phillyfun4kids New Years picks

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t get out and really enjoy New Years this year. There are lots of really unique and exciting events underway in and around Philadelphia for the whole family to celebrate 2011 in style. Check out these great ideas to ring in the New Year with your kiddos!!

Betsy’s New Year’s Birthday Bash
Friday Dec. 31, 2010
11am - 4pm
Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, PA

Head on over to the Betsy Ross House on Friday December 31st from 11am-4pm for a 259th birthday celebration for Betsy Ross, born January 1, 1752. Children will get to participate in special crafts and games as well as sing Happy Birthday to Betsy herself and enjoy a delicious birthday cake provided by City Tavern. Free with paid admission.

New Year’s Eve at Franklin Square
Friday Dec. 31st
6pm
Between 6th and 7th Streets and Race
Philadelphia, PA

Countdown the New Year at Franklin Square starting at 6pm on Friday December 31st with their own special celebration just for kids. Free.

Family New Year's Eve at Independence Seaport Museum
Friday Dec. 31st
6pm
Independence Seaport Museum
Philadelphia, PA

Stay late at the Independence Seaport Museum on New Year’s Eve to enjoy the fireworks at 6pm from their 2nd floor balcony overlooking the river. The Museum will stay open late for families to enjoy the fireworks as well as music and a sparkling cider “toast” at 6pm. Free with regular paid admission.

Countdown to Noon!
Friday Dec. 31st
12pm, 1pm
Please Touch Museum
Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA

Most little kids can’t make it till midnight but that doesn’t mean they should miss the countdown fun! The Please Touch Museum hosts its annual Countdown 2 Noon celebration on December 31st allowing kids the ability to have the fun of a countdown to ring in the New Year, too. Enjoy musical entertainment by Louie Miranda and Fandango as well as a parents and kids dance party, confetti, special crafts and storytelling and special appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog, Stellaluna and King Countdown, the Museum’s official grand marshal of New Years Eve celebrations. Countdowns at 12pm and 1pm. Free with paid admission to the museum.

New Year’s Eve Sunset Cruise
Friday Dec. 31
3:30-7pm
Philadelphia Belle
Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Belle is new to the Delaware Riverfront and is the largest dinner cruise and riverboat of its kind on the east coast. And lucky for us, it’s hosting a family friendly New Year’s Eve Sunset Cruise with a kid-friendly four course dinner that includes live entertainment and party favors culminating in the river’s fabulous fireworks display. The beautifully renovated riverboat’s three climate controlled decks are warm and toasty, boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline. Family friendly cruise runs from 3:30-7pm so families can make it home in plenty of time to get the kiddies to bed, too! Tickets $32.41 for a window seat for a family of four.

New Year’s Day at the Kimmel Center
Saturday Jan. 1st
9am - 5pm
Kimmel Center
Philadelphia, PA

As part of its Free at the Kimmel Center series, families can enjoy the best view of the Mummer’s Parade plus special live entertainment all free at the Kimmel on January 1st, 2011. Children can enjoy free face painting, balloons and crafts as well as a stilt walker/juggler. Live indoor entertainment includes Two of a Kind and the Give ‘em a Hand Band, Ernie & Neal, The Broadway Dreams Foundation and Hot Club of Philadelphia to get the whole family grooving. Plus of course enjoy free indoor viewing of the live New Year’s Day parade and watch the famous Philadelphia Mummers make their way down Broad Street in steppin’ style. Beverages and food by Wolfgang Puck will also be available for purchase. Free.

PEEPs Fest
Dec. 29th - 31st
12 Noon - 5pm
(in the Christkindlmarkt Tents)
Historic Bethlehem, PA

Nothing says Happy New Year like PEEPs, right?? (Right??) Ring in the New Year by heading to Bethlehem, PA for the three day festival celebrating all things PEEPs. Running Dec. 29th through Dec. 31st PEEPs Fest provides great musical entertainment, art and family fun right in the city where PEEPs were born (who knew??). Tickets $4-$10.

