It’s a perennial challenge for families: Finding the best way to keep their child, or children, occupied during the summer months.
That’s why Miriam Cook, founder of Family Friendly Tampa Bay, organized an expo that aims to bring parents and providers of summer camps, and other activities, together.
“My whole goal is to arm people with information, with resources, so that they can make the best decisions for themselves,” Cook said.
“With this summer camp expo, we’re giving parents that opportunity to go and kind of make those choices — to have all of those options, so they can make the best choices for themselves.”
It’s a great way for exhibitors to tell parents about their summer camps, and a great way for parents to get their questions answered, Cook said.
This is the second time that Cook has organized the expo, which will be held in two locations this year. It will be held March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The other will be on April 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive in Tampa, in connection with the Tampa Tarpons home opener.
Both summer camp expos offer a one-stop shop to local summer camps, summer activities, special needs camps, programs and services.
“There’s pretty much something for everyone,” Cook said.
There also will be free weeks of camp, attraction tickets, and products up for grabs for those families who register onsite for their child’s Summer Camp at one of the expos, Cook said.
The events aim to provide information and options for new families moving into the area, and for families who now have school-age children and need to find summer activities for them, Cook said.
“Especially in the Wesley Chapel area, there are so many new families moving in,” she said. “They’re asking: ‘What do I do with my kids in the summer?’
“Having this summer camp expo really does help them out,” Cook said.
Besides gathering useful information, families can take advantage of free activities for their kids at the expo, Cook said.
“We’re going to have laser tag. We’re having a mobile game truck onsite. We have a toddler section. There’s face painting. There’s live entertainment,” she added.
Admission, parking and the activities are free, she said.
“The only thing they have to pay for is food,” Cook said.
Attendees also can pick up a printed list of various summer options.
For more information about either expo, visit FamilyFriendlyTampaBay.com, or call (813) 331-5579.
Second annual Family Friendly Summer Camp Expo New Tampa/Pasco Edition
Where: Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 33544
When: March 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Parents that are seeking out summer activities for their children will have a chance to see what 75 exhibitors have to offer. Those attending can purchase a Buy One, Get One skating pass that can be used for a two-hour skating session during the event.
Note: A second expo is planned at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa on April 7.
Info: Visit FamilyFriendlyTampaBay.com, or call (813) 331-5579.
Published March 14, 2018
