Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

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.

Summer Art Camps for Philly Area Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/24/2024 - 10:17am

Summer Art Camp is back to its full schedule at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine arts historic landmark building and studios! Photo courtesy of the academy

Summer will be here before we know it, and many parents are starting to think about camps. If you have a budding artist in your family, there is no shortage of camp options available in the Philadelphia area. From museums and neighborhood art leagues to paint-your-own ceramic studios, we have assembled a list to fit all levels of artistic ability. Read on for our ideas and get your children registered for a new art experience.

Be sure to browse our camp directory for horseback riding, STEM, and sports camps.

Best Sports Summer Camps Near Philadelphia: Soccer Camps, Baseball Camps, Tennis Camps, and More

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/10/2024 - 11:05am

Make lifelong friends at ESF Camps. Photo courtesy of the camp

Pick a sport, any sport—there's a sports summer camp in Philly that fits the bill. Children can burn off energy and use the offseason to refine their skills at any number of sports summer camps around Philadelphia for kids, tweens, and teens. Whether they'd love shooting hoops at basketball camp, scoring goals at soccer camp, or serving aces at tennis camp, we've got the best sports summer camps in Philly and the suburbs, including summer day camps in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Delaware County.

For more summer camps in Philadelphia, including picks for the best STEM summer camps in Philly. Be sure to bookmark our Philadelphia Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

12 Winter Festivals for Philly Families: Fire and Ice, Maple Sugaring, and More

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 12/24/2023 - 10:00am

Enjoy ice carving demonstrations and lights galore at Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler's Village. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village

Before cold winds, freezing temperatures, and shorter days lead to the wintertime blues, Philly families can enjoy some of the many amazing winter festivals to keep spirits high while we await warmer weather. We've rounded up some of our favorite festivals held in the area this time of year. So, bundle up and browse through our list to find the perfect festival for your family to enjoy this winter season.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun, check out our roundup of nearby snow tubing spots, or visit our Winter Activity Guide.