Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Fall Consignment Sales for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 08/02/2019 - 10:00am

Preparing a kid's closet for the cool breezes of autumn can hit a Philly family right in the wallet. But, it doesn't have to. Purchasing children's clothes by shopping local consignment sales is one way to save some cash. Throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, consignment sales offer families a place to buy gently used clothing, toys, baby items, and other childhood staples for a fraction of the retail price. Additionally, when your kids grow out of their clothes or toys, consignment sales provide an opportunity to sell these items for extra money.

Consignment sale organizers can submit their events to our calendar by clicking here. For a list of spring consignment sales, check here.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Festivals, Trains, Museums August 3-4

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Thu, 08/01/2019 - 9:26am

Play Without Boundaries at the Please Touch Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Approximately six weeks of official summer has passed already and Philly parents may have heard the dreaded phrase, "I'm bored" a time or two. No one is going to be bored this weekend! Not if Mommy Poppins Philadelphia can help it. From toddlers to teen, this August weekend is sizzling with fun for everyone. There are variety of festivals featuring summertime fruit, butterflies, libations and crustaceans, culture, animals, and music happening throughout Philadelphia and the entire Delaware Valley.

After attending a festival or two, young ones can enjoy the performance by Two of a Kind at Parkway Central Library's Sundays on Stage. Children who are interested in things that go can take a picnic train ride at West Chester Railroad or explore the antique automobiles at Marshall Steam Museum. Older kids can learn a bit of history at Valley Forge or discover more about Alexander Hamilton at the National Constitution Center. Everyone in the family can be inspired by the creativity found at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Art Splash exhibit, with hands-on activities at the Barnes, and through stories at the Brandywine River Museum.

Can't decided what to do first? Read about the details of some of our top picks. Don't forget to browse our event calendar for additional ideas.

Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in August

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 07/28/2019 - 10:16am

Challenge yourself against a virtual opponent in Franklin Institute's Sports Zone. Photo courtesy of Franklin Institute

It’s hard to believe that the last month of summer has arrived in the Delaware Valley. Now more than ever, Philly families must savor August because school will be back in session before you know it. For Pete's sake, Halloween candy is already stocked on grocery store shelves! Thankfully, our events calendar is overflowing with activities that will help you savor summer and keep the kiddos entertained without breaking the bank.

Movie lovers can enjoy plenty of free films this month at venues both in the city and the suburbs. Those interested in nature can get outdoors to appreciate feathery friends, blooming vegetation, and roasted marshmallows. Budding scientists can drop by free workshops such as Young Science Hour or Grow Up Green at Sister Cities Park while kids who enjoy STEAM can attend a free learning session at the Richmond Library. Older kids can give boating a try at Bartram's Gardens or take an encryption workshop with TechGirlz.

There are plenty of free concerts this month. The Mann hosts its Annual Young People's Concert while Rose Tree Park, Fischer's Park, White's Road Park, and Gorgas Park provide audiences many opportunities for live music throughout the remainder of the summer. Round out the fun with a festival at Penn's Landing for ACANA Festival in the beginning of the month and the Festival of India mid-August. If you can carve out some time for a daytrip to the beach, check out these free Jersey shore spots, free movies, and lighthouse storytime events happening there.

For now, read on for some of our favorite free events and finish Summer 2019 off strong!

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Music Festival, Car Show, Fairs July 27-28

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 07/24/2019 - 9:17am

Lorimer Park's Freshwater Investigation. Photo by Ruth King

How is it possible that July is drawing to an end? Before you know it, school supply commercials will be airing and parents will nagging, correction- gently encouraging, Philly kids to complete summer schoolwork assignments. Ugh! But for now, it is essential for Philly families to make the most of their fleeting free time with activities found in our events calendar.

There are lots of options on tap this weekend. Music fans can enjoy a weekend of performances along the Camden waterfront at XPoNential Music Festival. Automobile enthusiasts can see cars revy their engines at the Car Show & Street Festival on Passyunk Avenue. Kids and parents alike can experience a good old-fashioned country fair at Kimberton Fair or see the farm animals at Gloucester County 4-H Fair. Those interested in nature can investigate creek life at Norristown Farm Park or Green Lane Park. History buffs can visit Newlin Grist Mill to learn about 18th century trades, experience life of the Lenape at Churchville Nature Center, or head to Historic Philadelphia to listen to stories brought to life by storytellers at Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches located throughout the city. Older kids can appreciate a little Shakespeare in Clark Park while the younger set can see Storybook Musical Theatre's Princess and the Pea at Gratz College Theater.

