Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Baby Animals and Easter Farm Fun for Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 03/19/2021 - 11:20am

Take a hayride and meet the Easter Bunny. Photo courtesy of Linvilla Orchards

Spring is a great time of year to visit farms, orchards, and zoos in the Philly suburbs. Birds are migrating north, plants are starting to grow, baby animals are making appearances, and Easter celebrations are planned.

At Easter time, many local venues feature egg hunts, hayrides, and photo-ops with the Easter Bunny. All this fun is certain to remind parents and kids that real springtime weather is just around the corner.

Be sure to browse our events calendar and Spring Fun Guide for plenty of great ways to spend this warmer days ahead. For now, read on for fun at the farm, orchard, and zoo.

Afterward, consider a train ride on an Easter Bunny express, where kids can meet the bunny himself.

Things to Do in Philly this Weekend and Beyond: Ghost Tours, Franklin Square, Scavenger Hunts

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 02/24/2021 - 9:45am

It's maple sugaring season: How sweet it is. Photo courtesy of Philly Parks & Rec

While Philly families prepare to bid February a fond farewell, our event calendar is ready to help parents make these last days of the month exciting and memorable for their children.

Adventure seekers can try throwing an axe at Bury the Hatchet's Family Fun Day. Older kids might enjoy hearing spooky ghost stories at Fort Mifflin or throughout Old City and Society Hill, while young ones might prefer wandering about Chinatown on a scavenger hunt to celebrate the Year of the Ox. After working up an appetite, everyone is sure to appreciate eating lunch or dinner in an igloo, yurt, or greenhouse. Best of all, no dishes to clean up and more time for fun!

There are several activities throughout the city that conclude this weekend. Be sure to take a final spin on the ice at Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, visit the Leaders and Legends of North Philadelphia display prior to its closing date, or play a round of Chilly Philly Mini Golf while seeing the lights at Franklin Square before they are turned off for the season.

Remember to browse through our Winter Fun Guide, which is filled with additional ideas on how to make the most of these cold, blustery days. No matter what you do, make it a great weekend.

Horseback Riding Camps and Lessons Near Philadelphia

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 4:35am

Challenge yourself at Ashford Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Many children are fascinated by animals. But there is something about horses that seems to naturally draw children to these majestic creatures.

Luckily for Philly families, several farms, stables, and equestrian centers throughout the Delaware Valley offer Philly kids the chance to get up close and personal with horses. Whether through summer camp or weekly lessons, children can experience the thrill of riding horseback while building self-confidence and responsibility.

We have rounded up a number of spots throughout the region that provide camp opportunities and lessons for kids interested in horses. For other class or camp ideas for your children, be sure to check out our Philly Classes Guide and Camps Guide.

30 Fun Things to Do Over February Break with Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 02/05/2021 - 12:25pm

Enjoy a snow tubing day at a great Pennsylvania resort. Photo courtesy of PoconoMountains.com

Philadelphia's abbreviated winter break is almost here, and even in a shortened recess, families might be looking for entertaining, safe, and exciting ways to spend time together. Of course, there has already been quite a bit of togetherness since many families are virtual for work and school. So it might take a bit of planning and effort to make non-school days extra special.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some great ideas for families to make memories over the extended weekend while staying safe. Our list includes outdoor adventures, indoor activities, as well as virtual ones. Indoor venues may require purchasing timed tickets in advance, so be sure to visit websites as you plan your day. Activities such as skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating likely require advance purchase of tickets. No matter what you decide to do over your winter respite, have fun and cherish these family moments.

Things to Do in Philly this Weekend and Beyond: Ice Festivals, Painting Fun, Groundhog Day

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 11:30am

Celebrate Groundhog Day at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of the refuge

As January winds down, Philly families gear up for a great weekend ahead. After all, there is much winter fun to be had.

Start off the weekend with something cool, perhaps even below freezing. Families can stroll through downtown Chestnut Hill to admire the works of art made from ice at Chestnut Hill on Ice. Likewise, families can cross the bridge to visit downtown Mt. Holly's Fire & Ice Festival to view the ice sculptures there. Or, bundle up to wander through the beautiful landscape at Longwood Gardens as it launches Winter Wonder.

Curious how long winter will last? Check out the Groundhog Day Family Festival held at John Heinz National Refuge Center. Learn about the animal that is said to predict whether Philadelphians will experience an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Follow up by attending Brandywine Zoo's Virtual Groundhog Day program to be held February 2.

No matter what that groundhog says, savor the best of this time of year by spinning on the ice at a local outdoor rink, swooshing down the slopes on skis, snowboard, or snow tube, or lacing up your boots for a winter hike.

Philly Playgrounds That Received Upgrades in 2020-21

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 01/17/2021 - 10:00am

Philly playgrounds have been upgraded thanks to Rebuild Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Rebuild Philadelphia

Philly families have always relied on outdoor spaces for fun. Neighborhood parks and playgrounds provide a sense of community and a place to exercise. Over the past several months, going outside actually gives kids and grown-ups a sense of normalcy. Being outdoors in local parks and playgrounds helps to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being during these difficult times.

Below is a list of area parks and playgrounds that recently received a makeover through Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and a City program called Rebuild. This initiative invests funds raised from the Philadelphia Beverage Tax to improve vital spaces such as playgrounds, libraries, and recreation centers for the community. Imagine how excited children will be when they arrive to find new playground equipment at their favorite spot. Or head to a new location and explore. Read on to discover what to expect at your next playground play date.

Virus Restrictions Eased: Here's What You Can Do in Philly Indoors Right Now

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 11:51am

The nation's founding comes alive at the Museum of The American Revolution. Photo courtesy of the museum

Mitigation efforts to fight COVID-19 were put into place throughout Pennsylvania in mid-December, closing indoor locations including museums. Most of those restrictions now have been lifted and our favorite spots are beginning to reopen.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some locations that are open or plan to open soon. Because restrictions and policies change quickly, be sure to check directly with each venue before visiting. Guests still must wear masks and maintain social distancing at all locations. Many offer timed tickets that must be purchased in advance. So find your masks, grab some hand sanitizer, and explore our list.

These Great Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC Have Reopened to the Public

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 10/16/2020 - 11:15am

Photo by Albert Ting/ Smithsonian American Art Museum

Update: Effective Monday, November 23, DC's Smithsonian Museums are closing again due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. No timetable has been announced for their reopening. We will share that information as soon as we have it.

Washington, DC's most iconic museums and cultural centers are slowly, and carefully, reopening to the public. The crown jewel of these DC museums, the Smithsonian Museums, are offering timed admission (still free!) with safety measures in place.

What's open? What's on, exhibition-wise? What's worth seeing? We have all the answers you need. Read on.