Philadelphia

Free Outdoor Concerts Happening in Philly this Summer

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 12:02pm

Summer means warm weather which is the perfect time to head outdoors for easy, cheap and fun activities like free movies and concerts. Pack your chairs, a blanket, a picnic basket and the bug spray, and enjoy an afternoon or evening of free tunes. Here's our comprehensive list of the outdoor concerts happening in the Delaware Valley this summer.

For some of the more popular bands, the venues can get packed, so plan on arriving on the early side.

Free Outdoor Summer Movies for Philly Families

Submitted by Lori McManus on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 7:50am

Enjoying an outdoor movie under the stars should be on every family's summer bucket list in Philadelphia. Watching an alfresco film on a big screen is a relaxing way to spend a balmy evening with family and friends. Bonus: All of these flicks are free!

Films usually begin at dusk, but be sure to arrive early to stake out a good spot. Some series offer music or other live entertainment before the movie, and a few even provide free popcorn. So pack some snacks, a blanket (and bug spray, too), sit back, relax and enjoy the show at one of these outdoor summer movie series in or near Philadelphia.

Weekday Picks for Philly Kids: Nature, Art, Science May 22-26

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 05/21/2017 - 10:00am

How can you resist the amazing line-up that the Delaware Valley has in store for Philly families this week?

Little ones who seek outdoor fun can listen to nature stories, hike the trails, learn about worms, or explore the properties of water. For the art lover, there are plenty of opportunities to make crafts, create masterpieces, or tour art museums. Budding scientists can wander throughout the Franklin Institute during its Community Night or discover the world of minerals and gems at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Splurge with a trip to see a show or root for the home team at a baseball game.

Celebrate the beginning of summer with Mommy Poppins Philadelphia at our Summer Brain Quest Kickoff Party at Smith. Be sure to click through to get tickets and start the season off right!

A Day At The Fair: Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Review

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Sun, 05/21/2017 - 7:55am

If you live in the neighboring areas, you've almost definitely heard of The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. You've probably even watched the horses loading in and the ferris wheel going up. If you haven't heard of it, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is a week and a half long event that kicks off the summer every year and is tons of fun for the whole family. It's a unique experience and it offers a little something for everyone, including some really fun events.

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Submitted by Kristen Haas on Fri, 05/19/2017 - 12:00pm

Make your New Jersey kid a beach baby and go "down the shore." New Jersey boasts 130 miles of shoreline and some of the prettiest beaches anywhere. Whether your family is looking for a busy boardwalk with children's rides, a beachside water park or sprinkler playground, towering lighthouses, toddler attractions, or something a bit quieter, the Jersey Shore has it.

We've rounded up 10 of our favorite Jersey beaches, from a national park on the northern shore down to the busier southern beaches of Cape May and Atlantic City. So pack the car (and the kids) for a beach day trip or a long weekend—the summer possibilities are endless. And for more beach fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide, including a roundup of our favorite boardwalks.

Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families

Submitted by Raven Snook on Thu, 05/18/2017 - 4:00pm

Whether you're visiting NYC or live here year-round, seeing a Broadway show is a special family experience. Kids are sure to remember it vividly, and chances are parents won't soon forget the credit card bill. That's why it's so important to pick a production wisely, especially when bringing young children to their first Broadway performance.

While Disney juggernauts The Lion King and Aladdin are popular options, there are other kid-friendly choices that aren't as obvious. We've rounded up our 10 best Broadway musicals for families and organized them by age appropriateness. As a bonus, we've also got the scoop on how to save big bucks on tickets thanks to various deals.

Find more upcoming NYC shows in our event calendar, or read reviews of current family productions to find the one that best suits your children.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Italian Market Festival, Strawberries, History, May 20-21

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 05/17/2017 - 9:30pm

During this May weekend, Philly parents can find many ways to spend quality family time together. For starters, there are quite a few springtime festivals to enjoy. Eat delicious Italian foods in South Philly, appreciate the beauty and splendor of the Asian culture in Franklin Square, nibble on strawberry treats at Peddlers' Village, delight in children's entertainment at Annenberg Center Live, or applaud children's authors and literature at Big Blue Bookstore's Literary Festival.

After festival fun, spend some one-on-one time making art at Exton Square Mall, learning about weather at Fairmount Water Works, or trying a mindfulness class at Ahimsa House. Or, consider stepping back in time to simpler days where children can learn how soap is made at Newlin Grist Mill, wool is spun at the Thompson-Neely House, and horseshoes are created at Merion Friends Meeting House.

Don't forget to browse through our entire event calendar. With all of these options, be sure to use the filtering options to help narrow down events by age, location, and tags. Now continue reading for our top weekend picks.

Meet the Animals: 6 Great Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philly

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Wed, 05/17/2017 - 8:18am

This spring and summer, there's so much to do to get outside: festivals, parks, spray grounds, amusement parks, and more. But your little animal lover might be craving some one-on-one time with some cute and cuddlies, and there's no better time to visit the local petting zoo or animal farm than summer. Luckily, there's a handful of great places in the area for just that.

Lights and Culture: The Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 10:00am

Bright lights, Chinese culture, and a beloved Philly park? The Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square has all of these things and more. This festival is not just for kids and is sure to be fun for the whole family. Treat the kids to a night out past their bedtime with milkshakes, shows, and, of course, lights!

Zip Lines and Adventure Ropes Courses for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Mon, 05/15/2017 - 11:00am

Gear up for an outdoor adventure at one of New Jersey's newest treetop obstacle courses, or buckle up for a soaring ride on a zip line. Swaying bridges, wobbly balance logs, cargo nets, high wires and rope ladders are among the features at some sky-high ropes courses, along with tree climbers and platforms built right into tree trunks. Many tree-top courses are best for older kids and teens, but some also offer tykes courses that are closer to the ground for the grade-schooler crowd.

We've rounded up some of the coolest of these zip lines and ropes courses in New Jersey, a few in Pennsylvania, and even a year-round indoor option just over the state line in Westchester. You'll find these parks at local zoos, amusement parks, down the Jersey Shore, and even at some of the Poconos family resorts.