Maureen Rayburn

Latest posts by Maureen

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

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sun, 05/12/2019 - 7:37am

“If they’re crabby, put them in water.” The poem, How to Really Love a Child, offers these words of wisdom to parents of small children, and in the summer heat this couldn't be more true! But thankfully in Philadelphia, kids don’t have to be cranky to love a good splash in the summertime. In addition to being home to more public pools than any other city in the country, new spraygrounds and splash pads seem to pop up every year. These city spaces are a great way to cool off the little ones, get some exercise, and make the most of the hot weather without committing to a pool membership or water park passes.

For those splash pads and spraygrounds in Philadelphia, the official open times are 11 AM - 7 PM on weekdays and 12 Noon - 5 PM on weekends. However, these times generally vary by location and operator. Also, some of these parks made it onto our top Where Philly Families Can Play All Day list so be sure to check them out. For now, here are a few of our favorite spots (new and old) in the Philadelphia area. Go ahead, jump in, and prevent those crabby moments from creeping in!

Kids Eat Free Restaurants in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 01/18/2019 - 9:00am

Not only does the Philly area have a plethora of fun adventures for families, 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, 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.

Outdoor Ice Skating in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 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.

What's Open on Christmas Day in Philly: 15 Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sun, 12/16/2018 - 10:00am

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.

Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows in Philly and the Suburbs

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 11/23/2018 - 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!

Polar Express: Christmas Train Rides for Kids Near Philly

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 11/02/2018 - 1:59pm

There is something about trains that evokes nostalgia at Christmastime. For some, it stirs up childhood memories of building a model train set under the twinkling tree lights. For others it may be a simple reminder of that "coming home for the holidays" feel, where folks would arrive at the train station, arms filled with Christmas packages for family at home. Whatever the reason might be, many railroads in the tri-state area hold events to bring back that old-fashioned holiday tradition. At many of these special outings, families can ride a real locomotive with Santa Claus, hear Christmas stories, sing carols, sip hot chocolate and admire the views of the passing countryside. Children are even invited to wear their pajamas at some of these events!

We have rounded up a list of railroads hosting holiday-themed trains of all kinds. Some of these are located more than an hour's drive from Philadelphia but can make for a fantastic holiday outing.

All aboard for some Christmas fun!

7 Reasons Kids Love Longwood Gardens in Chester County

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Sun, 10/21/2018 - 9:40am

Longwood Gardens is a special Chester County destination for children and grown-ups alike. Every season it has something exciting to offer. In the fall, it’s tough to beat its array of colorful foliage, and kids enjoy the pumpkins and harvest activities. Winter brings a wonderland of festive lights and holiday displays.

Once spring and summer roll around, Longwood Gardens transforms into an oasis filled with incredible blooms, shady pathways, and outdoor events and musical performances in the Open Air Theatre. Visitors don’t have to be horticultural experts to appreciate everything Longwood has to offer. Here are seven reasons why kids (and adults!) can’t get enough of Longwood, no matter the weather.

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

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Mon, 10/08/2018 - 12:00am

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

Latest posts by Maureen

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