Philadelphia

Outdoor Kids' Birthday Party Ideas for Summer Babies

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 11:06am

Throw an amazing kids' birthday party right in your own backyard or local park with these outdoor party ideas.

Take all the fun (and the mess) of party games for kids outside and add a little summertime twist for inspired themes, such as camping, sprinklers, outdoor movies, and lawn games. We put together a list of seven sizzling kids' birthday party themes for outdoor parties below, including activity suggestions, decoration ideas, and some memorable munchies that will make your kid's party the event of the summer season.

8 Great Spots for Swim Lessons in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 07/21/2019 - 7:08am

Let's face it, when it comes to parenting and scheduling, we have a list of programs and activities that are just for fun, and then we have our serious list. This is the list that takes precedent, and the events we plan our lives around. At the top of that list for many parents is learning to swim.

With such a robust swim culture in Philadelphia—from amazing public pools to frequent trips to lakes or the shore and beyond—making sure your little one is comfortable and confident in the water is a key milestone. Finding the right swim instructor and facility for your family is essential. Whether you want to start with parent-child lessons, think private lessons are best for your child, or you have a budding swimmer who is ready to be part of group lessons, there are some terrific options in the Philadelphia-area. Here is our roundup of the best!

Disney Cruise to Alaska? 12 Things To Know Before You Go

Submitted by Li Starr on Sat, 07/20/2019 - 1:48pm

A Disney Cruise is a memorable experience for any kid (or, really, any grown-up) whether the ship stops in the Bahamas, Europe, Jamaica, or some other exotic port—like Alaska. My family recently cruised Alaska Disney style, and if you're considering this particular Disney Cruise, I have a few tips that should make your vacation even more magical.

26 Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals for Philly Families this August

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 3:50pm

All summer, Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has kept Philly families informed about the festivals, fairs, and carnivals throughout the Delaware Valley that should not to be missed. Now that August—and the soon-to-be unofficial end of summer—is upon us, there is no reason to think we'd leave you hanging. This month offers plenty of family-friendly fun. Some events feature sweet peaches, delicious crabs, and refreshing ice cream while others showcase rich culture filled with music and tradition. Still others offer a traditional carnival or country fair atmosphere. No matter which kind of fun your family selects, these events provide a wonderful opportunity to make fantastic family memories.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Harry Potter, GiveBack Festival, Honey Festival July 20-21

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 07/17/2019 - 9:14am

How should Philly families spend this summer weekend? There are so many options both in the city and in the suburbs...

The City of Brotherly Love offers families the chance to hear music from the acclaimed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ movie played by the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann. The National Liberty Museum hosts its GiveBack Workshop featuring a mindfulness theme. Families can relax at Eakins Oval with games and music or head to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing for the Islamic Heritage Festival. Cool off with some ice cream at the Please Touch Museum or rock out to the tunes at Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party at Xfinity Live!

Those retreating to the suburbs can listen to the twank of bluegrass while munching on blueberries at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, experience two stages filled with performers at Turks Head Music Festival in West Chester, indulge in good eats at the Food Truck Frenzy in Media, or help extract honey at the annual Beekeeping and Honey Festival in Bryn Mawr. Cross the river to see Jack and the Beanstalk on stage at Ritz Theatre Company. Or, if you plan to head down the shore, check out the fireworks in Atlantic City after a day of sand and surf.

Whether in the city, around the 'burbs, or at the beach, have family fun with your crew this weekend.

7 Smart Summer Screen Time and Tech Tips for Families

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 2:30pm

Summertime often means screen time, amirite? School's out, the days are long, and even moms and dads are feeling a little more laid back. With the relaxed phone, tablet, and TV rules, a media overdose starts to become inevitable without some thoughtful boundaries.

So, how do you make tech work for your family over the summer instead of against it? With a little help from our sponsor, Verizon, we've put together 7 smart tech tips to help your crew make the most of screen time for kids without going over the top.

Bonus tip: Get an extra $200 off a premium device when you sign up to Fios* — not to mention crazy fast internet speeds, custom TV plans for kids and teens, and reliable cell service to keep everyone safe and connected.

The Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Philly and the 'Burbs

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 9:25am

The heat and humidity of the Delaware Valley can sometimes be unbearable. What better way to beat the heat than cooling off with some delicious frozen treats! We have rounded up some sweet spots to visit throughout the summer months- just in time for National Ice Cream Day on July 21. A few places even have special events for the occasion so read on to discover some of our favorite places to get ice cream. The bigger question is-- which flavor will you chose?

Nantucket with Kids: 35 Fun Things to Do as a Family

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sat, 07/13/2019 - 2:20pm

What's so special about Nantucket? This charming Massachusetts island 30 miles off of Cape Cod is more than just a prepster paradise: It's just about as family-friendly as can be. In fact, there are so many things for kids to do in Nantucket, the trick is packing it all into a single family vacation. Perhaps that's why we always come back! Luckily, with just 48 square miles to cover, it is possible to fit in a number of Nantucket highlights, including a surf lesson, aquarium trip, critter cruise, and lobster dinner.

So catch the Nantucket ferry over to the island (or fly in), and try these kid-friendly activities. We're sure you'll have a family getaway that's one for the photo books.

10 Kid-Friendly Hotels for a Philly Family Vacation

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 9:14am

Family vacations create memories to last a lifetime. Whether you are traveling to Philly from the surrounding suburbs or beyond, making the City of Brotherly Love home for your getaway should be comfortable for moms, dads, and kids alike. That's why finding the perfect spot to rest your head after a busy day of sightseeing is a vital part of making travel plans. Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some of our favorite locations that can offer special perks for children and provide great locations for some of the best places to visit in the city.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Nature, History, Festivals July 13-14

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 07/10/2019 - 9:25am

Mid-July is a good time for Philly families to gauge how much of their summer bucket list has been completed. Have you visited a destination playground? Been to a festival? Seen an outdoor movie? Listened to a concert under the stars? If your family needs some ideas on what do to this weekend, Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has made it easy for you.

Learn about animals during the Please Touch Museum's Let's Get Wild Festival or head to the Brandywine Zoo for Zoo Kids. Listen to music while making tie-dye t-shirts at the Tie Dye Music Festival or soak in the sweet sounds of Jazz at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Discover a bit of history with a visit to Fort Mifflin for its World War II Eastern Front Event or William Brinton 1704 House for a session about The American Revolution in Chester County. Participate in a bike rodeo at Exton Park Community Day or take a ride on the amusements at the Malvern Fire Company Carnival.

Have you worked up an appetite? Recharge by enjoying sweet blueberries at Linvilla Orchards's Blueberry Festival, delicious wineberries at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education's Wineberry Harvest, or a tasty Breakfast on Solly's Farm.

For more ideas, browse through our events calendar which is loaded with summer fun.