Spring is a great time of year to visit farms, orchards, and zoos in the Philly suburbs. Birds are migrating north, plants are starting to grow, baby animals are making appearances, and Easter celebrations are planned.

At Easter time, many local venues feature egg hunts, hayrides, and photo-ops with the Easter Bunny. All this fun is certain to remind parents and kids that real springtime weather is just around the corner. 

Be sure to browse our events calendar and Spring Fun Guide for plenty of great ways to spend this warmer days ahead. For now, read on for fun at the farm, orchard, and zoo.

Afterward, consider a train ride on an Easter Bunny express, where kids can meet the bunny himself.  

Many children are fascinated by animals. But there is something about horses that seems to naturally draw children to these majestic creatures.

Luckily for Philly families, several farms, stables, and equestrian centers throughout the Delaware Valley offer Philly kids the chance to get up close and personal with horses. Whether through summer camp or weekly lessons, children can experience the thrill of riding horseback while building self-confidence and responsibility.

We have rounded up a number of spots throughout the region that provide camp opportunities and lessons for kids interested in horses. For other class or camp ideas for your children, be sure to check out our Philly Classes Guide and Camps Guide.

As January winds down, Philly families gear up for a great weekend ahead. After all, there is much winter fun to be had.

Start off the weekend with something cool, perhaps even below freezing. Families can stroll through downtown Chestnut Hill to admire the works of art made from ice at Chestnut Hill on Ice. Likewise, families can cross the bridge to visit downtown Mt. Holly's Fire & Ice Festival to view the ice sculptures there. Or, bundle up to wander through the beautiful landscape at Longwood Gardens as it launches Winter Wonder.

Curious how long winter will last? Check out the Groundhog Day Family Festival held at John Heinz National Refuge Center. Learn about the animal that is said to predict whether Philadelphians will experience an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Follow up by attending Brandywine Zoo's Virtual Groundhog Day program to be held February 2.

No matter what that groundhog says, savor the best of this time of year by spinning on the ice at a local outdoor rink, swooshing down the slopes on skis, snowboard, or snow tube, or lacing up your boots for a winter hike.