New Years at Noon & PJ Party
Saturday Jan. 1st
11am
Garden State Discovery Museum
Cherry Hill, NJ

The Garden State Discovery Museum hosts its annual multicultural celebration “Passport to Discovery” on New Years Day as part of its New Years at Noon and PJ Party. Passport to Discovery features the cultural celebrations in New York, Paris and Beijing with singing, dancing and more. Any child dressed in their PJs who comes before Noon will get in free! Museum opens at 11am. Free with regular admission $10.95.

New Year’s Celebration
Saturday Jan. 1st
10am - 3pm
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia, PA

The National Constitution Center will host a New Years Celebration on Saturday January 1st from 10am – 3pm. Learn about the history of New Year’s holiday and how cultures around the world celebrate it differently including the Ball Drop in Times Square, singing “Auld Lang Syne” as well as traditions unique to Philadelphia such as the Mummer’s parade. Plus partake in seasonal crafts such as making holiday confetti crackers, noise makers, and hats. Free with paid admission.

Sing-along Sound of Music
Saturday Jan. 1st
12pm
World Café Live
Philadelphia, PA

Kids can enjoy a special lunch-time sing-along show of the Sound of Music with a screening of the classic movie, complete with subtitles so everyone can follow along. Also participate in a fancy dress competition for all who come in costume. Tickets $12 for adults, $10 for children ages 1-12. A kid-friendly lunch buffet is also available for purchase for $7 for kids and $10 for adults. Doors open at 11:30. Show starts at noon.

Mummers Fancy Brigade Fest & Finale
Saturday Jan. 1st
12pm and 5pm
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, PA

Of course, there is always the wonderful annual Philadelphia Mummers parade for families this Saturday January 1s but if you don’t feel like braving the weather you can take the kids indoors for The Fancy Brigades Finale shows. The Fancy Brigades parade in lavish costumes indoors at the Pennsylvania Convention Center starting at 11:30 am. Kids can meet and greet with the Fancy Brigade, take some photos with the mummers and also partake in a Giant Mummers Strut. Then at noon the Mummers each perform a shortened version (4.5 minutes) of their performances by each of the 11 competing Fancy Brigades making for a fabulous family show. Tickets are $19 per ticket. (There is also a second evening showing at 5pm for those interested.)

phillyfun4kids New Years picks

Merry Christmas to all

Merry Christmas to all! (Yes, I know I'm a day late but oh friends I tried to post this yesterday, I really did but the day just got away from me...Please forgive.) Anyway better late than never, right?

Our wish for you this Christmas season??? We hope you get to enjoy a little downtime -- whether it's that stolen moment in between the frenzy of presents and feasting, or even just a brief second or two while traveling or in the car but a second where you can take a deep breath and feel truly content about it all knowing that someday, somehow your children will remember the experiences you have made possible this year. Whether those experiences were things like going to holiday light shows or breakfasts with santa or just driving around to see christmas lights or the holiday feast with your family -- whatever special family traditions you have incorporated into you holiday -- they will be remembered. Even if it's hard to believe that is possible amidst all the unwrapping and the toys and the preparations and well, the silly of it all. Down the road your children will remember these special times you spend with them. They'll be ingrained into their visceral memories of what the holidays are all about it just like they are ingrained into our own from our childhoods. So take that moment. I know you don't have time but take it anyway and enjoy it. Know that you did good. That they will remember and someday they'll likely pass the same traditions on to their children because it means that much to them. And it's what makes the holidays so very special for us all.

Merry Christmas to all

Toy Story 3 Meet and Greet at PTM Today

Today, Wed. Dec. 22nd at 10:30am is a very special Meet and Greet at the Please Touch Museum with the characters from Toy Story 3 presented by Disney on Ice. Bring the kiddos out to see Buzz, Woody and their other favorite characters following a special press conference, in which children will be the 'reporters' asking questions of the skaters and choreographers from the show. Free with paid admission to the museum.

