Nicole O'Donnell

Latest posts by Nicole O'Donnell

Coolest Halloween Inflatables and Inflatable Costumes for Kids: Bluey, Hello Kitty, and More

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 7:13am

The Bluey can really vamp it up! Photo courtesy of the Gemmy store on Amazon

Halloween inflatables are an awesome invention, whether you're on the lookout for inflatable Halloween costumes for your kids (or yourself!) or inflatable Halloween decorations for the yard. They're huge and eye-catching, but they also fold down to almost nothing, for storage in the non-spooky seasons!

We've gathered the coolest options available to purchase online and have shipped directly to you! Here are our favorite Halloween inflatables, at a variety of price points, that will make trick-or-treaters' eyes pop out of their heads!

For more at-home Halloween fun—from the best kids' Halloween movies to easy pumpkin carving ideas and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

My Unpopular Opinion: Kids Shouldn’t Have Cell Phones

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Tue, 09/24/2024 - 12:00pm

How should parents navigate children’s exposure to technology?

Here is my unpopular opinion: kids shouldn’t have cell phones.

As much as a kids' cell phone might seem like the ultimate tool for staying connected, a growing body of research shows that a cell phone for kids—especially a smartphone—can have negative effects on brain development, mental health, academic performance, and more.

"But my kid NEEDS a cell phone to keep them safe." I strongly disagree! Read on to see why I think that...and how to solve these problems without a cell phone.

38 Top Halloween Events in Philly: From Not-So-Spooky to Haunted Happenings

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 09/22/2024 - 9:08am

Treat your family to Halloween festivities at Hersheypark. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark

We all know that Halloween can be a little spooky and scary, but the task of finding fun things to do for the holiday can also give parents quite a fright! Thankfully, this time of year is chock-full of fun Halloween events for kids in Philadelphia, and we know all the top spots for ghouls, goblins, and witches of every age.

From pumpkin decorating and candy collecting for young ones to super scary experiences that chill tweens and teens to the bone, our Halloween Guide for Philly Kids is constantly being updated with new ways to spend the spookiest season.

Best Halloween Weekend Trips: Hershey, Cape May, and More

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 09/08/2024 - 8:00am

Looking for a Halloween weekend getaway that’s fun for the whole family? Philadelphia parents can explore a range of thrilling destinations just a short drive away. Enjoy spooky hayrides, haunted attractions, and eerie tours that offer both chills and family-friendly activities. From festive parades to charming coastal towns with ghostly tales, there’s something to delight every age group. These exciting trips provide a mix of thrills, scares, and fun that will create lasting Halloween memories for you and your kids.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our Halloween Activities Guide for more spooky things to do!

Best Fall Festivals Near Philly: Harvest Fests and Fall Family Festivities around Philly

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 09/01/2024 - 7:44am

Frolic through Pumpkin Playground at Longwood Gardens. Photo courtesy of the Gardens

Anyone else turn into a pumpkin-hoarding, scarf-wearing, harvest-festival-seeking maniac the moment the calendar strikes September? We've rounded up Philly's top fall festivals where you can live out your best pumpkin spice life. Most are free with pay-as-you-go activities, and all will have you posing your kids on bales of hay whether they like it or not. So dig out that plaid and head to the farm or wherever you get your fall fill, because autumn has (almost) arrived.

Take note: this list is reserved for harvest happenings, but there are even more street fairs and neighborhood festivals to peruse on our event calendar. Our fall activity guide is full of more ideas to make the most of the upcoming season, and stay tuned for updates to our favorite Halloween haunts as those spooky events rolls in.

Best of September: 25 Top Things To Do in Philly

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 9:30am

There be dragons, big ones and baby ones, at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Photo courtesy of the faire via Facebook

The start of September means last call for so many of our summertime favorites (bye-bye Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest!). But have no fear--harvest happenings and fall festivities are rolling in as fast as those back-to-school buses. FallFest at Shady Brook, Pumpkinland at Linvilla, and apple picking galore are some of this month's highlights. Plus, don't miss the huge hay maze in Dilworth Park at the tail end of the month. Free programs like Parkway Pals Storytimes are also back this September, so make time for some family fun amidst the return-to-school chaos.

Still clinging to summer? Our fall activity guide for Philadelphia kids will have you craving a pumpkin spiced something-or-other in no time, or browse our favorite fall getaways for Philly families, guaranteed to get you excited for sweater weather.

Labor Day Weekend 2024 in Philly: Petapalooza, Fireworks, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Wed, 08/28/2024 - 8:30am

“C is for Celebrate” with fireworks at Sesame Place. Check out Elmo's new holiday outfit! Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia this Labor Day weekend? Here are some great family-friendly events and activities for the holiday weekend.

Labor Day Weekend in Philadelphia offers a fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities to cap off the summer. From immersive historical experiences to vibrant outdoor festivities, there's something for everyone. Head to the Museum of the American Revolution for hands-on crafts and live performances or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show with games, pony rides, and a costumed pet parade. Sesame Place dazzles with its "C is for Celebrate" fireworks, while Peddler's Village wraps up its impressive sand sculptures display. Don’t miss out on Independence Blue Cross Riverrink Summerfest’s boardwalk fun or the LEGO DREAMZzz adventure in Plymouth Meeting.

With so many exciting options, it’s the perfect weekend to create lasting family memories in Philly!

Why the All-Inclusive Barcelo Maya Grand Resort is Awesome for Families

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sat, 08/24/2024 - 12:00pm

From pools and water sports to a fantastic kids club, Barcelo Maya Grand Resort has tons of family-friendly activities.

If you're on the hunt for an unforgettable family vacation, look no further than the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Grand Resort. Located along the stunning Riviera Maya coastline in Mexico, this all-inclusive resort is packed with fun and relaxation for everyone. My family recently stayed there, and we can’t stop talking about how amazing it was.

The Barcelo Maya Grand Resort has fantastic family-friendly accommodations. The rooms and suites are spacious, often with separate areas for kids and adults, so everyone can spread out. Plus, with the all-inclusive package, you get unlimited access to dining, refreshing drinks, and tons of activities without worrying about extra costs.

Read on for all the details about the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort and why it's the perfect all-inclusive resort for families. Then use our Mexico Family Travel Guide, including our list of things to do in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya with kids, to plan the perfect family vacation in Mexico.

Latest posts by Nicole O'Donnell

Pages