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

Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Philly with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 05/25/2025 - 7:30am

See exotic plants from around the world and spot wildlife in the Meadow Garden at Longwood Gardens. Photo by F. Fusco/Visit Philladelphia

You don't have to leave Philly to enjoy everything summer has to offer! Whether you’re looking to cool off in the city, take a day trip to the shore, or explore new local events, this list will help you make the most of your family’s summer break.

Read on for our top summer activities for kids to plan out a summer the entire family will enjoy. And don't forget to check out our Summer Guide for hundreds of more ideas.

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: Top Things To Do in Philly with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 7:27am

Kick off the summer with a spectacular dance party and fireworks display on the Delaware River. Photo courtesy of the Delaware River Waterfront

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The unofficial kick-off to summer is finally upon us, and things are heating up! So many summertime favorites are back on the calendar, from the Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. The Museum of the American Revolution pays tribute to those who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Take advantage of free admission to the National Constitution Center all weekend long with special programming, including daily shows exploring some of the most famous memorials in the U.S. and the history of the American flag. Head over to Delaware River Waterfront for a massive fireworks celebration to start summer with a bang.

Looking for chill vibes this weekend? Stay cool at one of our top water park picks! For a leisurely holiday weekend, check out The Ultimate Guide to Philly Area Playgrounds for Toddlers.

32 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Philadelphia for Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 05/16/2025 - 10:04am

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is open at Franklin Square through August 31! Photo by H. Daluisio/Visit Philadelphia

Summer fairs and festivals are back in Philly! If there's one thing this city loves besides a cheesesteak, it's a summer festival. Our summer calendar is chock-full of fairs, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals to get you out and about while school's out. Read on for our top festival picks to keep Philly families partying all summer.

For more summer fun, check out our Summer Activity Guide. Heading to the shore this summer? We've got you covered with 70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore.

Mother's Day Weekend 2025 in Philadelphia: Brunch and More Fun Things To Do

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 05/09/2025 - 6:16am

Enjoy the return of your favorite rides, slides, shows, and more with your mom this weekend at Dorney Park's season opening. Photo courtesy of the park

Moms are incredible multi-taskers who deserve more than just one day of recognition! Our special list of activities and brunches around Philadelphia has something perfect to make Mom feel extra loved this Mother's Day, plus a few additional days in case you want to celebrate a little longer. A lavish brunch or unique museum outing, a fun family bonding opportunity like fishing, or some quality time together trying new eats in Old City—there are so many ways for Philly families to show appreciation for their wonderful moms!

Find more seasonal fun moms will love in our Spring Fun Guide, don't miss our Mother's Day Brunch list, and get gift inspiration on our list of Mother's Day Gifts Moms Actually Want.

Free Outdoor Movies in Philly this Summer with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 05/04/2025 - 7:44am

Grab a blanket, meet up with friends and family, and join us for an evening under the stars at our Parkside Community Movie Nights! Photo courtesy of the event

Free outdoor movie magic is happening all around Philly this summer! With warm nights and late sunsets, the atmosphere is just perfect for a family-friendly movie night under the stars. At dusk, experience an amazing cinematic experience with loved ones. Get there early to get the best viewing spot, and bring some snacks, a blanket, and some bug spray. Now all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the show!

For more of the best summer activities in Philly for kids, check out our Summer Activities Guide. Looking for more no-cost family entertainment? Browse our guide of Free Fun for Philly Kids.

Best Family Vacation Websites and Travel Blogs

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sat, 05/03/2025 - 10:00am

The Mommy Poppins travel guide has insider tricks and hacks for traveling with toddlers and kids. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Ever been on a family vacation only to get home and realize you’re more exhausted than before you left? Family vacations with kids can be challenging! You need to pick a great place to go that has enough to interest kids of all ages, find hotels with all the amenities your family needs and is close enough to the action to take breaks if you need them, and find food your picky eaters will eat. On top of that, every aspect of the trip needs to fit into your family's budget.

Luckily, you don’t have to go into it blindly. For planning family vacations, several websites stand out as having been-there-done-that insight into loads of different types of family vacations. In addition to where to travel with your family, these websites help steer you to the best family hotels, family restaurants, and even travel tips for traveling with children. We’ve scoped out the best family vacation websites to help ensure smooth sailing—or flying, driving, train travel…

Read on for our picks for the top family vacation websites and blogs and why we like them!

Best of May: 14 Top Things To Do in Philadelphia with Kids in May 2025

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 04/27/2025 - 9:48am

The Philadelphia Children's Festival is back with an exciting array of professional performances for the whole family, Photo by R. Kennedy/Visit Phily

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we'll be finding fun things to do all month long—May the 4th be with you!

May in Philadelphia brings a bouquet of family-friendly activities and events, promising something delightful for every age. From the luscious Strawberry Festival at Peddler's to the arts at the Philadelphia Children's Festival, there is something for everyone. Explore sustainability at EcoFair 2025 or join the spirited festivities at The Philadelphia Irish Festival. Whether you're celebrating Mother's Day with a brunch at Elmwood Park Zoo or enjoying a Free Mother's Day Tea Party, May is a month to cherish with your loved ones. Join us as we embrace the warmth of spring and the joy of family time in the City of Brotherly Love!

Easter Weekend 2025: 11 Things To Do in Philly With Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 04/18/2025 - 6:55am

Peddler's Village presents its annual Peeps In The Village competition and display. Photo courtesy Peddlers Village

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this Easter weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

Get your Easter celebrations off to an amazing start! From family-friendly events like the annual Easter Egg Hunt at FDR Park, where you can hunt for eggs in South Philly, to the Easter Dine with Friends featuring stories and a buffet meal, there is something for everyone this weekend. Make sure to bring your little construction-loving Easter bunnies to the Easter Egg Hunt at Diggerland, and don't miss the Easter Eggstravaganza at Shady Brook Farms.

For more family fun, we've got the best Easter Scavenger Hunts and Other At-Home Easter Egg Hunt Ideas, or plan your Spring Break itinerary with our list of 24 Fun Things To Do in Philly.

Nicole O'Donnell

Latest posts by Nicole

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