Chester County

Let Imaginations Take Flight at the American Helicopter Museum

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 10:10am

From little two seaters to giant military helicopters, the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester (about 40 minutes east of Philadelphia), gives kids hands-on experience with rotary-winged aviation. Moms, dads, and grandparents alike will enjoy giving their little ones an hour or two of fun learning in a location that’s easy to get to, offers free parking, and isn’t a sensory overload. This museum is a regular on my list of things to do on hot summer days, rainy winter afternoons, whenever the grandparents come for a visit, or really anytime we want to get out of the house and look at fun “things that go.”

After having been to the American Helicopter Museum many times with my three children, here are my thoughts and some tips on making the most of your visit.

Outdoor Beer Gardens Where Kids Can Play While Parents Enjoy a Cold One

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Fri, 06/15/2018 - 8:15am

Sitting outside on a hot day with a cold brew screams "summer." But for parents with young kids, relaxing with a beer doesn't always come easy. However, the Philly area's rich beer culture can be enjoyed, even if it isn't a date night out. The following pop-up beer gardens are a lot of fun - yes, even with the kids in tow. More of a wine drinker? Then check out these family-friendly wineries in the Delaware Valley.

Beyond Strawberries: Best Places to Pick Your Own Blackberries, Peaches, Cherries, and More this Summer

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sun, 06/10/2018 - 8:15am

The Pick-Your-Own season is bookended by strawberries in the spring and apples in the fall, but what do you do with all those months in between? Pick everything else, of course! The Delaware Valley's many farms and orchards are great spots to haul the family on nice weather days and haul home buckets, baskets, and bushels of fresh summer fruits, and some sweet memories, too. Many of these farms host summer festivals, family activities, and special events to really round out the day. Read on for our list of the best Philly area farms and get pickin'.

You Sip, They Play: 4 Delaware Valley Wineries that Are Family-Friendly

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sun, 06/03/2018 - 2:29pm

Usually, the only time parents seem to get a chance to enjoy a glass of wine is after the kids are tucked into bed. But the rolling hills of Delaware Valley are teeming with vineyards, and some of the onsite wineries are even, dare we say, kid-friendly. This is especially true during the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is nice enough for families to take advantage of the wineries’ outdoor spaces.

Some wineries are more geared towards families than others so we’ve compiled a list of four Delaware Valley wineries that you can add to your warm weather list of places to go.

31 Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals for Philly Families this June

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Tue, 05/29/2018 - 2:18pm

Philly family calendars are loaded with preschool closings, middle school move-ups, and graduation parties as another school year comes to an end, but the party is just getting started throughout the Delaware Valley! Amazing festivals, fairs, and carnivals are gearing up for spectacular events featuring food, amusements, music, and culture.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has compiled a comprehensive list of family fun events happening this June. From the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to annual traditions, there is something for every member of the family. Read through our list and make plans to experience the fun with family and friends.

Snow White at the Arden Children’s Theatre: A Review

Submitted by Jennifer Vishnevsky on Thu, 04/12/2018 - 11:24pm

Walk into the Arden Theatre, and step right into a unique version of the Enchanted Forest. The stage is set simply: A house, trees, a table, a stool, and a trunk of clothes, but what unfolds over the course of an hour is a bit of interesting, although at times chaotic, magic as this entire adaptation of the classic tale of Snow White is brought to life by just two actors.

Baby Animals and Easter Farm Fun for Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/11/2018 - 2:41pm

Spring is always a fun time of year to visit local farms in the Philly suburbs—plants are starting to grow, baby animals make appearances, and Easter celebrations abound. Visitors may find egg hunts, hayrides, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny at some of these local events. Whether or not the groundhog was right about spring, all this fun on the farm will certainly remind families that real springtime weather is just around the corner.

Be sure to check our events calendar for even more Easter and spring break activities.

Hop Aboard the Easter Bunny Express: Train Rides for Kids Near Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/04/2018 - 6:14pm

Spring is in the air, and many of our scenic railroads are celebrating the season with Easter excursions. Families are invited to get outside after a long winter to enjoy a trip through the countryside with Peter Cottontail himself! We have rounded up several Easter-themed trains that are running special events for kids in the Delaware Valley.

Some of these trains include an Easter Egg hunt at the halfway stop. It is helpful to check whether the railroad provides a photographer and charges for a picture with the Bunny or if you can bring your own camera.

These Easter Bunny Trains can be the start of a great family tradition to celebrate the Easter holiday and to welcome Spring! Be sure to check our calendar for more fun spring events.

From Nutcrackers to A Christmas Carol: Shows for Philly Families during the Holidays

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 8:00am

Does your family keep the tradition of seeing a show during the holidays? Performances such as The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, which share a joyful holiday message, come to mind. In addition to these classic holiday performances, there are other shows on stage in and around Philadelphia that are sure to provide Philly families with a chance for quality time together during this festive season.

We have rounded up professional Nutcracker productions, symphony experiences, holiday favorites, and family friendly musicals from our event calendar. Whether it is your family's first experience seeing a Christmas production this year, or it's a new bucket list item for your crew, there are plenty of funny, heartwarming, and magical events on our list that they will enjoy.

Best Neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat for Philadelphia Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 10/20/2017 - 7:30am

This year Zillow's annual list of best cities for trick-or-treating named Philly number 3. If the kids are looking to score a ton of candy for Halloween this year, it looks like they're in luck. Usually the best way to find a great neighborhood for trick-or-treating is to head out and look for lights and decorations, but if you don't have the time (or the energy) to drive around in the dark, we've got you covered. We've talked to local parents and candy-givers alike, and gathered up the best of the best neighborhoods for getting some sweet treats. Read below to see if your neighborhood made the cut.

If you're looking for other ways to show off those costumes, we've found plenty of free Halloween events—not to mention a few amusement park haunts.