Corrie Stango

Latest posts by Corrie

Christmas Tree Farms near Philadelphia

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Sun, 11/20/2022 - 7:01am

Pick up your tree in a wagon at Linvilla Orchards.

"O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!" Find your holiday tree with the loveliest branches at one of the many Christmas tree farms that populate the areas surrounding Philadelphia. We're rich with farmlands and pick-your-own fun, so pack your bungee cords and hop in the car for this holiday day trip. It may even create a new holiday tradition for your Philly family.

Some of these local Pennsylvania farms offer additional family fun, such as crafts, cider and hot cocoa sampling, and other enjoyable (or yummy) treats. Looking for even more fun this season? Check out our Holiday Guide and our Events Calendar for the latest holiday happenings!

Haunted Houses and Hayrides near Philly for Kids: From Simply Spooky to Super Scary

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Sun, 10/09/2022 - 7:01am

Take a hayride through the woods at Shady Brook Farm's Eerie Illuminations. Photo courtesy of the farms

Easily spooked or barely fazed, we all have our own personal threshold when it comes to Halloween fright. Everything from friendly ghosts to outright gore await visitors at these local haunted house stops, from scary staples like Eastern State Penitentiary to new haunts on the block like Lincoln Mill Haunted House. Be sure to read descriptions on facility websites to see if a stop is right for your family.

Kids need more treats than super scary tricks? Visit our Guide to Halloween in Philly to find something for everyone or browse our top 50 Halloween events in Philly for more ways to get some mileage out of those costumes.

Best Water Ice Near Philly: Frozen Treats from "Wooder" to Italian Ice

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 09/02/2022 - 6:00am

Layer your water ice with some custard for Rita's famous gelati. Photo by Maggie Corrado

"Wooder ice! Get your wooder ice!" Philadelphians certainly have their fair share of lingo and accents, but whether you (youse?) pronounce it “wooder” or go with the old faithful “water,” get yourself to one of these Philly-based water ice destinations while the warm weeks are still upon us. Many locations on our list had their start in humble beginnings, only now to be recognized as some of the area’s best. With classic and unique flavors, real fruit, and to-go bins, everyone is sure to find something yummy. More of an ice cream lover? Many of the spots listed carry ice cream and soft serve as well, plus check out our list of Philly's best ice cream spots!

13 Great Fall Day Trips from Philly for Families

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 08/26/2022 - 8:00am

The "Christmas City" of Bethlehem is magical in the fall as well. Photo courtesy of the city

With the upcoming start of fall, Philly families have a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the surroundings in what is clearly the most colorful season of the year. All across the region, scarecrow competitions, autumnal exhibits, and outdoor adventures allow visitors to embrace the season. Whether by way of garden, train, river, or mountainous vista, catch that red, orange, and yellow leaf landscape, and so much more.

We've rounded up more than a dozen of our favorite fall day trips from Philly, some a few minutes and some a couple of hours from Center City. Either way, these fall getaways are sure to be great additions to our guide to fall fun in Philly. For more ideas to fill your fall days as a family, check out our 50 Fun Fall Activities in Philly.

Parenting Classes in Philly: Workshops for New and Expecting Parents and their Babies

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Sun, 08/07/2022 - 11:00am

Nest's Hatchlings class is perfect for postpartum moms and new parents to build community. Photo by Liz Baill

They don’t say “it takes a village” for nothing. Let’s face it; pregnancy, birth, and parenting are some of the most joyous and, we’ll say it, hardest times in parents’ lives. Why not lean on some great resources in our area as support? Meet other families, hear more perspectives, and learn some great guidance and tools along the way. From the prenatal period to toddlerhood, these locations offer classes and workshops to help moms and dads navigate the crazy ride of welcoming a new member to the family and everything that follows.

While these classes are exclusively for parent education, Mommy Poppins also has great interactive class ideas for parents and children as well.

Swimming Lessons for Babies and Toddlers in Philly

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 07/15/2022 - 11:30am

Take your little fishies to a class at Goldfish Swim School.

With everything from pool play to life-saving skills, these locations offer swimming classes in Philly for the tiniest swimmers and provide great options for introducing young children to the water.

Bubbles and splashing, bonding and safety: for fun, survival, or some combination of both, getting young children into a pool is at the top of many parents’ lists. Starting with caregiver−child swimming classes and progressing all the way to stroke refinement, many of these facilities take your child’s swim journey from infancy through childhood. So get those swimsuits on (you, too, grown-ups) and head to the pool any time of year to learn a lifelong skill and have fun along the way.

For more parent−child bonding, check out these mommy and me classes in Philly, or browse our Philly Classes for Kids Guide to find a class for kids of all ages.

5 Swimming Pools Near Philadelphia with Day Passes

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 06/17/2022 - 3:58pm

Marsh Creek State Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the park

No pool membership? No problem. Cool off at one of these swimming pools in the Philly region, where you can get a day pass and enjoy that family daycation. Whether you skipped this summer's pool membership or simply enjoy the flexibility of pool hopping, these top five swimming pool pass locations in and near Philadelphia will get those kids splashing while you soak up the sun.

There's also lots of options for free swimming pools in Philly, or for kids who like more of a spritz than a cannon ball, our area is home to many great splash pads and sprinkler parks. Whichever way you decide to spend these sunny summer days, Mommy Poppins has plenty of summertime activity ideas.

Father’s Day in Philly: 20 Things To Do with Dad on Father's Day 2022

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Sun, 06/05/2022 - 11:30am

Dads get a discount on their special day at Wilmington & Western Railroad. Photo courtesy of the railroad

Whether the dad or father figure in your life is a sports fan, outdoor enthusiast, or just wants to kick back, Philly has Father's Day activities that are sure to please. This year, Father's Day falls on Juneteenth, which means even more to celebrate and tons of festivities to show dad a great day. And don't forget to wake him up on Father's Day with one of these Father's Day Crafts and Gifts That Kids Can Make and keep him laughing all day with some corny dad jokes!

For more seasonal fun that dads will love, check out our Summer Activity Guide or search for events on Father's Day in your neighborhood on our events calendar.