Fun Things To Do With Kids: Family activities

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What's Open For Kids and Families in the Philadelphia Area (Updated 12/17)

Fun Things Kids Best places to travel with kids , COVID 19

updated 12/17

Here is a list of open places in and near Delaware County that you can enjoy responsibly with restrictions. As things are slowly reopening, we’ll update you on the things you can do outside the house. Please visit the website of the place you would like to visit before leaving home. Visitor capacity is often limited, and most locations require you to purchase tickets in advance. The list below is just suggestions. Please use your own discretion to decide what is best for your family during these unusual times.

Parks

Ridley Creek State Park- trails open

Newlin Grist Mill - trails open

Valley Forge National Park - trails open

Franklin Square Park - open

Zoos

Brandywine Zoo - reservations required.

Elmwood Park Zoo - reservation required

Philadelphia Zoo - reservation required

Railroads

Strasburg Railroad - reservations required

West Chester Railroad - reservations required

Pick Your Own/ Cut Your Own Trees

Linvilla Orchards - reservation required to cut your own tree

Highland Orchards - reservations required for private hayrides

Gardens

Longwood Gardens - reservation required

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens - closed till April 1st

Tyler Arboretum - open

Chanticleer Gardens - closed for the season

Museums/Tours

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation - closed for the season

Brandywine River Museum - closed until 1/4

Camden's Adventure Aquarium- reservation required

Franklin Institute - temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

Battleship New Jersey - reservations required

Independence Seaport Museum- temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

Mural Arts Philadelphia Mural Mile Center City Walking Tours - reservations required

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University - temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

Penn Museum - temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

Please Touch Museum - temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

Philadelphia Museum of Art- temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion - temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

National Constitution Center- temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

Museum of the American Revolution- temporarily closed due to COVID until 2021

*photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

Fun Things to Do With Kids is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any of the events or activities posted on this blog. Events and activities are posted for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the times, dates, or locations of activities and events. We also do not guarantee that you and your kids will have fun, but we hope you will.

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

All the contents on this website and all social media platforms are provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to offer guidance regarding venues and businesses that are reopening. The ultimate judgment regarding any specific activity is yours. We do not take any responsibility for any decision you make with the information provided on this website and on our social media platforms. We are not medical doctors or professionals, nor do we have any medical or scientific training, education, or experience. You should follow government guidelines for safe practices for yourself and your family members before making any decisions relating to any activities that are outside your home.

Virtual Storytimes

Fun Things Kids COVID 19 , educational websites

With kids at home and parents looking for fun educational activities, many of our favorite authors are offering online read aloud and activities on social media. Listed below are some of our favorites.

See your favorite Delaware County Librarians read some of your favorite stories

Roda Ahmed- on Instagram Live

Diane Alber -on Facebook 10am PST

Mac Barnett- Instagram Live. 12pm PST

Julia Cook- Facebook Live 9AM CST

James Dean on Instagram Live at 12 PM EDT

Monique Gray Smith - Instagram

Dan Gutman- Reads from “Miss Blake is a Flake” each day at 2:00 PM EDT

Tara Lazar- Instagram Live 12 PM EDT

Peter Reynolds- Facebook 12PM EDT

#Savewithstories - Virtual storytimes with some of your favorite stars on Instagram

Philly Photo Pop Winter Wonderland

Fun Things Kids Family activities , Family Travel

Looking for a different and fun way to capture a family holiday photo or something different to do with the family over the holidays? I recently had the chance to check out Philly Photo Pop located in Old City at The Bourse. The Bourse has been renovated on the inside and now is a food hall. Philly Photo Pop is Philadelphia's first interactive art exhibit of its kind. Guests make their way through different rooms filled with 30 interactive displays designed by local artists. Each room is decorated with different winter themes and you can take photos with backdrops and accessories to make the perfect photo. The staff can also assist in taking the perfect photo. I loved the fact that tickets are timed so you have enough time to take a lot of pictures. Another feature I liked was they have hooks located at each scene to hang your coat, this is extremely important this time of year.

Winter Wonderland is now open until January 5th

You can purchase tickets before you arrive and you can use the code DELCOKIDS10 to receive 10% off adult tickets!

For more information: https://www.photopopphilly.com/

Location: Inside The Bourse (across the street from the Liberty Bell) at 111 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106

This event is appropriate for: the whole family

Cost: - $20 for adults
$12 for children 10 years old and younger
FREE for children under 5

Travel Ideas with Kids on the East Coast

Fun Things Kids Best places to travel with kids , east coast travel

Looking for a quick getaway before the kids head back to school? We have picked out some of our favorite places to visit. All of our picks are driveable and no more than a few hours from the Philadelphia suburbs.

