Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

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

The 60-acre garden of Winterthur is just waking up with spring daffodils. Photo by Bob Leitch courtesy of Winterthur

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.

Things to Do in Philly This Weekend:Parades, Leprechauns, Consignment Sales March 14-15

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 03/11/2020 - 10:39am

Philadelphia's first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in 1771! Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Hey Philadelphia, the luck of the Irish has arrived in the Delaware Valley! Philly families have the chance to celebrate in a variety of ways throughout the region.

Kids can search for leprechauns throughout Peddlers' Village or at the Garden State Discovery Museum. Families can listen to the sweet sounds of Emmet Cahill, Irish Tenor, at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center or hear Celtic music at Norristown Farm Park. Afterwards, find a spot along the parade route in Levittown or Wilmington to watch an annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Then, head to an Irish festival at Green Parrot Restaurant Pub & Patio or Molly Maguire's Irish Restaurant & Pub.

If you aren't into St. Patrick's Day fun, not to worry! There is more to this weekend than just parades,Irish music, and pubs. Young ones can get crafty at their local Michaels. Museum goers can visit Penn Museum for its Second Saturday event featuring an animal adventure theme. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts can complete badge requirements at the National Constitution Center. And parents can get a jumpstart on updating the kids' closets for spring at the many consignment sales going on this weekend.

As the old Irish saying goes, "Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be always with you."

Be sure to check local venues for last minute cancellations amid health concerns related to COVID 19.

Things To Do in Philly this Weekend: Maple Syrup, LEGOs, Museums March 7-8

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 03/04/2020 - 8:00am

Paleopalooza visitors can touch a real fossil with the help of Collection Manager Ned Gilmore. Photo by Will Klein, courtesy of the Academy of Natural Sciences

Many Philly families dread losing a precious hour of time as the clocks spring forward this weekend. With sixty minutes less, parents and kids alike must make every moment count. Thankfully, our event calendar is filled with options for everyone.

Start off by waking up to delicious maple syrup at Peace Valley Nature Center, Fox Chase Farms, or Washington Crossing State Park. Once fortified, head to the Academy of Natural Sciences for its annual Paleopalooza which features fossil hunts, guided tours, and presentations on all things prehistoric. Lego lovers can take a ride to the Copeland Maritime Center in Wilmington for LEGO Shipbuilding Day and fans of Harry Potter can participate in a themed scavenger hunt at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Those wanting to see a show can grab seats for Footloose, the Musical! at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Families celebrating Purim can see a children's performance, participate in games, and get faces painted at Kaiserman JCC's Community Purim Carnival.

We aren't just losing an hour. We are gaining daylight as spring draws near. So be sure to get the kids outfitted for the new season by checking out our Spring Consignment Post that is constantly updated with new sales. Make your weekend special with our top picks below.

Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: Flower Show, Boats, Seuss February 29-March 1

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 02/26/2020 - 7:00am

Philadelphia Flower Show. Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

As February ends and March begins, Philly families can looks forward to plenty of excitement. This weekend brings a variety of options to the Delaware Valley. A few may even provide Philly parents and kids alike with a hint of spring fever.

To start, the annual PHS Philadelphia Flower Show arrives! Young and old alike are inspired by the spectacular garden displays showcasing the theme, "Riviera Holiday." While wandering through the show, guests can participate in an interactive butterfly exhibit and create make & take plant-themed crafts. Those dreaming of summer fun may want to venture to Atlantic City for the Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show. As parents investigate the boats on display, kids can participate in a Touch-A-Boat exhibit and build their own toy boat.

There are also quite a few Seuss-themed activities in advance of Read Across America Day which is celebrated on March 2. Philly kids can listen to stories with the Cat in the Hat at Uno's in Exton, meet Seuss characters at Garnet Valley High School, or visit a book fair while seeing the animals at Elmwood Park Zoo.

Make it a great weekend with our top picks.

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.

Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: Maple Syrup, Mardi Gras, Performances February 22-23

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 02/19/2020 - 8:04am

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Philly families can be assured that plenty of fun awaits this February weekend. Children and grown ups alike can enjoy maple sugaring events, concerts, theater performances, and museum experiences all of which can be found in our event calendar.

Incorporate a maple sugaring activity in your weekend plans. See how maple candy is made at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, discover how Native Americans harvested maple sugar from trees at Norristown Farm Park, or eat delicious pancakes and maple syrup at Churchville Nature Center. The celebration continues with Fat Tuesday festivities with some help from the Mummers at the annual Mummers Mardi Gras Festival which features children's activities, photo booths, and live performances.

Speaking of performances, many shows are on stage throughout the Delaware Valley. Grab tickets to see Shen Yun at the Merriam Theater, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical at the Delaware Children's Theatre, or The Princess and the Pea at The Media Theatre. Still looking for more? Rock out during Kids Rock Philly at World Cafe Live, listen to the Music of Queen for Kids at The Ardmore Music Hall, or dance along with Irish music by Next Generation of Irish Performers at the Garden State Discover Museum.

Find the perfect activities for your family by filtering the events calendar by location, ages, and tags.

Things to Do in Philly This Weekend:Valentine Fun, Nature, Science February 8-9

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 02/05/2020 - 10:00am

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo by Matt Stanley

Throughout the Delaware Valley, Philly families can find plenty of great ways to spend the weekend. Children can enjoy outdoor adventures, explore museums, and get crafty in advance of Valentine's Day. All this and more can be found on the pages of our fun-filled event calendar.

Those who love the outdoors in wintertime can learn about owls at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, search for birds at Churchville Nature Center, or take a hike at Rolling Hill Park. Head indoors to Wagner Free Institute of Science for its Winter Wonderland event featuring live crystal demos, workshops, and scavenger hunts or take a ride to Wilmington's Delaware Children's Museum' to experience Try Science featuring a food science theme. Young artists can make pop up cards for their favorite valentine at PAFA's Family Arts Academy, create old-fashioned valentines at Pennypacker Mill, or craft a cheery banner at Philadelphia's Magic Garden's PECO Family Jams. Round out the weekend with some classical music from the Landsdowne Symphony Orchestra or a Valentine's party for the entire family at NEST.

To find the best activities for your family, filter through our events calendar by using tags, location, and ages.

Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in February

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 01/31/2020 - 10:00am

Keeping the kids entertained during the winter months can be challenging. However, February offers Philly families many exciting opportunities for free fun including holiday events recognizing Groundhog's Day, Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day. Plus, this year is a Leap Year so there's an extra day of fun.

Young children can participate in an interactive musical session at The Kimmel Center. Those interested in nature can check out free maple sugaring events at Norristown Farm Park or winter celebrations at Briar Bush Nature Center and Wagner Free Institute of Science. Future carpenters can build something special for their valentine at your local Home Depot. Tech kids can learn python programming or text mining while children interested in history can sing happy birthday to our first president, George Washington.

With so many options, it may be difficult to choose! Keep reading to discover more great ways to make memories without spending a dime, and for extra ideas for free fun, check out our Free Activities Guide.