Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

These Great Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC Have Reopened to the Public

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 10/16/2020 - 11:15am

Photo by Albert Ting/ Smithsonian American Art Museum

Update: Effective Monday, November 23, DC's Smithsonian Museums are closing again due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. No timetable has been announced for their reopening. We will share that information as soon as we have it.

Washington, DC's most iconic museums and cultural centers are slowly, and carefully, reopening to the public. The crown jewel of these DC museums, the Smithsonian Museums, are offering timed admission (still free!) with safety measures in place.

What's open? What's on, exhibition-wise? What's worth seeing? We have all the answers you need. Read on.

Halloween Trains and Fall Foliage Train Rides Near Philadelphia

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:00am

Have no fear: Those are friendly witches aboard Wilmington & Western Railroad's Halloween Express. Photo by Mike Ciosek

As cooler weather reaches the Delaware Valley, Philly families are reminded of autumnal traditions. This year, consider adding a new experience to your fall must-do list by climbing aboard one of the many family-friendly train rides in the region.

From fall foliage viewing to pumpkin patch stops, there are several unique train experiences sure to delight Philly children of all ages.

Top Things To Do in Philly this Weekend and Beyond: Train Tours, Haunted Hayrides, Pumpkins

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 4:20pm

Breakfast with the Giraffes is a treat for all! Photo courtesy of Elmwood Park Zoo

It's the last weekend of September and the Philly area is packed with fall activities. Hitch a fall foliage train ride through the Chester Creek Valley, give the kids a thrill with a haunted hayride, or snuggle up to the animals at the Quakertown Fall Festival's petting zoo.

Of course we'll also be in the orchard to pick apples to bake seasonal treats, selecting the perfect pumpkin to decorate the front stoop, and out hiking one of the state's amazing parks.

Read on for the best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend (and for the rest of September). You'll find even more upcoming Philly activities, as well as virtual and online fun in our events calendar. And if you're looking for fun classes for kids (virtual and in-person), tutoring, and pod support, stop in at at our online Back-to-School Fair with live sessions happening this week!

Best PA State Parks with Kid-Friendly Hikes and Attractions

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 11:00am

Enjoy the wildflower meadow at Delaware Canal State Park near the Giving Pond. Photo courtesy of PA DCNR

Pennsylvania is filled with amazing state parks to explore. In fact, there are over 300,000 acres of land managed by Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Nature Resources that offer everything from horseback riding and fishing to biking and overnight camping. By far, the most popular activity is hiking. Some hikes consist of short loops that are less than a mile while other trails are extensive and challenging.

If your family is looking for a PA state park to hike, check out our top 10 list below. Whether you want to see beautiful scenery, search for wildlife, or get some exercise, the list does not disappoint. Included in the descriptions are additional activities available at each park.

Looking for even more outdoor activities? Browse through our Parks & Playgrounds Guide, nearby camping, and tubing and water rafting options for additional fun things to do with Philly kids.

Outdoor Classes in Philadelphia for Kids: Activities Philly Kids Can Do Outside

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 08/07/2020 - 5:26pm

Photo courtesy of Frog Hollow Racquet Club

If remote learning has taught Philadelphia area families anything, it's that the 'classroom' can be anywhere. Philly moms and dads are finding plenty of unique learning opportunities for their kids outside the classroom—literally. Some classes are usually held outdoors, while other traditionally indoor classes have left the building in an effort to keep kids safe. From yoga to horseback riding to martial arts, there is something new to try outside.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up the list below to get you started. There is a mix of classes, sports activities, and free programs to experience outside of a classroom. Be sure to check back often as our list is regularly updated with new options. And keep an eye on our directory for more class ideas.

Still looking more ways to spend time outdoors? Browse through our favorite spots to cool off, playgrounds to visit, and amusement parks to explore.

Philly's Green Phase Reopening: What's Open Now for Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Tue, 07/28/2020 - 1:24pm

A number of nearby theme parks, such as Hershey Park, are now welcoming visitors. Photo courtesy the theme park

As Philadelphia reopens slowly in a modified green phase, Philly families have been making the most of what can only be described as the most unusual summer on record.

Venturing to a campground, cooling off in area splash pads, and going retro at a drive-in movie are among the top favorites. But since the counties in the Delaware Valley have been in the green phase since early July, many more local Philly attractions are reopening their doors to visitors with new social distancing rules in place.

We rounded up all the top things to do in Philly for kids right now, including all the reopened museums, zoos, amusement parks, and arboretums. Some expect to reopen soon, so we've included those dates below. Outings in the COVID-19 age look different as venues are limiting capacity, requiring face masks, and encouraging social distancing. Accordingly, be prepared to secure tickets in advance, wear masks, and pack a reusable water bottle—and the hand sanitizer...maybe a portable potty, too!

Continue reading to discover what's reopening in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley.

Shop Local to Support Small Businesses in Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 4:30pm

Due to coronavirus, local businesses in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley have been impacted by the ongoing stay-at-home orders. With restrictions still in place, small businesses are adapting to the "new normal" while serving the community and keeping customer safety at the forefront. But Philly families can help support local businesses in lots of ways.

Buying books and toys at local shops to keep young minds engaged and entertained, order delicious take-away meals to satisfy ravenous appetites and take a break from cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday, and purchase gift cards for future use. Remember: When patronizing local shops, you directly make a difference to a family. (And when possible, consider contacting restaurants directly instead of using a third party service to help keep the profit at the small business).

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up a list of 27 local businesses offering pick up and delivery options. Refer to this list when need a jolt of coffee, a sweet (or salty) treat, or gift for your little one. Shop local! Together, we'll make it through!

And while you're showing your support for the businesses you love, we hope you'll count Mommy Poppins and our small business partners among them. You can support Mommy Poppins by sharing articles you find useful with friends or on your social media channels, checking out our directory of virtual classes, camps and birthday parties and telling businesses you found them through Mommy Poppins. Also, as part of our effort to keep our local parent writers and this website afloat and support some of our favorite family businesses, we've created Poppins@Home, a platform for small businesses to share free and low-cost online classes and birthday parties with kids all over the country. Please consider trying a few of these fun, affordable, and creative classes—and spreading the word among your friends—as yet another way to support, uplift, and get through these challenging times together!

For ideas on how to stay active and safe during these times, browse through our Stay-at-Home Guide with over 100 resources of things to do.

Local Toy and Book Stores that Deliver Fun for Philly Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 11:30am

Get a Mystery Box full of unique toys that inspire play from Busy Bee Toys. Photo courtesy of Busy Bee Toys

Parents have been keeping Philly kids entertained in some extraordinary ways as families adapt and adjust to life at home amidst the new normal. Children have created amazing sidewalk chalk art, toured museums around the country online, and conducted clever science experiments as well as engaged in a fair amount of screen time (who is kidding who) at home safely. But nothing can replace the joy and thrill a kid feels when receiving a new toy or book! There is something about getting a package and tearing open the paper to reveal a surprise inside.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up a list of independent toy and book stores offering delivery options during these unusual times. Some stores provide personalized shopping for customers. Many offer titles for mom and dad, too! Consider patronizing these spots when looking to add some new toys and books to your family's collection.

For additional ideas on how to keep children occupied at home, visit our Coronovirus Guide for Parents which includes a plethora of options.

It is important to note that in-person payments are not allowed at any establishment.