Toy Story 3 Meet and Greet at PTM Today

Last weekend before Christmas phillyfun picks

Wow. Holy monkeys... Christmas is what, eight days away? Good grief!!! So much to do with last minute shopping and baking and wrapping and sending and festivities. Yet let's not forget the fun festivities in the midst of all this hustle. There is a lot going on in and around the city this weekend so get out and enjoy. You can always finish the wrapping tomorrow, right??

Winterfest 2010
Briar Bush Nature Center
Abington, PA

The beautiful Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington is host to the annual 2010 Winterfest this Saturday Dec. 18th from 10am – 12 Noon. Winterfest is a celebration of the winter season to include live animal shows, storytime, nature walks, craft activities, and appearances by Kathy O’Connell, host of Kid’s Corner, and two of the show’s regulars, naturalist Jane Kirkland and Mike Weilbacher, Briar Bush’s director and the show’s All-Natural Science Guy. Families can join Jane, author of the “Take a Walk” series of books and other BBNC staff on guided walks. Free.

Winter Solstice 2010
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Philadelphia, PA

On Saturday, December 18 starting at 12 Noon head to South Street to enjoy Winter Solstice where a variety of businesses will also offer special treats and great offers, perfect for gift-giving. Treat your special someone (or yourself!) to exceptional, handmade goods by local artisans. Start off at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on 1020 South Street to relax and work up some holiday spirit. Enjoy music, complimentary refreshments, and a FREE hands-on ornament-making activity for all ages. As you walk east, explore the four Arts on South galleries: BCKSEET Creative Co-op (535 South St.), Dumpster Divers (604 South St.), Arts Street Textile Studio (626 South St.), and Burlap Studio (641 South St.).

Seaport Parade of Lights
Independence Seaport Museum
Philadelphia, PA

Don't miss the newest holiday event in Philadelphia: The Seaport Parade of Lights on Saturday December 18th. The Parade of Lights is a lighted boat parade on the Delaware River. See tugs and other port vessels all decked out with lights parade from Penn's Landing to the Ben Franklin Bridge and back down river. The parade will be led by the historic 1902 Tug, Jupiter. Mayor Nutter will officially "launch" the parade from in front of the Independence Seaport Museum at 5:00 pm. Prime viewing spots are at any point from the Blue Cross RiverRink to the Seaport Museum. Museum visitors will have a special viewing area on the second floor balcony, along with free hot chocolate while supplies last. Come down to the waterfront and enjoy a new holiday tradition!

Holiday Magic Laser Show
Edelman Planetarium, Science Hall, Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Enjoy this popular holiday laser light show at the Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University on Sat. Dec. 18th at 8pm or Sunday Dec. 19th at 4pm. Vivid holiday pictures and dancing abstract visuals accompany a holiday music soundtrack featuring Mannheim Steamroller, Andy Williams, the Spice Girls, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and more. Tickets $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Sugarplum Fairy Party
Byers' Choice Ltd. Shop
Chalfont, PA

Your little sweeties will love the Sugarplum Fairy Party this Sunday Dec. 19th at 11am at the Byers’ Choice Ltd. Shop in Chalfont, PA. Children of all ages will enjoy holiday sweets and treats to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Free.

Santa Arrives at the American Helicopter Museum
American Helicopter Museum
West Chester, PA

Santa trades in his sleigh for a helicopter this Saturday Dec. 18th at the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, PA. Admission is $10 and includes a photo with Santa and holiday activities and refreshments. Santa makes two arrivals at 11am and 1:30pm. Helicopter rides for the whole family are also available (for additional fee) between 11am-3pm.

