Philadelphia County

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.

Indoor Play Spaces in Philly for Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sat, 09/08/2018 - 11:21am

Mother Nature can often be a real thorn in the side to new parents in Philadelphia. Be it winter snow, spring rain or summer heat, the weather often discourages getting out of the house with babies and toddlers. Visiting an indoor play space can rescue the little ones from cabin fever as well as offer parents a chance to socialize with other new moms and dads.

Parents in the city need to be a little more creative in finding indoor play areas, with fewer moonbounce-type centers than in the suburbs. Mommy Poppins has a list of fun spots to drop-in with tots in and around Center City Philadelphia, including museums, gyms, and clothing stores.

Be sure to browse our directory for even more indoor fun ideas in the Philly area or our list of indoor play in Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties.

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.

Reading Terminal Market with Kids: 4 Ways to Enjoy this Busy Indoor Market

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sun, 08/19/2018 - 10:41am

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, next to the Convention Center, Chinatown, and Independence Mall, Reading Terminal Market is a bustling indoor market, full of great vendors and delicious food, and a must-see for city goers. From fantastic pastries to famous sandwiches, beautiful bouquets of flowers and pantry stock-up items, the market should be on Philly families’ bucket list (it’s on ours!). Add to that its close proximity to Suburban Station with its access via Regional Rail, and Reading Terminal Market becomes even more enticing.

Read on to make the most of your visit to Reading Terminal Market with four ideas to have fun in this busy city spot.

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.

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.

Citizens Bank Park on the Cheap: Tips for Enjoying a Phillies Game Without Going Broke

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 2:30pm

Whether you're Philly born and bred or a transplant, you know how much our city loves its sports teams, and memories made at the ballpark are priceless...well, almost. Catching a game was easy and affordable before the kids came along. Nowadays, though, trying to fit a game or two into the budget with the entire family can be a challenge. But don't write off Citizens Bank Park just yet. Check out our tips to help you visit the ballpark this summer, make some great memories (who doesn't smile when they think of the Phanatic, the Phillies' wacky green mascot from the Galapagos Islands?), and enjoy a fun day out that won't break the bank.

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.

Destination Playgrounds: Philly Parks and Playgrounds Worth a Drive

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 04/22/2018 - 10:00am

When it comes to playgrounds and play spaces, Philly families are pretty lucky— with more than 10,000 acres of park and playground space in the city, getting to a playground from most urban locations, isn't too much of a challenge. And often, a few times down the slide or across the monkey bars may be enough to fill an entire hour or two, and you can even go on a playground crawl, if you are up for moving from spot to spot. But sometimes you want to pick one space and make a day of it. So for that we’ve created a list of the top playgrounds in the Philadelphia area where you can easily play the whole day away.