It’s that shopping time of year. While hitting the stores alone sounds ideal, it’s likely you’ll have to shop with the kids in tow at some point. And we all know shopping with kids can be challenging, if not downright chaotic. Having experienced a five alarm meltdown in a home improvement store a while back (I have yet to return), I tend to dodge stores that have no toy aisle.

While there are plenty of book and toy stores that have train tables and other fun activities, sometimes we can’t avoid dragging the kids to clothing, jewelry, grocery and other adult-oriented shops. Fortunately, we’ve discovered some non-children stores that offer play spaces and other tantrum-preventing distractions. So if you plan to shop as a family, check out some of these child-friendly non-child stores. Multi-location stores may not offer the play features in every branch, so you may want to contact your local destination ahead of time. Hopefully-happy shopping!

Ready to make some Christmas memories? Families will cherish moments with Santa Claus and the oohs and ahhs that come when the local Christmas trees light up for the first time. Bucks County, like much of the Philadelphia region, boasts its share of opportunities to get into the season right in your backyard. So get bundled up, pack your thermos of hot chocolate, and enjoy the show!

Don't forget to check out our Events Calendar for even more festive fun!

While this season is all about the great holiday theater for kids, not everyone is into swans, bears and Nutcrackers. Maybe your tyke prefers jet packs and a bed of nails instead?

That Physics Show is an awesome and educational production that has absolutely nothing to do with the holidays, but that doesn't make it any less spectacular. Veteran Rutgers University physics demonstrator David Maiullo doesn't need glitz, glamor or glitter to wow school-age kids with his amazing experiments as he makes balloons burst into flame, soda cans crack and lasers light up the room. Some of the demos are so incredible you may feel like you're watching a magic show. But all of his "tricks" are actually just science, which is the most mind-blowing reveal of all.

Being stuck indoors during the winter months can really bring about a case of the doldrums, especially when the kids are raring to get outside to do something...anything! Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean there still isn't plenty to do outdoors with the kids in tow. 

Taking the kids hiking on trails, in a national park, or on a mountain, can be a great way to get in that time outdoors and get in some much-needed exercise for the whole family! Here are 5 spots where families can hit the trails and enjoy the winter scenery.

Filled with undying energy, twisted humor, dark characters, and a soundtrack to match, Matilda: The Musical debuted the first leg of a national tour in Philadelphia in mid-November.

Grown-ups who have read the book written by Roald Dahl will recognize all the classic characters throughout the show, including Matilda (played by Mabel Tyler), Miss Honey (played by Jennifer Blood), and the evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (played by Bryce Rynes). The cast did an outstanding job of bringing their famed characters to life.

We've already shared festive ways to celebrate Christmas Eve with kids in New York City with you, but we know many families are looking for a more formal way to celebrate the season while praying for peace on earth and good will toward men.

While lots of NYC churches host kid-friendly religious services and pageants during the afternoon on December 24, you could also consider attending an authentic midnight mass with your family featuring the traditional Christmas Eve liturgy and caroling. We've found five Manhattan churches that welcome visitors to midnight mass with kids in tow—yes, even babies and toddlers (we're sure; we checked!). You don't need to be a regular parishioner to attend and they're not as jam-packed as St. Patrick's Cathedral, although arriving early is still recommended.

However you decide to spend Christmas Eve, we hope you find comfort and joy in the company of family and friends.

There is nothing I enjoy so much as a brilliant display of holiday lights. That said, there were quite a few lighting ceremonies on our calendar in November, yet you didn’t hear about them from me. As far as I’m concerned, the acquisition and lighting of Christmas trees belong firmly in the month of December. Anything before that is just a sneaky way to push the holiday shopping agenda. Well, here we are in December, and I’m happy to report that there are still plenty of chances to celebrate the next four weeks of shopping with a lighting ceremony, whether you head west to Santa Monica , east to Downtown LA, or south towards Hermosa or Long Beach.

It is likely that you are well on your way with the toy shopping, but don’t forget that Tuesday and Wednesday are free LEGO days: a perfect stocking stuffer or spoonful of sugar on sock night. For more grown up gift ideas, Montana Avenue’s annual holiday walk in Santa Monica is this week.

Pershing Square outdoor ice rink welcomes Snoopy and friends for a mini preview of Knott’s Merry Farm’s Merry Christmas Snoopy this week. Those Peanuts never get old, especially when they have a new movie. 'Tis the season for many celebrations; there is much more to do on our Daily Events Calendar and in our Holiday Guide.

December has arrived, and so has the official start of the holiday season. Get in the holiday spirit at sensational, seasonal events that include Christmas Celebration: Scuba Santa, Skylands Stadium Christmas Lights Show and Gingerbread Wonderland. Treat the family to kid-friendly theatrical performances of Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, A Christmas Story and Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!