1. Double Tree Resort in Lancaster PA. There is so much to do at this family-friendly resort. This 185-room resort is very family friendly, but it's also perfect for a weekend getaway without the kids. The hotel is about a 10-15 minute drive to the Strasburg Rail Road, Choo Choo Barn, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and other Lancaster attractions.

2. Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains. If you are looking for a water park adventure then Kalahari will keep everyone happy and entertained. Kalahari is just under two hours away from the Philadelphia area. Kalahari is truly a family oriented place and they have thought of everything to keep all members of the family happy and occupied while on vacation.

3. National Harbor Maryland

The National Harbor area is located on the banks of the Potomac River and it has plenty of activities to keep the family busy, take a breathtaking ride on the Capital Wheel or a spin on the Carousel. Explore the area with Water Taxis or a Sight Seeing Cruises.

There are two great resorts to stay in while visiting the area Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center and The Residence Inn

4. Inner Harbor Baltimore Maryland

Baltimore has something for everyone. Younger kids will enjoy Port Discovery Museum, which offers 3 floors of hands-on activities for the kids. National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Museum are also must see places when visiting the Harbor

If you want to stay check out the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Maryland that is in walking distance to all the attractions.

5. Williamsburg Virgina

The Williamsburg area has plenty of activities to keep your family busy. Head to Busch Gardens for some family thrills. Take a step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown or Jamestown Settlement.

6. Crystal Spring Resort Grand Cascades Lodge

Grand Cascades Lodge is a beautiful and well-appointed AAA 4-Diamond hotel located in Hamburg, New Jersey. The main attraction for families at the hotel is the Biosphere, which is an indoor pool complex with an aquarium, vortex pools, and caves, and lush tropical foliage; year-round outdoor heated pool; 140-foot waterslide. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep the family busy.

MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON “ANT-MAN AND THE WASP”

Fun Things Kids Disney Movies , Family activities

Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” starring Paul Rudd (“Captain America: Civil War,” “The Fundamentals of Caring”), Evangeline Lilly (“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” “Lost”), Michael Peña (“The Martian,” “Fury”) and Academy Award® winner Michael Douglas (“Behind the Candelabra,” “Wall Street”), who all return to the roles they originated in the 2015 box office hit “Ant-Man.” Bobby Cannavale (“Vinyl,” “Chef”), Judy Greer (“War for the Planet of the Apes,” “Wilson”), Abby Ryder Fortson (“Togetherness,” “Transparent”), Tip “T.I.” Harris (“Sleepless,” “Get Hard”) and David Dastmalchian (“Twin Peaks,” “The Belko Experiment”) also reprise their supporting roles.

The highly-anticipated follow-up welcomes Academy Award® nominees Michelle Pfeiffer (“The Wizard of Lies,” upcoming “Murder on the Orient Express”) and Laurence Fishburne (“John Wick: Chapter 2,” “The Matrix”), along with Hannah John-Kamen (“Black Mirror,” “Ready Player One”), Walton Goggins (“Vice Principals,” “Six”) and Randall Park (“Veep,” “Fresh Off the Boat”) to the ensemble cast.

“Ant-Man” director Peyton Reed (“Yes Man,” “The Break-Up”) returns to helm Marvel Studios’ action-adventure from a screenplay by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers, Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari, and Paul Rudd. The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on July 6, 2018, will be filmed in Atlanta and San Francisco.

From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink: “Ant-Man and The Wasp.” In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang (Rudd) grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne (Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

Marvel Studios’’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp” is produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Charles Newirth and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

The director’s creative brain trust includes Academy Award®-nominated director of photography Dante Spinotti (“L.A. Confidential”), production designer Shepherd Frankel (“Ant-Man”), costume designer Louise Frogley (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”), visuals effects supervisor Stephane Ceretti (“Doctor Strange”) and seven-time Academy Award® nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (“Captain America: Civil War”).

Big Changes Coming to Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains

Fun Things Kids Family activities , family friendly travel

If you ever visited Kalahari Resorts before, you will want to plan a return trip. If you haven't been there before, it's time to start planning your trip.

This past week I got a sneak peak of all the new things coming to Kalahari Resorts. The resort will truly have something for everyone in you family, no matter what age they are.

This March, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains will become the home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark – dethroning the current title holder, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio.

The indoor waterpark will have 8 new slides

Screaming Hyena:

Sahara Sidewinder:

Kenya’s Korkscrew:

Zig-Zag Zebra:

Cheetah Race Mat Slide:

During this expansion, Kalahari has added 520 rooms. They also added a few suites so you can bring your whole family and even your extended family, with the option of 3 bedroom suites or five bedroom suites. With the addition of these suites, you will have plenty of room to relax and spend holidays or special occasions with your family.

