Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

10 Teen Philly Activities To Make Them Like You for More Than a Minute

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 04/07/2019 - 3:25pm

When it comes to entertaining a Philly tween or teen, it can be challenging to find activities that aren't too babyish and have the appropriate amount of cool. Philly parents must dive deep into their former adolescent-selves to be reminded of what was cool when they were a tween or teen. Thankfully, hanging out at the mall or going to the movies aren’t your only options! We have rounded up some ideas for those struggling on ways to connect with these tween/teen creatures... other than by text and emoji.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Cherry Blossoms, Science, Performances April 6-7

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 04/03/2019 - 10:12am

Photo by Steven Chu courtesy of Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

The first weekend in April brings plenty of excitement to the Delaware Valley. Along with milder temperatures and more daylight, Philly families may notice budding blossoms, chirping birds, and hidden eggs. So, too, does our events calendar features flowers, feathered friends, and egg hunts.

Start off the fun by celebrating spring at the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. In addition to beautiful blooms, visitors can expect to see traditional and contemporary Japanese activities such as martial arts demos and dance performances. Nature lovers can look skyward for birds who are migrating back to the area and fisherman can cast a line to see how the trout are biting. Kiddos who are eager to search for eggs can collect treats at PAWS Discovery Farm, Norristown Farm Park, Villanova University, or Willow Grove Romp-N-Roll while children who want a visit with the Easter Bunny can find him at the zoo, on a train, or on the farm.

Other highlights in our weekend calendar include scientific exploration and theater performances. Young scientists can investigate the world of rocks and minerals at the annual Rock & Mineral Expo at Churchville Nature Center or head to the Independence Seaport Museum for its weekend Citizens Science Lab. On the other hand, theater goers can see Paw Patrol Live! on stage at the Academy of Music or catch The Adventures of Princess Truheart at The Delaware Children's' Theatre.

Still looking for more? Read on for great ways to spend the weekend.

April GoList: Best Things To Do with Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/31/2019 - 1:00am

Discover 13 different ways to explore Philly and the surrounding areas in April (and that's no joke!). Philly families can embrace all the fun this season holds. Easter arrives early in the month so be sure to check out our round-ups of egg hunts, bunny brunches, train rides, and farm fun. But the adventures and fun don't stop there. Peruse our events calendar for exciting science activities with many local events making up the annual Philadelphia Science Festival, loads of springtime festivals, Brick Fest for Lego lovers, Earth Day and Arbor Day activities for the environmentally aware, and amazing consignment sales for those looking for a bargain.

Time to get out your family calendar and plan some family fun with our top picks for the month. Life is good in April!

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Festivals, Performances, Outdoors March 30-31

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 03/27/2019 - 10:00am

Photo courtesy of Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

The last weekend in March is here, and with it, many great ways for Philly families to start off the springtime season. From festivals and performances to a resurgence of outdoor activities, everyone in the family is sure to appreciate the fun that awaits.

Things To Do in Philly this Weekend: Outdoors, Nature, Virtual Events March 21-22

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 03/20/2019 - 10:00am

Archaeology Festival. Photo courtesy of Newlin Grist Mill

School closures and canceled activities have become the norm in the Delaware Valley and around the country. Social distancing is on everyone's mind as parents juggle work from home while homeschooling their children. We, at Mommy Poppins Philadelphia, strive to keep families updated on the latest events happening throughout our region. This weekend is no different, except it is. In fact, it is unprecedented. Amid the COVID-19 situation, we are working hard to keep our calendar updated with postponed or suspended events. However, please be sure to check directly with venues as the situation is constantly evolving.

Utilize this together time by getting outdoors. Grab a pair of binoculars to watch birds at Churchville Nature Center or explore the beauty of nature at Winterthur by walking throughout its gardens. Currently, the Please Touch Museum is open for curious children to investigate the Very Eric Carle Exhibit. Thanks to technology, some venues are offering virtual experiences such as online storytimes and puppet shows.

Please review our latest post on what's closed as well as our resource on activities to keep the kids entertained while dealing with this crisis. It includes everything from indoor exercises for preschoolers to round ups of mostly free online learning resources for school aged kids. Together, we can get through this Philadelphia!

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Maple Syrup, Swing @ the Kimmel, Mardi Gras

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 02/20/2019 - 10:07am

Much fun is on tap this February weekend! Get ready to enjoy sweet maple syrup, nature encounters, a unique virtual reality experience, Mummers fun, and free activities found in our event calendar.

Start off with breakfast. After all, it is the most important meal of the day! And, this time of year is best suited for pancakes and syrup since many locations throughout the Delaware Valley host maple sugaring events. Venues include Wissahickon Environmental Center, Churchville Nature Center, and Norristown Farm Park. Once filled with delicious sweetness, explore the outdoors with a Bird Walk at Newlin Grist Mill, Waterfowl Watch at Green Lane Park, or Owl Prowl at Bucktoe Creek Park.

For an extraordinary thrill, head into the city for Swing @ the Kimmel, a free virtual reality experience for kids 10 and up. Be sure to note that this is the last weekend for this attraction. Looking for fun that includes the little ones in the family? Check out Mummers costumes, photo booths, and face-painting at the Mummers Mardi Gras Festival held at 2300 Arena. Additional noteworthy highlights include free weekend fun such as Songwriters Showcase at Bryn Mawr College, Sundays on Stage at Parkways Central Library, and TechGirlz programming at Indian Valley Public Library, just to name a few.

Read on for out top picks on how to spend the weekend...

34 Things To Do With Preschoolers This Winter

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 10:18am

Photo courtesy of Brandywine River Museum

It can be challenging to keep Philly toddlers and preschoolers entertained during the winter months. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can exclude outdoor play as an option and may force Philly parents to get creative at home. But if the weather isn’t being too uncooperative, there are plenty of ways to engage those young, inquisitive minds and energetic little bodies outside of the house.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up our top picks to keep Philly parents and their young kids from going stir crazy this winter. From the city to the suburbs, little ones in the Delaware Valley can learn, grow, and be inspired no matter what the thermometer reads. Browse our list below to find the perfect fit for your children.

Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: SantaFest, Winter Wonderland, Parade of Lights December 8-9

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 10:00am

Photo courtesy of Independence Seaport Museum

Looking for some ways to make magical holiday moments with Philly kids this weekend? Our event calendar glistens with lights, Santa encounters, and theatrical performances to get everyone in the spirit of the season.

First, get your wish list ready to share with the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole as he can be found landing at the American Helicopter Museum, along the waterfront at the Independence Seaport Museum, driving a tractor on the farm, and aboard trains located throughout the Delaware Valley. Yeah, that guy gets around...Then, settle into a seat at Delaware Children's Theatre, Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, or Act II Playhouse to see a festive show. Conclude the fun by viewing holiday lights with the animals, near the canal, or at the snack factory.

More more ideas, continue reading our top picks.