South Philly

Best Neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat for Philadelphia Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 9:06am

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.

15 Studios Where Kids Can Take Dance Classes in the Philly Area

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 12:00am

Dance studios and classes come in a variety of styles for all ages. Some focus on fun and fitness while others trend toward competition and professional training. Many offer classes starting with Mommy & Me for the youngest dancers, and expand their variety as children get older and more skilled. Whether the aspiring dancer is into ballet, jazz, tap, modern, or hip hop, this list has something for everyone from Center City to the 'burbs.

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.

Writing Classes, Camps, and Workshops for Philly Teens

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Tue, 02/21/2017 - 10:00am

Writing, like reading, is one of those skills that can take someone far in life, but it needs to be developed. If a teen already has an interest in writing, nurturing that curiousity might even turn it into a passion, like acting. Check out one of these organizations, schools, or programs to further your child's love of writing.

8 Bowling Alleys for Philly Kids

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Tue, 12/20/2016 - 10:00am

Bowling is one of those activities that goes into and out of fashion according to how old one is. Children love it because they like to knock things down and with bowling they get points to do that. Whether you're looking for an awesome birthday party venue, or just something to on a lazy Sunday afternoon, there are plenty of bowling alleys to choose from in the area.

To make bowling a bit easier for little kids to play, most bowling alleys have ramps onto which children can put the ball to position it before pushing it down, light balls that are easier to carry for kids, and bumpers to make sure that every ball a kid (or adult) throws doesn't end up in the gutter. Add some pizza and soda, and it's a perfect afternoon.

Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Holiday Parades in and around Philly

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Thu, 11/24/2016 - 2:00pm

If you're looking to start a new family tradition this Christmas (or keep up an old tradition), tree lighting ceremonies and Christmas parades are sure to fulfill your needs. From the beautiful dazzling lights, to visits with Santa, hot cocoa, and more, these events are sure to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit. If you're looking for more holiday fun, check out our guide as well as our events calendar to see everything happening in the area!

Where to Get Fit with Baby: Mommy & Me Fitness Classes

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Tue, 09/13/2016 - 10:00am

It’s hard to make the time to get back into shape after baby arrives, and maybe even more so once that bundle of joy begins to crawl and walk. Try one of these gyms that offer babysitting, or if you're not quite ready to leave baby, check out a Mommy & me fitness classes. Moms bring their babies, some snacks or toys, water bottles, and enjoy time with the baby while stretching, strengthening and nurturing their bodies.

Philly Skateboard Parks That Young Skaters Will Love

Submitted by Ruth Malwitz on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 10:02am

There's no doubt about it; the city offers plenty of events and activities to keep kids entertained and busy over the summer. If you've got a skater in the house, here's a roundup of the area's most kid-friendly parks where they can go this summer to shred, cruise around, and watch experts go to town. Park regulars agree that morning is the best time of day to bring young or novice skaters, as it's less crowded. Weekdays are better than weekends, of course. And, if the park does get too packed, no worries--watching the older, more seasoned skaters do their thing is really fun, too.

Winter Break Camps for Philly Area Kids

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Tue, 12/08/2015 - 12:00am

Winter break is around the corner, and your kids are about to be off school for weeks! If you can’t spare the vacation time to stay home with them or you don’t fancy the idea of being stuck indoors playing the entertainer during the whole break, vacation camps are a great option. Kids can play sports, games, create art projects, and learn new skills that will keep their minds ready to go when they head back to school in January.

Kids Can Become S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents at the Marvel Experience, an Interactive Virtual Attraction

Submitted by Lori McManus on Sun, 06/28/2015 - 10:00am

Unfortunately, on July 5 the company announced that The Marvel Experience tour has been suspended until further notice, so Philadelphia was its last stop. It will not be coming to NYC in August. It's hard to escape Marvel superheroes. With the Avengers movies, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show (and its Agent Carter spin-off) and real-world branded experiences like the Marvel Universe Live! arena show, chances are your kids (and you) know all about Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Black Widow, Nick Fury, Coulson and all the other characters that make up this multifaceted and high-tech fictional universe. Now there's a new immersive attraction that invites audiences to become part of the action. At The Marvel Experience, you don't just watch these heroes, you join them as you're recruited to help save the world. My kids and I decided we were up to the challenge. Here's what we thought of our virtual Marvel adventure, plus important tips for families who plan to go.