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Moving to Tampa

Moving to Tampa with a family? That’s great! Whether you are relocating from across the Sunshine State, the country, or the world, Tampa is a wonderful place to call home. As you prepare to make your way to Cigar City with your family, here is what you need to know about Tampa Schools and some fun places to visit with the kids while getting settled in.

Getting Started with Tampa Schools

Tampa is in Hillsborough County; however, if you find a home in the greater Tampa Bay area, you may find yourself in Pinellas or Pasco county. Each county has its own school district, which is defined by the county’s borders. When moving to Tampa with a family, think about which school district you may want to enroll your kids in before buying a home.

Hillsborough County Public Schools

Hillsborough County Public Schools Parent’s website provides information about the school district and for enrolling new students. 

You can find which school your children will attend here, or read about how to enroll new students here.

Hillsborough County also offers magnet, charter, and virtual schools, which you can discover here.

Pinellas County Public Schools

To get your student set up at Pinellas County Public Schools, visit the enrollment section of their website. They offer zone maps so you can identify your children’s schools. If you are interested in magnet or virtual schools, check out their District Application Programs. There are set application dates for these schools, so if you miss the cut off, you may need to wait until the next school year to apply.

Pasco County Public Schools

Pasco County has an online portal where you can enroll your kids. First, create a parent portal, then add the new student. You can check the county’s school boundaries here.

Go to the “Information” tab on the website and select “Registration” to get started.

Family Friendly Things to Do in Tampa

There are so many exciting things to do in the area! Here are just a few to get you started as you begin to familiarize yourself with your new city.

Lowry Park Zoo

Cut back on screen time and nab some face-to-face with some of the world’s most interesting animals. The Lowry Park Zoo has something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of the great apes, like the Bornean Orangutan, a penguin lover, or just someone who wants to get closer to manatees, the zoo delivers. Check their page for special events.

Spring Training

Enjoy America’s classic pastime with front-row seats to the pre season. Spring training in Tampa provides baseball fans to watch some of the country’s best players get ready for regular season play.  This sneak peek into the MLB is just one of the perks of moving to Tampa with a family.

So who can you see at bat? The New York Yankees practice at GSM Field while The Phillies play in Clearwater.  The Toronto Blue Jays play ball at  TD Ball Park and you can also catch the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton. If you are a big baseball fan, it is only a short drive to other teams’ spring training fields, including the Mets, the Rays, and the Boston Red Sox. 

Swim Lessons

If your kids do not know how to swim, now is the time to get them signed up for swim lessons. Knowing how to swim is truly a lifesaver when there is so much fun to be had on the water.

Plenty of places in the area offer swim classes, including the YMCA. It is such an important skill, though, that the Tampa city government also offers swim lessons for children and adults through a unique partnership with the American Red Cross. Learn more here.

Family-Friendly Beaches

Florida is renowned for its sunshine and beaches. Enjoy a picnic on the shore with your family, then take a quick swim. Both the St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas have beautiful beaches. Check out Caladesi Island State Park for a calm and unique experience away from the crowds. Egmont Key State Park is great for wildlife lovers. There is no shortage of great beach spots in the area — it just depends on what you want your experience to be.

If you are not familiar with swimming in open waters, make sure to learn how to escape a riptide here. Hopefully, you will not have to use these skills, but they are worth knowing.

Glazer Children’s Museum

You will not find “please don’t touch” signs at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Let the kids learn through interactive exhibits made just for them. Check out their events page for any upcoming activities that will get your children’s imaginations in motion.

And of course, there is always Busch Gardens or Adventure Island! If you plan to visit area theme parks frequently, check out special season passes for Florida residents.

Need Help Finding Your New Tampa Home?

As a life-long Tampanian, I love helping new residents find their first Tampa home. If you need help identifying the best neighborhood for your family, let’s talk. I can help you better understand the area so you can transition seamlessly. Contact me today to discuss what you want in your next property.

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