Philadelphia

Best Philly Area Brunches that Are Fun for Kids and Grownups

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 10:00am

Brunch, the most delicious (yet often neglected) meal of the day. The perfect marriage of sweet and savory, all the best parts of breakfast meet the best parts of lunch in a food-coma inducing state of deliciousness. Brunch was something most of us became familiar in our twenties, when we were old enough to have a respectable hangover and still get out of the house, just not too early. But now that we’re parents, that doesn't mean we have to say good-bye to our favorite pancakes-with-a-side-of-mimosa combo. While we may not get to hit brunch every weekend like the good old days, it can become a regular family tradition as long as you know where to go. Here are our top picks for family-friendly brunch spots in the city.

Want more ideas on where to eat out as a family in the Philly area? Then check out our Restaurant Guide!

Your Kid Can Play Halo IRL at This Interactive Xbox Experience

Submitted by Li Starr on Thu, 02/14/2019 - 12:18pm

Whether or not your teen or tween is a video game geek, you've probably heard of Halo, the Xbox series from Microsoft that has dominated the gaming space since it was released in 2001. It has spawned a TV series, comic books, novels, and now a live tour.

The "Halo: Outpost Discovery" tour promises to bring the popular sci-fi game to life with a special fan experience "for the whole family" as it visits five major U.S. cities—Orlando, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, and Anaheim, California—this summer.

Presidents Day Weekend for Philly Kids: History, Superheroes, Culture

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 10:16am

Every year, Philly kids and parents alike look forward to Presidents Day Weekend, a three-day reprieve from the regular routine of school and work. Wondering how to spend this free time? With amazing activities found in our event calendar of course! There is something for everyone: History buffs, the unicorn and dragon obsessed, animal lovers, American Girl fans, and the musically inclined.

First, recognize this historical weekend by learning about the role of the presidency at the National Constitution Center, viewing presidential portraits of the Early Presidents at the Second Bank of the United States, and eating birthday cake with George Washington at Washington Crossing Historical Park. Then, enter the world of Mythical Creatures at the Academy of Natural Sciences or see real world flying things by participating in The Great Backyard Bird Count at Laurel Hill Gardens or West Laurel Hill Cemetery. Finally, splurge to see American Girl Live at The Kimmel Center or rock out to Grateful Dead tunes with The Rock & Roll Playhouse.

All tapped out on cash? Be sure to check out all the free fun left in February. For now, read on for our top picks for this extra-long weekend.

Easy Spring Break Vacations for Philly Families

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Sun, 02/10/2019 - 4:30pm

Spring break comes but once a year, and though it seems the annual respite has gotten significantly shorter since my time in school, the days off are still a welcome time to relax and enjoy quality family time. Where you should turn if you want to enjoy a weekend away? Sure, day events are always an option, but how about squeezing in a little vacation time? Read on for five of our favorite spring break options.

Cheap Spring Break Travel Ideas for Families on a Budget

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Sat, 02/09/2019 - 2:12pm

Is there a way to travel for cheap with kids during spring break? The short answer is... yes!

While some might automatically head to Orlando or even the Caribbean for spring break, airfare for a family of four can quickly add up to waaaay over budget. Families-in-the-know deploy a few tricks to plan a fun spring break vacation for the kids without blowing their mortgage payment, from scoring a secret deal to compromising a bit on the location.

There are plenty of family-friendly cities and destinations that cost a bit less but don’t scrimp on the family attractions, including top museums, eateries, beaches, and even amusement parks.

Read on for some of our editors’ favorite hacks in planning a cheap spring break and where they like to vacation as a family!

Drop-In Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Area Kids

Submitted by Veronica Lameiro on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 10:00am

Winter, spring, summer or fall, it’s always a good season to play! No matter what the weather looks like outdoors, indoor playspaces are perfect for keeping little ones entertained, and exercised. Here’s a list of great spots you can visit with your kiddos, even when the climate’s not working in your favor.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Valentine Fun, Nature, Science February 9-10

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 10:00am

Love is in the air! Throughout the Delaware Valley, Philly families can find plenty of Valentine's Day themed activities in this weekend's event calendar. From craft making to sweet tastings, everyone in the family is sure to find some fun.

Those who love the animals can learn about owls at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education or build a bluebird box at Warwick County Park, Young artists can paint at PAFA's Family Arts Academy, sketch at Delaware Art Museum's Sunday Studio, or build a cardboard city at Philadelphia's Magic Garden's PECO Family Jams. Music lovers can listen to the sweet sounds of the Landsdowne Symphony Orchestra while girls interested in computers can learn about 3D computer graphics or designing mobile apps.

With so many ideas, it is important to filter using our tags, location, and ages options to find the best fit for your family. For now, keep reading for our top picks around the region.

Cartoon Network Hotel to Open in Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 10:29am

Fans of Cartoon Network's Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, and other programs are getting a treat this summer. The TV network and Palace Entertainment are working together to open the Cartoon Network Hotel, a kid-friendly resort steeped in the channel's animated world, for summer 2019.

The nine-acre, 165-room property will be located in central Pennsylvania's Lancaster County along Route 30. It will neighbor Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, which is also owned by Palace Entertainment, so a family could easily enjoy both attractions in one trip. It is the Cartoon Network's first themed hotel.

Seems like there's one more reason to plan a Pennsylvania weekend getaway with the kids.

Indoor Rock Climbing for Philly Area Families

Submitted by Nick Browne on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 10:00am

Looking for a family activity that can be both challenging and fun for the entire family? There are tons of indoor activities to do with kids, but rock gyms offer a way for the grown-ups to get moving alongside their children. Sure, everyone enjoys a trip to the museum or bounce gym, but it's also good to change it up from time to time.

Check out our list of rock-climbing facilities—a few of them are road trip material, but who doesn't like exploring a new town once in a while?

20 Philly Museums You Can Go to for Free

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 10:00am

Museums are a great way to spend a family weekend, especially during the winter, but if you don't have a membership, admission can add up quickly, especially if you have a large family. Thankfully, Philadelphia and its suburbs are home to a number of museums where kids can learn and play all for free. (Not all the museums offer free admission every day so make sure to check for details about dates and times).

Whether your little ones are interested in art, science, history, or even shoes, Philly’s museums will have something to satisfy them (and you)!