Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Breakfast with Santa in Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 11/12/2023 - 7:51am

Santa visits KOP for breakfast. Enjoy story time with Santa, face painting, a balloon artist, and delicious food. Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

It's that magical time of year again. Philly tots, tweens, and teens have been on their best behavior as they anticipate the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole's visit to the Delaware Valley. Of course, many Philly parents head to the mall so their children can share their wishlists with St. Nick. However, if you are looking for something special, consider taking the family to see Santa at a breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Many venues from zoos to museums welcome Mr. Kringle. Some provide games, crafts, and stories, but you can be sure all events include photo ops so bring your phone or camera. Read through our list of upcoming events and schedule your breakfast with Santa today! Many of these are quite popular and often space is limited.

We're always updating our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly, so be sure to check it twice for posts like the best holiday activities for Philly kids, our favorite outdoor skating rinks, and more.

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 11/05/2023 - 7:42am

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 2023

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 10/20/2023 - 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.

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023: Start Time, Parade Route, and Info

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Thu, 10/19/2023 - 7:37am

The balloon brigade will be out at this year's 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Revelers can once again line the city's streets for this year's Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Celebrating more than 100 years, the Philly parade is one of the oldest local holiday traditions. Giant floats of every variety, bands, dancers, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, will join the route to help the City of Brotherly Love kick off the holiday season. Venturing out on Turkey Day morning to watch the show march through the city is a family Philly bucket list experience––but it definitely requires some planning and preparation.

For key details including the 6abc Dunkin' Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade start time, route, and more, read below for our comprehensive guide. Visiting from out of town? Check out these top Philly hotels for families.

Not-So-Scary Halloween Events for Philly Preschoolers

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 10/06/2023 - 9:15am

Join the Morris Arboretum a costume and candy parade and a walk along the Trick or Treat trail. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

Check out these not-so-scary Halloween events for preschoolers and toddlers who prefer more treats than tricks.

Halloween is the centerpiece of this spooky season, but lots of kids would rather eat their candy without a side of fear. Certain activities can feel a bit unsettling for little ones, with scary themes and decorations that leave preschoolers (and even some school-aged kids) rattled. So if your family is looking to celebrate a Halloween with more treats than tricks, we've got age-appropriate attractions that maintain the spirit of the holiday and keep small children feeling happy and safe.

Be sure to browse our Guide to Halloween Fun for more ideas to make the most of the season, or check out our Top Halloween Events for Philly kids.

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 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.

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 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 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.

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

Philadelphia's Best Summer Camps for Preschoolers

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 04/09/2023 - 8:00am

Celebrate at Burn Brae Day Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Selecting the perfect summer camp for Philly children can be challenging under normal circumstances. But when looking for a location that offers options for especially young tots, it can be particularly difficult.

Thankfully, Philly parents can turn to Mommy Poppins Philadelphia to round up destinations for the littlest among us. Whether your family needs care all summer long or you just want to provide a change of scenery and stimulation for your toddler or preschooler, we've found lots of fantastic summer camps in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley. While many camps start accepting campers at age 4, some even accommodate kiddos 3 and younger.

Need a camp for older kids? Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide and our posts about t raditional day camps, STEM camps, free and affordable camps, and more.