Lindsay Li

Latest posts by Lindsay

24 Best Mommy & Me Classes in Philly

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 9:32am

Baby Wordplay classes introduce little ones to literacy.

Mommy and me classes in Philly provide an opportunity to learn new skills alongside your little one. Whether you are just starting out in parenting or looking to introduce your child to your love of books, dance or music, or even want to learn a new language together, we're sure you'll find a fun baby or toddler class in Philadelphia.

Our list of great mommy and me classes in Philly features spots that let you experience great moments with your little one. Is your kiddo a little older? Check out our list of great Toddler and Preschool Classes. For additional information for kids of all ages, browse our Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia.

Best Playgrounds in Philadelphia for All Day Play

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 05/07/2023 - 10:00am

Go beyond the standard playground fun at Franklin Square. Photo by J. Fusco

When it comes to playgrounds and play spaces, Philadelphia families are pretty lucky— with more than 10,000 acres of park and playground space in the city, getting to a playground from most urban locations isn't too much of a challenge. From carousels to playhouses and mini golf to fantasy castles, these playgrounds in the Philadelphia area are so spectacular, you can easily play at any one of them for the whole day.

Looking for more playground fun? Check out our guide to Philly Playgrounds and Parks, where we've got everything from the Top Philly Area Playgrounds for Toddlers to the Best Splash Pads in Philadelphia where kids can keep cool.

Free & Affordable Summer Camps in Philly 2023

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 02/19/2023 - 10:07am

Kids get to explore nature at Morris Arboretum Camp. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

We've found lots of summer camps near Philly that are free or budget-friendly. Summer here we come!

Looking for a stellar summer camp experience without breaking the bank? Look no further! There are plenty of options this year, from STEM camps and nature programs to art classes, with half-day and full-day options available. There's a camp out there that fits your schedule—and price range! Check out our list of free and affordable kid camps near Philly as you plan a memorable summer for your little ones.

For more summer camps in Philly, including Preschool Summer Camps Around Philadelphia and Sports Summer Camps near Philly, be sure to bookmark our Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Best Snow Tubing near Philly for Families

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 12/16/2022 - 7:07am

Try Galactic tubing at Camelback Mountain for nighttime family adventures. Photo courtesy of Camelback

We've rounded up the best places for snow tubing near Philly for the ultimate winter fun.

Winter fun hardly gets more exciting than this, and we've rounded up our favorite places to go snow tubing near Philadelphia. As a kid, my snow tubing experiences consisted of my dad pulling snow tubes behind his 4-wheeler near our house. Safety standards have changed in the Philly area since the 1980s, and now we don’t have to resort to such creative measures. So get ready to ride the slopes down carefully crafted lanes from the Lehigh Valley to the Poconos at these snowy spots packed with cold-weather family fun.

For more winter excursions, check out our favorite sledding spots near Philly and our list of family-friendly skiing and snow boarding destinations. All of our favorite wintertime highlights can be found in our Winter Activities Guide for Philly Families.

Philadelphia Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 12/11/2022 - 7:37am

Tis the season to enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner at Bank and Bourbon.

If whipping up a festive spread for the holidays isn't really your thing, a number of Philly restaurants open on Christmas Day can fill in the gap. Some eateries are serving customers on December 25th, while other restaurants open on Christmas Eve are planning special feasts that night, or offering takeout options. To make convenience a priority and spend more quality time with the fam this year, pick from our list of restaurants open on Christmas below, and let the professionals do the heavy lifting in the kitchen.

For all the ways to make holiday memories before and after the meal, don't miss the 30 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events for Kids. Get more stories like this sent straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters.

Holiday Volunteering Opportunities for Kids and Families in Philly

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 7:44am

Toys for Tots Foundation brings holiday joy to children around the country. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Give back this holiday season with these volunteering opportunities near Philadelphia.

Between the hustle and bustle of decorating and shopping, it's nice to make time to give back during the holiday season. The Philly area has some wonderful volunteering opportunities to help folks in need in our local communities. Families can build strong memories and teach kids the joy of generosity by choosing one of these ways to give back.

For additional ideas to enjoy this time of year, browse our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly.

15 Philadelphia Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 7:21am

Treat the family to Thanksgiving the French way with a distinctively American twist at Sofitel Philadelphia.

The meal takes center stage on Thanksgiving Day, but if you'd rather forget the dirty dishes, grocery shopping, and hours of cooking, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Philly for a hassle-free holiday. Catch the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning, then relax the rest of the day knowing that the family meal is being handled by the professionals. If you want to enjoy fine dining but don't want to change out of sweatpants, plenty of establishments also offer convenient pickup options.

From family-friendly hotels to family-style eateries, the city and surrounding suburbs are full of great restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day that are perfect for a holiday feast. Reservations are required or strongly encouraged for all of the following restaurants as many fill up in advance. Pre-orders for pickup are also required. Read on for our list of the best turkey day restaurants, and subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

20 Great Kid-Friendly Outdoor Restaurants in Philly

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 07/17/2022 - 7:00am

Grab a bite at SquareBurger between rounds of mini golf or spins on the carousel in Franklin Square.

One of the best indulgences as a parent is finding a spot to enjoy a night out that pleases the whole family—and as a bonus, no one has to cook or clean! When the weather is nice, Philly's outdoor restaurants are an ideal way to go. The kids can be as loud as they want (or nearly so), and parents are more likely to enjoy the entire meal without having to explain about inside voices and not running around the table.

If you're in the mood for a beer garden dining experience, we've got a roundup for that, or check out our list of restaurants where kids can play while you dine. Meanwhile, see our Philly Guide to Family Restaurants for a host of other dining options in the city and beyond.