Winter Market at the Piazza
The Piazza at Schmidt’s
Philadelphia, PA

The Winter Market is a limited engagement event running December 17th - 19th at The Piazza at Schmidt’s but what a lovely and festive way to take the whole family outside for some holiday cold weather fun. The piazza will be strung with lights and turned into a European style Christmas Market, featuring some of Philly’s best food trucks, craft vendors and boutique shops lining the streets and square. Perfect for last minute shopping, people-watching and socializing. Adults can also partake in hot mulled wine, cold beer, and spiked hot cocoa as well. Bonus: there will also be a gift wrapping station so you don’t have to worry about wrapping anything later at home! Runs Friday Dec. 17th 5-9pm, Saturday Dec. 18th from 4-9pm and Sunday Dec. 19th from 1-7pm. Free.

Last weekend before Christmas phillyfun picks

Philadelphia CityPASS

If you're starting to wonder (like me) what you are going to do with your little ones all winter long now that it's truly freezing outside, look no further: The Philadelphia CityPASS" gives you nearly half off on 6 premier Philadelphia attraction admission tickets including The Franklin Institute, Adventure Aquarium, The Philadelphia Zoo, The Academy of Natural Sciences OR The National Constitution Center, The Please Touch Museum OR Eastern State Penitentiary, and Philadelphia Trolly and Big Bus Company!! That's a fantastic bargain!!!

AND... it used to be that you had to use your CityPASS all in 9 days (to visit all six attractions) but now they've extended it so if you buy it and use now (after Dec. 15th) you can use the pass through Feb. 28th! What a fabulous way to have something wonderful to do during these long, cold winter days, right? RIGHT! So grab a CityPASS now and enjoy these wonderful discounts on your favorite attractions.

Bonus: CityPASS lets you save time because you can skip any long lines at most attractions with your CityPASS. Just look for the CityPASS sign at the Box Office.

Fine print: The CityPASS booklet contains six real tickets to these famous Philadelphia attractions. A booklet is “activated” when you visit the first Philadelphia attraction. And with the special winter extension, you have through Feb. 28th to use all the remaining tickets.

Costs: Adult $59.00 - Regular cost of ticket combination is $110.99. You Save $51.99!
Kids (ages 2-12) $39.00 - Regular cost of ticket combination is $81.21. You Save $42.21!

Yay! Indoor fun for the kiddos this winter without breakng the bank. What a deal!!

Philadelphia CityPASS

Weekend Phillyfun Picks

So we made it through Hanuka earlier this week and are ready for the official start of total Christmas craziness (unless you are one of those amazing Elves that are already done their shopping- in which case I am in awe, and more than a little jealous).

There are loads of good things on tap to keep the wee ones engaged while we cross names off the old list so here's a few weekend activities to consider while dashing through the snow.

2nd Saturday Holiday Celebration
Saturday Dec. 11
6pm - 9pm
Downtown Media (State Street)
Media, PA

Second Saturday is always a blast, but Media really pulls out all the stops for the holidays. On the 2nd Saturday of every month, over 40 businesses on and around State Street (the main drag in Media) stay open late as part of the free arts event. From 6-9pm, shops, galleries and cafes welcomes local musicians, display the work of local artists and host hands on events. This month, you will also find strolling carolers, roasted chestnuts (outside of seven stones cafe), a tile making demonstration (at the MAC window gallery at Bryn Mawr Trust) and reasonable priced horse and carriage rides (get a discount on carriage rides if you attend the Media Historic House tours during the day).

Narberth Dickens Festival
Saturday Dec. 11
12-4pm
Downtown Narberth
Haverford Ave. and Forrest Ave.
Narberth, PA

Narberth’s main drag is transformed into a Dickens-style village this Saturday for the annual Dickens Festival with street performers, carolers, horse and carriage rides and more. Kids can also enjoy a scavenger hunt and free prizes plus candle making and other Victorian craft making, Dickens tattoos, face painting and much more. Families can also enjoy free showings of A Muppet Christmas Carol in the Narberth movie theater (at 11am) and Nutcracker dance performances at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. Free. Check website for free showtimes and more details.

