Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Things to Do in Philly this Weekend: Lucia Fest, Narberth Festival, Trains December 7-8

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 10:00am

Pennsylvania Ballet presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia

This December weekend allows Philly families a chance to prepare for the holidays. Pick the perfect tree, hang twinkling strands of lights around the house, and deck the halls with garland and wreaths to get into the spirit of the season. Once completed, head out to some of the fantastic holiday events happening throughout the Delaware Valley. There is no way to be a Scrooge with what's in store for young and old alike.

Wake up early to have Breakfast with the Trains at Brandywine River Museum. Experience the Swedish tradition of Lucia Fest at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Roast marshmallows and drink hot cocoa at Smith's annual Winter Wonderland Find a spot to enjoy a holiday parade in Coatesville or Yardley. Once the sun sets, bundle up for a Wassailing Caroling Hayride at Linvilla Orchards or view the fully-decorated boats at Penn's Landing during the annual Seaport Parade of Lights.

Make the most of your time by viewing our events calendar which is literally overflowing with ideas for every good little boy and girl. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Weekend Things to Do in Philly: Parades, Turkey Trots, Holiday Fun

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 8:47am

Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

After a long November, it is finally Thanksgiving weekend. Philly families can look forward to taking a break from work and school to eat lots of turkey, watch football, and spend family time together. In addition to these traditions, our event calendar provides many ways to make this holiday the best one yet.

Begin by heading to the Parkway for this year's 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade featuring dancers, musicians, performers, and colorfully decorated floats. Those who want to burn off some extra calories in anticipation of a Thanksgiving feast can run a turkey trot in Downingtown, Glen Mills, Abington, or Philadelphia. After morning fun is through, savor a delicious turkey dinner with family and friends because once those dishes are cleared and the Tupperware is filled with leftovers, the holidays are in full force!

Get into the the spirit of the season by finding seats for a holiday show such as Hedgerow Theatre's A Christmas Carol, Roxey Ballet's Nutcracker, or Walnut Street Theatre's The Gifts of the Magi. Take a twirl on the ice at Blue Cross RiverRink or Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park. Watch the train displays at Longwood Gardens or Morris Arboretum. Or get a jumpstart on holiday shopping.

From all of us at Mommy Poppins Philadelphia, we are thankful for you and wish you a most wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Things to Do in Philly this Weekend: Kids' Run, Frozen 2, Zoo Lights November 23-24

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 11/20/2019 - 8:19am

Dunkin' Munchkin Kids Fun Run. Photo courtesy of City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

Although it may be difficult to tell from the holiday ads on television and Christmas music on the radio, one would suspect Thanksgiving's late arrival this year affords Philly families a little extra time to enjoy the month of November and fall activities before Christmas takes over. After all, there are turkey trots to train for, fall productions to see, and centerpieces to create for the Thanksgiving table. Thankfully, this weekend's line-up includes ways to savor fall or get a jumpstart on the winter holidays.

Kids can race their hearts out during the Dunkin' Munchkin Kids Fun Run which is a part of the Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend. Those eager for the launch of the new Frozen 2 movie can participate in release events held both in the city and in the suburbs. Families interested in seeing a ballet can watch the Metropolitan Ballet Company bring not one but two stories to life on stage at Abington Friends School.

Of course, there is plenty of Christmas fun if your family can't wait. Children can find Santa in Chestnut Hill or at Sesame Place. Parents can book a holiday train ride or brunch with Santa. And, everyone can enjoy the magical holiday lights at the Philadelphia Zoo or Elmwood Park Zoo. No matter how you spend your weekend, make it a great one with some of our top picks.

25 Awesome Santa Claus Activities for Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 11/17/2019 - 11:05am

Scuba Santa returns to Adventure Aquarium.

One crucial part of getting ready for Christmas is visiting Santa Claus. After all, Philly kids have to give him the report on whether they have been naughty or nice. Naturally, breakfast with Santa, visits to the mall, and holiday train rides with the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole come to mind. However, there are many other options to catch a glimpse of the big man, and maybe even Mrs. Claus too! Mommy Poppins has the lowdown on where Philly families can find St. Nick throughout the Delaware Valley, both in the city and in the suburbs. So take a look at some of our favorite options and make time for Santa Claus this holiday season.

Things to Do in Philly this Weekend: Performances, Dog Show, Take a Hike November 16-17

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 11/13/2019 - 10:20am

Take a hike at Ridley Creek. Photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

Now that November is in full force, Philly families can expect to find many seasonal activities popping up throughout the Delaware Valley as well as in our events calendar. Franklin Square's Holiday Festival is open, the trains at Longwood Gardens are running along the tracks, and Photo Pop's Winter Wonderland at The Bourse is ready to make the perfect backdrop for holiday cards.

