Philadelphia County

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 8:18am

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.

Easter Bunny Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 8:57pm

For many Philly families, part of celebrating the season of spring includes a visit to see the Easter Bunny. Thankfully, there are many opportunities to not only see the Easter Bunny hopping through the Delaware Valley but enjoy a meal as well. Kids have a chance to eat brunch, lunch, or dinner with the bunny at a variety of locations including museums, zoos, boats, and restaurants. Almost all events include photo-ops and some even offer egg hunts!

Take a look at some of our favorite events happening this year. Be sure to book your reservation in advance as many of these opportunities sell out.

Philly Area Beer Gardens That Are Kid-Friendly

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sat, 03/02/2019 - 8:02am

Al fresco dining and drinking is a natural match for parents who enjoy getting out and having a semi-adult evening without having to call a babysitter. Which is why beer gardens are such a draw for parents. The outdoor space is perfect for kids who may be a bit on the loud side (speaking from personal experience), and beer gardens often include games that kids enjoy. Not to mention all the other kids that are there who they can play with. But not all beer gardens are created equal, or are quite as welcoming to parents with kids in tow (understandably so). So here is your go-to list for which beer gardens are the best for families.

Your Guide to Pop-Up Gardens and Parks in Philadelphia

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Tue, 02/19/2019 - 9:02am

Since 2011, Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) Pop Up Gardens sites have been transforming under-used or vacant city spaces into exciting urban oases. In the last three to four years in particular, PHS's model has inspired pop-up gardens, parklets, and other awesome uses of urban outdoor space that are fun for the whole family, to spring up throughout the city (and now even in the suburbs). While most of these parks have beer gardens as a lure, there is also a lot of great family-friendly programming involved. Visiting one of these gardens is a great excuse to get out and relax with the whole family, no matter what age you or your kids may be. This round-up includes the most family-friendly, semi-permanent pop-ups for the summer.

Fun Philly Area Summer Camps for Preschoolers

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Thu, 01/10/2019 - 8:14am

For working parents of Philly preschoolers, finding a summer camp can be particularly difficult because most places only accept campers who are age 4 or above. Whether you have to work over the summer, or you just want to send your toddler for some fun, we've found lots of great summer camps in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Here's a list of places that have special camps for children ages 3 and sometimes under.

Have older kids, too? Check out our Summer Camp Guide and posts about camps for art, STEM, and sports, too.

Outdoor Ice Skating in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 8:29am

During the chill of the holidays in the Philadelphia area it's tough to think of a more traditional outdoor winter activity to do with the family than ice skating. Getting bundled in hats and scarves, lacing up your skates, and warming up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate after a spin on the ice is sure to please kids young and old.

There are several temporary outdoor ice rinks set up in the Philadelphia area this season, providing unique settings for this fun winter sport. We also have a list of Pennsylvania state parks that offer ice skating when the conditions are right. So whether you are a novice on the ice, or you're ready to show off your triple axel, see our list of outdoor rinks for a memorable day with the family.

All Aboard With Thomas & Friends at Please Touch Museum's New Exhibit

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Tue, 10/30/2018 - 10:00am

If you have a little train lover in your family, chances are you practically live on the Island of Sodor: humming along to the theme of Thomas & Friends™, and amassing more trains, tracks, and stations than you thought humanly possible. Now Thomas the Train fans are in for a special treat. At Please Touch Museum’s latest exhibit, Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails!, the entire family can enter their favorite world of make believe, practice STEM skills, and spark their imaginations with Thomas. Read on to find out what makes this exhibit a must-do for Philly area families with tykes in tow.

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.

You've Gotta See This!

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Mon, 10/15/2018 - 2:40pm

This fall, you and the kids can check out an 800-pound pumpkin, trick or treat in Philly’s best Halloween neighborhoods, get lost in a corn maze…and see a giant sea monster! Set right in the heart of Philadephia’s Navy Yard, a super cool and unique art installation is happening now, but you’ve gotta be quick! It will be gone in just a few weeks. Want to check this art installation out for yourself? Read on for details.

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.