WESLEY CHAPEL – Miriam Cook, founder of Family-Friendly Tampa Bay, is bringing camps from Tampa and Pasco County to one place at the 9th Annual Family Fun Fest & Summer Camp Expo.
The free community event helps parents discover summer camps, activities and family resources while enjoying a day of hands-on fun and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at The Shops at Wiregrass.
Cook understands how challenging it can be for families to find the right summer opportunities for their children. The expo was created to simplify that process by bringing a variety of local camps and programs together in one place where parents and kids can meet program leaders face-to-face.
“As a teacher and a mom, I know parents want meaningful experiences for their kids, but finding the right summer camps can take hours of research,” Cook said. “This event makes it easier for families to explore options, ask questions, and discover opportunities that help kids learn, grow and have fun.”
The expo connects families with summer programs including STEM, sports, performing arts programs; specialty programs; day camps; and educational enrichment opportunities for children from preschool through the teen years.
The expo transforms The Shops at Wiregrass into a community festival featuring interactive activity zones, live entertainment and hands-on experiences designed to keep kids engaged while parents explore summer camp options.
Event highlights include:
- Free mad science show (10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.)
- Free foam bubble party (11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.) featuring Blaise Ryndes’ Sphere’s Foam Bubble Show (as seen on “America’s Got Talent”)
- Kids karaoke stage
- Princess and character meet-and-greets
- Balloon artist and face painting
- Easter treat trail scavenger hunt at exhibitor booths
- Hands-on crafts and cookie-decorating
- Toddler play area and lawn games
- Kids sports fun zone
- Giveaways and special summer camp discounts
Families who register in advance will have the chance to win $250 toward a summer camp, and the first 300 registered families will receive a free Kids Expo Bag while supplies last.
BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is a presenting sponsor of the expo. Portions of event proceeds will support Uresteem, a nonprofit that empowers children through leadership and self-esteem programs.