For even more ideas, read the rest of our round up and browse through our calendar filtering for location, age, and tags.

26 Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals for Philly Families this August

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 3:50pm

All summer, Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has kept Philly families informed about the festivals, fairs, and carnivals throughout the Delaware Valley that should not to be missed. Now that August—and the soon-to-be unofficial end of summer—is upon us, there is no reason to think we'd leave you hanging. This month offers plenty of family-friendly fun. Some events feature sweet peaches, delicious crabs, and refreshing ice cream while others showcase rich culture filled with music and tradition. Still others offer a traditional carnival or country fair atmosphere. No matter which kind of fun your family selects, these events provide a wonderful opportunity to make fantastic family memories.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Harry Potter, GiveBack Festival, Honey Festival July 20-21

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 07/17/2019 - 9:14am

Public Archaeology Day. Photo courtesy of Newlin Grist Mill

How should Philly families spend this summer weekend? There are so many options both in the city and in the suburbs...

The City of Brotherly Love offers families the chance to hear music from the acclaimed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ movie played by the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann. The National Liberty Museum hosts its GiveBack Workshop featuring a mindfulness theme. Families can relax at Eakins Oval with games and music or head to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing for the Islamic Heritage Festival. Cool off with some ice cream at the Please Touch Museum or rock out to the tunes at Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party at Xfinity Live!

Those retreating to the suburbs can listen to the twank of bluegrass while munching on blueberries at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, experience two stages filled with performers at Turks Head Music Festival in West Chester, indulge in good eats at the Food Truck Frenzy in Media, or help extract honey at the annual Beekeeping and Honey Festival in Bryn Mawr. Cross the river to see Jack and the Beanstalk on stage at Ritz Theatre Company. Or, if you plan to head down the shore, check out the fireworks in Atlantic City after a day of sand and surf.

Whether in the city, around the 'burbs, or at the beach, have family fun with your crew this weekend.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Nature, History, Festivals July 13-14

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 07/10/2019 - 9:25am

Tie Dye Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Community Arts Center

Mid-July is a good time for Philly families to gauge how much of their summer bucket list has been completed. Have you visited a destination playground? Been to a festival? Seen an outdoor movie? Listened to a concert under the stars? If your family needs some ideas on what do to this weekend, Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has made it easy for you.

Learn about animals during the Please Touch Museum's Let's Get Wild Festival or head to the Brandywine Zoo for Zoo Kids. Listen to music while making tie-dye t-shirts at the Tie Dye Music Festival or soak in the sweet sounds of Jazz at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Discover a bit of history with a visit to Fort Mifflin for its World War II Eastern Front Event or William Brinton 1704 House for a session about The American Revolution in Chester County. Participate in a bike rodeo at Exton Park Community Day or take a ride on the amusements at the Malvern Fire Company Carnival.

Have you worked up an appetite? Recharge by enjoying sweet blueberries at Linvilla Orchards's Blueberry Festival, delicious wineberries at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education's Wineberry Harvest, or a tasty Breakfast on Solly's Farm.

For more ideas, browse through our events calendar which is loaded with summer fun.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Wawa Welcome America, Festivals June 29-30

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 06/26/2019 - 2:15pm

Photo courtesy of Kutztown Folk Festival

From the looks of our event calendar, it appears that Philly families can get a jumpstart on celebrating our nation's freedom during this last weekend in June.

Thanks to Wawa Welcome America, there are plenty of festivities taking over the city. Children can explore unique manuscripts at the Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Department, tour historic Christ Church to learn about the famous historical figures who worshipped there, learn about the Swedish culture at the American Swedish Historical Museum, or appreciate the fantastic city skyline from One Liberty Observation Deck. After working up a sweat and an appetite, take a break to cool off with some delicious ice cream at one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country, Reading Terminal Market or at the annual New Castle County Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood Park.

Speaking of festivals, the celebration scene does not disappoint! Families can see the animals at Kutztown Folk Festival, pretend to be a pirate at the Wilmington Pirate Festival, or release a water lantern at Bellevue State Park's Water Lantern Festival. If you haven't had a chance to experience the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square, catch it before it concludes on July 14. Finish off family fun by watching the sky sparkle red, white, and blue with fireworks along the waterfront, in the 'burbs, and at the shore.

So get ready to celebrate Philly-style throughout the Delaware Valley with the ideas below.