Family Friendly New Year's Eve Events!

We're so lucky to live an area that gives us multiple options for families friendly events to ring in the new year!  Below is a great list-let me know if you've been to any of these & which ones you recommend.  Additional events will be added as their found, so check back again!





Countdown to Noon & Balloon Drop at the Swarthmore Community Center
December 31st, 10:30 am-12:05 pm, join the center for crafts, games, face painting, food & balloon                    drop!  You can RSVP on Facebook and more info HERE!

New Year's Eve Bash @ Front Street Fountain
December 31 4-7pm The tickets will include a buffet dinner for both children and adults, build your own ice cream sundae bar, a DJ playing music for kids to dance to and there will be an apple juice toast at 6:00pm!Space is limited. Cost: Adults/ $16 Children (12 and under)/ $13 CLICK HERE for all the info! Advanced tickets required. 

New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Media (Jackson & State Street)
11 pm, Live Music, Info HERE

Please Touch Museum Countdown to Noon
December 31st (2 sessons) Starting at noon & 1pm.  Go HERE for more information.

Blue Cross River Rink
December 31st (2 sessions) 5-7pm & 11pm-1 am. Go HERE for information & to buy tickets!

Longwood Gardens New Years
December 31s5, from 2pm-10pm, Walk around the gardens & enjoy the beautiful lights.  There will be a number of musical treats this year.  For more information go HERE. (Please note they will not be having fireworks this year)

Garden State Discovery Museum
December 31st, Sing & Dance your way into the new year-Celebrations at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Information HERE

Seasame Place

The Count's Countdown to New Years; December 31st  (12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM) Info HERE

New Years Day: The Mummer Parade!!!  More info HERE

Holiday Family Fun in & Around Delaware County!

We are so lucky to live in an area with so many holiday events!  We try to do something new every year so our kids can see a variety of activities!  

Longwood Gardens

• Christmas on the Farm at Linvilla Orchards
• Arasapha Farm Holiday Hayride
• Grange Estate Train Display
• Wanamaker Shower 
• New Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show (Franklin Square)
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 
• Reading Terminal Market Railroad & frequent events, info HERE.
• Longwood Gardens (I saw this last year & it was beautiful!  You can read about my evening HERE)
• Winterthur
• Blue Cross Riverrink
• Sesame Place-A Very Furry Christmas (click HERE for the Groupon)

If you're looking for Santa, check out our post HERE!
Looking for Hanukkah events? Click HERE

Weekend Family Fun

Weekend

• Pinocchio at the Arden Theatre (select shows eligible for the Target 2 for 1 program) Info HERE
• Italian Market Festival (Saturday & Sunday)
• Longwood Gardens Spring Blooms
• Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and tickets start at $6!

Saturday:

• International Museum Day.. Best list of free museums is found HERE
• Pinkalicous at the Media Theatre
• Hagley Muesum Teacher Appreciation Day & Creek Kids Day
• Philadelphia Parks & Rec Open House
• Touch a Truck at the Granite Run Mall
• Tyler Arboretum (2 events today!)

Sunday:

• Free Admission to the Brandywine River Museum 9:30 am-noon
• Antique Car Show at Linvilla
• Clover Market in Ardmore is worth checking out! 

Weekend Family Fun

All Weekend:

• Fore! The Planet mini golf & their recycled Christmas tree maze now open at Linvilla Orchards
• Alice in Wonderland at the Media Theatre
• Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens '
• Willy Wonka Jr. at the Hedgerow Theatre (Saturday & Sunday)

Saturday:

• Paleopalooza at the Academy of Natural Science
• Kids Corner Music Festival info HERE   
• Kids Yoga at the Middletown library 
• PNC Arts Alive Family Day at the Operal info HERE
• Philadelphia Orchastra Carnival of Animals at the Kimmel Center

Sunday:

• Free Sunday Mornings at the Brandywine River Muesum
• Dollar Days at the Hagley Museum

Family Fun this weekend!

