Lindsay Li

Latest posts by Lindsay

20 Great Kid-Friendly Outdoor Restaurants in Philly

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 07/17/2022 - 7:00am

Grab a bite at SquareBurger between rounds of mini golf or spins on the carousel in Franklin Square.

One of the best indulgences as a parent is finding a spot to enjoy a night out that pleases the whole family—and as a bonus, no one has to cook or clean! When the weather is nice, Philly's outdoor restaurants are an ideal way to go. The kids can be as loud as they want (or nearly so), and parents are more likely to enjoy the entire meal without having to explain about inside voices and not running around the table.

If you're in the mood for a beer garden dining experience, we've got a roundup for that, or check out our list of restaurants where kids can play while you dine. Meanwhile, see our Philly Guide to Family Restaurants for a host of other dining options in the city and beyond.

Blueberry Picking Near Philadelphia: Favorite Farms for Picking Your Own Fruit

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 07/08/2022 - 8:00am

The blueberry bushes are ready at Johnson's Corner Farm. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom

Blueberries for Sal was one of my all-time favorite stories when I was little. I still love reading it to my kids today, and it is the inspiration behind the seasonal excitement I get when it's time to gather my own bucket and "kuplink kaplank kaplunk" berries for canning, topping pancakes and pies, and making delicious blueberry jam.

In the Philadelphia region, we have access to a number of wonderful pick-your-own farms. We've rounded up a list including some of the best for blueberry season. Or, if you want to make a day trip out of it, check out additional farms in nearby New Jersey, where the blueberry is the state fruit.

Be sure to browse our pick-your-own farm directory as well as our U-pick strawberry farms post, too!

Where to Take Pictures with Santa Near Philly

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 11/21/2021 - 12:26pm

Give Santa a wave at Linvilla Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

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! Children young and old in the Philly area can find Santa riding a train, on the farm, 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. Check out Philly's Best Holiday and Christmas Events for even more seasonal entertainment options.

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Thrilling Tubing Near Philly and Water Rafting Adventures for Families

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 08/06/2021 - 11:03am

Tubing near Philadelphia means eight miles of FUN, splashing and laughing at Jim Thorpe River Adventures.

Nothing beats a day on the river—floating, swimming, or enjoying a whitewater rafting adventure. In fact, whitewater rafting in the Philadelphia area is one of the most enjoyable, fulfilling activities I can think of to do as a family.

If you are eager to enjoy some outdoor family fun or just want to escape these 90-degree summer days, we have compiled the best whitewater rafting and tubing in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. For more water fun, check out our roundups on the Best Places for Canoeing and Boating and the Best Swimming Lakes near Philadelphia.

30 Rainy Day Activities for Families in Philadelphia

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 12:20pm

Have your kids climb the walls, literally. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Rock Gym

If rainy days and Mondays always bring you down, it's probably because you feel stuck indoors. While a rainy day here and there is a great excuse for cuddling on the couch and watching movies, baking cookies, or crafting, a few rainy days in a row can be a real drag.

But don't fret, there are so many ways to get out of the house and have an indoor adventure in Philadelphia—from indoor playgrounds to more educational experiences— than we can possibly name in one list. It could rain for 40 days and 40 nights and there would still be plenty to explore.

18+ Spots for Horseback Riding Camps and Classes Near Philadelphia

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sun, 02/16/2020 - 9:00am

Campers get hands on riding experience at horseback riding camp. Photo from Out of Reach Farm

With hundreds of miles of riding trails in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, there are so many places to learn to ride a horse in the Philly area. Riding is an exhilarating experience, a surprisingly good workout and teaches children responsibility and self-confidence. Regardless of experience, young horse lovers can find some great lessons and summer camp experiences.

Looking for some other class or camp ideas for your children? Check out our Philly Classes Guide and Camps Guide.

GOAL! Take to the Ice with Hockey Lessons for Philadelphia Kids

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Mon, 01/13/2020 - 10:00am

Philadelphia is home to the Flyers and some intense sports fans. So for many, hockey is serious business, and it comes as no surprise that kids want to take to the ice and learn to skate and play like the pros. Fortunately, there are a number of local programs that are NHL Learn to Skate USA partners. The program is designed to build skills and make hockey a positive experience, and the only thing you need are basic ice skating skills. If your kid has the eye of the tiger and is dreaming of growing up to be the next Bobby Clarke or Claude Giroux, we've put together a roundup of some Philadelphia-area rinks that offer ice hockey lessons for kids.

Want to check out other lessons in the Philly area that might interest your kids? Take a look at our Philly Classes and Enrichment Guide.

Stockholm in 48 Hours: Best Things to Do in Stockholm with Kids

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sat, 11/23/2019 - 2:34pm

Stroll along the canal in Stockholm's Norrmalm neighborhood.

The beautiful Nordic city of Stockholm makes a wonderful family travel destination even if you can't spend the week. For those traveling through Europe with the kids, and taking advantage of high-speed train travel and plentiful flights for a multi-city tour, a stop in the capital city of Sweden is a must-do in our opinion.

Stockholm offers an amazing blend of historic and modern things to do for all ages. Surrounded by water and made up of more than a dozen islands, Stockholm's buildings sit in a row, symmetrically together, offering up stunning views. The streets are impeccably clean, and many (especially in the neighborhood of Norrmalm) are blocked off to cars and restricted to foot traffic only. You're also likely to meet local families at the many playgrounds that dot this kid-friendly and outdoors-loving city.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Stockholm. Find more nearby cities in our Family Travel Guide to Europe.

Lindsay Li

Latest posts by Lindsay

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