Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Best STEM Summer Camps for Philadelphia Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 03/13/2023 - 7:04am

GSK Science in the Summer offers various locations around Philly. Photo courtesy of GSK Science in the Summer

Camps that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEAM (including Art) give kids the best of both worlds: a great learning experience and summertime fun. STEM activities boost brain power, creative thinking, and problem-solving while kids have fun designing video games and building Lego robots.

There are many STEM-themed summer camps to keep children engaged, entertained, and educated throughout Philadelphia. If you have a kid interested in science, you are in luck. We have rounded up some options sure to excite the minds of the future.

Looking for more summer camp options? Browse our Summer Camp Guide and learn about camps from traditional day camps to our list of free and affordable summer camps.

Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 8:30am

Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.

There are so many things to do with kids in Old City Philadelphia's historic district. Get ready to time travel back to the earliest years in US history.

Alongside our love of cheesesteaks, hoagies, and sports is a deep sense of civic pride that comes along with being the birthplace of the entire nation. The streets of Philly are steeped in history, with Old City Philadelphia at the heart of it all. Whether you're a visitor or a local, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, so we've got a list of the best spots to visit in Old City and historic Philadelphia with kids. From famous attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to museums dedicated to telling the stories of our past, Philly's historic district has so much to offer families.

Historic Philly is the first stop on our 3 day itinerary for visiting Phil adelphia, where you can find more of the city's highlights. Check out our Guide to Philly Museums for Kids for more top attractions, like the Philadelphia Zoo (the very first zoo in the nation!) and other landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art (hello Rocky run!).

10 Winter Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Philly: Igloos, Heated Patios, and More

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 01/20/2023 - 7:40am

Harper's Garden in Center City offers "greenhouse" dining. Photo courtesy of Harpers Garden

Outdoor dining in Philly continues in the winter, with lots of unique options for families looking to dine al fresco.

For a couple years now, restaurants in Philadelphia have provided new dining options due to changing habits, with many eateries adapting to make dining outdoors a possibility during even cold winter months. Igloos and greenhouses offer private little forts for just for your party, while heated patios provide fresh air and often allow more space for kids who like to spread out when dining out.

Read on for some of Philly's best outdoor dining experiences for colder months. For more dining destinations that welcome the kiddos, visit our Philadelphia Restaurant Guide for Families, including our favorite warm-weather outdoor restaurants for that other time of year. Bon appétit!

Best Summer Day Trips from Philly: Quick Getaways for Families with Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 06/24/2022 - 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.

Drive-in Movie Theaters Near Philly for Outdoor Movie Nights With Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 05/13/2022 - 10:25am

The Mahoning Drive-In has delighted area residents since 1949. Photo by Thomas Hawk, via Flickr/Creative Commons

Watching movies under the stars is a traditional summer bucket list activity. Many families have enjoyed the resurgence of retro drive-in theaters and the popularity of pop-up outdoor movies near Philadelphia to watch their favorite films. The trend continues this year, and we've rounded up all the places to catch a drive-in movie near Philly. From spots near the Jersey Shore to others closer to the Pocono mountains, pack the pillows and snacks for these drive-in movie theaters near Philadelphia.

Most drive-in movie venues require online ticket purchases, so be sure to view the schedules in advance. Check out our Summer Activity Guide for Philadelphia for more warm-weather family fun.

17 Kid-Friendly Philadelphia Hotels for a Family Staycation

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 10:14am

Try the indoor s'mores kit and the Rocky-style robes for kids at the Logan Hotel.

Family vacations create memories to last a lifetime. But that doesn't mean leaving the country, state, or even the city for that matter. There are several great Philadelphia hotels with perks for kids and families that are perfect for a Philly staycation. We've found all the best spots where parents can get some much-needed R & R while the kids stay entertained. Enjoy a busy day of sightseeing, or simply unwind and enjoy the family-friendly amenities at these hotels in Philadelphia.

A Philadelphia staycation is a great opportunity to make your way through our list of Top Attractions in Philly for Kids. For quick and easy escapes, don't miss our guide to Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

St. Patrick's Day Parades and Celebrations in Philadelphia

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 03/04/2022 - 9:51am

Revelers at the annual Bucks County St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo courtesy of Visit Bucks County via Philly Burbs

After two years off for a pandemic hiatus, St. Patrick's Day 2022 in Philly is back and greener than ever. As home to one of the longest continuously held St. Patrick's Day parades, Philadelphia certainly knows how to celebrate the luck of the Irish. Throughout the Delaware Valley, there are opportunities to learn about Irish history, see Irish step dancing, listen to Celtic music and Irish stories, search for hidden leprechauns, and more! From the well-known Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade to several parades and activities in the suburbs, these St. Paddy's day events are worth more than a pot of gold. Sláinte!

For more holiday celebrations this month, don't miss the Best Things To Do in Philadelphia in March with Kids. Make sure you never miss a thing by signing up for our newsletters.

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 02/25/2022 - 10:05am

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 preschool summer camps around Philly and 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.