33 Free Things To Do with Philly Kids this Holiday Season

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

The holidays can be an expensive time of year as Philly parents make wishes come true. However, there are so many ways to celebrate the season without breaking the bank. After all money doesn't grow on trees! Throughout the Delaware Valley, Philly families can see twinkling lights, visit with Santa, listen to holiday stories, watch parades, and even see classic holiday performances without spending a cent. Read through our top FREE picks for the holiday season ahead.

12 Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets in and Around Boston

Audrey Trieschman's picture Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on

This time of year, holiday markets are springing up all around the greater Boston area, from church fairs to school bazaars to high-end artist markets. We’ve highlighted 12 fun finds that feature the handiwork of artisans from both near and far. Many have extras like food and live entertainment, and some even have Santa on hand for sharing holiday wishes! Take this opportunity to get into the holiday spirit; and find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones, too.

Best Family Shows in NYC for Christmas 2018 (That Aren't "The Nutcracker")

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

'Tis the season to get the gang all dressed up to see some holiday shows. While there are plenty of spectacles to splurge on, like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and all those beautiful Nutcrackers, if you've got young children you may not want to blow all of your bucks on theater tickets.

That's why our roundup of Christmas-season family theater includes a range of productions, from inexpensive, low-key offerings perfect for fidgety preschoolers, to extravaganzas that are worth the investment. Bonus: We've got the scoop on how to save money on a few of the higher-priced offerings.

From live stage adaptations of classics such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, to seasonal musicals based on popular picture books, to amazing circus feats and offbeat spectacles (like drag queen ballerinas and performing-arts activists), here are our top 18 holiday shows for NYC families.

Best High Tea Spots in NYC to Enjoy a Cup with Kids

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a memorable experience, afternoon tea—sometimes called high tea in New York City—can be a fun outing with kids. It's an especially great winter outing and particularly fitting during the holidays.

Several places serve high tea in New York City, with varying degrees of appropriateness for children. From the fancy Eloise Tea at the Plaza Hotel to the less frilly Russian Tea Room, there are teas—and goodies—for children of all ages and parents of all budgets. Here's our take on some of the best spots for afternoon tea with kids in NYC.

Best Kid-Friendly Nutcracker and Holiday Shows for Westchester Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on

The holiday season is fast upon us, and while it's good to remember to slow down and savor the season at your own pace, one bit of advance planning we recommend is to purchase tickets for holiday performances. Not only do they often sell out in advance, but claiming choice seats can avoid the familiar whines of “I can’t see!”

Fortunately for Westchester residents, there are various holiday performances to choose from. We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly productions—from assorted interpretations of The Nutcracker to concerts and a couple productions of A Christmas Carol—to help you ring in the holiday season.

Read on and click through for details. Also be sure to visit our Event Calendar, where you’ll find an ever-growing number of other holiday events we’re curating for your family to enjoy! Looking for even more holiday options? Check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

Where To Go Ice Skating Indoors with Kids in NJ

Submitted by Laura J on

Indoor ice skating is a fun way to take part in a winter activity without exposing yourself to the elements. Happily, there are many indoor rinks throughout the Garden State. We've focused on those that host public skate sessions, but most of them also offer skating lessons, hockey, birthday parties, and more.

Read on for our indoor rink recommendations for NJ families—and for more wintry sports, check out our Ski & Snow Guide.

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms on Long Island

Felissa Allard's picture Submitted by Felissa Allard on

The Thanksgiving turkey has been consumed. You've completed your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. Now it’s time for the next holiday ritual—finding the perfect Christmas tree.

From Cold Spring Harbor to Montauk, Long Island has close to a dozen tree farms, where enthusiastic families can cut a super-fresh spruce (or fir, or pine) at modest cost. These farms range from simple, roadside acreage to full-fledged holiday extravaganzas. So whether you prefer a quick tree-cutting errand or a day out in Santa’s wonderland, consider a visit to one of these outdoor emporiums.

These farms are all located in Suffolk County, where farmland is more abundant, and are listed below by town. As always, find more ways to celebrate in our Holiday Fun Guide.

Billy Johnson Playground Reopens in Central Park After Renovation

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

The Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park has reopened after a months-long rehabilitation and reconstruction project, bringing with it not only the re-opening of the iconic, long, curving granite slide, but also a second granite slide that's accessible for smaller kids.

While the original slide helped land the playground on our list of 100 things to do with city kids before they grow up, the renovation adds a few new noteworthy features to one of our favorite playgrounds in Central Park.

Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

Going to a show during the holidays is a tradition that many Philly families incorporate into their season each year. As one would expect, there are the classics such The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. However, there are plenty of twists on those standbys as well as new productions on stage throughout the Delaware Valley that are sure to delight parents and kids alike. So, take a look at our comprehensive list of performances and choose which one will add a bit of theatrical magic this holiday season with your loved ones.

Weekend Fun for LA Kids: Reindeer Romp, Doo Dah Parade, and Surfing Santas

Submitted by Toby B on

The worst of times can bring out the best in people. This week we have been reminded of the heroes that live among us: the veterans who put themselves in harm's way to defend our nation, and the fire fighters and emergency responders who put themselves in harm's way to defend our homes. Thanks to their bravery, we have the privilege of looking forward to what lies ahead. This weekend, take a moment to find the joy.  

Find the whimsy in pure absurdity and imaginations run amok. Find the mystical creatures hiding in plain sight. Find the light in the darkness (so pretty!), and follow the shimmering path. Look to the stars and see all eternity; look to the earth and see that we are all connected. Sitting on grains of sand you can expand your mind (and your vocabulary!) - just be sure to clean up after yourself.

You better not pout, you better not fly; we're getting a visit from some old guy. And a parade. And some tree lightings. With music. Sounds pretty joyful to me.

Keep reading for our most joyous suggestions for this weekend...

Pages

Subscribe to Front page feed