Lindsay Li

Latest posts by Lindsay

A Parent's Review: Mythic Creatures at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 10:15am

Mami Wata heals the sick and brings good luck to her followers, but she also has a temper and will drown people who don’t obey her. Photo credit AMNH

Prepare to enter a world of make believe and monsters. Venture into the abyss and enjoy the fun that comes from interacting with creatures you've only heard of in stories. Featuring dragons and mermaids, unicorns and monsters, the new exhibit at the The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids, is an excellent demonstration of the way cultures all over the world have embraced many similar myths and fantasies. The question is "Why?" Did our ancestors really live in a world of magic or was it their way of explaining the inexplicable? I went with my daughter to learn the answer. Below is our review and a primer for your adventure to this fantastical exhibit!

Your Guide to Pop-Up Gardens and Parks in Philadelphia

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Tue, 02/19/2019 - 9:02am

Since 2011, Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) Pop Up Gardens sites have been transforming under-used or vacant city spaces into exciting urban oases. In the last three to four years in particular, PHS's model has inspired pop-up gardens, parklets, and other awesome uses of urban outdoor space that are fun for the whole family, to spring up throughout the city (and now even in the suburbs). While most of these parks have beer gardens as a lure, there is also a lot of great family-friendly programming involved. Visiting one of these gardens is a great excuse to get out and relax with the whole family, no matter what age you or your kids may be. This round-up includes the most family-friendly, semi-permanent pop-ups for the summer.

Best Philly Area Brunches that Are Fun for Kids and Grownups

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 10:00am

A tasty and enjoyable brunch for the whole family can be found throughout Philly. Photo from Suraya on Facebook

Brunch, the most delicious (yet often neglected) meal of the day. The perfect marriage of sweet and savory, all the best parts of breakfast meet the best parts of lunch in a food-coma inducing state of deliciousness. Brunch was something most of us became familiar in our twenties, when we were old enough to have a respectable hangover and still get out of the house, just not too early. But now that we’re parents, that doesn't mean we have to say good-bye to our favorite pancakes-with-a-side-of-mimosa combo. While we may not get to hit brunch every weekend like the good old days, it can become a regular family tradition as long as you know where to go. Here are our top picks for family-friendly brunch spots in the city.

Want more ideas on where to eat out as a family in the Philly area? Then check out our Restaurant Guide!

Please Touch Museum Creative Arts Studio takes Creative Exploration to the Next Level

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Thu, 01/24/2019 - 10:00am

A decorated "mural" in the Art Studio adds color to this creative space

In late 2018, the Please Touch Museum opened its Creative Arts Studio, a new, permanent creative space dedicated to art making and exploration. The space provides a new avenue for children to gain access to quality art education, and promises to be a delightful new addition to your visiting experience at the museum, making this yet another wonderful space for your Philly kid to enjoy arts exploration.

While the hours of the studio space are limited, we had a chance to check it out and give some of their art materials a test run.

It's Christmastime at Sesame Place: A Parent's Review

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Mon, 11/19/2018 - 10:00am

Sesame Place Very Furry Christmas Parade official photo

This first snow has fallen, winter is coming, and it is Christmastime at Sesame Place! If you think Sesame Place is just a water park or summer attraction, put on your jacket and be prepared to be delighted by how they transform the entire park into a winter wonderland, with special guest visits from some of your favorite holiday heroes, including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Bumble (aka the Abominable Snowman), and of course the big guy himself, Santa Claus, at their Very Furry Christmas celebration.

I set out for a day of fun with my two kiddos (aged one and five) to get our holiday started extra early this year. With an early Thanksgiving, festivities are kicking into gear across the area and there are already a number of great winter-themed selections to partake in. If you have kids under 10, you will definitely want to make Sesame Place a holiday tradition. If your kids are older, be sure to check out our roundup of free holiday outings, and some can't miss events to celebrate the season, no matter your age.

Football Widow Survival Guide: Philly Kids' Activities a Parent Can Handle Alone

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Fri, 10/12/2018 - 10:15am

Get the playground all to yourself on fall Sundays.

Ah the crisp air of fall! With it comes pumpkin-flavored everything, fall festivals, and this thing called “football” starts. Maybe you didn’t grow up in Philadelphia or maybe you’re just not a sports fan. Either way this whole Eagles-fandom thing can seem over-the-top. And as Jason Kelce so eloquently expressed last year, Eagles fans don’t really care if you don’t get it. But if you are married to a fan, dating a fan, or a co-parent with one, Sundays from September through (at least) December can sometimes feel a little like you are doing this parenting thing solo.

So what is a non-fan to do on a Sunday when more than half the city is pinned to their TVs? Actually, this is one of my secret favorite things about living in Philadelphia. When football is on, the top places to go feel like a Tuesday afternoon (aka, no crowds) and our go-to places sometimes feel like a new experience we get to explore. So if you, like me, have had to set boundaries on the E-A-G-L-E-S chant, then join me in some of my favorite Sunday adventures.

LEGOLAND Brick or Treat Returns with More LeGHOULish Surprises

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 12:55pm

This October, your little one can get spooky with LEGO ghosts and ghouls and skeletons and more at the second annual Brick-or-Treat celebration at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes (making yet another great space for you to get extra mileage out if it!) as they participate in frightening family fun every Saturday (10:00AM-7:30PM) and Sunday (10:00AM-6:00PM) through October 28. We got a chance to check it out along with my LEGO-loving little one. Here's what you can expect!

Want to check out some more Halloween fun in the Philly area? We've got your covered with our Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events.

Best Montgomery County Parks and Playgrounds

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 1:30pm

Montgomery County has an abundance of family-friendly events and activities sure to keep the entire family busy and learning all year round. Across the county there are many beautiful parks, creative playgrounds and play spaces, and walking trails that can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents alike. We've rounded up some of our favorite parks and playgrounds in the area. Whether you live there, or your visiting for a day, there are plenty of great places to play!

Too hot, cold, or wet to play outside? Check out our favorite indoor play spaces in Montgomery County.

Lindsay Li

Latest posts by Lindsay

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