Blues for Scrooge Puppet Show
Narberth Community Library
Girl Scout Room
Narberth, PA

Children and families can enjoy two free performance of “Blues for Scrooge”, an original play with music, based on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and performed by local musicians working with students from local schools. Part of the Narberth Dickens Festival weekend activities, shows run Friday Dec 10th at 7pm and Saturday Dec 11th at 5 pm. Both shows are free. See website for full details.

Believe Day
Saturday Dec. 11
11:15am - 7pm
Macy's Center City- Grand Court
Center City Philadelphia

Macy's (formerly Wanamaker's) is just a family tradition- I remember my Grandmother taking me to see the light display when I was a kid and now I get a special pleasure from watching my guys o through "Dickens Village", visit Santa and then go marvel at the light show in the grand court. This Saturday is Believe Day so there will be special holiday performances by The CTO Rock Strings Band, the John Bresner Band, Standing Ovation and Grammy Award winning Artist Bebe Winans.

After you peruse the window displays outside, be sure to check out...

Christmas Villiage
presented by the German Historical Society
at Philadelphia City Hall

Nab some christmas kistch with an international flare. This weekend, the Christmas Village celebrates the Army/Navy Game in Philadelphia with special performances (to be announced). There are more than 50 booths and tents to check out selling European food, sweets and drinks. Find seasonal holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high quality arts and crafts.

Blue Cross River Rink
Penn's Landing
Philadelphia, PA

Need a little break from the Christmas Crazies the river rink reopened this week and a few hours on the rink followed by a cup of their FREE piping hot cocoa will melt even the Grinch's heart. Call ahead for current rink and weather conditions.

Phoenixville’s 7th Annual Firebird Festival
Saturday Dec. 11
4pm
Bridge Street, Between Main and Church Streets
Phoenixville, PA

This Saturday Dec. 11th at 4pm is the start of Phoenixville’s 7th annual Firebird festival which features a 30’ tall wooden bird that is lit on fire and serves as a community kiln to allow artists to fire their works. The event will also have an arts bazaar, live music, fire spinners, drummers and dancers, and more. Don’t miss this unique winter solstice festival! Free.

Weekend Phillyfun Picks

Lionel Trains Pulling into Cherry Hill Mall

Did you know that Lionel Electric Trains, the iconic brand that has put smiles on kids' faces for over 110 years, has a "pop-up" location in Cherry Hill Mall that opened a few months ago? Based on last year’s overwhelming success of the company’s first ever retail location in New York City, Lionel decided to expand by setting up a variety of these "pop-up" locations in time for the holiday season. Lionel unveiled five new pop-up stores this year in NYC, Westchester, Dallas, Minneapolis and yay for us, Cherry Hill!

My hubby is a train geek and my 2.5 year old loves her some Thomas trains so our family is particularly excited about this new Lionel store. There are lots of great new trains to check out including a variety of starter-sets and add-ons such as the Pennsylvania Flyer, the New York Central, and the Nutcracker Route - all on sale at the Cherry Hill location.

And for the little guys, there is Lionel Little Lines, the perfect first train set for kids 2½ years old and up. For ages four and up, Lionel will also be offering their iconic Polar Express battery-powered set; sure to spark an early love of model trains. Over the past few years, Lionel has also entered into several licensing agreements that have led to the Polar Express, the Hogwart's Express, Thomas the Tank Engine and Amtrak trains. All of these and many more will be available on site in Cherry Hill.

Lionel Trains Pulling into Cherry Hill Mall

Weekend phillyfun picks

Happy first weekend in December everybody!! There is much to do what with the beginning of Hanukkah and the first offical holiday weekend in December. Check out these great picks this weekend to get you feeling merry and festive!