Kalahari will be adding some new dining options too. I had the chance to try samples of food that will be served at the restaurants and guest will be in for a special treat. This is not your typical resort food, you will be enjoying gourmet food.

Double Cut Charcoal Grill/Liquor Bar:
Kalahari’s signature steakhouse experience featuring: premium cuts of meat, craft cocktails, family style sides and more

Sortino's Italian Kitchen:
The menu will include: wood-fired pizza, Italian family dining, a large variety of wines and more.

Marrakesh Market:
Grab and go convenience bazaar style shopping, unique gifts, authentic-African items and everyday needs.

Even more family fun:

If you get tired of the waterpark you will be able to check out the new virtual reality experience, The Arena. Guest can step into the virtual reality and play with other guests.

If you want some outdoor adventure check out Gorilla Grove Treetop Outdoor Aerial Adventure Park (now open)

Kalahari Resorts continues to be a top-notch family friendly resort for families looking for a weekend getaway or a family reunion.

For more information: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/pennsylvania

Disclosure: Thanks, Kalahari Resorts for arranging for our complimentary stay to facilitate this article. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Ticket Giveaway and Review of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates at The Arden Theatre

Fun Things Kids Family activities , Family Friendly Shows

Arden Children’s Theatre presents

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

November 24, 2015 – January 31, 2016

Arden Theatre Company presents the World Premiere of HANS BRINKER AND THE SILVER SKATES by playwright, director and screenwriter Laura Eason and adapted from the novel by Mary Mapes Dodge. The first of two Children’s Theatre offerings during the 2015/16 Season, HANS BRINKER AND THE SILVER SKATES runs from November 24, 2015 – January 31, 2016, on the Arden’s F. Otto Haas stage at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.

About the Show

My family and I had the chance to review the show this past weekend and as usual, the Arden Theatre doesn't disappoint. We loved how the set design was done with making the stage look like an ice rink and the way they told the story. My kids loved how it looked like the cast was skating on real ice. We also loved the lesson the show told about never giving up and being kind to others. Here is some background of the the story:

A great skating contest is announced, and the winner will receive a shiny pair of silver skates. But will Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel, with their hand-carved wooden skates, be able to compete against children who own fine steel blades? Set against a backdrop of frozen canals in 19th century Holland, this new production celebrates the importance of grit and determination, the value of generosity, and the thrill of flying down the ice on a pair of skates.

Another favorite activity at the Arden is after the show the audience can ask questions to the actors. This helps everyone to learn more about the show and it helps kids to connect with the actors. Also, you can meet the actors and pose for pictures with them in the lobby after the show.

Hans and Gretel

Schedule and Events

The show opens on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 7pm and runs through Sunday, January 31, 2016. A full calendar of events can be found here.

HANS BRINKER AND THE SILVER SKATES includes weekday matinee performances for students and weekend performances for families. Single ticket prices are $20 - $36, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more, seniors, students, military, and educators. Arden Children’s Theatre 2-play subscriptions are available for $26 - $50. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, visit www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia

Enter to win a voucher to purchase purchase tickets to see Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates at The Arden Theatre.

Disclosure: Thanks to the Arden Theatre for arranging for our complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Fun Things Visits National Harbor Maryland

Fun Things Kids activities for kids during the holidays , Children's attractions

Looking for a family friendly place to visit with the kids this holiday season or even a weekend getaway or summer vacation. I have found the place for you, National Harbor Maryland is located about 2 and 1/2 hours away from the Philadelphia area. The National Harbor has something for everyone. It is located on the banks of the Potomac river, right outside of Washington D.C.. It features remarkable hotels, thousands of residential units, tree-lined streets with shops and offices, a marina and much more. The National Harbor is is about a 15 minute drive from Washington D.C.

Family Friendly Activities

Visit ICE this holiday season at the Gaylord National
Take a breathtaking ride on the Capital Wheel
Take a spin on the Carousal
Water Taxis
Sight Seeing Cruises
Outlet Shopping at Tanger Outlets
The National Children’s Museum

Movies on the Potomac

Outdoor Concerts

Go Shopping

Where to Eat

You will never run out of options for good food in the Harbor area. You can get anything from delicious crab cakes at the Crab Cake Cafe or steak and seafood at McLoone's Pier House. During our visit we enjoyed every meal. Below are some of our favorites from our trip

Cadillac Ranch (casual dinning, burgers, steaks, salads)
Elevation Burger (fast casual dinning burgers, fires shakes)
Fiorella Italian Kitchen (casual dinning pizza and entrees
Nando's Peri-Peri ( fast casual dinning Portuguese flame-grilled Peri-Peri Chicken)

Where to Stay

The Residence Inn (check out our review)
Aloft
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Hampton Inn & Suites

Westin

Wyndham

No matter if you visit the National Harbor for a day trip or make it a longer vacation there is something to see and do for the whole family.

