First Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival Happening THIS Weekend

Temperatures in the bay are soaring, and if you're looking for a fun way to cool down with the whole family, we have just the treat. For the first time ever St. Pete will be hosting the Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival at Pier Plaza on Sunday, July 17. Just in time for National Ice Cream Day!

Dozens of local vendors will be there sampling their frozen treats. You can find anything from soft serve, ice cream, gelato, popsicles, and even dairy-free goodies! Anyone who indulges in these frozen sweets will have the chance to vote for the Best Ice Cream in Tampa Bay award during the day. Expect to see Tampa Bay favorites there like Astro Craft Ice Cream and Spa Beach Bistro.

Don't fear if you're lactose intolerant, there will be more than just dairy sweets to sample from. Look out for Hyppo Gourmet Popsicle, they have over 500 flavors that they rotate through seasonally. One of their most popular popsicle flavors is strawberry lemonade, made with only fresh fruit and juices. Hyppo Popsicle will also feature their sister company Mayday Ice Cream, which is crafted in Florida and comes in multiple flavors, including dairy free options!

There will be more than just ice cream to be enjoyed at this festival. Many other Tampa Bay businesses will be in attendance, so this will be a great opportunity to show your support. If you've yet to see the newly renovated downtown pier, the ice cream festival would be a great place to start!

The Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival will be Sunday at the St. Pete Pier Plaza from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The best part? Admission is FREE and open to the public. While admission is free, you may have to purchase specific treats from the businesses attending. Want to know who will all be there? Check out the Facebook page for the full list of vendors.

[Source]

We know how fortunate we are to live where everybody else vacations, and in the summertime the beach crowds can be very overwhelming. On top of that, it's become more expensive to take the whole family out to a theme park. Thankfully Tampa Bay is full of free family friendly water parks and splash zones, which is a great and cost friendly to keep you and your family cool all summer long. Check out our list of our favorite water parks in Tampa Bay.

Beat the summer heat at this interactive children's water playground. The 3,000 square-foot play area features colorful, action-packed features that spray, gush, dump and pour water from a variety of whimsical devices. The best part? Admission is FREE.

Location: 1937 Ed Eckert Drive, Dunedin

Hours of operation for the rest of the summer:
May 28 - August 5
Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am-5pm

This splash pad has colorful flower fixtures which shoots out cool water for a fun day in the sun. Also near by is a playground and shaded area's where parents and caregivers can watch all the fun.

Hours of operation: April to October 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: 5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa

The highlight of this Tampa splash pad is the giant bucket that dumps cool water over the kids. The play cove offers a fenced children’s play area with playground equipment for children ages 2 to 12 years old.

Location: 1001 N Boulevard, 33607
Hours of operation: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, Year Around (weather permitting)

Amenities from this park don't just include a splash pad, you can also find a recreation center, a gymnasium, a playground, picnic area, restrooms and an art studio!

Location: 1000 E Eskimo Ave, Tampa,
Hours of operation: April to October 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Stop at this gorgeous park after a stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk. So close to the Glacier Children's Museum, The Florida Aquarium, and dozens of local restaurants, this is a spot for everyone in the family. This great spot also has climbing equipment, pretend play areas, slides, two merry go rounds, picnic tables, sit and spins, a seesaw and shaded benches.

Location: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa
Hours of operation: April to October 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Much like the Julian B Lane splash zone, the main attraction at Water Works park in Tampa is the giant bucket filled with cool water that relieves kids and teens from the summer heat; what makes it even better is the water gun feature. It’s a bonus that it's super close to Ulele and Armature Works so you can grab a coffee and relax while the kiddos splash and play!

Location: 1710 N Highland Ave, Tampa
Hours of operation: April to October 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

The Splash Park features several types of spray features designed to keep your little one cool and entertained. Why not make a full day out of it and enjoy a picnic lunch at the many picnic tables they offer!

Location: 508 Live Oak, Tarpon Springs
Hours of operation: 10 am – 6 pm Daily