Nicole O'Donnell

Latest posts by Nicole O'Donnell

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Philly Top Things To Do: Jolly Trolley, Selfies with Santa, Menorah Parade, and more.

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Wed, 12/18/2024 - 7:31am

Bring the family to Main Street all season long for Holiday Light Nights. Photo courtesy of Manayunk

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing! Snap a Selfie with Santa for a good cause before the big night. Don't miss the Jolly Trolley in Manayunk for your last chance to shop on Main Street before the holiday. Drive on over to Cherry Hill for the annual Car Menorah Parade. If you love history, We love to take is slow at the Fairmount Park House Holiday Tour and take in the beauty and history of the houses. For more history during the holidays, Washington Crossing the Delaware is the place to be on Christmas day.

Best Pixar Movies in Order, As Ranked By Kids & Parents!

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Tue, 12/17/2024 - 9:43am

Finding Dory is a classic Pixar film! Image courtesy of Pixar/Walt Disney Pictures

The beauty of Pixar movies is that kids love them and parents love them! But do parents and kids love the same movies? Disney Pixar’s films are known for making kids giggle and parents cry. Is there a perfect Pixar movie to watch that everyone will love?

Spoiler alert: Yes! We asked parents and kids to rank their favorite movies, and then had our Philadelphia social media manager compile the results and ask her Pixar-loving daughter for her take on why kids loved the ones they picked. Read on to discover the one Pixar movie everyone can agree on...

Whether it's a holiday gathering, a sick day at home, or family movie night, it's great to have more movies the whole family will love ready to watch. We compiled the 75 Top Family Movie Night Ideas, 100 Best Kids' TV Shows of All Time, and more in our Guide To the Best Movies and TV Shows for Kids and the Whole Family.

JingleBell Run, Fishtown Freeze, The Nutcracker, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 5:16am

Presented by Pages to Pirouettes, The Nutcracker returns to the Free Library stage! Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your must-do list.

The holidays are magical in Philly. Don’t miss these great events like Breakfast with Santa at the Radisson Philadelphia Northeast featuring a delicious breakfast buffet the whole family will enjoy. Winter erfest at King of Prussia Town Center is in its 7th year and has all the holiday magic you could dream of from a Gingerbread Village to a Candy Cane Lane. Don’t miss a chance to see the Nutcracker at Parkway Central Library, a free event that tells the story of the Nutcracker. The Fishtown Freeze is back again with unbelievable Ice Sculptures and more. You definitely want to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

21 Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Philly Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 12/01/2024 - 7:52am

Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park

The list of kid-friendly Christmas events is endless! There's no better way to spend time with family and friends than at an attraction that doesn't cost anything. All around the Philadelphia area, there are tons of places for families who want some holiday cheer without breaking their wallets. So we've put together this helpful list that will help you create memories this season.

For more ways to keep the season merry and bright, check out our Holiday Bucket List which can all be found in our Guide to Holiday Events and Christmas Activities.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar daily, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

24 Best Things to Do in Philly December 2024 with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 11/29/2024 - 7:46am

The amazing Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular.display is back! Photo courtesy of the venue

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of things to do in Philadelphia as the holiday season kicks into high gear. Don't miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Philly this month.

Philadelphia is not just a city of delicious cuisine and crushing culture; it's also home to some truly spectacular holiday light displays! Take your family out for an evening stroll through the neighborhoods this month, from the The Miracle on South 13th Street to the Smedley Street Christmas Lights Spectacular, to the delightfully over-the-top West Chester Griswolds in the 'burbs. Glide on over to Flight on Ice, Delco's pop-up ice rink, or stop by for a skate at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Don't miss the epic Disney on Ice when it comes to Philly at the end of the month, and before we say goodbye to 2024 forever, grab the kids and enjoy fireworks at Sesame Place to send the year off with a bang.

For more ways to keep the season merry and bright, check out our Holiday Bucket List which can be found in our Guide to Holiday Events and Christmas Activities.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar daily, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Philly: Parade, Scuba Santa, and Christmas Village

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 11/29/2024 - 7:00am

Stroll the winding brick pathways of Peddler's Village illuminated by more than a million glowing, twinkling holiday lights. Photo by Tohickon Media

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this Thanksgiving weekend? We're grateful for these family-friendly activities and events to add to your holiday plans.

The annual 6 ABC 'Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade is a huge Philly tradition that viewers can enjoy from the warmth of their living rooms or bundled on the Parkway, this year includes appearances from Wé Ani finalist of the Voice and American Idol, Queen of Christmas Darlene Love, plus performances from the cast of "Elf: The Broadway Musical" from Walnut Street Theatre, the Philadelphia Ballet, and so much more. After your turkey day feast, enjoy ice skating with the family at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.

This weekend is full of holiday cheer to kick off the season, including a A Very Furry Christmas, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season and hugs from Sesame friends and Santa. Get a start on your holiday shopping at the Christmas Village in Dilworth Park. Other events not to be missed that return this weekend are Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo and Holidays in the Wildwoods featuring bonfires, parades, light shows, tree lightings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Find all the must-do activities of the season in our G uide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly, where you can browse our lists of top holiday activities and more. However you spend your holiday weekend, the team at Mommy Poppins Philadelphia wishes you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Veterans Day Weekend in Philly: 11 Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 11/08/2024 - 8:00am

Visitors to the Museum of the American Revolution can enjoy walking tours, first-person theatrical performances and more. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

There's so many family-friendly things to do in the Philadelphia area this Veterans Day Weekend. History buffs can visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum, offering free admission on Veterans Day, or explore a National Park for free. Remember to pause for those who have served to keep our country safe by attending a Veterans Day parade, ceremony, or museum like the Museum of the American Revolution where you'll find tons of patriotic programs.

Don't forget to check out our Fall Activities Guide before those last leaves hit the ground, and browse our top picks for the month in our Best of November post.

Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend Best Things to Do in Philly with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 10/11/2024 - 7:46am

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty Park). Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia during this holiday weekend? Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up all the can't-miss fun in the Delaware Valley.

Philadelphia is once again observing Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus Day. City public schools are off, and kids can join the IPD Philly celebration at Penn Treaty Park to honor Native American cultures. Stay in the spirit of autumnal fun at Elmwood Park Boo at the Zoo or Daytime Hayrides at Colonial Gardens. Spookier events are creeping onto the calendar, and if your older kids like a good fright, take them to Pennhurst Asylum or Lincoln Mill Haunted House.

Check out our top Free Halloween Events for Philly Kids and the Best Things to Do in Philadelphia in October with Kids.

Latest posts by Nicole O'Donnell

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