TOP PICKS FOR FOURTH OF JULY FAMILY FUN
Freedom Festival
July 3, 5-9 p.m.
Get an early start on Independence Day at the Shops at Wiregrass. Evening includes Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker pageants and contests, including bicycle decorating and watermelon eating. Stay for the fireworks at 9 p.m. www.shopsatwiregrass.com
Celebration at Florida Aquarium
July 4
Explore the aquarium and stick around for an all-American-themed dinner and family friendly entertainment. Stay to watch the fireworks at 9 p.m. www.flaquarium.org
Red, White & Zoo
July 4-6, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day with free admission for members of the military (active duty and retirees with valid Department of Defense photo ID) and up to three direct dependents at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Military member must accompany minors.www.lowryparkzoo.com
All-American Teddy Bear Picnic
July 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Grab your teddy bear and head to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for a beary special weekend celebration, which offers fun activities, keeper talks and music from Radio Disney Tampa Bay. www.lowryparkzoo.com
Sparklebration
July 4, Gates open at 3:00 p.m.
Spend the holiday at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City and enjoy live entertainment and family friendly games, contests and activities, with fireworks in the evening. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. www.sparklebration.com
Largo Fourth of July
July 4, 6-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy food, entertainment and games at Largo Central Park. On-site parking is limited and $5. Guests also can park and walk from Largo middle and high schools. Check out the fireworks at 9 p.m. Free admission. www.largoevents.com
Glazer Children’s Museum: Road Trip U.S.A.
Through Aug. 10, various times
Travel coast-to-coast – no car necessary – as part of this interactive exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Learn about famous cities, landmarks, national parks, the interstate system and roadside attractions. www.glazermuseum.org
Kids in Charge! Birthday Bash and National Ice Cream Day
July 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate kids at Tampa’s MOSI, the largest children’s science center in the nation, and indulge in games, activities and cake. Blue Bell Ice Cream will be on hand to celebrate National Ice Cream Day with cool treats (while supplies last). www.mosi.org
Pachyderm Pool Party for Mavi’s 1st Birthday
July 26, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pop by for a special pool party with the elephants at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Elephant calf Mavi turns 1, and visitors are invited to enjoy music and special activities. Included with daytime admission. www.lowryparkzoo.com
3K Pet Walk Kickoff Party
July 17, 6-8 p.m.
Support the SPCA of Tampa Bay as it kicks off its upcoming 3K Pet Walk Largo by hosting a party at its education building to recruit team members, motivate other supporters and begin raising money for those animals and families who benefit. Pets are welcome too! Party is free and open to the public and includes a catered dinner buffet, beer and wine and chance drawings. www.spcatampabay.org