (@FDAfood) November 27, 2018

Some romaine is currently labeled with the harvest growing region, but this doesn’t apply to all romaine or products containing romaine. If you can’t find a label, there is no label or the label indicates that the lettuce is from the Central Coastal growing region of California, do NOT eat it.

The CDC and FDA’s current announcement that some lettuce is safe to eat does not apply to all romaine. Caution is absolutely necessary until the investigation pinpoints the exact source of the E. coli contamination.

—Erica Loop

Recall Alert: Nearly 100,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled for E. Coli

FYI: Don’t Let Your Babies Use Honey-Filled Pacifiers

Gouda Roll Ups

by Leigh WeinbergApril 25, 2017

Serves 1

Ingredients

2 slices Arla® Gouda Cheese
3 pieces thinly sliced turkey, ham or your favorite deli meat
1 10-inch tortilla
2 lettuce leaves
1 teaspoon reduced-fat mayonnaise

Add-on ingredients

pickles
tomatoes slices
hummus or ranch dressing
avocados

Steps

Place one tortilla on a plate and spread reduced-fat mayo over it with a knife.
Lay the deli meat and the slice of Arla® Gouda sliced cheese on top of the tortilla.
Place lettuce leaves on top.
Add any additional toppings that you and your family love.
Roll up the tortilla with the contents inside and slice the roll into five bite-sized rolls, discarding the ends of the tortilla.

recipe and photo courtesy of Arla®

Did you know that Arla® is a farm-to-fridge dairy company that currently offers a full range of naturally delicious cheese varieties, including cream cheese, snack cheese and sliced cheese? As an added bonus, Arla cheese is made from only simple ingredients that you can recognize. Arla is the better-for-you-cheese the whole family will love. What more could a parent want?

Today Is National #Bacon Day

by amynicosiaOctober 30, 2016

Daily

Today Is National #Bacon Day

Can’t talk. Eating bacon.

Start with bacon: we’ve got 7 bacon-based appetizers to kick off any meal.

Continue with bacon: How do you make corn chowder better? Add bacon, of course!

End with bacon: Everything goes with bacon and these bacon desserts prove it.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Lettuce & Tomato }

A Bushel, a Basket: The Best CSA Boxes in the DMV

by rtkristinamessnerAugust 9, 2016

If you are looking to add more fresh local and organic produce into your kiddo’s mealtime, signing up for a community-supported agriculture–or CSA–program with a regional farm may be the perfect solution. As a CSA member, you pay an up front fee before the season starts to support the farm’s operational costs and then reap the bounty of benefits by partaking in their weekly harvest.

Photo: 4P Foods

What you pay…
Costs can range from about $150 to $600/month, depending on how many mouths you need to feed and therefore how many bushels of produce you can handle every week. Some farms offer “mini shares” at rates you can pay weekly. Beyond fruits and veggies, many farms also offer fresh flowers, herbs, eggs, meat, cheese and more.

What you get…
In selecting the best plan for your crew, carefully consider the different CSA options, as programs do vary in structure and benefits. For example, are your kids adventurous eaters? Some farms let you request specific items and others give you a bag they select based on what is being harvested that week. Also, do you have time in your busy schedule for one more scheduled grocery stop? Some plans require that you pick-up at a set location near you as a designated date and time each week, and others deliver right to your home or office.

How you sign up…
The good news is, with over 70 CSA programs in the greater D.C. area, there are plenty of options. Here are some of the best CSA’s we found in the DMV that are worth checking out:

4P Foods
For every 10th bag of food they sell sell, 4P Foods donates a bag to Martha’s Table, a D.C. non-profit that helps local families have healthy foods.

Online: 4Pfoods.com

Breezy Willow Farm
Here’s an example of what you’d get in a box: 1 quart of strawberries, 1 pint of blueberries, 1/2lb. spring lettuce mix, 1lb. spinach, 3 lbs. of potatoes, 1 quart of beans, 1 bunch of spring onions, 1 lb. of asparagus, fresh baked bread, and a dozen pasture raised eggs. Nomnomnom!

Online: breezywillowfarm.com

Farm to Family
A funky, retrofitted school bus serves as a vehicle for both transporting fresh local food and getting the community engaged in sustainable agriculture.

Online: thefarmbus.com

From the Farmer
Headquartered in the DMV, this online CSA works with local and regional growers to deliver super-fresh goods to your front door. How fresh? Some items go from dirt to delivered in less than 24 hours!

Online: fromthefarmerdc.com

Norman’s Farm Market
In addition to the growing CSA, Norman’s also has three family owned and operated roadside stands in Montgomery County.

Online: normansfarmmarket.com

Little Farm Stand
In addition to being super flexible, this is one of the only area CSAs to offer free delivery. Score!

Online: littlefarmstand.com

What is the best CSA you have tried in the DMV?

–Kristina Messner

Kiddie Cobb Salad

by writerredriJune 17, 2016

If you’ve been unsuccessful getting your kids to eat salad or anything green, try out this tasty salad from Katie Sullivan Morford of the food website, Mom’s Kitchen Handbook. Katie, a mom of three, registered dietician and food writer, is a pro at giving practical cooking tips and wholesome recipes for the everyday cook. Try out this salad, which features delicious add-ons like avocado, smoked turkey and egg, and then tell us in the Comments below what your family thinks!

Ingredients:
2 cups chopped butter, red leaf, or romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomato or 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 large ripe avocado, cubed
2 or 3 slices smoked turkey, coarsely chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Dressing:
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Methods:
1. Divide the lettuce between two large containers. In each container, arrange half the tomato, avocado, turkey, eggs, and blue cheese (if using) in rows on top of the lettuce.

2. To make the dressing, divide the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil between two small containers. Put on the lids and shake well.

Make-ahead note: The salad and dressing can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator, but wait until morning to cut and add the avocado. Be sure to give your child instructions for drizzling the dressing over the salad at lunchtime.

Share your feedback on this recipe in the Comments below!

Katie Sullivan Morford is a mom, food writer and registered dietitian. You can find her family-friendly recipes and kitchen wisdom at Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Duck, Duck, Goose! Best Duck Ponds in Town

by Elizabeth SilvaSeptember 2, 2015

Many ducks call San Diego home during fall, winter and spring, while others stay in the area to breed during summer. Lucky for your little duckling, a variety of species can be seen shaking their tail feathers at San Diego lakes and ponds throughout the year. Here are our favorite duck ponds that will have your little ones quacking with delight!