This weekend boasts a few holiday productions on stages throughout the region. Music Mountain Theatre presents Frosty & Rudolph, American Music Theatre showcases its Christmas show entitled Joy To The World, and Walnut Street Theatre features The Gifts of the Magi. Not quite ready to make the plunge into the season? Non-holiday performances include Alice in Wonderland at Ambler Theater, Little Red Robin Hood: A Musical Panto at People's Light, and Frozen Jr. at Delaware Children's Theatre. Families looking for thrills are sure to flip over the acrobatic tricks found at UniverSoul Circus. Those who love animals can cheer on their favorite breed at The National Dog Show held at the Greater Expo Center. Round out the fun with a fall walk to celebrate National Take A Hike Day.

Whether you are in the holiday spirit and have been watching Hallmark Christmas movies for weeks or aren't ready for the season and still eating leftover Halloween candy, there are plenty of ways to have fun with our top picks below.

Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in November

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 11/01/2019 - 10:07am

Photo courtesy of Brandywine River Museum

November is a unique month. It begins with a candy hangover thanks to Halloween fun. Next comes a day to honor those who serve to keep us safe, Veterans Day. It is no coincidence that National Take A Hike Day allows Philly families to burn some extra calories in anticipation for the big turkey feast that is Thanksgiving, later in the month. After Turkey Day, Philly families roll right into holiday fun, filled with lights and Santa sightings.

There is no doubt that the month of November leads Philly parents into the most expensive time of year. So, be sure to save a few dollars by referencing our handy free fun post. Free museum events, crafting sessions, storytimes, and educational opportunities are sure to entertain the kiddos. Nature lovers have animal encounters to look forward to while music fans can experience free concerts. Build something, hike somewhere, and learn something new, all while spending family time together and not spending a dime.

Things to Do in Philly this Weekend: Apples, Very Eric Carle, Mermaids November 2-3

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 10/30/2019 - 10:20am

Get hands on at the Very Eric Carle exhibit. Photo by Larry Rippel

It's the fall weekend that every Philly parent anticipates with great eagerness- the weekend we turn the clocks back to gain an extra hour. Take advantage the additional time by participating in some of the amazing activities going on throughout the Delaware Valley.

Start off the weekend celebrating the season at the Apple Festival held at Peddler's Village. In addition to tasting sweet apple goodies, children can get their faces painted, make sand art, and see live entertainment such as Lolly & YoYo and Give & Take Jugglers. Those wanting to view the spectacular fall foliage can take a train ride on West Chester Railroad or Wilmington & Western Railroad. Be sure to bring along the camera! Another great photo op is The Glow: A Jack-O-Lantern Experience. If your family hasn't had the chance to see this unique pumpkin display, this weekend is your last chance before the candles are blown out for the season.

After spending time outdoors, head inside for some fun at local attractions. For city goers, Please Touch Museum presents Very Eric Carle, a one-of-a-kind display featuring beloved children's author, Eric Carle. Visitors can enjoy immersing themselves in these classic stories showcasing themes of friendship and hard-work. Cross the river and visit Adventure Aquarium to see Mermaids make an appearance.

Make the most of this extra-hour-long November weekend with our top picks below.

Things to Do in Philly this Weekend: Halloween, Festivals, Technology October 26-27

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 10/23/2019 - 10:17am

Photo courtesy of Ambler Main Street/Facebook

Philly kids, get those costumes ready because there are plenty of chances this weekend for a trial run leading up to the big night, Halloween. Whether you are dressed as a witch, goblin, or princess, children can expect to collect candy at the market, in the square, at amusement parks, on a train, and even in a cemetery, if you dare.

After breaking in the costumes, families can visit a fall festival. Take a hayride at Hellerick's Family Farm Fall Harvest Festival, bounce on inflatable attractions at the FallFest at Shady Brook Farms, get faces painted at South Street PumpkinFest, or climb a straw mountain at Charlann Farms. Fall fun concludes this weekend at Tabora Farms, None Such Farms, Milky Way Farms, and Freddy Hill Farms so be sure to check them out before time runs out. Once you've had your fill of confectioneries and festivals, take some time for learning. Discover how websites work at Frankford Neighborhood Library, learn coding at Newtown Public Library, or stop by Kids Tech Day 2019 at Turn5.