Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in July

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 06/24/2019 - 9:09am

Photo by J. Fusco courtesy of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Philly families have lots to celebrate this July as the city comes alive with summertime fun. It all starts with a bang, and a boom, and a sparkle and a sizzle as Philly parents and kids celebrate America's birthday. There are plenty of free events that acknowledge the occasion. From free admission to museums to free parties, there is something for everyone in the family.

Later in the month, schedule time to watch a free outdoor movie or listen to a free concert under the stars. Avoid the summer slide by keeping young minds sharp with a trip to Big Blue Marble Bookstore or Doylestown Bookshop for a storytime session or check out educational programming opportunities at your local library in the city or in the suburbs. Escape the heat with a visit to Franklin Institute during its Community Day or hit the outdoors with a hike at Valley Forge Historic Park or boating adventure on the Schuylkill River.

Get some of these activities on your family calendar and make your July explode with free fun!

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 12:45pm

Photo by Matt Stanley courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Festivals, fairs, and carnivals, oh my! This July, Philly families can create some awesome summer memories at any one (or a few!) of these great events. Classic carnivals and fairs offer the thrill of rides and the drool-worthy smell of funnel cake, while cultural festivals provide food and entertainment rich with tradition. Face-painting, balloon-twisting, music, and firework shows are part of many of these summertime events. Whether you attend an all-time family favorite or try a new event, make a festival, fair, or carnival a must-do item on this month's bucket list.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Juneteenth, Thomas, Turtles June 22-23

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 06/19/2019 - 9:30am

Photo courtesy of American Swedish Historical Museum

With the arrival of the summer solstice, Philly families can officially welcome the Summer of 2019 to the Delaware Valley. And, there is no better way to soak up the fun than at some of the amazing summer events happening throughout the region.

Festivals are in full gear. Begin by remembering the lives and legacies of African ancestors with a Juneteenth Musicfest & Parade at Malcolm X Park or Freedom Family Festival: Juneteenth celebration at Please Touch Museum. Learn about the rich traditions of a different culture with a visit to American Swedish Historical Museum for Midsommarfest, Reading Terminal for Caribbean Day, or the Chinese American Community Center for its annual Chinese Festival. Gamers can experience the latest innovations in video games at the Too Many Games Festival while adventuresome types can splurge on a hot air balloon ride at the annual Chester County Balloon Festival. Fans of the famous blue engine named Thomas can visit him and his pal, Percy, at Strasburg Railroad and animal lovers can learn about hard-shelled creatures at Academy of Natural Sciences.

Still looking for more? Keep reading for our top picks for Saturday and Sunday and be sure to make the first official summer weekend a great one!

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Outdoors, Creek Critters, Festivals June 8-9

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 06/05/2019 - 9:06am

Photo by M. Edlow for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

As the school year winds down, Philly families gear up for summer mode. Likewise, Mommy Poppins Philadelphia notices the shift in seasons as movies under the stars, concerts in the park, and an increase in outdoor activities fill our events calendar.

Those who like water can head outdoors with boots to splosh about with creek critters at Lorimer Park or hike around Upper Schuylkill Valley Park in search of frogs. If you prefer being above the water than below, try steering a canoe in the Perkiomen Creek or take a boat ride along the Schuylkill River. Once you have had your fill of animals and water fun, turn your attention to the many festivals going on this week. Families can expect carnivals with amusement rides, events featuring beloved comic book characters, and festivals rich in tradition, culture, and delicious food.

So, how will you spend your weekend? Keep reading for additional ideas, then text your friends and make plans for a fabulous weekend.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Animals, National Trails Day, Festivals June 1-2

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 05/29/2019 - 9:19am

Photo courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront

Are you ready for the weekend? Mommy Poppins Philadelphia certainly is, and the Delaware Valley is abuzz with fun for everyone in the family. Our event calendar is jam-packed with animal lovers, outdoorsy types, and festival goers alike.

Start off by learning about aquatic animals at Tyler Arboretum, visiting the animals at Brandywine Zoo, or seeing K9 demos at Hoopes Park. If you missed the horses last weekend, catch them at the Devon Horse Show. For more outdoor fun, participate in National Trails Day with a hike at Mercer Meadows or Valley Forge National Historical Park. Step back in time to discover a little history at Pennypacker Mill's Civil War Event, National Constitution Center's Civil War and Reconstruction Exhibit, or Elfreth's Alley's Fete Day. After the history lesson, get geared up for some festival fun such as Penn's Landing's Irish Festival, Linvilla Orchard's Strawberry Festival, and Please Touch Museum's Pride Festival.

No matter how you spend this first weekend in June, make it a great one!

Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in June

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Tue, 05/28/2019 - 10:30am

Photo by Matt Stanley courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront

The month of June brings sunshine, the smell of freshly mowed grass, blooming gardens, and carefree days now that school has almost ended. As great as that is, the extra free time can also easily empty a Philly parent's wallet. The cost of keeping the kiddos entertained can really add up. But keep those debit cards tucked away! Why? Because there is an enormous amount of free fun to be had throughout the Delaware Valley, and we've got the lowdown.

There are places to cool off, movies to watch under the stars, parks to hike and picnic, and outdoor concerts to dance and sing. On sunny days, kids can explore a 'new to you' destination playground such as Manderach Memorial Playground in Limerick or pack a picnic to visit Fort Mifflin during Freedom Blast. If clouds move in, families can retreat indoors to experience free museum fun at Rodin Museum, The Rosenbach, Franklin Institute, or American Swedish Museum. Escape to air-conditioned malls for free programming to keep little ones entertained such as Kids' MusicRound at Oxford Valley Mall.

No matter the weather, there are plenty of great ways to have fun without spending a dime!

36 Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals for Philly Families this June

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 8:18am

Photo courtesy of Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

Philly family calendars are loaded with preschool closings, middle school move-ups, and graduation parties as another school year comes to an end, but the party is just getting started throughout the Delaware Valley! Amazing festivals, fairs, and carnivals are gearing up for spectacular events featuring food, amusements, music, and culture.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has compiled a comprehensive list of family fun events happening this June. From the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to annual traditions, there is something for every member of the family. Read through our list and make plans to experience the fun with family and friends.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Horses, History, Fireworks, & Parades

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 2:30pm

The unofficial start of summer has arrived in the Delaware Valley! And, while summer doesn't technically begin until mid-June, Philly parents and kids alike feel a sense of anticipation and excitement for Summer 2019 to begin. Create your summer bucket list this Memorial Day weekend by browsing our event calendar. Festivals, patriotic fun, outdoor movies, and amazing concerts are some must-dos. However, there are so many more options!

Experience the thrill of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair which features not only horse competitions but also amusement rides and traditional country fair eats. Those who love things on wheels can attend the grand opening of the Garden Railway Display at Morris Arborteum, ride a real train at Colebrookdale Railroad's Decoration Day Excursion or West Chester Railroad's Memorial Day Express, or touch a tractor, motorcycle, or construction vehicle at Neshaminy Mall. History buffs can listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, learn stories at the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches, or watch a military demonstration at Signers' Garden. Don't miss out on the many Memorial Day parades planned to remember those sacrificed for our country. Locations include Lansdale, Radnor, Kennett, Warminster, or Collegeville, just to name a few.