Cait Sumner

Latest posts by Cait Sumner

100 Free Things To Do in Philly with Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Sun, 01/05/2025 - 7:43am

Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill

We can't think of a better price point than FREE! Costs add up when you're doing fun things with the family-- especially if you have multiple kids. So we've rounded up all of the best free things to do with kids in the Philadelphia area. From spray parks and pools, to playgrounds, museums, and more, we've got you and your budget covered.

For even more fun free things, don't miss our Free Activity Guide and keep an eye on our Event Calendar where we're always adding new events.

Christmas Vacation in Philly: 37 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 7:33am

Holidays in the Village at Peddler's Village is winter break fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village

Winter break is almost here, and the kids are going to need full-time entertainment. After they've binged all the Christmas movies or have had their fill of Hanukkah happenings, it's time to get them up and off the couch for all the winter adventures they can handle. We've got everything you need to fill your winter break bucket list, from holiday lights to winter excursions and more. So plan an entire week's itinerary with our picks below.

If you're looking for more ways to keep the kids busy this winter break, check out our Winter Activity Guide and our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Philly

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Sun, 11/24/2024 - 6:06am

Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, LumiNature. Photo by Georgi Anastov Photography

Get ready for our list of the best Christmas lights displays and holiday lights drive-thrus that have the Philly area all aglow.

Who doesn't love lights? So many amazing light displays can be found all over the Philadelphia area. You'll find everything from amusement parks with walk-thru decorations to drive-thru displays at farms where you can grab hot cocoa and enjoy the atmosphere. Kids and adults can enjoy these festive displays without breaking their budgets, as free outdoor light displays are available at many popular attractions. For an extra helping of holiday cheer, many venues offer kid-friendly entertainment as well, like ice skating, s'mores making, and visits with Santa.

Add these festive activities, attractions, and experiences to your holiday itinerary. For more ways to feel merry and bright all season long, browse our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly, featuring our list of 30 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Philadelphia for Kids.

The Giant Heart is Back and Better Than Ever at the Franklin Institute

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 11/22/2024 - 9:31am

Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning.

If you've ever been to Philadelphia's Franklin Institute, you surely have seen or even climbed inside of the Giant Heart. Arguably the most popular exhibit in the entire museum, the Giant Heart has been closed for renovations since May of 2024 and it's finally back! Not only did they make improvements to the heart itself, but the entire three room 8,500 square foot exhibit around the heart has been completely redone and it's truly incredible. As someone who grew up visiting the Franklin Institute, Body Odyssey has to be my favorite exhibit.

Looking for even more museum fun? Check out our Museum Guide for everything you need to know about Philadelphia museums.

Pictures with Santa Claus in Philly

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 11/15/2024 - 8:00am

Head to see Santa at the Fashion District on at 9th & Market to capture holiday memories! Photo by J. Fusco/VISIT PHILADELPHIA

Get your wishlist ready, because we've rounded up the top spots for pictures with Santa this holiday season.

Kids and adults alike can't wait to see Santa Claus every year. Children are excited to tell him their Christmas wishes, and parents get a snapshot of a precious memory; everyone loves this tradition! Kids young and old in the Philly area can find Santa riding a train, on the farm, at an amusement park, at brunch, and of course, at one of his favorite hangouts–the mall. Whichever spot your family chooses, Santa pictures make special memories that last well beyond the holiday season.

We've made a list, and we checked it twice, of where to take Santa Claus pictures in the Philadelphia area. For extra fun, we included places offering seasonal entertainment once the photo session is complete. See Philly's Best Holiday and Christmas Events for even more seasonal entertainment options and don't miss our roundup of the Best Holiday Light Shows.

Halloween Weekend 2024 in Philly: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 11/01/2024 - 6:54am

Enjoy silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

It's finally time to celebrate the spookiest day of the year, and we've got the best things to do in Philly for Halloween weekend from the city to the 'burbs.

This Halloween, families in the Philadelphia area can enjoy a variety of festive activities! Join the Museum of the American Revolution for turnip-carving and spooky pop-up talks or experience the Haunted Drive-In at Snipes Farm without leaving your car. For more thrills, don’t miss the final weekend of The Valley of Fear hayride and attractions, plus family-friendly fun at Chuck E. Cheese and Halloween festivities at Hersheypark and Sesame Place.

Get that candy ready for trick-or-treaters and for even more spooky spectacles, browse our Halloween Activity Guide, featuring our 50+ Top Halloween Events and more.

Best Places to Trick-or-Treat near Philadelphia

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Mon, 10/28/2024 - 6:00am

Before the sun sets, or after, the Philly neighborhoods on our list are great spots for trick-or-treating. Photo courtesy of Chestnut Hill

Looking for the best places to trick-or-treat near Philly? We've got you covered with all the best neighborhood haunts.

Whether you're looking for spooky decor, full-size candy bars, or an epic Halloween block party, we've found the best Philly neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. Local parents, caregivers, and candy-givers have weighed in to help us roundup Philly's best neighborhood haunts, so get moving on those costumes and get ready to pound the pavement.

School night or not, Philly is here for the sugar rush on the big day, but if you're looking for more Halloween fun check out our round-up of Top Halloween Events in Philly, or if you want to save some cash, don't miss our Top Free Halloween Events.

20 Philly Museums You've Never Heard Of

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Sun, 10/13/2024 - 8:00am

The Mercer Museum is a six-story reinforced concrete castle in Bucks County. Photo by Cait Sumner

If there's one thing Philly has plenty of, it's museums. From art to cars, history, and more, there is definitely no shortage of museums in Philadelphia. With so many unique places to visit, there's bound to be some you haven't even heard of yet. Check out this list of great lesser known museums and find some fascinating new places to explore. Quite a few of these places are even FREE!

Note: Some of these museums have odd hours. You may need to make an appointment or reservation before you go. Check each website for more information.

If you're looking for more local museum fun, check out our Guide to Philly Museums.

Latest posts by Cait Sumner

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