Jennifer Colletta

Latest posts by Jennifer Colletta

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Fri, 01/13/2023 - 7:14am

In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

Free museums and free museum days abound at Philly's finest institutions. Browse our list of all the times museums in Philadelphia are free.

Making a museum visit a part of your family's routine is easier than you think! Philadelphia and its suburbs are chock-full of amazing institutions with lots of opportunities for free admission. Whether your little ones are interested in art, science, or history, there's something here sure to ignite young imaginations without stretching the wallet too thin. Get ready for some incredible fun at no cost.

Take note that this list features museums that are always free, or offer regularly-scheduled free or what-what-you-wish days. Other museums in the area often offer free entry on national holidays or as part of special events like Wawa Free Museum Days each summer. Keep an eye on our events calendar to see when museums are offering free admission throughout the year.

For more free fun, browse our Free Things To Do with Philly Kids Guide, featuring our favorite free indoor playspaces and more. Don't miss our Guide to Philly Museums for Kids, filled with reviews and roundups of the city's amazing museum scene.

Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Philly

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Fri, 12/09/2022 - 7:18am

Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

Philly zoos, farms, and public spaces all boast dazzling Christmas lights. But in many neighborhoods, families will find Christmas lights on houses that rival the best professional displays. Entire city blocks, suburban streets, and private homes throughout the region give commercial holiday lights a run for their money, and we've found the best houses to stop by for a fun family outing.

So for a quick post-dinner trip or an extended local tour, read on to find the brightest Christmas lights on houses near you. We've got loads more holiday cheer in our Guide to the Best Christmas Events in Philly, and if you're interested in spreading holiday cheer to others, we've rounded up lots of kid-friendly opportunities to volunteer this holiday season.

10 Free Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in the Philly Area

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Sat, 08/03/2019 - 10:00am

One of the most picturesque times of the year is finally upon us! Fall in Philly brings with it lots of awesome outdoor activities for kids, from apple-picking to Halloween haunts, and more, but if you’re looking for an afternoon of free family fun, why not simplify and take a drive, walk, or bike ride to glimpse the fall foliage? Even though Philly is known for its skyscrapers, the city is also home to ample green spaces, which provide a beautiful backdrop this time of year. Here are a few of our favorite spots:

5 Ways to Mark Women's History Month with Philly Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Mon, 03/05/2018 - 4:24pm

As the birthplace of American freedom, Philadelphia is known for its historic sites, most of which offer family-friendly programming and hands-on learning for little ones. It’s fitting then that the City of Brotherly Love provides ample opportunities for engaging education when Women’s History Month rolls around.

Here are a few of the best ways to help your kids observe Women's History Month in Philadelphia.

Finding Pho in Philly: 10 Kid-Friendly Pho Finds

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Mon, 02/26/2018 - 10:00am

Whether you spend your time searching for ways to feed your picky little eater, or struggle to catch up with your kids' more-adventurous appetites, Philadelphia offers plenty of family-friendly dining options. If you're looking for a meal to satisfy your family's varied taste buds, pho may be the way to go!

The Vietnamese soup is simple enough—noodles, broth, meat and spices—for kids who don't like to veer too far down the creative culinary path, but flavorful enough for those who do. You can find pho in Philly (say that a few times fast!) pretty easily, but, in a city known for its restaurant reputation, you don't want to settle for anything less than the best, so we've rounded up a few standouts.

10 Winter Staycation Ideas for Philadelphia Families

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Fri, 02/16/2018 - 7:02am

The winter weather may have you counting down the days until you and your family can hit the road for a fun-filled adventure. While you’re waiting for the temps to rise, cabin fever may also be increasing.

Thankfully, the Philadelphia area is home to countless kid-friendly activities to stimulate little minds and make the countdown to summer fly by. Stay home this winter and take advantage of all that Philly has to offer with these great staycation ideas.

10 Things to do in Chinatown with Philly Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Sun, 02/11/2018 - 12:03pm

Chinatown's Friendship Gate. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation

One of the most bustling neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Chinatown, with so many shops, restaurants, and sightseeing spots. Chinatown is an historic area of Philadelphia filled with culture, fun, and good food. With the Chinese New Year upon us, now is also a great opportunity to educate little ones about the diverse melting pot of cultures in Philly. It's a great place to spend a day walking around and having a great time with the kids. We've rounded up some really fun things to do with kids in Chinatown.

10 Must-See Shows Coming to Philly this Winter

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Mon, 01/15/2018 - 10:00am

With winter weather upon us, parents may be scrambling to find some fun indoor activities to keep littles ones entertained and engaged. From museums to trampoline parks, Philly offers lots of fun ways to spend a chilly day! The city’s arts scene also heats up as the temps cool down, with family-friendly musicals, sing-a-longs, and plays taking over local stages.