Danielle Smith

Latest posts by Danielle

Over 50 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts They'll Love: Experience Gifts for Kids

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Thu, 12/16/2021 - 12:00pm

Wrap up tickets or gift certificates in a pretty box to delight kids on Christmas morning.

We’ve been that parent–the one frantically searching the mall for last-minute Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve–and it’s not an experience we wish on anyone. The most wonderful time of the year can sneak up on the best of us, and with 2021’s supply chain meltdown, a lingering pandemic, and the general responsibilities of parenting and adulting, no one could blame you for missing a few wishes on your kids’ lists.

From memberships to classes and lessons to bucket-list family vacations, we’re here with inspiration to help your family embrace minimalism, reduce screen time, and avoid the clutter of endless wrapping paper and forgettable toys. These last-minute gift ideas and experience gifts can be bought in a jiffy, but make memories that last the whole year through. So let go of the holiday hustle and give yourself the gift of less stress with presents they’ll actually appreciate.

15 Cutest Matching Family Christmas Pajamas for the Holidays

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Tue, 12/07/2021 - 11:20am

From onesies for baby to a kerchief for your pup, the whole family can get in the holiday spirit with matching PJs.

During the holiday season, families and jammies go together like milk and cookies. Not only are matching family pajamas great for memorable photos, but there’s something about waiting for Santa in family Christmas pajamas that helps the time pass a little bit faster.

So keep your family cozy and coordinated with one of our picks from the best matching family Christmas pajamas sets of 2021. For more ways to make sure your tribe catches all the holiday vibes, check out cool (under $10) stocking stuffers, the best Christmas cookie recipes, and the funniest Elf on the Shelf antics.

Get Your Skates Ready...A New Pop-Up Ice Rink Brings Holiday Vibes to Delco

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Tue, 11/16/2021 - 11:34am

A 6000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink is the centerpiece of Flight on Ice in Newtown Square. Photo courtesy of Flight on Ice.

Philly families may have missed out on some holiday fun in 2020, but the 2021 holiday season is more than making up for it. Flight on Ice is bringing the Veterans Memorial Rink to Newtown Square next month. The new ice rink and winter village join Tinseltown, the Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade, and the Visit Philadelphia Fireworks Spectacular as the newest must-do holiday and Christmas activities in the Philadelphia area.

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The Ultimate Philadelphia to New York City Holiday Travel Guide

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Thu, 11/11/2021 - 11:27am

Budget-conscious elves already know...leave the car in Philly and hop on a Peter Pan bus to NYC for a family holiday trip. Photo courtesy of Peter Pan.

Philadelphia is an amazing place to spend the holiday season. But as much as we hate to admit it, New York City is a strong frontrunner for the ultimate holiday destination. This time of year in New York is downright magical, and at 100ish miles away, a trip to the Big Apple during Christmastime is a tradition that many Philly families treasure. We figured that the ultimate holiday destination deserves the ultimate holiday travel guide, so we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to get from Philadelphia to New York.

Traveling from Philadelphia to New York is a route with myriad options, and parents can expend a lot of energy debating taking the train from Philly to NYC, taking the bus from Philly to NYC, or driving up the turnpike, never mind the traffic and parking headaches waiting to greet you on arrival. We’re making your family trip to New York City for the holidays or any other days as hassle-free as possible, by mapping out all the best ways to go from Philly to New York, and throwing in a few suggestions of what to do when you arrive.

Get the Scoop on the Brand New Holiday Parade and Fireworks Coming to Philly!

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Fri, 11/05/2021 - 10:52am

Santa cruising through the city for the 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia.

Just when we thought the holiday season in Philly couldn't possibly get any more festive, a new parade announcement is adding to the excitement. The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade will send floats representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese New Year marching down Market Street en route to City Hall, for a family-friendly multi-cultural celebration. The parade is the latest addition to a stellar lineup of Philadelphia Christmas activities and events, which also includes a new fireworks show.

An All New Holiday and Christmas Lights Experience for Philly Families

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Mon, 10/25/2021 - 12:10pm

New for 2021, the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular will feature festive and brightly-colored light displays powered by over a million bulbs.

Philly families are getting a brand new option to celebrate the holidays this year, and it's going to be merry and very bright. The Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular is coming to The Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in November, showcasing over a million sparkling bulbs amid a family-friendly Christmas lights experience. In addition to the holiday lights, the venue is hosting a variety of Christmas activities and winter fun to keep kids in the spirit of the season.

Read on for details about tickets to the all new Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular and just what to expect when you arrive. And don't miss our Philadelphia Holiday Guide for all the best Christmas and Hanukkah events throughout the region.

First look at Philly's New FDR Park Playground Designs

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 11:14am

The Pattison playground area at FDR Park is designed to encourage “nature play for all ages and abilities”

As if we weren’t already excited enough about plans for a $250 million investment in one of Philadelphia’s best parks, we’re over the moon now that we’ve got a fresh look at the playground updates set for completion in 2023.

20 Jump Rope Workout Games and Songs for Kids

Submitted by Danielle Smith on Tue, 09/21/2021 - 11:11am

Jump rope songs can turn a kid workout into a game.

A good jump rope workout is one of the best forms of exercise, and adding in catchy songs or turning that exercise into fun games for kids only dials up the excitement. Younger children can build motor skills, concentration skills and coordination, while more experienced jumpers can really challenge themselves physically, and barely notice that they're exercising.

Danielle Smith

Latest posts by Danielle

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