Shooting Stars Holiday Show
Friday Dec. 3
7:30pm
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
Drexel Hill, PA

The Shooting Stars is a dynamic show choir of 36 singing, dancing talented young people who will bring their high energy holiday show “The Best Time of the Year” to you this Friday December 3rd at 7:30pm. Tickets are $6-9. Enjoy some musical holiday fun for the whole family.

A Christmas Carol
Friday Dec. 3 - Saturday Dec. 4
Broad Street United Methodist Church
Burlington, NJ

Family-friendly performance of Dickens’ Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, by the Bridge Players Theater Company. The play follows Scrooge through various ghosts and lessons in an audience participation version of this beloved holiday tale. Play runs Friday Dec. 3rd at 7:30pm and Saturday Dec. 4th at 3:00 and 7:00pm. Tickets are $8.00.

Lucia Celebration
Saturday Dec. 4
12pm - 5pm
American Swedish Historical Museum
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the holidays Swedish-style at the American Swedish Historical Museum’s annual Luciafest this Saturday Dec. 4th from 12-5pm. Kids of all ages will enjoy Swedish delicacies and baked goods as well as two Lucia processions, a Christmas Shop, artisan vendors and a collectibles table. Tickets $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12, children under 4 are free.

Peddler’s Village Christmas Festival
Saturday Dec. 4 - Sunday Dec. 5
10am - 6pm
Peddler's Village
Lahaska, PA

The Peddler’s Village annual Christmas Festival runs Saturday and Sunday Dec. 4-5th from 10am- 6pm (stores open till 9pm) with a holiday parade at 1:30pm featuring the arrival of Santa accompanied by Boy Scouts, marching bands and more. The festival will also have hot mulled cider, roasted marshmallows and chestnuts roasting by the open fire for all to enjoy. Free.

Peace Around the World: Passport to Cultures
Sunday Dec. 5
1-4pm
Penn Museum
Philadelphia, PA

Peace Around the World: Passport to Cultures at the Penn Museum this Sunday Dec. 5th from 1-4pm allows children to celebrate cultures around the world by visiting various galleries and exploring holiday traditions through songs, stories, crafts, games and more. The 15th annual Peace Around the World event also features international music, dancing, face painting, balloon art and free treats. Free with regular museum admission ($10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under).

Glad Tidings
Sunday Dec. 5
1-5pm
Glencairn Museum
Bryn Athyn, PA

Glad Tidings: A Celebration of Christmas takes place this Sunday Dec. 5th from 1-5pm aat the Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, PA. Explore nativity art, and nativities from around the world. Children can participate in a holiday “quest” searching the building for holiday items and then win a prize. Partake in a self-guided audio tour using your cell phone, listen to festive music and more. You can also shop at the Ten Thousand Villages sale and enjoy festive treats at the Café. First floor activities free. Additional activities $5 for adults, free for children 4 and under.

Santa Arrives on the Philadelphia Belle
Sunday Dec. 5
1pm
Penn's Landing Blue Cross RiverRink
Philadelphia, PA

Santa makes a memorable entrance this Sunday Dec. 5th at 1pm at the Blue Cross River Rink. Santa and his merry mascots arrive at the rink from aboard the Philadelphia Belle to greet kids and skate with families. Other holiday activities include holiday face painting, photos and make and take crafts. Skating kids also get free elf hats while supplies last. $8 skate admission, $3 skate rental.

Latkepalooza and Jewish Bakeoff
Sunday Dec. 5
2-4pm
Gershman Y
Philadelphia, PA

This wildly popular annual Latkepalooza event at the Gershman Y allows locals to taste delicious latkes from restaurants all around the city including Bar Ferdinand, Jones, Delicatessen, Snackbar, Penne, and more. Latkepalooza takes place this Sunday Dec. 5th from 2-4pm and includes a performance by the West Philadelphia Orchestra, storytelling, puppet-making, plus a Jewish bake-off featuring tastes of apple cake, ruggelach, and mandel bread. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children, kids 5 and under are free.

Weekend phillyfun picks