Fun for your littles around Tampa Bay and local communities
Why is it so important for you to stay connected?
Getting out of the house and connecting with other new parents is crucial for several reasons:
- Mental Health: Staying home all day with a newborn can be isolating and overwhelming. Venturing out helps new parents feel less isolated and more connected to the world around them.
- Support System: Connecting with other new parents provides a support system where they can share experiences, advice, and encouragement. This can be incredibly reassuring and helpful during the challenging early months of parenthood.
- Socialization: Both parents and babies benefit from social interactions. Babies learn from observing and interacting with others, while parents can enjoy adult conversations and build friendships.
- Physical Activity: Getting out of the house often involves physical activity, whether it’s a walk in the park or a visit to an indoor play area. This can be beneficial for both the parent’s and the baby’s health.
- Routine and Structure: Regular outings can help establish a routine and provide structure to the day, making it easier to manage time and activities.
You have finally got the all-clear from your OB to start moving around and your newborn is becoming more aware. You may be feeling a bit isolated and would like to start venturing out.
As a postpartum doula, my first concern is that you rest and recover but let’s face it, being home all day every day with a newborn can be hard.
I’ve compiled a list of things to do and places to go with your newborn in many local communities. Tampa Bay has SO many wonderful indoor and outdoor venues that you can take your baby to for a bit of a break.
Outdoor Venues
Carrollwood Village Park
This park is part of a $10 million project to develop the former Dale Mabry Wastewater Treatment Plant into a community park. It offers a variety of services ranging from fitness classes to fishing competitions. The park is located at 4680 W Village Dr, Tampa, FL, 33624.
Carrollwood Meadows Park
A beautiful green space located at 13918 Farmington Boulevard, Tampa, FL, 33625. This family-friendly park offers amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and sports fields.
Henry & Ola Park
Located at 502 W Henry Ave, Tampa, FL, 33604, this park offers outdoor recreation and nature preservation.
Lutz Nature Park
Located at 112 1st Ave NW, Lutz, FL, 33548, this park offers a serene environment with walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for children.
Lake Park
Situated at 17302 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL, 33548, this park features five lakes, a boat ramp, fishing, picnic shelters, and a playground.
Violet Cury Nature Preserve
Found at 1802 Sinclair Hills Rd, Lutz, FL, 33549, this nature preserve offers hiking trails, bird watching, and a peaceful natural setting.
Oscar Cooler Park
Located at 766 Lutz Lake Fern Rd W, Lutz, FL, 33548, this park provides sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve
Situated at 18102 Ramblewood Rd, Lutz, FL, 33558, this preserve offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wesley Chapel District Park
Located at 7727 Boyette Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33545, this expansive park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages, including playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex
This facility is located at 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543. It features indoors and outdoor sports facilities, including basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a fitness center.
Epperson Lagoon
Located at 31885 Overpass Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33545, this unique park features a large man-made lagoon with water activities, sandy beaches, and cabanas.
Seven Oaks Nature Trail
This trail is located within the Seven Oaks community in Wesley Chapel, offering a scenic walking path through natural surroundings.
Indoor Venues
Little Play Place
Located at 14425 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL, 33618, Little Play Place offers a nurturing environment designed to foster memories and empower children to reach their developmental milestones. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 16:30.
Nana Ana’s Playhouse:
This playhouse is located at 1502 W Busch Blvd Ste E, Tampa, FL, 33612. It provides a joyful, safe space where young children can learn, explore, and grow through creative play and hands-on learning. They are open daily from 09:00 – 18:00.
Altitude Trampoline Park Tampa
With over 30,000 square feet of indoor trampolines and attractions, this park is located at 4340 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33614. It is a great option for families, groups, and birthday parties. They are open from Monday to Thursday, 10:00 – 21:00, Friday, 10:00 – 23:00, Saturday, 09:30 – 23:00, and Sunday, 11:00
Bounce House
Located at 5208 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33624, Bounce House offers a fun environment with mega bounce rides, jungle gym, video games, and party packages. They are open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 – 19:45.
K Peas Place
Located at 13966 Lynmar Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33626, this indoor play area offers classes and play sessions designed for ages birth to 7 years. Services include hosted birthday parties, music class, arts and crafts, open and structured play
Parent Support Groups
These groups offer help and support for parents in the Tampa Bay Area, providing counseling and group sessions
Catholic Charities
They offer free pregnancy testing, adoption information, mentoring programs, prenatal and childbirth information, post-natal and parenting information, and community resource referrals.
Grace Family Church
Located at 8610 Temple Terrace Hwy, Tampa, FL, 33637, this non-denominational, Bible-based church offers a diverse, multi-cultural population and has a passion for you to experience the love of Jesus Christ and to discover God’s plan for your life.
Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center & Adoptions
This center, part of Catholic Charities, offers support services to women facing unplanned pregnancies. They provide pregnancy options, free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, community resources, medical referrals, mentoring programs, parenting resources, and more.
Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, Inc.
This organization provides a variety of support and services for children from birth to age 8 and their families. They offer developmental screenings, inclusion support services, and educational programs.
Healthy Start Coalition
This coalition offers several programs, including Healthy Families Hillsborough, Mom Care Program, and Safe Baby Plus. They provide support for prenatal and postnatal care, parenting education, and child development.
Champions for Children – Baby Bungalow
This program offers parenting classes, playgroups, and developmental screenings for infants and young children. They aim to support families in creating a nurturing environment for their children.
Tampa Bay Moms Group
This service provides a one-stop entry point for families to access community services and support, including education and support for childbirth, newborn care, parenting skills, and child development.
Circle of Parents®
This group offers support for parents and caregivers, helping them to be as effective as possible. They have various support groups throughout the state, including in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
Community Roots Collective
Come gather with other like minded moms to gain support, knowledge and friendship in a safe space with your babies. Mothers with children of all ages are welcome! * This support group is also offered in Español! This group also provides support groups for LGBQT, breastfeeding support groups, 4th trimester support, full cycle loss support groups, melanated mom support and early childhood groups.
REMEMBER….. getting out of the house and connecting with other new parents is essential for your mental health, socialization, and overall well-being. Tampa Bay and its surrounding communities offer a plethora of indoor and outdoor venues that are perfect for you and your little one. From parks and playgrounds to indoor play areas and support groups, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, socialize, and create lasting memories. Remember, while it’s important to rest and recover, it’s equally important to take time for yourself and your baby to enjoy the world around you. So, take a break, venture out, and make the most of the wonderful resources available in your community.
Don’t wait any longer! Start planning your next outing today. Whether it’s a visit to a local park, joining a support group, or exploring an indoor play area, there are countless ways to connect with other new parents and create joyful experiences with your little one. Share your adventures and tips with other parents, and let’s build a supportive community together. Happy exploring!
If you happen to find a spot or program that you think will be helpful for other parents, please reach out and let me know! I plan to updated this blog every month to add new opportunities.