All Weekend:

• Fore! The Planet mini golf & their recycled Christmas tree maze now open at Linvilla Orchards
• Reading Terminal Market Market Tasting & Serenades HERE.
• Last weekend for the lights at Longwood Gardens
• The Velveteen Rabbit at the Media Theatre
• Free Museum entrance to Bank of America cardholders, info HERE (Saturday & Sunday)

Friday: No first friday events this month

Saturday:

• Holiday Storytime at Hedgerow Theatre
• Kids Workshop at Home Depot 9am-12pm

Sunday:

• 6th Annual Winterfest at Skatium

Weekend Family Fun

No one can say they're bored this weekend---there is so much to do!!!

All Weekend:

• Take a look at our Holiday Lights Map HERE and take the family on a drive to look at lights!
• Christmas on the Farm at Linvilla Orchards
• Grange Estate Train Display .
• Wanamaker Shower 
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 
• Reading Terminal Market Railroad & frequent events, info HERE.
• Longwood Gardens
• Winterthur
• Holidays in Franklin Square
• Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights Opens at 5:30
• Visit with Santa at the Franklin Mint Credit Union
• A Christmas Carol at Hedgerow Theatre
• The Velveteen Rabbit at the Media Theatre

Friday:

• Music by Matt Santry at the Granite Run Mall
• A Christmas Carol at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center

Saturday:

• Caroling on the Farm at Linvilla
• Polar Express at the Springfield Library
• Holiday Storytime at Hedgerow Theatre

Sunday:

• Sounds of Delco at the Granite Run Mall

A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens

Every year my family hops in the car with steaming cups of hot chocolate and drive around the neighborhoods checking out the Christmas lights. This year we're adding another stop to the list though, Longwood Gardens.

Table for 48 anyone?  This reminds me of  my house ;)

I was recently invited to tour Longwood Gardens at night with a group of local bloggers. I have been to Longwood Gardens during the day and it was beautiful, so I of course jumped at the chance to see the lights! I'll just say I was not disappointed, the lights are amazing! I don't usually use the word magical, but I think this really describes how it felt. It was just beautiful! After being there and seeing so many Christmas lights (more than 500,000 on 74 trees), I realized that this display is not just for adults, all around us children were laughing and asking questions, pointing to lights & smelling flowers in the conservatory. I can't wait to take my children back and watch them take it all in-they're both begging to go after seeing just a few pictures.

The very nice people at Longwood Gardens gave us some great information too, to help families make the trip more family friendly!

•  First of all, Timed Tickets are required so purchase them early & online (they do sell out)! 
• The best times to view or non-peak days Tuesdays-Friday (except Dec. 26-31) because there are so many less people and because it gets dark so early, you can really see the lights shine even if you go early enough to have the kids in bed by 8! 
• You can also save money, a family of 4 saves $20 by going during a non peak day!
• Memberships make a great gift & get you into the gardens at no additional charge for an entire year-so you can see the orchids in January, take the kids to the Children's Garden in March and use the membership for a date with the one you love! 

For more information on the Stars at Longwood, to purchase timed tickets or memberships go to the www.longwoodgardens.org  

If you go to Longwood Gardens this holiday season, don't forget that historic Kennet Square is also right down the road.  Which cute restaurants & a variety of stores, they can help you cross the last few gifts off your holiday lists!  

Note: As a member of the Longwood Gardens Star Blogger team, I received entry & reception for free along with a one year family membership to help facilitate review.  As always, opinions shared are my own.  

Weekend Holiday Fun!

Weekend:

• Christmas on the Farm at Linvilla Orchards
• Free Museum entrance to Bank of America cardholders, info HERE (Saturday & Sunday)
• No Place Like Home-Dorothy's Adventures in OZ
• Grange Estate Train Display .
• Wanamaker Shower 
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 
• Reading Terminal Market Railroad & frequent events, info HERE.
• Longwood Gardens
• Winterthur

Saturday:

• Family Pictures with Santa (can even bring your dog!) 9 am-noon at the Swarthmore Community Center to benefit the Delaware County SPCA
• Kids Workshop at Home Depot 9am-12pm
• Lowes Build & Grow Clinic Registration Required HERE
• Holiday Craft & Gift Show benefiting Anabelle's Wish
• Holy Trinity Nursery School Shopping Extravaganza 
• Breakfast with Santa at the Granite Run Mall
• Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights Opens at 5:30 
• The Nutcracker at the Mirriam Theater Info HERE

Delaware County Shopping Guide

Hi friends!  We've put together a list of fantastic local people & resources to help you find great options for holiday shopping right in your back yard.  There are so many great option, this list only scratches the surface!  Helping local businesses and people is always good for Delaware County!  I encourage you to look around close to home to find unique gifts that the people in your life would like to receive! 

