Alyce Wilson

Alyce Wilson is a write-at-home mom who somehow also finds time to write poetry, edit an online literary magazine, do genealogical research, and teach aqua fitness classes. She lives in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Latest posts by Alyce

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 9:40am

Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air.. Photo courtesy of Urban Air

Extreme sports are a perfect way to keep up with extremely energetic kids. Wear them out by trying some high-octane fun and giving them a completely new experience! As an added bonus, extreme sports like go karts, archery, and even axe-throwing can be fun for the entire family!

Looking for more extreme fun? Check out our list of Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Philly for Kids. For additional high-energy fun, visit our Play Gyms and Sports Centers Guide.

Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 2:46pm

The Pocono Mountains are a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of the Lehigh River by Mommy Poppins

These budget weekend getaways are cheaper than your average getaway, while still delivering all the vacation fun. Because sometimes you really need to get out of town, pack in some family-only time, and explore something new—while leaving that vacation budget intact. You know, for that all-inclusive resort or Walt Disney World extravaganza!

With free and cheap activities, inexpensive places to stay, and gorgeous locations, these getaways are all big on family fun but come with small price tags.

For more family weekend fun, you can stay in town at our favorite Kid-Friendly Philadelphia Hotels for a Family Staycation or pack the car for a fantastic Family Road Trip from Philly. For these suggestions and more, check out our Guide to Philadelphia Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Summer Camps in Philadelphia

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Sun, 03/05/2023 - 7:32am

Spend your summer with Sesame Rockwood Camps & Rockwood Adventures Teen Travel. Photo courtesy of the camp

We've found the best summer day camps for kids in the Philadelphia area.

With the warmer weather comes dreams of summer. Get ready by enrolling your kids in one of Philly's many day camps. We've rounded up some of the area's best traditional summer day camps, from the city, to the burbs, to South Jersey, where your kids can get fresh air, stay active, enjoy nature, and keep busy while school's out.

For more summer camps in Philly, including s ports camps and f ree and affordable summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Philly for Kids

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 02/10/2023 - 7:06am

Try your hand at being a ninja warrior at Reach Indoor Climbing and Fitness.

We've found the best Indoor gyms and parkour places in Philly where your kids can channel their inner ninjas.

High-energy teens and tweens often seem to be running obstacle courses as they bounce, bop, and weave through the day. Channel that energy, and build valuable physical fitness skills at these ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour facilities in the Philadelphia area.

Lots of these spots are great for for birthday parties too--visit our Birthday Party Guide for Philly Kids for more ideas. For more ways to get those kids off the couch to let off some steam, check out our list of trampoline parks and bounce house play zones, which can be found in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

Best Sports Classes for Kids in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Mon, 09/19/2022 - 9:00am

Practice your serve at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education. Photo courtesy of the center

Keeping your kids active once the school year kicks into gear is easier than you might think. Enroll your school-age child in a Philly sports class and help them to build physical skills, plus learn team building and increase confidence. We've rounded up some of the best sports classes, including gymnastics, soccer, baseball, and tennis, in the area and are adding more to our list all the time.

For more of our favorite classes, from dance to swim, visit our Guide to Classes for Philly Kids.

Swimming Lessons for Kids in Philly: The Best Swimming Classes in Town

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 12:32pm

Goldfish Swim School has swim classes for kids up to age 12. Photo courtesy of the school

Swimming classes can be a great way to keep kids active, as well as teach them important skills. Of course, in warmer weather, swimming lessons also provide a much-needed opportunity to cool down! If you're looking to enroll your child in swimming classes to get them water safe as soon as possible, check out this list of the very best swimming lessons in the Philadelphia area.

If you're looking specifically for baby and toddler swimming lessons, we rounded up the best places that teach babies as young as a few weeks old! And you can find more great classes for kids, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our Philadelphia Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

16 Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Philly: Cool Party Places for Teens

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Sun, 07/24/2022 - 8:45am

Celebrate your teen with an action-packed birthday party at Sky Zone. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone

Kids' parties evoke images of indoor gyms, party games, and cake. But what to do when your kid is no longer little? Teens want to have fun, too, and these birthday party places near Philadelphia will help you celebrate in an age-appropriate way. For more birthday party ideas for teens, tweens, or the tiniest party-goers, check out our guide to 30+ Indoor Kids' Birthday Party Places Near Philly.

9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Sun, 05/22/2022 - 1:53pm

Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Not all family activities need to lean into the "active" part. Sometimes, just taking the squad for a leisurely stroll to get some fresh air, browse a few shops, and grab a bite to eat can make the perfect weekend outing. One great way to enjoy the warmer temperatures outdoors is to find a walkable neighborhood with a cute downtown district or Main Street lined with family-friendly stores and restaurants to pass the time. We found 9 great walkable Philly neighborhoods to do just that on lazy Sundays, Saturdays, or any day.

For more kid-friendly places to take the crew a little farther out, browse our Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide. For more family activity inspiration, sign up for our newsletters.