West Philly/University City

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.

21 Places for New Year's Eve Fun with Kids in Philadelphia

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sat, 12/23/2017 - 9:00am

While they may not be able to stay awake until midnight, kids still have plenty of opportunities to celebrate New Year's Eve in the Philadelphia area. From museums and zoos, to parks and moon bounces, many venues are hosting afternoon events for the little ones. Several options on our list provide prime seating for the city's early (6 PM) fireworks show over the Delaware River. Children can have their own countdowns, toss confetti, watch a mini ball drop, and, who knows, maybe even get home before bedtime!

See our list of fun places to ring in the New Year with kids. Many of these are ticketed events, so be sure to make plans before they sell out.

If you are looking for something else to do on December 31, there are plenty of other non-New Year's themed events listed on our calendar

THE GLOW: A Jack O'Lantern Experience Lights Up Fairmount Park

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 10:00am

There's nothing that says Halloween like pumpkins- except maybe a carved pumpkin. If you've ever carved your own pumpkin, you know how much work it can be even to follow a simple pattern. Featuring more than 5,000 brightly lit carved pumpkins, THE GLOW certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to jack-o-lanterns. The larger-than-life pumpkin structures make this event a must-do for Halloween. Read on to find out all you need to know before attending this spectacular event.

Free Outdoor Concerts Happening in Philly this Summer

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 12:02pm

Summer is the perfect time to head outdoors for easy, cheap, and fun activities like free movies and concerts. Pack your chairs, a blanket, a picnic basket and the bug spray, and enjoy an afternoon or evening of free tunes. Here's our comprehensive list of the outdoor concerts happening in the Delaware Valley this summer.

For some of the more popular bands, the venues can get packed, so plan on arriving on the early side.

7 Awesome Summer Camps for Philly Teens & Tweens

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 11:00am

Summer can be a unique opportunity to indulge a new interest, fine tune one's skills, or continue one's academic pursuits, sometimes even for college credit. With so many camps from which to choose, a little research, such as our posts on writing camps, tech camps, sports camps, and arts camps, can help. This list includes unique camps almost exclusively for teens and tweens. For more summer camp ideas for kids of all ages, check out our comprehensive camp guide.

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.

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.