Lindsay Li

Latest posts by Lindsay

40 Fun Things To Do in the Shenandoah Valley with Kids

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sat, 11/16/2019 - 2:30pm

Hiking the forests of the Shenandoah Valley. Photo courtesy of Virginia State Parks

Spanning nearly 150 miles with stunning views, natural landmarks to explore, deep history, and adorable small towns, a trip to the Shenandoah Valley is well worth the drive. The only question is, where to start? Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, I'm amazed at how much of this beautiful scenery remains unchanged for decades. Farms span innumerable acres. You can still catch a cart and buggy, and have your pick of some of the best local produce at pop-up farmers markets in unexpected places. But the Valley isn't locked in time. It is thriving with new small businesses, a growing winery and brewery scene, and an intentional effort on the part of Virginia's small towns to create more amenities and attractions.

To help you navigate this expansive region just west of Washington, DC, and bordering West Virginia, we've put together a list of the 40 best things to see and do with your family, including exploring Shenandoah National Park and the famed Skyline Drive.

Pittsburgh with Kids: 40 Fun Things To Do in Pittsburgh

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 2:12pm

A visit here will teach the kids all about local history. Photo courtesy of the Senator John Heinz History Center

Pittsburgh has been racking up the cool points lately, landing on "best cities" lists and topping rankings for top spots for sports, restaurants, and even tech. It isn't just college kids flocking here. The Rust Belt city offers plenty of fun things to do for kids and families, including a thriving arts and culture scene.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is a longtime attraction for families, along with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, but unique offerings like the Carnegie Science Center, National Aviary, and Andy Warhol Museum are a draw, too. We've long touted the city as one of our top Pennsylvania weekend getaways for families, but we recently revisited and enjoyed exploring old favorites and finding more fun things to do in Pittsburgh. Read on for a list of 40 things to do, see, and eat in Pittsburgh!

12 Things to Do Before Your Philly Baby Turns One

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 10/18/2019 - 11:46am

Reading at the Free Library. Photo credit Philadelphia Free Library

The days are long but the years are short. Not to get too sentimental, because truly the first year with your baby can sometimes feel like it is dragging, but it will be over in the blink of an eye. As you struggle with sleep schedules, delight in first smiles, and watch as your baby visibly changes before your eyes you may also be wondering exactly what you should try to do while they are still so small. While they are in this stage of incredible growth and exploration, it’s a great excuse to explore some highlights in Philly, as well as dip your toes into the world of parenting with classes and experiences designed just for new parents and their babies.

There is plenty to see and do in Philadelphia with a baby, either to mark a first, start a new tradition, or find an excuse to get out of the house and interact with other parents! Here are our picks of some of the best, first by season, then year-round.

Richmond, VA with Kids: 50 Fun Things to Do in Richmond

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Sat, 09/21/2019 - 2:01pm

It's all aboard at Kings Dominion, an amusement park near Richmond, Virginia.

Richmond’s place in U.S. history is distinct, and many of the best things to do in Richmond, VA, include a stroll past monuments or an icon central to America's origins. One of the oldest cities in the nation, Richmond was the capital city of the Colony of Virginia. It was the site of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech in 1775, and during the American Civil War, Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy.

Today, Richmond is known as the River City, and more colloquially as RVA, and there are plenty of modern attractions and things to do for kids and families. While the deep history is evident in monuments, battlefield sites, and the architecture, Richmond is also home to an expansive parks system, 550 aces of river shoreline, and a growing small business economy, including delicious Richmond restaurants, breweries, fun festivals, children's museums and science centers, as well as a nearby theme park, Kings Dominion.

To help you navigate this incredible Southern city, we’ve put together a list of the 50 best things to do in Richmond with kids, as well as a guide to the area.

Pretty Pennsylvania Small Towns to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 11:25pm

View from the riverwalk in downtown New Hope

While Philadelphia is a worthy destination–there are hundreds of family-friendly things to see and do, events to check out, and beautiful historic sites—sometimes you need a change of pace. And the truly great thing about living here is that whenever we need an excuse to get away, there are wonderful things to see and do across dozens of cute towns and boroughs in the area.

With school out, and hours to kill, it’s the perfect time to take a quick day trip or perhaps even a weekend getaway. Looking to slow things down and indulge in tasty treats? Visit Lancaster. Want to experience a quaint small town vibe? Drive to New Hope! Or would you rather take in some historic sites and nature walks? No matter your ideal out-of-town destination, these 12 suburbs are our favorites, and sure to make for an awesome excursion for you and your family

20 Things to Do with Your Preschooler in Philadelphia this Summer

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Thu, 06/13/2019 - 11:00am

Enjoying our view of the swan boats at the Philadelphia Zoo

Entertaining a preschooler is no joke, especially if they have moved on past their nap times! Some parents are truly excellent at coming up with daily plans for their little ones, exposing them to all the arts and sciences and play, making creative quiet books, and other Pinterest-worthy activities. Whether you are excellent at curating preschooler activities or not, you can always count on Philadelphia's selection of parks, playgrounds, and programming throughout the city to expand your little one's interests and experiences. If you want to beat the heat or embrace the summer swelter, here are 20 spots that are sure to be family favorites for you and your crew this summer:

Top 10 Delaware County Playgrounds Your Family Needs to Check Out

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Mon, 04/22/2019 - 2:00pm

Drexel Lodge Park courtesy of Delco Historical Sites

Delaware County, often referred to as Delco, may be on the small side, but it is one of the most populous counties in the state as many families of young children are opting to live or move to Delco for the beautiful parks and trails. And with this abundance of young families and parks comes loads of fun playgrounds to choose from. A great bonus is many of these playgrounds are ideal for families with multiple children, supporting various ages and stages. While there are a ton to choose from, a few are real standouts and worth the trip even if you don't live in the area—here are our top 10 picks!

From Page to Screen Explore Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at the Franklin Institute

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 8:00pm

The exhibit to see in the Philadelphia-area this year is the new Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at the Franklin Institute. A vast, immersive experience featuring more than 300 original artifacts—including costumes and movie props--the exhibit takes you on a journey that feels more like an experience than a trip to the museum. While the big budget movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are a prime feature, you don’t have to be Team Captain America to enjoy this exhibit. I was delighted to get the opportunity to explore this 15,000 square-foot exhibit with my superhero-loving five-year-old and I can’t stress enough that this is an exhibit you won’t want to miss. Read on for the full review.

Lindsay Li

Latest posts by Lindsay

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