Nicole O'Donnell

Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.

Latest posts by Nicole

Best Family-Friendly Harvest & Fall Festivals Around Philly

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 08/31/2025 - 7:44am

Frolic through Pumpkin Playground at Longwood Gardens. Photo courtesy of the Gardens

Anyone else turn into a pumpkin-hoarding, scarf-wearing, harvest-festival-seeking maniac the moment the calendar strikes September? We've rounded up the top fall festivals in Philly where you can live out your best pumpkin spice life. Most are free with pay-as-you-go activities, and all will have you posing your kids on bales of hay whether they like it or not. So dig out that plaid and head to the farm or wherever you get your fall fill, because autumn has (almost) arrived.

Take note: this list is reserved for harvest happenings, but there are even more street fairs and neighborhood festivals to peruse on our event calendar. Our fall activity guide is full of more ideas to make the most of the upcoming season, and stay tuned for updates to our favorite Halloween haunts as those spooky events rolls in.

Best of September: 20 Top Things To Do in Philly

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:30am

There be dragons, big ones and baby ones, at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Photo courtesy of the faire via Facebook

The start of September means last call for so many of our summertime favorites (bye-bye Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest!). But have no fear--harvest happenings and fall festivities are rolling in as fast as those back-to-school buses. FallFest at Shady Brook, Pumpkinland at Linvilla, and apple picking galore are some of this month's highlights. Plus, don't miss the Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens. Free programs like Parkway Pals Storytimes are also back this September, so make time for some family fun amidst the return-to-school chaos.

Still clinging to summer? Our fall activity guide for Philadelphia kids will have you craving a pumpkin spiced something-or-other in no time, or browse our favorite fall getaways for Philly families, guaranteed to get you excited for sweater weather.

Labor Day Weekend 2025 in Philly Dream Asia Food Fest, Labor Day Volkfest, Norf Philly Day, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Wed, 08/27/2025 - 8:30am

“C is for Celebrate” with fireworks at Sesame Place. Check out Elmo's new holiday outfit! Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia this Labor Day weekend? Here are some great family-friendly events and activities for the holiday weekend.

Labor Day Weekend in Philadelphia offers a fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities to cap off the summer. From immersive historical experiences to vibrant outdoor festivities, there's something for everyone. Head to the Museum of the American Revolution for hands-on crafts and live performances or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show with games, pony rides, and a costumed pet parade. Sesame Place dazzles with its "C is for Celebrate" fireworks, while Peddler's Village wraps up its impressive sand sculptures display. Don’t miss out on the 153rd Labor Day Volksfest at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein in the Northeast or the Norf Philly Day x Carnival In The H.O.O.D. at Fotterall Square in North Philly.

With so many exciting options, it’s the perfect weekend to create lasting family memories in Philly!

School Calendars 2025-2026: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Wed, 08/06/2025 - 5:00am

It’s never too early to try to start planning for the next school year. Since Pennsylvania’s largest school district has released the academic calendar for Philadelphia for 2025-2026, now is the time to start preparing for staff development days (read: days off for your kids). Philadelphia’s school district calendar now recognizes the Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid al-Adha, and Good Friday with days off, representing more of the cultural diversity in the district.

End of Summer Bucket List: 17 Things to Do in Philly Before School Starts

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 08/01/2025 - 7:22am

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia

It's time to take stock of all of those things you've been meaning to check out all summer but haven't quite gotten to yet. We've rounded up the top 20 must-do summer activities for Philly families before school's back in session. From outdoor movies, to free summer concerts, to festivals, keep scrolling for your end-of-summer bucket list.

You can also browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philadelphia Kids, filled with lists of the best day trips, swimming pools, amusement parks, playgrounds, and free activities to make the most of your summer homestretch.

Best of August 2025: Hot Wheels, Fairs, Cultural Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids in Philly

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 8:00am

Safari in Sand at Peddlers Village feature magnificent sand sculptures depicting scenes from the safari! Photo courtesy of Peddlers Village

Summer is not over yet! August in Philly is a great time to enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days.

We're over that midsummer hump, but Philly still brings the family fun in its summer homestretch. Festivals run the gamut this month, from fruit fests at Linvilla, and Shady Brook, to cultural celebrations like Festival of India, and Ukrainian Folk Festival. Some summer favorites are back by popular demand, including Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and the Kutztown Fair, so get that summer bucket list ready before school's back in session.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Best Free Online Summer Camps and Classes for Kids That Save Your Sanity (and Wallet)

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Tue, 07/22/2025 - 9:17am

Free online summer camps can help you fill your summer activity gaps! Photo by Maria Thalassinou/Unsplash

These free online summer camps for kids will keep them engaged and having fun, all while learning something— and without leaving home or breaking the bank.

Between gaps in scheduled camps, vacation downtime, and the high cost of everything, it's easy to hit mid-summer burnout. If you've already heard "I'm bored!" more than a few times, free online summer camps could be your secret weapon. (Another secret weapon? Our list of 100 Things To Do When Kids Say "I'm Bored.")

These virtual summer camps in 2025 go way beyond passive screen time. They're fun, flexible, and filled with educational activities your kids will look forward to. Whether you're working from home, traveling, or just need a sanity-saving routine, there’s something here for every family.

We've also created a whole guide with hundreds of boredom busters for kids of all ages, including indoor exercise games, science experiments, and recipes kids can make.

4th of July Weekend in Philly: Fireworks, Free Museum Days, Festivals, and More Family Fun

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 6:25am

Sesame Place will celebrate Independence Day this weekend with the park's annual Fourth of July Fireworks event. Photo courtesy Sesame Place

Celebrate America's freedom at the birthplace of our nation! Get ready for a weekend filled with patriotic festivities, fireworks, and free days at Philadelphia museums that your kids will love. Kids can experience exciting, hands-on activities like colonial crafts and games at the Constitution Center. Looking for some more relaxing weekend fun? Sit back and listen to awesome music, and watch fireworks during the family-friendly UnWined at Shady Brook Farms.

Looking for fireworks? Check out our guide on Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Philly. For more summer fun, don't miss our Summer Acitivity Guide.

Nicole O'Donnell

Latest posts by Nicole

Pages