Liz Baill

Latest posts by Liz

End of Summer Bucket List: 25+ Things to Do in Philly Before School Starts

Submitted by Liz Baill on Fri, 08/05/2022 - 8:22am

Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is in its final weeks at the Franklin Institute. Photo courtesy of the institute

It's time to take stock of all of those things you've been meaning to check out all summer but haven't quite gotten to yet. We've rounded up the top 25 must-do summer activities for Philly families before school's back in session. From outdoor movies, to free summer concerts, to festivals, keep scrolling for your end-of-summer bucket list.

You can also browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philadelphia Kids, filled with lists of the best day trips, swimming pools, amusement parks, playgrounds, and free activities to make the most of your summer homestretch.

21 Rainbow Crafts for Kids: Colorful Crafts and Rainbow Activities for Toddlers to Big Kids

Submitted by Liz Baill on Tue, 05/31/2022 - 11:30am

Rainbow crafts for kids will add color to your world.

Looking for some fun and easy rainbow crafts for kids? I am always on the lookout! As a child of the 80s, rainbows have been part of my psyche since my very first Rainbow Brite episode. Long before the Home Edit was a thing, I arranged all my stuff in rainbow-colored order. Even my bridesmaids wore different-colored dresses and lined up in ROY-G-BIV order. So when it comes to crafts for kids, you guessed it—I'm all about the rainbows.

Whether you're exploring color theory with your littles, looking for a vibrant STEM experiment, celebrating Pride, or just like all things rainbow, here are 21 rainbow crafts for kids and rainbow activities for toddlers to help you add a little color to your world.

Paper Towel Art: A Fun & Easy Preschool/Toddler Science Experiment

Submitted by Liz Baill on Thu, 05/12/2022 - 12:00pm

Blow your kids' minds with the magic of paper towel art.

Looking for an art project that will wow your kids? They'll think you're a wizard when you demo this paper towel art magic trick, which also involves science for an added bonus. This one never ceases to amaze both kids and kids-at-heart and is super easy to do, making it perfect for everyone from toddlers to big kids. Plus, it uses materials you likely already have.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make your own paper towel art. For more STEAM fun for kids, check out our lists of 25 preschool science experiments, 64 easy science experiments for kids to do at home, and 100 awesome art projects for creative at-home fun.

Great Stroller Walks and Stroller Hikes near Philly

Submitted by Liz Baill on Fri, 04/22/2022 - 9:56am

Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins

There's a time in parenthood when the stroller becomes your ride or die. Baby only nap on the move? Strap 'em in and walk. Need to workout with a tiny human in tow? Make that stroller push your strength workout. Maybe you need a walk-and-talk mom date or a self-care solo stroll outside. Whatever your strolling needs, we've rounded up the best stroller hikes near Philly to give parents and tots some much-needed fresh air.

These stroller walks near Philadelphia feature paved hiking trails for the excursion-inclined, wide-open gallery spaces to engage your tired yet creative mind, and simple but scenic jaunts that will add some Vitamin D to your caffeine high. For more great ideas to get out and about with little ones, don't miss our guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Philadelphia.

13 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Submitted by Liz Baill on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 9:49am

Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.

We've all been there. You bravely take the kids out on the town for a fun family date night, hoping the novelty of it all will be enough to enjoy some semblance of a grown-up outing. But it's not long before the troops get restless and you're desperately searching for the check. Luckily, Philly has loads of kid-friendly food options where children can stay occupied so that parents can eat and talk at a slightly less frenzied pace. From game cafes to bona fide indoor playgrounds (!!!), here are our favorite family-friendly restaurants in Philly where kids can play.

For more of the best places to eat in Philly with kids, check out our Philadelphia Restaurant Guide for Families.

Awesome Sleepaway Summer Camps in the Poconos for Kids

Submitted by Liz Baill on Mon, 03/21/2022 - 10:12am

All smiles, all summer long. Photo courtesy of Independent Lake camp

Pack your kids' bags for summer camp and prepare for parental freedom. Poconos sleepaway summer camps are the perfect place for kids to unplug, make memories, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the school year. Whether co-ed sleepaway summer camps, all girls or boys, faith-based or secular, this list has a sleepaway summer camp in the Poconos for every kind of camper.

For more awesome regional summer camps, browse Great Summer Sleepaway Camps in the Northeast. For Overnight camps a little further from home, don't miss the Top Midwest Overnight Summer Camps for Kids and Teens, and Amazing Overnight Summer Camps in California for Kids and Teens. For a complete list of our favorite sleepaway camps in the country, check out our Sleepaway Camp Guide: The Best Overnight Camps in the US.

Spring Bucket List: The Best Things To Do in Philly with Kids this Spring

Submitted by Liz Baill on Sun, 03/13/2022 - 9:42am

The Philadelphia Children's Festival is back with an exciting lineup of performances. Photo courtesy of Penn Arts Live

Philly springs into action when the weather gets warm, with all kinds of new adventures to enjoy the outdoors. From nature walks to train rides to performances and playgrounds, there are so many ways for Philly families to fill these longer days. Here are over 40 spring activities in Philly for kids to make the most of spring fever.

In addition, families welcome spring holidays, including Easter, Earth Day, and May Day. Gardens bloom, pick-your-own season at Philly-area farms gets underway, and spring festivals and fairs are held throughout the Philadelphia region. Take a look at our events calendar for more spring events and activities in Philadelphia, as well as our Spring Activities Guide.

25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids

Submitted by Liz Baill on Thu, 03/10/2022 - 12:00pm

Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.

You don't need a tiny inventor or an aspiring Ada Twist, Scientist to have some fun with science. After all, every kid is an expert experimenter, and nothing makes us feel more like fun parents than breaking out some magical tricks and elixirs. Here are 25 easy preschool science experiments for all the STEM and STEAM your toddler, preschooler, or kindergarten kid can handle.

For more science experiments for kids of all ages, check out our list of 64 easy science experiments for kids, try our colorful Skittles science experiment, or enjoy one of our magical light experiments for toddlers and preschoolers—all of which can be found in our Guide to Science Experiments for Kids. Happy discovering!