Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Shop Local to Support Small Businesses in Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 4:30pm

Due to coronavirus, local businesses in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley have been impacted by the ongoing stay-at-home orders. With restrictions still in place, small businesses are adapting to the "new normal" while serving the community and keeping customer safety at the forefront. But Philly families can help support local businesses in lots of ways.

Buying books and toys at local shops to keep young minds engaged and entertained, order delicious take-away meals to satisfy ravenous appetites and take a break from cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday, and purchase gift cards for future use. Remember: When patronizing local shops, you directly make a difference to a family. (And when possible, consider contacting restaurants directly instead of using a third party service to help keep the profit at the small business).

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up a list of 27 local businesses offering pick up and delivery options. Refer to this list when need a jolt of coffee, a sweet (or salty) treat, or gift for your little one. Shop local! Together, we'll make it through!

And while you're showing your support for the businesses you love, we hope you'll count Mommy Poppins and our small business partners among them. You can support Mommy Poppins by sharing articles you find useful with friends or on your social media channels, checking out our directory of virtual classes, camps and birthday parties and telling businesses you found them through Mommy Poppins. Also, as part of our effort to keep our local parent writers and this website afloat and support some of our favorite family businesses, we've created Poppins@Home, a platform for small businesses to share free and low-cost online classes and birthday parties with kids all over the country. Please consider trying a few of these fun, affordable, and creative classes—and spreading the word among your friends—as yet another way to support, uplift, and get through these challenging times together!

For ideas on how to stay active and safe during these times, browse through our Stay-at-Home Guide with over 100 resources of things to do.

Grocery Delivery and Curbside Pick-up in Philly When There Are No Amazon or Peapod Slots

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 9:00am

We need to stay home and stay safe, but one essential task that must continue is food shopping—so many families have turned to grocery deliveries to limit exposure that the shopping experience requires. With the increased demand, many of the big stores may run out of certain items and cannot always offer timely delivery slots, meaning it's a good idea to explore other local alternatives. We have rounded up a dozen local stores throughout the Philadelphia area that provide grocery delivery or curbside pick-up.

For more ideas on handling life and thriving, not just surviving, during this challenging time, check out our Stuck at Home Guide for Parents.

At publication time, these stores are offering delivery or pick up groceries. Since the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, please confirm with the store directly to be sure.

Easter Brunch or Dinner Delivery: Restaurants near Philly with Takeout Holiday Meals

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 10:00am

Despite social distancing and stay-at-home orders, Philly families can still make the most of the Easter holiday with delicious foods available for pick up or delivery from many restaurants throughout the region. Traditional items such as deviled eggs, hot cross buns, Italian Easter pie, ham, carrots, and chocolate candies are sure to make young and old alike forget about being cooped up for the past month.

We've rounded up 16 area restaurants offering Easter breakfast, brunch, and dinner take-out. Some provide delivery as well. Treat yourself to a wonderful Easter meal from some of the restaurants on our list. Every belly is sure to be satisfied. Best of all, there won't be a pile of dishes in the sink!

At publication time, these restaurants are offering take-out service for Easter Sunday. Since the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, please confirm with the restaurant directly to be sure.

What’s Open in Coronavirus Shutdown: Gardens, Parks, Hikes You Can Do While Social Distancing

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 9:30am

School closures and canceled activities have become the norm in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley. Social distancing is on everyone's mind as parents juggle work from home while homeschooling their children. Many Philly families have turned to virtual options to pass the time. However, with mild temperatures and sunshine in the forecast for the weekend, both kids and grown ups alike could use some vitamin D and fresh air.

We have rounded up some ideas of things to do safely during these unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 situation. While some spots throughout the region are open for passive recreation, please be sure to use observe social distancing recommendations.

Stay well, Philadelphia! And for more ideas on things to do at home, be sure and check out our Coronavirus Guide for Parents.

Spring Consignment Sales for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 02/21/2020 - 8:00am

As all parents know, children outgrow their clothes at an alarming rate. One way to avoid breaking the bank each season on a new wardrobe is by shopping consignment sales. Each spring, these weekend mommy markets pop up all over the Philadelphia area and offer families a great way to buy gently used clothes, shoes, toys, baby gear, and other items at a large discount off retail. Consignment sales are also an opportunity to sell outgrown items for some extra cash.

30 Fun Indoor Activities for Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 01/05/2020 - 8:00am

From time to time, the cold winter winds or the hot, humid temperatures may force Philly families to retreat indoors. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep kids entertained inside. Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has put together a list of some great activities, events, and experiences when outdoor fun isn't an option. Continue reading for some of our top ideas.

Need more ideas? Be sure and check out our fun-filled events calendar and Indoor Fun Guide!

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade 2019: Start Time, Parade Route, and Info

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 11/04/2019 - 10:22am

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade is one of the oldest local holiday traditions. In fact, the parade celebrates its 100th birthday in 2019! But maybe your Philly family has never tried it.

Read on for our guide to this year's parade, including the start time, parade route, and ticket information. Visiting from out of town? Check out these top Philly hotels for families. And, by the way, we've rounded up Philadelphia restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner, so if you're too busy watching the 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade to prep the big meal, call in your reservation instead!

25 Must Do Activities Before Summer Slips Away

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 08/04/2019 - 8:00am

With just a few short weeks until Philly kids start back to school, Philly parents look forward to August with great anticipation. After all, getting into a routine brings a sense of order and predictability back to the household. But before normalcy completely returns to the Delaware Valley, there is still some summer left to be had. Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up our top 25 things to do before summer fades away and school schedules take over. There isn't much time left so read on and get ready to finish out Summer 2019 strong!

Kristen Sullivan

Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

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