Maureen Rayburn

Latest posts by Maureen

Free Water Fun: Splash Pads and Sprinklers at Philly Area Parks

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sun, 07/12/2020 - 2:37pm

Splash pads and spray parks throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley are ready to cool kids off on a hot day, even in the summer of 2020. The spots listed below are some of our favorite places to enjoy free water play; we're keeping track of which ones are open and updating as the summer heats up. There are also some nearby Pennsylvania water parks opening up, but for free fun on a summer day, nothing beats a sprayground. Read on to see which Philly splash pads are switching on the water this summer.

10+ Indoor Play Spaces in Philly for Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 02/07/2020 - 10:21am

Mother Nature can often be a real thorn in the side to new parents in Philadelphia. Be it winter snow, spring rain, or summer heat, the weather often discourages getting out of the house with babies and toddlers. Visiting an indoor play space can rescue the little ones from cabin fever as well as offer parents a chance to socialize with other new moms and dads.

Parents in the city need to be a little more creative in finding indoor play areas, with fewer bouncehouse centers than in the suburbs. Mommy Poppins has a list of fun spots to drop-in with tots in and around Center City Philadelphia, including museums, gyms, and stores.

Be sure to browse our directory for even more indoor fun ideas in the Philly area or our list of indoor play in Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties.

20+ Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sat, 01/04/2020 - 2:00pm

Not only does the Philly area have loads of options for fun family adventures, it's also a haven for food freebies and discounts for kids. Whether you're visiting the city or the suburbs, you will find chain restaurants and local spots that offer a break on the bill for kiddos. Want to plan an itinerary for the day or weekend? Check out our events calendar or head to a nearby museum, choose a restaurant near your activity, and you're on your way! Don't forget to confirm these deals with the restaurants before you head out.

What's Open on Christmas Day in Philly: 14 Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sun, 12/15/2019 - 9:00am

On Christmas Day after the presents are all unwrapped and only crumbs are left in the cookie tin, you may be thinking it's time to get out of the house. Whether the sugar rush is kicking in or you just don't want to deal with the mess, there are quite a few places open on December 25th to take the kids.

We found options for families that don't celebrate the holiday as well as ideas for enjoying the Christmas spirit. Either way, we have a list of ideas to get out and about and spend a day with the kids in the Philadelphia area. Bonus, when trekking in the city on Christmas Day, no parking meters are enforced! Continue reading for our selections.

Day Trip Christmas Fun That's Worth the Drive from Philadelphia

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sun, 12/08/2019 - 8:06am

Are you looking for a fun day trip with your family to get in the Christmas spirit? Sometimes we need a break from all of the hustle and bustle of the month of December to just step back and enjoy the beauty of the season. Take a ride to PA Dutch Country or the Lehigh Valley to experience vintage Christmas celebrations, amazing light displays, nativity scenes, or amusement parks decked out in their holiday finest.

Here is our list of some great holiday attractions outside Philadelphia to visit with children of any age. Many are within an hour's drive from the city, so pack the kids in the car and get ready to hit the road! In case you are up for the longer drive, our nearby Mommy Poppins sites in New Jersey and New York City also have fun-filled guides to the holidays. And don't forget to check out the Philly holiday guide for more Christmas fun.

Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows in Philly and the Suburbs

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 11/22/2019 - 7:00am

Every Christmas season, the Philadelphia area comes alive with stunning holiday lights and decorative displays. Festive light shows can be found everywhere, including on the Delaware River, at parks, farms, gardens, and even theme parks. We've picked some of the best Christmas lights events in Philly and the suburbs for families, many professionally choreographed to Christmas music. While most of these events are free, others are so spectacular that they are well worth the price of admission! Looking for more ideas? Find lots of Christmas fun in our Philly holiday guide.

Outdoor Ice Skating in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Tue, 11/19/2019 - 8:29am

During the chill of the holidays in the Philadelphia area it's tough to think of a more traditional outdoor winter activity to do with the family than ice skating. Getting bundled in hats and scarves, lacing up your skates, and warming up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate after a spin on the ice is sure to please kids young and old.

There are several temporary outdoor ice rinks set up in the Philadelphia area this season, providing unique settings for this fun winter sport. We also have a list of Pennsylvania state parks that offer ice skating when the conditions are right. So whether you are a novice on the ice, or you're ready to show off your triple axel, see our list of outdoor rinks for a memorable day with the family.

25 Scary Haunted Houses, Ghost Tours & Hayrides for Philly Teens and Tweens

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Mon, 09/30/2019 - 9:00am

This Halloween season, teens and tweens in the Philadelphia area have plenty of options for a spooky adventure. We’ve compiled a list of haunted houses, hotels and hospitals, ghost tours, zombie-filled amusement parks, horrifying hayrides, and creepy corn mazes. Older kids will encounter witches, werewolves, skeletons, bloody monsters, ghosts, and ghouls around every corner at many of these terrifying entertainment attractions. Most of these events are NOT recommended for children under the age of 12. Be sure to check each location's website for more info on dates and schedules. Enter if you dare!

Maureen Rayburn

Maureen Rayburn

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