Cait Sumner

Latest posts by Cait Sumner

Best Places to Trick-or-Treat near Philadelphia

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 6:46am

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. Visit our Guide to Halloween in Philly to fill your calendar with tricks and treats.

Halloween Weekend 2023 in Philly: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Wed, 10/25/2023 - 8:54am

Dress in your spookiest or most original Halloween costume and come on out to Peddler’s Village Slightly Batty Halloween Wing-Ding! Photo Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

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.

It's a Halloween weekend full of fun in Philly. Get your Philly kids hyped and sugared up by collecting candy early along Passyunk Avenue, in Franklin Square, Chestnut Hill, or Manayunk. Halloween festivals pop up across the city, from Headhouse to East Falls to Fitler Square. Still need a costume? We've got you covered with our list of Halloween costume ideas.

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.

Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend Best Things to Do in Philly with Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Wed, 10/04/2023 - 9:46am

A costume parade, treats, animal meet-and-greets, and much more are in store for trick-or-treaters Boo at the Zoo at Elmwood Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo.

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia during this holiday weekend? Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up all the can't-miss fun in the Delaware Valley.

Philadelphia is once again observing Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus Day. City public schools are off, and kids can join the IPD Philly celebration at Penn Treaty Park to honor Native American cultures. Stay in the spirit of autumnal fun at Dilworth Park's Harvest Weekend or Oktoberfest Main Line. Spookier events are creeping onto the calendar, and if your older kids like a good fright, take them to Colonial Gardens' Haunted Woods Night Hayride or the Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride in Glen Mills.

Check out our top Free Halloween Events for Philly Kids, 50 Fun Fall Activities, and the Best Things to Do in Philadelphia in October with Kids.

Halloween Trains and Fall Foliage Train Rides Near Philadelphia

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 9:35am

Enjoy cider and donuts and get a pumpkin on Colebrookdale Railroad's Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Photo courtesy of the railroad

As cooler weather reaches the Delaware Valley, Philly families are reminded of autumnal traditions. This year, consider adding a new experience to your fall must-do list by climbing aboard one of the many family-friendly train rides in the region.

From fall foliage viewing to pumpkin patch stops, there are several unique train experiences sure to delight Philly children of all ages.

Looking for more trains? Check out New Jersey's Halloween and Fall Train Rides list for even more fun. Check out our Fall Activities Guide for more great ways to enjoy the season.

Best Dance Classes in Philly for Kids: Ballet, Hip Hop, and More

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Sun, 09/10/2023 - 9:58am

The Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center (GBDC) has year-round training classes for children and adults and is dedicated to the education and preservation of dance as a performing art. Photo courtesy of the studio

Dance studios and classes come in a variety of styles for all ages and there are so many great options to choose from in the Philadelphia area. 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 your aspiring dancer is into ballet, jazz, tap, modern, or hip hop, or wants to try something new all together, this list has something for everyone from Center City to the 'burbs. So grab your dancing shoes, it's time to shuffle ball change your way to some great dance classes.

Looking for more great classes for your little one? Check out our Classes Guide to see everything the Philly area has to offer! If you're looking for great ways to spend more time with your toddler, we've rounded up the best Mommy and Me Classes, or check out our Preschool and Toddlers Class Guide.

Barbie Birthday Party Guide: Fabulous Barbie Party Ideas, Kenergy Included

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Thu, 09/07/2023 - 12:00pm

There are so many fun ways to throw an epic Barbie party. Photo by Mattel courtesy of Barbie Facebook Page

"Come on, Barbie, let's go party!" It's time to plan the ultimate Barbie birthday party.

We all know Barbie is an icon, but this year she's even more of a smash hit thanks to the release of The Barbie Movie. That's why a Barbie party is the perfect bash for any kid who loves Barbie, the color pink, or just being fabulous in general.

We've gathered some awesome ideas for throwing the perfect Barbie birthday party, from Barbie party supplies, games, and activities to Barbie party decorations, food, and birthday cake.

Looking for more great birthday party ideas? Check out our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties, which includes our list of 100 kids' birthday party themes for every age and interest.

Ultimate Archery Review: Family-Friendly Archery Dodgeball in NJ

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 9:44am

Ultimate Archery is a great experience for families looking to have some fun together!

If you've never heard of Ultimate Archery, you're in for a treat. Featuring soft, marshmallowy tipped arrows and inflatable hideouts, this intensely fun game is the perfect opportunity for some unique, full family bonding. The kids will blow off some energy, you'll get a great workout in, and everyone will sleep in the next day! Ultimate Archery is located in Maple Shade, NJ and is ideal for kids ages 7 and up, though my 6 year old was able to play too.

Looking for more extreme fun? Check out our list of Extreme Sports and Thrilling Activities for Philly Kids or visit our Play Gyms and Sports Center Guide.

New Sesame Place Philadelphia Store Won't Require Park Admission- Now Open

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 12:14pm

An all new Sesame Street Store has opened at Sesame Place in Langhorne and the good news is you don't need a ticket to the amusement park to check it out! The brand new store opened this October and allows guests to shop without paying the admission fee.

Want to know more about Sesame Place? Check out our guide to Visiting Sesame Place with Preschoolers. Don't stop there, we've got plent of amusement park fun in our Theme & Water Parks Guide.