Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

40 Ways to Beat the Heat in Philly: Heat Wave Indoor Activities and Outdoor Cool Fun

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 8:08am

Don't sweat the heat! Visit one of the city’s sprinkler parks or spraygrounds. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

It's. Hot. As Philly gets clobbered with a heat wave, this weather is enough to turn even the sweetest kids into total grumps. And while staying in and enjoying your A/C has its perks, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Fortunately, no matter the weather, there are amazing places to romp and play in the city and the suburbs that can help you keep cool and beat the heat.

Check out our events calendar, and our list of family-friendly museums and indoor play spaces in the Philadelphia area for even more fun, inside and out!

Philadelphia's Best Summer Camps for Preschoolers

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 04/09/2023 - 8:00am

Celebrate at Burn Brae Day Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Selecting the perfect summer camp for Philly children can be challenging under normal circumstances. But when looking for a location that offers options for especially young tots, it can be particularly difficult.

Thankfully, Philly parents can turn to Mommy Poppins Philadelphia to round up destinations for the littlest among us. Whether your family needs care all summer long or you just want to provide a change of scenery and stimulation for your toddler or preschooler, we've found lots of fantastic summer camps in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley. While many camps start accepting campers at age 4, some even accommodate kiddos 3 and younger.

Need a camp for older kids? Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide and our posts about t raditional day camps, STEM camps, free and affordable camps, and more.

Best STEM Summer Camps for Philadelphia Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 03/13/2023 - 7:04am

GSK Science in the Summer offers various locations around Philly. Photo courtesy of GSK Science in the Summer

Camps that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEAM (including Art) give kids the best of both worlds: a great learning experience and summertime fun. STEM activities boost brain power, creative thinking, and problem-solving while kids have fun designing video games and building Lego robots.

There are many STEM-themed summer camps to keep children engaged, entertained, and educated throughout Philadelphia. If you have a kid interested in science, you are in luck. We have rounded up some options sure to excite the minds of the future.

Looking for more summer camp options? Browse our Summer Camp Guide and learn about camps from traditional day camps to our list of free and affordable summer camps.

Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 8:30am

Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.

There are so many things to do with kids in Old City Philadelphia's historic district. Get ready to time travel back to the earliest years in US history.

Alongside our love of cheesesteaks, hoagies, and sports is a deep sense of civic pride that comes along with being the birthplace of the entire nation. The streets of Philly are steeped in history, with Old City Philadelphia at the heart of it all. Whether you're a visitor or a local, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, so we've got a list of the best spots to visit in Old City and historic Philadelphia with kids. From famous attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to museums dedicated to telling the stories of our past, Philly's historic district has so much to offer families.

Historic Philly is the first stop on our 3 day itinerary for visiting Phil adelphia, where you can find more of the city's highlights. Check out our Guide to Philly Museums for Kids for more top attractions, like the Philadelphia Zoo (the very first zoo in the nation!) and other landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art (hello Rocky run!).

10 Winter Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Philly: Igloos, Heated Patios, and More

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 01/20/2023 - 7:40am

Harper's Garden in Center City offers "greenhouse" dining. Photo courtesy of Harpers Garden

Outdoor dining in Philly continues in the winter, with lots of unique options for families looking to dine al fresco.

For a couple years now, restaurants in Philadelphia have provided new dining options due to changing habits, with many eateries adapting to make dining outdoors a possibility during even cold winter months. Igloos and greenhouses offer private little forts for just for your party, while heated patios provide fresh air and often allow more space for kids who like to spread out when dining out.

Read on for some of Philly's best outdoor dining experiences for colder months. For more dining destinations that welcome the kiddos, visit our Philadelphia Restaurant Guide for Families, including our favorite warm-weather outdoor restaurants for that other time of year. Bon appétit!

Breakfast with Santa in Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 11/13/2022 - 7:51am

Santa visits KOP for breakfast. Enjoy story time with Santa, face painting, a balloon artist, and delicious food. Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

It's that magical time of year again. Philly tots, tweens, and teens have been on their best behavior as they anticipate the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole's visit to the Delaware Valley. Of course, many Philly parents head to the mall so their children can share their wishlists with St. Nick. However, if you are looking for something special, consider taking the family to see Santa at a breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Many venues from zoos to museums welcome Mr. Kringle. Some provide games, crafts, and stories, but you can be sure all events include photo ops so bring your phone or camera. Read through our list of upcoming events and schedule your breakfast with Santa today! Many of these are quite popular and often space is limited.

We're always updating our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly, so be sure to check it twice for posts like the best holiday activities for Philly kids, our favorite outdoor skating rinks, and more.

30 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Philadelphia for Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 11/11/2022 - 6:42am

The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

Check this list twice for all the best holiday activities and Christmas events near Philly.

When the most wonderful time of the year arrives, in-the-know Philly parents appreciate a long list of ideas to celebrate with kids. November marks the arrival of twinkling lights, mesmerizing train gardens, and a jolly old elf from the North Pole. With that in mind, we've rounded up our favorite must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in Philly, including some new additions to the calendar, that are sure to make the season memorable.

For additional seasonal fun, review our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, which includes the best Polar Express winter train rides in the area and our favorite outdoor skating rinks.

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022: Start Time, Parade Route, and Info

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 11/04/2022 - 7:37am

The balloon brigade will be out at this year's 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Revelers can once again line the city's streets for this year's Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Celebrating more than 100 years, the Philly parade is one of the oldest local holiday traditions. Giant floats of every variety, bands, dancers, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, will join the route to help the City of Brotherly Love kick off the holiday season. Venturing out on turkey day morning to watch the show march through the city is a family bucket list experience––but it definitely requires some planning and preparation.