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

22 Best Things to Do in Philly December 2025 with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 11/29/2024 - 7:46am

The amazing Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular.display is back! Photo courtesy of the venue

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of things to do in Philadelphia as the holiday season kicks into high gear. Don't miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Philly this month.

Philadelphia is not just a city of delicious cuisine and crushing culture; it's also home to some truly spectacular holiday light displays! Take your family out for an evening stroll through the neighborhoods this month, from the The Miracle on South 13th Street to the Smedley Street Christmas Lights Spectacular, to the delightfully over-the-top West Chester Griswolds in the 'burbs. Glide on over to Flight on Ice, Delco's pop-up ice rink, or stop by for a skate at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Before we say goodbye to 2025 forever, grab the kids and enjoy fireworks at Sesame Place to send the year off with a bang.

For more ways to keep the season merry and bright, check out our Holiday Bucket List which can be found in our Guide to Holiday Events and Christmas Activities.

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

Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend Best Things to Do in Philly with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 10/11/2024 - 7:46am

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty Park). Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia during this holiday weekend? Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up all the can't-miss fun in the Delaware Valley.

Philadelphia is once again observing Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus Day. City public schools are off, and kids can join the IPD Philly celebration at Penn Treaty Park to honor Native American cultures. Stay in the spirit of autumnal fun at Elmwood Park Boo at the Zoo or Daytime Hayrides at Colonial Gardens. Spookier events are creeping onto the calendar, and if your older kids like a good fright, take them to Pennhurst Asylum or Lincoln Mill Haunted House.

Check out our top Free Halloween Events for Philly Kids and the Best Things to Do in Philadelphia in October with Kids.

Coolest Halloween Inflatables and Inflatable Costumes for Kids: Bluey, Hello Kitty, and More

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 7:13am

The Bluey can really vamp it up! Photo courtesy of the Gemmy store on Amazon

Halloween inflatables are an awesome invention, whether you're on the lookout for inflatable Halloween costumes for your kids (or yourself!) or inflatable Halloween decorations for the yard. They're huge and eye-catching, but they also fold down to almost nothing, for storage in the non-spooky seasons!

We've gathered the coolest options available to purchase online and have shipped directly to you! Here are our favorite Halloween inflatables, at a variety of price points, that will make trick-or-treaters' eyes pop out of their heads!

For more at-home Halloween fun—from the best kids' Halloween movies to easy pumpkin carving ideas and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

My Unpopular Opinion: Kids Shouldn’t Have Cell Phones

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Tue, 09/24/2024 - 12:00pm

How should parents navigate children’s exposure to technology?

Here is my unpopular opinion: kids shouldn’t have cell phones.

As much as a kids' cell phone might seem like the ultimate tool for staying connected, a growing body of research shows that a cell phone for kids—especially a smartphone—can have negative effects on brain development, mental health, academic performance, and more.

"But my kid NEEDS a cell phone to keep them safe." I strongly disagree! Read on to see why I think that...and how to solve these problems without a cell phone.

Best Halloween Weekend Trips: Hershey, Cape May, and More

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 09/08/2024 - 8:00am

Looking for a Halloween weekend getaway that’s fun for the whole family? Philadelphia parents can explore a range of thrilling destinations just a short drive away. Enjoy spooky hayrides, haunted attractions, and eerie tours that offer both chills and family-friendly activities. From festive parades to charming coastal towns with ghostly tales, there’s something to delight every age group. These exciting trips provide a mix of thrills, scares, and fun that will create lasting Halloween memories for you and your kids.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our Halloween Activities Guide for more spooky things to do!

Why the All-Inclusive Barcelo Maya Grand Resort is Awesome for Families

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sat, 08/24/2024 - 12:00pm

From pools and water sports to a fantastic kids club, Barcelo Maya Grand Resort has tons of family-friendly activities.

If you're on the hunt for an unforgettable family vacation, look no further than the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Grand Resort. Located along the stunning Riviera Maya coastline in Mexico, this all-inclusive resort is packed with fun and relaxation for everyone. My family recently stayed there, and we can’t stop talking about how amazing it was.

The Barcelo Maya Grand Resort has fantastic family-friendly accommodations. The rooms and suites are spacious, often with separate areas for kids and adults, so everyone can spread out. Plus, with the all-inclusive package, you get unlimited access to dining, refreshing drinks, and tons of activities without worrying about extra costs.

Read on for all the details about the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort and why it's the perfect all-inclusive resort for families. Then use our Mexico Family Travel Guide, including our list of things to do in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya with kids, to plan the perfect family vacation in Mexico.

100 Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader Questions

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Thu, 08/22/2024 - 12:00pm

Test your family's knowledge with this fun list of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader questions.

Are you smarter than a fifth grader? You may be, but are your kids? Find out with these fun trivia questions!

Do your kids love learning and testing their knowledge? Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend time together as a family?

Look no further. We've compiled a fantastic list of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader questions that will challenge your little ones and bring out their inner scholars. From history, geography, and math to animals, nature, and science, these questions are perfect for kids from first through fifth grade.

Once your kiddos have tackled these 100 Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader questions, challenge them further with our list of 100 trivia questions for kids. Then find even more brain boosters in our Boredom Busters for Kids guide.

Best Attractions and Things To Do in Philly that are Kid-Friendly

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 08/18/2024 - 9:00am

Pet the stingrays at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. Photo courtesy of Cait Sumner, Apiary Photogrpahy

Philadelphia is brimming with must-see attractions that offer unforgettable experiences for the entire family. From the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the birth of American democracy is brought to life, to engaging museums like the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution, the city’s rich history and vibrant culture are on full display.

Whether you're marveling at historic sites or enjoying unique cultural experiences, Philadelphia's top attractions promise a memorable and enriching visit for all ages. Don't miss our Best of Philly Guide for more fun things to do around the city.

Nicole O'Donnell

Latest posts by Nicole

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