Erin Ryan

Latest posts by Erin Ryan

24 Awesome Santa Claus Activities for Philly Kids

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Sun, 12/02/2018 - 10:18am

Scuba Santa returns to Adventure Aquarium!

With Thanksgiving behind us, it's time to start getting ready for Christmas. With so many holiday activities and events to choose from, figuring out which ones will actually let you catch a glimpse of the big man himself, and maybe even capture some one-on-one time, can be a daunting process. So we're making things easy for you with this list of Greater Philly ongoing and one-time events where you kids are guaranteed to see Santa. Take a break from your baking, shopping, and party planning duties, and spend fun quality time with your family this holiday season.

7 of the Best Campgrounds near Philly to View the Fall Colors

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Fri, 09/14/2018 - 2:10pm

French Creek State Park and its campground offers a beautiful view of the fall colors, Photo courtesy of PA DCNR-Flickr

With Labor Day behind us, it's time to welcome in fall. What better way to embrace autumn than to get the family together for a weekend camping trip? Within a few hours' drive of Philadelphia, you'll find great spots where you can pitch a tent, rent a cabin, or park an RV and enjoy the changing foliage and cooler weather. Unwind and get your kids out in nature--hiking, fishing, and bicycling. If you're able to get cell reception, try a geocaching app for a twist on the traditional scavenger hunt. And don't forget the s'mores!

14 Fall Car Shows that Will Thrill the Auto Fan in Your Family

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Fri, 09/07/2018 - 10:15am

Photo courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic Classic Car Show

Want to try a different kind of fun this weekend? Take the whole family out to get up close and personal with classic to contemporary cars. Guys and gals alike will enjoy weaving in and out of pristine hotrods, sports cars, roadsters, and luxury wheels lined up on display. Luscious leather interiors and custom paint jobs are waiting to be ooh'ed and ah'ed over. So mark your calendar now with these top Philly area auto shows running throughout early fall; then, grab a cup of coffee for you, a hot cocoa for the kids, and enjoy the perfect fall weather alongside some shiny whips.

Get the Most Out of the Delaware River Waterfront Before Summer Ends

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 9:51am

Soon enough summer will be in our rearview and fall will be upon us. So soak up all the warm weather while you can and enjoy the many family-friendly activities the Delaware Riverfront has to offer!

For Kids with Autism, Here Are 10+ Philly Places to Explore and Enjoy

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 10:15am

Finding new and unique ways to engage your autistic child can be a challenge, but several venues throughout Greater Philly promote activities specially designed for children on the spectrum. We've combed the area and found ten locations and upcoming events that offer enriching programs to support the special needs of autistic children, from toddlers to teenagers.

Avoid the Summer Slump: Spend the Night With Wild Animals and 4 Other Cool Ways to Keep Kids Learning While School's Out

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Sun, 07/08/2018 - 10:49am

Kids thrive on cool. And let's face it, "cool" and "learning" don't often go together. During the summer lull, this is even tougher to come by. And while fun on occasion, there are only so many times you can go to the library, a book store, or a museum. And if you have a tween like I do, you know that trying to pull your youngster from a favorite electronic or video game console is like trying to pull a cat off its scratching post. So, "cool" definitely has to accompany any instructional activity, particularly when school's out.

With this in mind, here are five top programs in the Greater Philly area that'll keep your youngsters entertained and intellectually stimulated.

25 Beat-the-Heat Crafts for Hot Summer Days

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Sat, 06/30/2018 - 10:15am

Try #19 on our list. For extra fun and motor skills practice, add pipe cleaners and googly eyes and let loose! Photo courtesy of C. Mooney

Summer's here, the kids are out of school, and some days are made for staying indoors to relish in the A/C instead of weathering an outdoor event in 90+ temps and 85% humidity. The same old indoor activities can get boring for you and your crew though, so we've scoured our resources to bring together creative projects your kids are bound to enjoy. Make the day even more memorable and invite some friends over to join in the fun.

Here's a list of 25 unique arts and crafts that can really help you stay cool (literally and figuratively) with your kids. Heads up, save your recyclables!

Citizens Bank Park on the Cheap: Tips for Enjoying a Phillies Game Without Going Broke

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 2:30pm

The Phanatic and the Galapagos Gang, photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies

Whether you're Philly born and bred or a transplant, you know how much our city loves its sports teams, and memories made at the ballpark are priceless...well, almost. Catching a game was easy and affordable before the kids came along. Nowadays, though, trying to fit a game or two into the budget with the entire family can be a challenge. But don't write off Citizens Bank Park just yet. Check out our tips to help you visit the ballpark this summer, make some great memories (who doesn't smile when they think of the Phanatic, the Phillies' wacky green mascot from the Galapagos Islands?), and enjoy a fun day out that won't break the bank.