Nicole O'Donnell

Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.

Latest posts by Nicole

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Philly: Parade, Scuba Santa, and Christmas Village

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 7:00am

Say hi to Santa on his deep sea dive at the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this Thanksgiving weekend? We're grateful for these family-friendly activities and events to add to your holiday plans.

The annual 6 ABC 'Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade is a huge Philly tradition that viewers can enjoy from the warmth of their living rooms or bundled on the Parkway, this year includes appearances from Wé Ani finalist of the Voice and American Idol, Queen of Christmas Darlene Love, plus performances from the cast of "Elf: The Broadway Musical" from Walnut Street Theatre, the Philadelphia Ballet, and so much more. After your turkey day feast, enjoy ice skating with the family at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.

This weekend is full of holiday cheer to kick off the season, including a A Very Furry Christmas, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season and hugs from Sesame friends and Santa. Get a start on your holiday shopping at the Christmas Village in Dilworth Park. Other events not to be missed that return this weekend are Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo and Holidays in the Wildwoods featuring bonfires, parades, light shows, tree lightings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Find all the must-do activities of the season in our G uide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly, where you can browse our lists of top holiday activities and more. However you spend your holiday weekend, the team at Mommy Poppins Philadelphia wishes you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

18 Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Philly Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 11/23/2025 - 7:02am

Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park

The list of kid-friendly Christmas events is endless! There's no better way to spend time with family and friends than at an attraction that doesn't cost anything. All around the Philadelphia area, there are tons of places for families who want some holiday cheer without breaking their wallets. So we've put together this helpful list that will help you create memories this season.

For more ways to keep the season merry and bright, check out our Holiday Bucket List which can all be found in our Guide to Holiday Events and Christmas Activities.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar daily, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo, The Clover Market Holiday Market, Preview Weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 5:16am

With lights, treats, and live entertainment, Wild Lights has something festive for everyone! Photo courtesy of the Elmwood Park Zoo

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your must-do list.

The holiday events are underway in the Philadelphia area. Check out the opening weekend of events such as the Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square or the Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo. Ready to shop for some unique gifts? Don't miss the The Clover Market Holiday Market or the Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market. Head to center city for the Preview Weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia to kick off the holidays right.

Veterans Day Weekend 2025 in Philly: 11 Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 11/07/2025 - 6:00am

Visitors to the Museum of the American Revolution can enjoy walking tours, first-person theatrical performances and more. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

There are so many family-friendly things to do in the Philadelphia area this Veterans Day Weekend. History buffs can visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum, offering free admission on Veterans Day. Remember to pause for those who have served to keep our country safe by attending a Veterans Day parade, ceremony, or museum like the Museum of the American Revolution where you'll find tons of patriotic programs.

Don't forget to check out our Fall Activities Guide before those last leaves hit the ground, and browse our top picks for the month in our Best of November post.

18 Best Things To Do in Philly with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 10/31/2025 - 7:01am

Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo

November brings plenty of things to do, as Philadelphia gears up for the holidays, from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Philadelphia this month.

November begins the holiday season with bright lights as LumiNature opens at the Philadelphia Zoo. Not long after Election Day (don't forget to vote!) is Veteran's Day, so head to the Museum of the American Revolution where families can honor those who have served our country during a weekend of special programs. The month rounds out with Philly's beloved 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, so tune in or bundle up and hit the Parkway before you stuff yourself with all the trimmings.

Before the falling leaves turn to snowflakes, make sure to check our Fall Bucket List and browse our Fall Activities Guide. And don't forget to book tickets now for these Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides!

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Halloween Weekend 2025 in Philly: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 10/31/2025 - 6:54am

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts

It's finally time to celebrate the spookiest day of the year, and we've got the best things to do in Philly for Halloween weekend from the city to the 'burbs.

This Halloween, families in the Philadelphia area can enjoy a variety of festive activities! Join the Museum of the American Revolution for turnip-carving and spooky pop-up talks or experience the Haunted Drive-In at Snipes Farm without leaving your car. For more thrills, don’t miss the final weekend of The Valley of Fear hayride and attractions, plus family-friendly fun at Chuck E. Cheese and Halloween festivities at Hersheypark and Sesame Place.

Get that candy ready for trick-or-treaters and for even more spooky spectacles, browse our Halloween Activity Guide, featuring our 30+ Top Halloween Events and more.

10 Holiday and Christmas Events in Philadelphia to Book Now!

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 10/24/2025 - 5:13am

Take a drive down Shady Brook Farms drive-thru light show! Photo courtesy of Shady Brook Farms

The time to book the best holiday and Christmas events in Philadelphia is now! These popular holiday events go on sale early and sell out quickly.

The holiday season is magical, but for parents whose to-do list is longer than Santa's, it can be hard to track when to buy tickets to all the big holiday and Christmas events in Philly. Set your alarms, mark your calendars (view our Philadelphia calendar while you're at it), and prepare those ugly Christmas sweaters for all the festive family outings.

From incredible light walk-throughs to holiday train rides and the dates they go on sale, keep reading for all the Philly holiday events intel.

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in Deptford: No Jump Scares, Just Spooky Magic

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 10/05/2025 - 10:40am

As a Philadelphia mom who absolutely loves Halloween but can’t handle the scary stuff, I was so excited to check out Halloween House in Deptford—and it did not disappoint! This is a fun, family-friendly Halloween experience that’s spooky but not scary, making it one of the best Halloween events for families in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area.

Looking for a more frightful experience? Check out our list of haunted experiences in the Philadelphia area or check out our Halloween Fun Guide for even more treats this season!

Nicole O'Donnell

Latest posts by Nicole

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