Submitted by Liz Baill on
LumiNature is back, transforming the Philadelphia Zoo into a winter wonderland decked with more than a million twinkling lights. While you won't see too many live animals out and about (it's past their bedtime), the light shows and displays celebrate the magic of wildlife and nature, from a mesmerizing African safari light projection to the new Penguin Prismatic spectacle that's loaded with love for Philly.
Submitted by Liz Baill on
Everything you need to turn your family into a Phamily as the Phillies head to the 2022 World Series.
To have kids in Philadelphia right now is to be entrusted with great responsibility that no true Philly parent will squander. We are parenting during a Phillies World Series run. It’s been 13 years since the Phils were NLCS Champions. That means there’s a whole new crop of kids and basically the next generation of Phillies fans who have the opportunity of their childhood (Sound hyperbolic? Good.) to root for the Phillies in the World Series. So whether you’re a bandwagon fan (shh we won’t tell) or a die-hard phanatic who remembers McGraw's final out, we’ve got you covered for how to make the most of the World Series 2022, from the swag to the snacks.
Submitted by Liz Baill on
We've all made hand shadows with flashlights when the power goes out unexpectedly, but have you tried lowering the lights on purpose for playtime? Light experiments are a magical form of sensory exploration with well-documented developmental benefits for kids, while happening to be deceptively simple for even the laziest parent (like me). Setting up a dark environment and incorporating flashlights into your play unlocks a whole new way of looking at the world, mesmerizes tumultuous toddlers, and brings open-ended process play into your home with minimal effort. Light experiments can even work wonders on children who fear the dark.
So cut the lights and grab your flashlights (check for batteries first, because dead flashlights are a bummer) and try out these 10 easy light and shadow experiments for toddlers and preschoolers. For more preschool and toddler science ideas, check out our list of science experiments for toddlers, and more science fun for kids of all ages in our Guide to Science Experiments for Kids.
Submitted by Liz Baill on
By now you've probably seen photos popping up all over your social media feed of friends defying gravity in a diner, playing cards with several versions of themselves, chilling with their heads on a platter, or sauntering down a spinning light tunnel while trying to keep their lunch down. Welcome to the Museum of Illusions, Philly's hottest selfie spot that also manages to strike that elusive note of being both genuinely entertaining and educational.
Here's what you need to know for Philly's most mind-bending museum, including all the best highlights to fool your eyes, challenge your brain, and seriously up your selfie game. For more stories like this sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters, and browse our Guide to Philly Museums for Kids for more of the city's most kid-friendly museums.
Submitted by Liz Baill on
Looking for some fun and easy rainbow crafts for kids? I am always on the lookout! As a child of the 80s, rainbows have been part of my psyche since my very first Rainbow Brite episode. Long before the Home Edit was a thing, I arranged all my stuff in rainbow-colored order. Even my bridesmaids wore different-colored dresses and lined up in ROY-G-BIV order. So when it comes to crafts for kids, you guessed it—I'm all about the rainbows.
Whether you're exploring color theory with your littles, looking for a vibrant STEM experiment, celebrating Pride, or just like all things rainbow, here are 21 rainbow crafts for kids and rainbow activities for toddlers to help you add a little color to your world.
Submitted by Liz Baill on
Looking for an art project that will wow your kids? They'll think you're a wizard when you demo this paper towel art magic trick, which also involves science for an added bonus. This one never ceases to amaze both kids and kids-at-heart and is super easy to do, making it perfect for everyone from toddlers to big kids. Plus, it uses materials you likely already have.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make your own paper towel art. For more STEAM fun for kids, check out our lists of 25 preschool science experiments, 64 easy science experiments for kids to do at home, and 100 awesome art projects for creative at-home fun.
Submitted by Liz Baill on
There's a time in parenthood when the stroller becomes your ride or die. Baby only nap on the move? Strap 'em in and walk. Need to workout with a tiny human in tow? Make that stroller push your strength workout. Maybe you need a walk-and-talk mom date or a self-care solo stroll outside. Whatever your strolling needs, we've rounded up the best stroller hikes near Philly to give parents and tots some much-needed fresh air.
These stroller walks near Philadelphia feature paved hiking trails for the excursion-inclined, wide-open gallery spaces to engage your tired yet creative mind, and simple but scenic jaunts that will add some Vitamin D to your caffeine high. For more great ideas to get out and about with little ones, don't miss our guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Philadelphia.
Submitted by Liz Baill on
We've all been there. You bravely take the kids out on the town for a fun family date night, hoping the novelty of it all will be enough to enjoy some semblance of a grown-up outing. But it's not long before the troops get restless and you're desperately searching for the check. Luckily, Philly has loads of kid-friendly food options where children can stay occupied so that parents can eat and talk at a slightly less frenzied pace. From game cafes to bona fide indoor playgrounds (!!!), here are our favorite family-friendly restaurants in Philly where kids can play.
For more of the best places to eat in Philly with kids, check out our Philadelphia Restaurant Guide for Families.
