Corrie Stango

Latest posts by Corrie

Farms with Animals and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 07/11/2025 - 8:30am

Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

Getting face to face, or rather touch to touch, with baby animals is among the top childhood experiences for young kids. There’s something special about being up and close and personal at a petting zoo with the creatures that they see in books and movies. Thankfully, the Philadelphia area is home to so many exciting tactile experiences for families. From farm animals to insects—preschoolers, toddlers, and school-age kids are sure to enjoy these animal farms and petting zoos near Philly.

For more great ideas, don't miss our Guide to Philly Zoos and Farms.

Best Water Ice Near Philly: Frozen Treats from "Wooder Ice" to Italian Ice

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 8:00am

Treat yourself at John's, a South Philly staple. Photo by D. Knoll/Visit Philadelphia

"Wooder ice! Get your wooder ice!" Philadelphians certainly have their fair share of lingo and accents, but whether you (youse?) pronounce it “wooder” or go with the old faithful “water ice,” get yourself to one of these Philly-based water ice destinations while the warm weeks are still upon us. Many locations on our list had their start in humble beginnings, only now to be recognized as some of the area’s best. With classic and unique flavors, real fruit, and to-go bins, everyone is sure to find something yummy. More of an ice cream lover? Many of the spots listed carry ice cream and soft serve, as well. Plus, check out our list of Philly's best ice cream spots!

For more ways to stay cool this summer, check out our Summer Activity Guide.

10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 05/02/2025 - 9:30am

No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.

If you're looking to escape for a little while, several PA weekend getaways make great options. We've got ten places to visit in the Keystone State over a holiday weekend, long weekend, or any weekend for that matter. From the Lehigh Valley to Erie, and everything in between, there's plenty of family fun in Pennsylvania.

Outside of major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offers gorgeous mountains, bucolic countryside, and yes, even beaches. There's something for everyone here, and these places really highlight the diversity of landscapes and experiences families can find. Read on to find all the best PA weekend getaways for your next great family adventure.

Looking for more PA fun? Don't miss our Ultimate Pennsylvania Bucket List!

13 Great Fall Day Trips from Philly for Families

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 08/23/2024 - 8:00am

The "Christmas City" of Bethlehem is magical in the fall as well. Photo courtesy of the city

With the upcoming start of fall, Philly families have a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the surroundings in what is clearly the most colorful season of the year. All across the region, scarecrow competitions, autumnal exhibits, and outdoor adventures allow visitors to embrace the season. Whether by way of garden, train, river, or mountainous vista, there are lots of great family-friendly fall day trip options in the Philadelphia area!

For more ideas to fill your fall days as a family, check out our G uide to Fall Fun in Philly.

Christmas Tree Farms near Philadelphia

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Sun, 11/19/2023 - 7:01am

Pick up your tree in a wagon at Linvilla Orchards.

"O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!" Find your holiday tree with the loveliest branches at one of the many Christmas tree farms that populate the areas surrounding Philadelphia. We're rich with farmlands and pick-your-own fun, so pack your bungee cords and hop in the car for this holiday day trip. It may even create a new holiday tradition for your Philly family.

Some of these local Pennsylvania farms offer additional family fun, such as crafts, cider and hot cocoa sampling, and other enjoyable (or yummy) treats. Looking for even more fun this season? Check out our Holiday Guide and our Events Calendar for the latest holiday happenings!

Haunted Houses and Hayrides near Philly for Kids: From Simply Spooky to Super Scary

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Sun, 10/09/2022 - 7:01am

Take a hayride through the woods at Shady Brook Farm's Eerie Illuminations. Photo courtesy of the farms

Easily spooked or barely fazed, we all have our own personal threshold when it comes to Halloween fright. Everything from friendly ghosts to outright gore await visitors at these local haunted house stops, from scary staples like Eastern State Penitentiary to new haunts on the block like Lincoln Mill Haunted House. Be sure to read descriptions on facility websites to see if a stop is right for your family.

Kids need more treats than super scary tricks? Visit our Guide to Halloween in Philly to find something for everyone or browse our top 50 Halloween events in Philly for more ways to get some mileage out of those costumes.

Parenting Classes in Philly: Workshops for New and Expecting Parents and their Babies

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Sun, 08/07/2022 - 11:00am

Nest's Hatchlings class is perfect for postpartum moms and new parents to build community. Photo by Liz Baill

They don’t say “it takes a village” for nothing. Let’s face it; pregnancy, birth, and parenting are some of the most joyous and, we’ll say it, hardest times in parents’ lives. Why not lean on some great resources in our area as support? Meet other families, hear more perspectives, and learn some great guidance and tools along the way. From the prenatal period to toddlerhood, these locations offer classes and workshops to help moms and dads navigate the crazy ride of welcoming a new member to the family and everything that follows.

While these classes are exclusively for parent education, Mommy Poppins also has great interactive class ideas for parents and children as well.

Swimming Lessons for Babies and Toddlers in Philly

Submitted by Corrie Stango on Fri, 07/15/2022 - 11:30am

Take your little fishies to a class at Goldfish Swim School.

With everything from pool play to life-saving skills, these locations offer swimming classes in Philly for the tiniest swimmers and provide great options for introducing young children to the water.

Bubbles and splashing, bonding and safety: for fun, survival, or some combination of both, getting young children into a pool is at the top of many parents’ lists. Starting with caregiver−child swimming classes and progressing all the way to stroke refinement, many of these facilities take your child’s swim journey from infancy through childhood. So get those swimsuits on (you, too, grown-ups) and head to the pool any time of year to learn a lifelong skill and have fun along the way.

For more parent−child bonding, check out these mommy and me classes in Philly, or browse our Philly Classes for Kids Guide to find a class for kids of all ages.

Corrie Stango

Latest posts by Corrie

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