Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

The Nutcracker Ballet and More Holiday Shows for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 11/10/2024 - 7:46am

The Philadelphia Ballet performs George Balanchine's holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia.

Catching a performance of The Nutcracker ballet is a seasonal tradition for many Philly families, who have plenty of options to watch the Sugar Plum Fairy and company dance across the stage. This time of year brings lots of familiar and festive shows to the theater, and taking the kids to see these stories brought to life is one of the best holiday and Christmas events to enjoy.

Aside from The Nutcracker, family favorites like A Christmas Carol and Elf the Musical return to delight audiences. Families will find different variations of classic shows that appeal to both younger generations and shorter attention spans. Peruse our comprehensive list of performances and choose one that will add some theatrical magic to your holiday season.

For more holiday fun, check out our list of 30 Must-Do Christmas Activities or our Holiday Guide.

30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 11/08/2024 - 8:42am

The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

Check this list twice for all the best holiday activities and Christmas events near Philly.

When the most wonderful time of the year arrives, in-the-know Philly parents appreciate a long list of ideas to celebrate with kids. November marks the arrival of twinkling lights, mesmerizing train gardens, and a jolly old elf from the North Pole. With that in mind, we've rounded up our favorite must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in Philly, including some new additions to the calendar, that are sure to make the season memorable.

For additional seasonal fun, review our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, which includes the best Polar Express winter train rides in the area and our favorite outdoor skating rinks.

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Philadelphia for 2024

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 10/25/2024 - 8:23am

Journey through Chester Creek Valley aboard Santa's Express. Photo courtesy of the West Chester Railroad

Everyone loves a good Polar Express train ride!! Put on your PJs and get ready to ride the rails with Santa on a Christmas train ride near Philly.

Top Free Halloween Events Near Philly: Trick-or-Treating, Scarecrows, Parades, and More

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 09/27/2024 - 8:40am

Over 100 scarecrows line the brick pathways of Peddler's Village. during its annual autumn event Scarecrows in the Village. Photo by Chris Burrows

What could possibly be sweeter than Halloween fun? Free Halloween fun! Kids can pretend to be their favorite superhero, character, or whatever concoction they dream up at a number of free Halloween events near Philadelphia, with everything from campfires to movie nights to Halloween parades. We've rounded up a witch's cauldron filled with all the best Halloween activities near Philly that won't cost you a dime, scoring a win for parents, too.

Looking for more? Make sure to visit our Top Halloween Events and our Halloween Fun Guide for more spooky fun in the Philly area.

45 Ways to Beat the Heat in Philly: Heat Wave Indoor Activities and Outdoor Cool Fun

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 07/21/2024 - 8:08am

Don't sweat the heat! Visit one of the city’s sprinkler parks or spraygrounds. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

It's hot! As Philly gets clobbered with yet another a heat wave, this weather is enough to turn even the sweetest kids into total grumps. And while staying in and enjoying your A/C has its perks, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Fortunately, no matter the weather, there are amazing places to romp and play in the city and the suburbs that can help you keep cool and beat the heat. If you're looking for the best activities to beat the heat in Philadelphia, keep reading!

Check out our events calendar, and our list of family-friendly museums and the best indoor play spaces in the Philadelphia area for even more fun, inside and out!

The Best Ice Cream Shops in Philly and the Suburbs

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 06/28/2024 - 9:25am

What could be better than a tasty treat from Scoops de Ville?

The heat and humidity of the Philadelphia area can sometimes be unbearable. What better way to beat the heat than cooling off with delicious ice cream? We have rounded up some sweet ice cream spots to visit throughout the summer months. From cone and cups to sundaes and milkshakes, everyone in the family can find a refreshing treat.

Now the big questions: Which flavor will you chose, and more importantly, will you order jimmies or sprinkles to top it off? Read on to discover some of our favorite places to get frozen delights.

For other ways to stay cool, visit our posts on Best Swimming Lakes, Free Splash Pads, Spraygrounds, and Sprinklers, Best Free Swimming Pools, and Free Beaches in New Jersey.

Best Summer Day Trips from Philly: Quick Getaways for Families with Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 05/05/2024 - 8:08am

Take a splashy day trip to Morey's Piers Ocean Oasis. Photo by David Howarth

When a summer day with no play dates, soccer practice, or camp presents itself, Philly parents love to hit the road and change the scenery. To make your mini getaway easier, we've rounded up some of our favorite summer day trip destinations, where you'll find everything from amusement parks to beaches.

To extend your daycation into a true vacation, check out our top ten weekend vacay ideas in PA, or browse our list of 20 family road trips under ten hours from Philly.

Best Mother's Day Brunches in Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 04/14/2024 - 10:30am

Treat mom to a special meal at a Mother's Day brunch.

Mother's Day is a time for Philly kids to pause and celebrate all mom does for the family. One classic way to show her how much you love her is by taking mom to out to eat.

There are so many options in the city and in the 'burbs that sometimes it can be overwhelming to find a venue that will be fun for both mom and kids. So we have rounded up plenty of choices, including brunches, teas, and dinners. Many of these venues can even entertain the kiddos while making mom feel special.

If you're looking for something to do after eating, check out our event calendar and Spring Activities Guide for more great ways to celebrate mom.

Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

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