Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

Breakfast with Santa in Philly

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 11/14/2025 - 7:51am

Santa visits KOP for breakfast. Enjoy story time with Santa, face painting, a balloon artist, and delicious food. Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

It's that magical time of year again. Philly tots, tweens, and teens have been on their best behavior as they anticipate the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole's visit to the Delaware Valley. Of course, many Philly parents head to the mall so their children can share their wishlists with St. Nick. However, if you are looking for something special, consider taking the family to see Santa at a breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Read through our list of upcoming events and schedule your breakfast with Santa today! Many of these are quite popular and often space is limited.

We're always updating our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly, so be sure to check it twice for posts like the best holiday activities for Philly kids, our favorite outdoor skating rinks, and more.

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

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 11/09/2025 - 7:42am

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.

Best Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near Philadelphia (2025 Guide for Families)

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 8:23am

Journey through Chester Creek Valley aboard Santa's Express. Photo courtesy of the West Chester Railroad

Everyone loves a good Polar Express train ride!! Put on your PJs and get ready to ride the rails with Santa on a Christmas train ride near Philly.

Top Free Halloween Events Near Philly: Trick-or-Treating, Scarecrows, Parades, and More

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 09/26/2025 - 8:00am

Over 100 scarecrows line the brick pathways of Peddler's Village. during its annual autumn event Scarecrows in the Village. Photo by Chris Burrows

What could possibly be sweeter than Halloween fun? Free Halloween fun! Kids can pretend to be their favorite superhero, character, or whatever concoction they dream up at a number of free Halloween events near Philadelphia, with everything from campfires to movie nights to Halloween parades. We've rounded up a witch's cauldron filled with all the best Halloween activities near Philly that won't cost you a dime, scoring a win for parents, too.

Looking for more? Make sure to visit our Top Halloween Events and our Halloween Fun Guide for more spooky fun in the Philly area.

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.

Kristen Sullivan

Latest posts by Kristen

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