Philadelphia County

35 Fall Harvest Festivals Near Philly: Pumpkins, Apples, and Scarecrows, Oh My!

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 8:04am

With the arrival of autumn, there is no better way to enjoy cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and delicious autumnal foods than with a fall festival. Fortunately for Philly families, there are many opportunities throughout the Delaware Valley. Whether staying local to attend a harvest festival in your community or heading to a farm or orchard, these events are sure to have something for everyone. Many events taking place this fall include hayrides, pumpkin patches, scarecrow-building, and apple picking while others have live entertainment.

Don't forget to browse checking our event calendar as well as our Fall Activity Guide for new events that are continually added and updated. For now, read on and find the perfect fall festival for your family.

13 Birthday Party Venues for Philly Tweens

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 09/13/2019 - 9:00am

You've made it! You have a decade or more of parenthood under your belt, and new and exciting challenges and learning experiences are on the horizon. Your little baby is a baby no more, but a tween! And that in-between age calls for something unique and fun that really celebrates the individual your child is and has become. Here are some of our top picks.

7 Educational After School Programs for Philadelphia Kids and Teens

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 08/09/2019 - 9:00am

The school year is upon us, which, for some, means normalcy is returning. For those who work late and need to extend school hours, or for kids interested in further pursuing their passion for science or the arts, after school programs are great. These programs are the perfect way to keep kids entertained in those late afternoon hours while continuing to further their education. Keep those brains working a little longer with some of these awesome programs.

Fall Consignment Sales for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 08/02/2019 - 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.

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.