Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

45 Ways to Beat the Heat in Philly: Heat Wave Indoor Activities and Outdoor Cool Fun

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 07/25/2025 - 8:08am

In the summer Dilworth Park is always a good place to run and splash around. Photo by M. Fischetti/Visit Philadelphia

It's hot! As Philly gets clobbered with yet another a heat wave, this weather is enough to turn even the sweetest kids into total grumps. And while staying in and enjoying your A/C has its perks, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Fortunately, no matter the weather, there are amazing places to romp and play in the city and the suburbs that can help you keep cool and beat the heat.

Check out our events calendar, and our lists of family-friendly museums and the best indoor play spaces in the Philadelphia area for even more fun, inside and out!

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 06/20/2025 - 8:25am

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 for ways to connect with these tween/teen creatures... other than by text and emoji.

Best Mother's Day Brunches in Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 04/20/2025 - 7:30am

Treat mom to a special meal at a Mother's Day brunch at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Mother's Day is a time for Philly kids to pause and celebrate all mom does for the family. One classic way to show her how much you love her is by taking mom to out to eat.

There are so many options in the city and in the 'burbs that sometimes it can be overwhelming to find a venue that will be fun for both mom and kids. So we have rounded up plenty of choices, including brunches, teas, and dinners. Many of these venues can even entertain the kiddos while making mom feel special.

If you're looking for something to do after eating, check out our event calendar and Spring Activities Guide for more great ways to celebrate mom.

Best Sports Summer Camps Near Philadelphia: Soccer Camps, Baseball Camps, Tennis Camps, and More

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/09/2025 - 8:05am

Make lifelong friends at ESF Camps. Photo courtesy of the camp

Pick a sport, any sport—there's a sports summer camp in Philly that fits the bill. Children can burn off energy and use the offseason to refine their skills at any number of sports summer camps around Philadelphia for kids, tweens, and teens. Whether they love shooting hoops at basketball camp, scoring goals at soccer camp, or serving aces at tennis camp, we've got the best sports summer camps in Philly and the suburbs, including summer day camps in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Delaware County.

For more summer camps in Philadelphia, including picks for the best STEM summer camps in Philly. Be sure to bookmark our Philadelphia Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Philadelphia's Best Summer Camps for Preschoolers

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 03/02/2025 - 7:00am

Celebrate at Burn Brae Day Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Selecting the perfect summer camp for Philly children can be challenging under normal circumstances. But when looking for a location that offers options for especially young tots, it can be particularly difficult.

Whether your family needs care all summer long or you just want to provide a change of scenery and stimulation for your toddler or preschooler, we've found lots of fantastic summer camps in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley. While many camps start accepting campers at age 4, some even accommodate kiddos 3 and younger.

Need a camp for older kids? Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide and our posts about STEM camps and free and affordable camps.

Best STEM Summer Camps for Philadelphia Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 02/16/2025 - 6:04am

This summer, encourage the awesome in your child at iD Tech summer programs. Photo courtesy of iD Tech

Camps that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEAM (including Art) give kids the best of both worlds: a great learning experience and summertime fun. STEM activities boost brain power, creative thinking, and problem-solving while kids have fun designing video games and building Lego robots.

There are many STEM-themed summer camps to keep children engaged, entertained, and educated throughout Philadelphia. We have rounded up some options that are sure to excite the minds of the future.

Looking for more summer camp options? Browse our Summer Camp Guide and check out our list of free and affordable summer camps.

The Nutcracker Ballet and More Holiday Shows for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 11/10/2024 - 7:46am

The Philadelphia Ballet performs George Balanchine's holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia.

Catching a performance of The Nutcracker ballet is a seasonal tradition for many Philly families, who have plenty of options to watch the Sugar Plum Fairy and company dance across the stage. This time of year brings lots of familiar and festive shows to the theater, and taking the kids to see these stories brought to life is one of the best holiday and Christmas events to enjoy.

Aside from The Nutcracker, family favorites like A Christmas Carol and Elf the Musical return to delight audiences. Families will find different variations of classic shows that appeal to both younger generations and shorter attention spans. Peruse our comprehensive list of performances and choose one that will add some theatrical magic to your holiday season.

For more holiday fun, check out our list of 30 Must-Do Christmas Activities or our Holiday Guide.

30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 11/08/2024 - 8:42am

The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

Check this list twice for all the best holiday activities and Christmas events near Philly.

When the most wonderful time of the year arrives, in-the-know Philly parents appreciate a long list of ideas to celebrate with kids. November marks the arrival of twinkling lights, mesmerizing train gardens, and a jolly old elf from the North Pole. With that in mind, we've rounded up our favorite must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in Philly, including some new additions to the calendar, that are sure to make the season memorable.

For additional seasonal fun, review our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, which includes the best Polar Express winter train rides in the area and our favorite outdoor skating rinks.

Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

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