For more information: http://www.nationalharbor.com

Disclosure: Thanks to the National Harbor Visitors Bureau for arranging for our complimentary stay at the National Harbor to facilitate this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.

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KaBOOM! is Searching for America's Most Playful Family

Fun Things Kids activities to do with kids , Family activities

KaBOOM! is Searching for America's Most Playful Family

Does your family participate in sports? Hike together? Play at the nearby park or playground? Then join us to celebrate the importance of why play matters—for kids, parents, grandparents, guardians, families of all kinds—by showing the world how your family loves to play!

Cartwheel, sprint or flip your way into the contest by capturing photos and stories that showcase fun ways your family stays active and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of more than 1,000 prizes, including the most playful vacation of them all—a GRAND PRIZE trip for four to Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort.

Only 5 days left to enter

Click here for details.

Make a Craft Foam & Felt Butterfly at Michaels Kids Club

Fun Things Kids activities to do with Children , Family activities

KIDS CLUB® Craft Foam & Felt Butterfly

February 22nd

10am -12:00 pm

Be a social butterfly! Kids, create something fun this February. Join us for our Craft Foam & Felt Butterfly Event. Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event. See a store associate for details today. $2

For more information and locations: www.michaels.com

This event is appropriate for: ages 3 and older

Cost: $2

Kids Club Heart Painting at Michaels

Fun Things Kids activities to do with Children , activities to do with kids

KIDS CLUB® Heart Painting

February 15th

10am -12:00 pm

Crazy for crafts! Kids, create a Heart Painting in the spirit of February. Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event. See a store associate for details today. $2

For more information:   www.michaels.com

Location:  601 W Baltimore Pike Springfield, PA

This event is appropriate for:   ages 3 and older

Cost: $2

Make a Sweet Treat Card at Michaels

Fun Things Kids activities to do with kids , arts and crafts for children

KIDS CLUB®: Sweet Treat Card

February 8th

10am -12:00 pm

Share the sweetness. Kids, come craft a fun card for someone you love. Join us for our Sweet Treat Card Event. Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event. See a store associate for details today. $2

For more information and locations: www.michaels.com

This event is appropriate for: ages 3 and older

Cost: $2

Lego Movie Event at Toys R Us

Fun Things Kids activities to do with Children , Family activities

For more information and locations: http://www.toysrus.com

This event is appropriate for: ages 6 and older

Bank of America's Museums on Us February 1-2

Fun Things Kids activities to do with kids , Children s Free Childrens Events

Get Culture for Free from Bank of America

If you are a Bank of America check or Merrill Lynch, ATM, or credit card holder you can visit museums this weekend for free. Bank of America offers this Museums on Us program on the first weekend of every month and gives you free general admission to 70 museums nationwide. Art, science, history or nature - your card gets you in whatever you are into. Locate a museum near you.

Your ticket to culture and art may already be in your pocket! Free Museum offer details: This offer excludes special exhibitions, ticketed shows and fund raising events. Just present your Bank of America® or Merrill Lynch® credit or debit card, along with your photo ID. Free admission limited to cardholder at participating institution.

Make Crafty Valentine's Day Bag at Michaels

Fun Things Kids activities to do with Children , Family activities

KIDS CLUB®: Crafty Valentine's Day Bag

February 1st

10am -12:00 pm

Sweet Stuff! Kids, craft a fun treat bag for Valentine's Day. Join us on Saturday, February 1st, for our Crafty Valentine's Day Bag Event. Just $2 per 30-minute session - including supplies. Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event. See a store associate for details today. $2

For more information & Locations: www.michaels.com

This event is appropriate for: ages 3 and older

Cost: $2

What's Open For Kids and Families in the Philadelphia Area (Updated 12/17)

Virtual Storytimes

Philly Photo Pop Winter Wonderland

Travel Ideas with Kids on the East Coast

MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON “ANT-MAN AND THE WASP”

Big Changes Coming to Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains

Ticket Giveaway and Review of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates at The Arden Theatre

Fun Things Visits National Harbor Maryland

KaBOOM! is Searching for America's Most Playful Family

Make a Craft Foam & Felt Butterfly at Michaels Kids Club

KIDS CLUB® Craft Foam & Felt Butterfly

Kids Club Heart Painting at Michaels

KIDS CLUB® Heart Painting

Make a Sweet Treat Card at Michaels

KIDS CLUB®: Sweet Treat Card

Lego Movie Event at Toys R Us

Bank of America's Museums on Us February 1-2

Make Crafty Valentine's Day Bag at Michaels

KIDS CLUB®: Crafty Valentine's Day Bag

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