Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo with LumiNature as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo by Georgi Anastasov

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Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo

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The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

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Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

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Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill

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Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

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Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center

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Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND

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Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author

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Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air

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Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.

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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum

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In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop

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Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

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Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

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Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

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Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins

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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.

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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

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Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC

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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

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Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

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Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin

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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.

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Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.

GUIDE

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Retro Birthday Parties That Even Parents Will Love

Photo courtesy of Anders Ruff Design Co.

2/12/18 - By Jennifer Vishnevsky

Whether it’s Throwback Thursday or you’re filled with nostalgia, hosting a kid's birthday has a whole new appeal. Reboots of ‘80s and ‘90s TV shows like Roseanne, Full House, and Will & Grace are gaining popularity and even kids are enjoying watching these blasts from the past. Instead of the traditional bounce houses, parents are enjoying going back in time with roller skating, laser tag and more. Check out these other unique birthday party ideas, too.

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Palace Roller Skating Rink – Philadelphia, PA
For more than 25 years, Palace Roller Skating Center has kept some of its old school appeal as it serves a new generation. Local parents might get flashbacks of the couples skate to “Kiss from a Rose” as their kids hit the rink to make their own memories. The rink specializes in birthday parties, where kids can enjoy a slice and then skate to their favorite songs.

Nifty Fifty’s Diner and Family Fun Center – Turnersville, NJ
Pick your favorite tune on the jukebox as you enjoy food and tons of arcade games at this fun, 50s-themed diner. Diners can play everything from skeeball to colorama after enjoying burgers, fries and delicious milkshakes. For summer birthdays, there’s also an 18-hole mini golf course.

TNT Amusements – Southampton, PA
Since 1987, TNT Amusements has been hosting parties with unlimited free play on almost 80 different arcade-sized video games, pinball machines, and skill games. There is a kitchen on site, so parents can save some money by catering the party themselves.

North Bowl – Philadelphia, PA
Old City’s retro bowling alley is a great place for a cold weather birthday party. You can choose from two kids’ party packages which include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, balloons, party supplies, and more. Photos of the birthday kid will be on displayed as a backdrop on the bowling monitors.

Ultrazone – Bensalem, PA
One of the largest laser tag arenas in the area will allow partygoers to compete against each other while having fun. There are several levels and tons of obstacles to complete. There is also an arcade on site to enjoy during the rest of the party.

Escape the 1980s Escape Room – Philadelphia, PA
Kids can enjoy all the fun of the '80s at this escape room from Steel Owl Adventures. You’re stuck in a 1980s time warp for 60 minutes. You’ll see Knight Rider and Cabbage Patch Kids, and use the Goonies Walkie Talkies to help you escape into present day. The room can hold 14 guests. The birthday child will also get a special ‘80s headband, walkie talkie, and fanny pack to use.