Cait Sumner
Cait Sumner is an editor for Mommy Poppins and the owner and photographer of Apiary Photography. Along with homeschooling their kids, Cait enjoys playing soccer with the Philly Falcons. Always on the lookout for fun, unique family activities, Cait loves bringing those ideas to life through Mommy Poppins.
Latest posts by Cait
Get ready for our list of the best Christmas lights displays and holiday lights drive-thrus that have the Philly area all aglow.
Who doesn't love lights? So many amazing light displays can be found all over the Philadelphia area. You'll find everything from amusement parks with walk-thru decorations to drive-thru displays at farms where you can grab hot cocoa and enjoy the atmosphere. Kids and adults can enjoy these festive displays without breaking their budgets, as free outdoor light displays are available at many popular attractions. For an extra helping of holiday cheer, many venues offer kid-friendly entertainment as well, like ice skating, s'mores making, and visits with Santa.
Add these festive activities, attractions, and experiences to your holiday itinerary. For more ways to feel merry and bright all season long, browse our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly, featuring our list of 30 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Philadelphia for Kids.
If you've ever been to Philadelphia's Franklin Institute, you surely have seen or even climbed inside of the Giant Heart. Arguably the most popular exhibit in the entire museum, the Giant Heart has been closed for renovations since May of 2024 and it's finally back! Not only did they make improvements to the heart itself, but the entire three room 8,500 square foot exhibit around the heart has been completely redone and it's truly incredible. As someone who grew up visiting the Franklin Institute, Body Odyssey has to be my favorite exhibit.
Looking for even more museum fun? Check out our Museum Guide for everything you need to know about Philadelphia museums.
Get your wishlist ready, because we've rounded up the top spots for pictures with Santa this holiday season.
Kids and adults alike can't wait to see Santa Claus every year. Children are excited to tell him their Christmas wishes, and parents get a snapshot of a precious memory; everyone loves this tradition! Kids young and old in the Philly area can find Santa riding a train, on the farm, at an amusement park, at brunch, and of course, at one of his favorite hangouts–the mall. Whichever spot your family chooses, Santa pictures make special memories that last well beyond the holiday season.
We've made a list, and we checked it twice, of where to take Santa Claus pictures in the Philadelphia area. For extra fun, we included places offering seasonal entertainment once the photo session is complete. See Philly's Best Holiday and Christmas Events for even more seasonal entertainment options and don't miss our roundup of the Best Holiday Light Shows.
This article is currently getting its 2025 update.
Looking for the best places to trick-or-treat near Philly? We've got you covered with all the best neighborhood haunts.
Whether you're looking for spooky decor, full-size candy bars, or an epic Halloween block party, we've found the best Philly neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. Local parents, caregivers, and candy-givers have weighed in to help us roundup Philly's best neighborhood haunts, so get moving on those costumes and get ready to pound the pavement.
School night or not, Philly is here for the sugar rush on the big day, but if you're looking for more Halloween fun check out our round-up of Top Halloween Events in Philly, or if you want to save some cash, don't miss our Top Free Halloween Events.
If there's one thing Philly has plenty of, it's museums. From art to cars, history, and more, there is definitely no shortage of museums in Philadelphia. With so many unique places to visit, there's bound to be some you haven't even heard of yet. Check out this list of great lesser known museums and find some fascinating new places to explore. Quite a few of these places are even FREE!
Note: Some of these museums have odd hours. You may need to make an appointment or reservation before you go. Check each website for more information.
If you're looking for more local museum fun, check out our Guide to Philly Museums.
Whether you've got a kid who's just learning to skate, or you've got a pro shredder at home, there are lots of great places in the city to practice new and old skills alike. Skateparks are a great place to practice tricks, or even learn to roll for the first time. Whether your kiddo loves skateboarding, rollerblading, or rollerskating this is a great way to get your kids moving outdoors. So grab your helmet, strap on your pads, and roll out to one of these great Philly skateboard parks.
Looking for more fun on wheels? Check out our guide to the Best Roller Skating Rinks in Philly.
Whether your kid is the next Bryce Harper or you're just looking to spend some quality time together, batting cages are a great place for some family fun. Some of these cages are even located in fun centers where you can also find mini-golf and arcade games.
Looking for more family fun? Check out our guide to Kids' Sports Centers and Action Zones in Philly.
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