Montgomery County

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Wed, 11/21/2018 - 8:01am

Most of us still have Thanksgiving on the brain--and the stomach--but Christmas time is just around the corner. Between shopping, seeing all the lights,and taking photos with Santa, it might be tricky fitting in the time to find a good place to cut down your tree. Still, there are no shortage of good places to go tree hunting near Philadelphia, so if you have the will, there is definitely a way.

Create a new family tradition or continue a long-standing ritual by picking out an evergreen that’s going to be front and center for the month of December! Some of these local farms offer additional family fun, such as crafts, cider and hot cocoa sampling, or other treats. The hours posted here pertain to the cut your own fields, but many of the farms stay open later.

Looking for even more fun this season? Check out our Holiday Guide and our Events Calendar for the latest events!

Holiday Volunteering Opportunities for Philly Area Families

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Mon, 11/12/2018 - 12:00pm

Ready to do more as a family this season? Sure, the holiday lights and festivities are great, but sometimes it's nice to give back to the community. The Greater Philadelphia region is full of opportunities to volunteer and work together as a family. Build strong memories of sharing and caring this holiday season with this roundup of ways to give back!

Kids’ Cooking Classes? Taco Bout a Good Time!

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Tue, 10/23/2018 - 6:55pm

Philly parents agree: There are a gazillion reasons to get kids cooking in the kitchen. Besides being a "hidden gem" STEM activity with its math and chemistry components, it hones motor skills, builds self esteem, teaches an important life skill, and makes kids more willing to try new foods (if they cook it, they will be much more likely to try it).

If you're already sold on the benefits of kids cooking and want to give your little chef more structured and professional instruction, then a cooking class can be a great addition to your extracurricular line up. Running anywhere from 45-90 minutes for a regular class and longer for workshops and winter break/summer camps, these classes are sure to impress parents with the skills their young ones learn.

Keep reading below for some Philly area cooking classes designed with kids in mind.

20 Not-So-Scary Halloween Activities for Philly Area Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 10/07/2018 - 3:31pm

For most, Halloween is an exciting time of year filled with sweet treats and an excuse to dress up as a favorite superhero or princess. However, some Halloween fun can be a bit unsettlingly for little ones. Spooky costumes and scary decorations can leave young children (and even some older ones) frightened and rattled. So, if your family is looking for Halloween fun without the spook, look no further. Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some of the area's best seasonal fun without the scare factor. From train rides to scavenger hunts to amusement park fun to a theater production, there is something to suit the kids in your crew.

Be sure to browse our recently published Ultimate Guide to Halloween Fun and Free Halloween Fun in the Delaware Valley with additional ideas. For now, read on for our top Not So Scary Halloween activities.

Best Neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat for Philadelphia Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 10/05/2018 - 3:06pm

Once again (and to no surprise to any of us who live here) Zillow's annual list of best cities for trick-or-treating has named Philly among the top five. 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. For those who were not born and raised here, the question of "when is Halloween celebrated?" is always answered with "on Halloween!" Which is to say, we trick or treat on October 31 even if it is a school night, but there are also great ways to celebrate throughout the month of October if you want to make sure you maximize your ROI on those costumes, including found plenty of free Halloween events—not to mention a few amusement park haunts.

Indoor Play Spaces for Babies and Toddlers in Montgomery County, PA

Submitted by Lori McManus on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 11:50am

From moon bounce centers to indoor toddler playgrounds to swing set superstores, Montgomery County has plenty of inside play options for babies and preschoolers. Whether your goal is exercise for the kiddos, creative stimulation, peer social opportunities, or just to escape the confines of the house, our list of indoor play spaces is certain to have a fit for every family.

Be sure to also check our lists of indoor play in Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Philadelphia. Many of these play centers are well worth the drive from Montco.

Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events for Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Tue, 09/25/2018 - 2:45pm

When it comes to Halloween, every kid knows it is all about the treats! As this spooky holiday settles into the Delaware Valley, Philly families must capitalize on every opportunities for sweet, scary, and downright terrifying fun that can be found in our event calendar. So, put on your Halloween costume, grab a plastic pumpkin bucket, and check out the ultimate Halloween activities for the witches, ghosts, and ghouls in your haunted house.

Don't forget to plan out the rest of your fall family fun by viewing our Fall Activity Guide including the best fall events for preschoolers and perfect fall family weekend getaways. For now, get spooked with our ultimate list below.

Best Montgomery County Parks and Playgrounds

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 1:30pm

Montgomery County has an abundance of family-friendly events and activities sure to keep the entire family busy and learning all year round. Across the county there are many beautiful parks, creative playgrounds and play spaces, and walking trails that can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents alike. We've rounded up some of our favorite parks and playgrounds in the area. Whether you live there, or your visiting for a day, there are plenty of great places to play!

Too hot, cold, or wet to play outside? Check out our favorite indoor play spaces in Montgomery County.

14 Fall Car Shows that Will Thrill the Auto Fan in Your Family

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Fri, 09/07/2018 - 10:15am

Want to try a different kind of fun this weekend? Take the whole family out to get up close and personal with classic to contemporary cars. Guys and gals alike will enjoy weaving in and out of pristine hotrods, sports cars, roadsters, and luxury wheels lined up on display. Luscious leather interiors and custom paint jobs are waiting to be ooh'ed and ah'ed over. So mark your calendar now with these top Philly area auto shows running throughout early fall; then, grab a cup of coffee for you, a hot cocoa for the kids, and enjoy the perfect fall weather alongside some shiny whips.

Fall Consignment Sales for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 10:00am

Preparing a kid's closet for the cool breezes of autumn can hit a Philly family right in the wallet. But, it doesn't have to. Purchasing children's clothes by shopping local consignment sales is one way to save some cash. Throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, consignment sales offer families a place to buy gently used clothing, toys, baby items, and other childhood staples for a fraction of the retail price. Additionally, when your kids grow out of their clothes or toys, consignment sales provide an opportunity to sell these items for extra money.

Consignment sale organizers can submit their events to our calendar by clicking here. For a list of spring consignment sales, check here.