Ever frugal my mom taught me well how to s-t-r-e-t-c-h a dollar! Ever a mom she prominently displayed every goofy 'thing' I made for Mother's Day as a kid. She passed not long ago and to my surprise, the lopsided coil pots I made, handmade cards and photos from the many FREE things I took her to on Mother's Day were still there. Save money this Mother's Day in Tampa Bay by taking Mom to one of the many places offering a totally FREE experience or one where Mom gets in FREE with your paid admission.
Hyde Park Village
Wander the shops, look for interesting trinkets and great deals! As a mom, my favorite spot is Sprinkles Cupcakes and Ice Cream, especially the Cupcake ATM! Hyppo is offering a free pop for mom on Sunday while Kendra Gives Back (benefiting The Spring) will offer free snacks and drinks while you shop 10% off, they will also donate 10% of all proceeds to The Spring. The Village has lots going on for FREE Saturday the 13th! Mother's can enjoy free Mommy and Me yoga in the Village Circle Saturday, from 9 am to 10 am (ages 8+ and bring your mats) followed by complimentary family photos at Carlton Ward. Look for giveaways raffles and more both days in The Village! Click the photo below for more information! PS - Swann is now OPEN!
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is one of the world's top aquariums featuring over 20,000 aquatic plants and animals and yeah, this Mother's Day in Tampa you can get Mom in for free with another paid admission Saturday or Sunday during normal operating hours! A regular admission is $24.95 adult, $22.95 seniors, $19.95 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. Prices are cheaper if you buy them online at the aquarium's site.
The Florida Orchestra
Enriching the lives of families across Tampa Bay area as it inspires, entertains and educates with live symphonic music, this Saturday, May 13th explore rhythm and melody at the Historic Mahaffey Theater in Downtown St. Pete where moms can enjoy a chamber concert with storytime for kids Pre-K through 2nd grade. Also planned are an instrument petting zoo, art activities and more prior to the 10:00 and 11:30 concerts in the Atrium. Concerts are approx. 1 hour long. Arrive early! This event is FREE or pay what you like if you want to donate! Click on the photo for additional details!
MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry
Is your mom a sciencey mom? Does she stick to the facts and love exploration? If so, MOSI, the largest science center in the southeastern United States is offering FREE admission for moms on Mother's Day with the purchase of one full-priced child's ticket. ($20.95 for ages 3-12) It's $15 for the zip line only or $10 with admission. The ropes course is $10 by itself or $7 with admission. Parking is $5.
Pirate Water Taxi
Dining at one of the Best Mother's Day Restaurants in Downtown Tampa this year? If so a really fun FREE thing to do this year is a ride on the Pirate Water Taxi! Experience Tampa Bay's beautiful Riverwalk and more aboard Pirate Water Taxi where you can see waterfowl, dolphins and more. You have access to area museums, attractions and restaurants. Moms cruise FREE on the Pirate Water Taxi’s Downtown Tampa and Zoo Express Routes Mother’s Day weekend (May 13-14, 2017). Hop on, hop off at any of their 16+ stops including Rick's on the River. Guests can also choose to take the Zoo Express boarding at Stop #7 (Tampa Convention Center) or Stop #16 (Lowry Park). To receive the offer, one full-paid Pirate Water Taxi ticket (Adult or Child) per free Mother’s Day promotion ticket, must be purchased. Tickets must be purchased at Pirate Water Taxi Home Dock at The Tampa Convention Center (Stop #7) or at the time of boarding. Prices are $18 adult, $10 child.
Sunsets At Pier 60
It's the time of year when you can not only catch a sunset with Mom but Sunset Cinema too. This Sunday grab low chairs or a big blanket (and lots of Kleenex) and head for the beach to see the beloved chick film Beaches. Before and after the film there are plenty of fun things to do and see at this wildly popular pier perfect for all ages. Watch the sunsets, the movie, the revelry, it's all for free!
Dinosaur World
Take mom to meet 150+ life-size dinosaurs representing a variety of well known and unusual species displayed outdoors at Dinosaur World in Plant City! Look for 'Maiasaura', known as the good mother dinosaur for a fun photo op! Mom's get in FREE with one paid child's admission, the lasting memories re also FREE! Regular prices are $16.95 adult, $14.95 seniors, $11.95 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free.
5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City Fl Phone 813-717-9865 (Photo courtesy of DW Facebook)
Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center is more than a mere repository for historical facts. Functioning as a liaison between the past and the present, the museum honors our community’s character and heritage. Celebrate Mother’s Day with free admission for moms with one paid Adult admission on Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. To commemorate mom's special day, the History Center will offer arts and crafts for kids in the Lykes Atrium and a 10% discount on select items in the museum store. Moms can see “Finding Fairyland: Rediscovering Tampa’s Lost Themepark,” currently on view in the History Center’s Wayne Thomas Gallery and dine waterfront at the Columbia Cafe located inside the History Center. The Cafe features indoor seating and outdoor seating along the Riverwalk where you will find a Pirate Water Taxi dock!
GameTime
GameTime is a Family Entertainment Center offering indoor amusements and a full-service experience that the whole family can enjoy. This Sunday after 11 am mothers can eat a free entree or appetizer with the purchase of one entree, appetizer or kids meal in their chef-driven restaurant and sports bar. A place I took my kids to many times, read more in GameTime | A Fun Mega Arcade Sports Bar Restaurant in Tampa.
Glazer Children's Museum
Situated in the heart of Downtown Tampa and part of the Tampa Riverwalk, Glazer Children's Museum is a place where children can play, learn and discover. Mommy's receive free admission and pampering in the Mother's Day Lounge this Sunday, regular admission for all other guests is $15 adult, $12.50 military/seniors, $9.50 children, and kids under 1 are free.
