Learn & Play Tampa Bay
We’re bringing play to your neighborhood.
Learn & Play Tampa Bay brings the joy of play right into your community, at no cost to families. Designed for children from birth to age 5 and the adults who love them, this 10-week program helps children learn, grow, and thrive through play while connecting families with each other.
When you join Learn & Play Tampa Bay, you become part of a Neighborhood Play Squad right in your own community. Your squad is made up of the other families who sign up at your local site, and together you’ll play, sing, explore, and discover over 10 weeks. As you laugh, learn, and play side by side, you’ll build friendships and a support network that turns your squad into a little village of families on this journey together.
Funding Generously Provided by Children’s Board of Hillsborough County
What to Expect
Each 60-minute session is playful, bilingual, and guided by trained educators who support both children and caregivers. Families enjoy:
- Weekly 60-minute sessions for 10 weeks
- Songs, stories, and play in English and Spanish
- Guidance from experienced, bilingual educators
- Quality time to connect with your child through play
- Social interaction and connection with other families
- A welcoming space where children can explore and families can grow together
Eligibility:
- Children birth to age 5
- One child and one adult per enrollment
- Families must live in Hillsborough County
- Participation is limited to one Play Squad per school year (October–August)
How It Works
Step 1: Apply for a Play Squad
Fill out a simple application to join a 10-week Neighborhood Play Squad near you.
- Pick the location that works best for your family
- Apply online at LearnPlayTampaBay.org
- There is no cost to apply or participate
Step 2: Connect With Your Squad
Once your application is reviewed, our team will welcome your family into your Play Squad and guide you through enrollment.
- Families have 48 hours to complete enrollment paperwork
- Your commitment is for the full 10-week program
- If a spot isn’t available this session, your family will stay on the waitlist and be invited to join the next session
Step 3: Play, Learn, and Grow Together!
Attend weekly sessions at your local Children’s Board Family Resource Center. Each session is designed to:
- Support your child’s learning and development through play
- Give you confidence to guide and engage with your child
- Build lasting friendships and connections with other families
Step 4: Celebrate Your Journey
At the end of the 10-week program, families reflect on their experience and share what they’ve learned.
To continue your play journey, families receive a complimentary one-year Glazer Children’s Museum membership (for up to five family members), giving your child and your family a place to continue exploring, learning, and playing together.
The complimentary annual membership is available for first-time participants only.
Dates & Details
Neighborhood Play Squads open year-round.
- Winter Cohort (January-March) Applications open in December
- Spring Cohort (April-June ) Applications open in March
- Summer Cohort (July-September ) Applications open in June
- Fall Cohort (October-December) Applications open in September
Locations
All sessions are held at Children’s Board Family Resource Centers throughout Hillsborough County.
| Central Tampa 1002 E. Palm Ave. | Tuesdays 9:30–10:30 am |
| North Tampa 116 W. Fletcher Ave. | Wednesdays 9:30–10:30 am |
| Temple Terrace 5892 E. Fowler Ave. | Wednesdays 9:30–10:30 am |
| Ruskin 3030 E. College Ave. | Thursdays 9:30–10:30 am |
| Brandon 1271 Kingsway Rd | Fridays 9:30–10:30 am |
| Town ’N Country 7520 W. Waters Ave., Suite 8 | Fridays 9:30–10:30 am |
| Plant City 301 N. Palmer St. | Tuesdays 9:30–10:30 am |
Learn & Play FAQ
Yes! There is no cost to join, attend, or participate in any session.
The program is for children birth to age 5 and one caregiver. Families must reside in Hillsborough County.
All sessions are bilingual, with songs, stories, and activities in English and Spanish.
We encourage families to attend all 10 weeks to get the full benefit of learning, playing, and connecting with your Play Squad.
Enrollment is limited to one child and one adult per session to ensure every child receives the one on one connection this program is designed for.
If your local squad is full, your family will stay on the waitlist and be invited to join the next session.