Family Gifts: Great options for a one shot deal!

• The Media Theatre close to home and lots of fun!
• Arden Theatre Tickets My family loves going to the children's theater & my husband & I enjoy going without the kids!
• Tyler Arboretum Membership: Tons of family fun throughout the year and plenty of room for energetic kids to run, the Tyler Arboretum offers something for everyone in the family.
• Wilmington Blue Rocks :  A variety of game packages, the Blue Rocks will entertain your family all summer long.  Package tickets with t-shirts and hats to make a great winter holiday gift!
• Weld Photography Give the gift of a portrait session with Weld Photography. Purchase a Special Discounted Gift Certificate for a Mini Portrait Session using discount code: DELCOMOM.
  Give this gift for the holiday and schedule a portrait session for later in the year...or use it right away to schedule Holiday Portraits!

For the Kids:
Raise your hand if you need one more toy in your house.....(all you hear are crickets here!)  Giving the gift of an experience not only lasts longer, but often exposes children to things they may have never known!

• Please Touch Museum
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Guitar and lessons---what a cool gift idea and of course a local store!  Richard's Guitar Studio offers a ton of lessons and a variety of teachers to get your kid interested in guitar! Mention this list & you receive 1/2 off your first month of lessons!
• Upper Darby Performing Arts Center-get tickets to one show or buy an entire season!  

For Him or Her:

• Longwood Gardens
• 31 Gifts has some very feminine prints, it does have a few options for men that won't break the bank!  Right now, spend $35 before tax & shipping and get a Medium Utility Tote for only $5!!! 
• LuLu's at Booths Corner in Aston.  I had multiple emails about the store & they have such cool jewelry! &nbsp
• Finlandia-has tons of interesting options!  
• Iron Hill Brewery Beer Gift Package (if you're looking for me, I'd take this!)
• MJ's Massage Studio MJ is great at what he does & always has a special that makes the massage not only feel good but affordable!  

Miscellaneous items:

• Main Line Art Center---Give the gift of art!  They have gift certificates available if you want to make sure your giftee gets exactly what they're looking for!  (Craft Sale starts November 30th)
• I love these hand made crafts by Laura Plum Designs! Unique scrabble tile ornaments or Sea Glass jewelry.  Awesome!
• Earth and State in Media has a ton of great items in varying price ranges, so there is something on everyone's list! 
• Bevans----who doesn't like candy!  I get candy here every single year! 
• Chadds Ford Winery

For the person on your list who has everything, consider making a donation!  Donations to local charties such as Kisses for Kyle,  Cradles to Crayons, Delaware County SPCA and Philabundance also stay local and help people in need who might be our neighbors & friends!  

Children's Garden at Longwood Gardens

As part of the excitement of all things Philly Flower Show this month, my
3 year old and I visited Longwood
Gardens in Kennett Square last week. Given the cost of admission and
the size of our family (5 kids), we haven't been to the Gardens in a few
years. This time I had a Groupon deal for $9 for adult admission, and my 3
year old was free.



I can't tell you how much fun we had exploring the recently renovated
Children's Garden in the Conservatory! No longer a small room in the
Conservatory, the Garden now takes over about a space about 100 feet by 30
feet at the front of the building near the main entrance with stroller
parking right outside the Garden. A guide sits outside the garden in case
you need assistance.



Designed with young children in mind, the space is full of visual and
audio surprises. Making use of children's love of water play, the
designers set up about 6 different spots for children to use water
creatively. In a small room reminiscent of a Chinese temple, children can
use paint brushes to paint the slate tiled walls. Elsewhere, they can
follow water as it jumps from spigot to spigot up and down a ramp.



Just outside the mysterious grotto with its fantastic animals is a small
fountain with toys and scoops for little ones. Nearby is a small xylophone
for entertainment.

Our visit wasn't complete without a wander through the different displays
in the Conservatory looking for all the orchids on
display. There has always been a main display room for the orchids near
the fernery; however, with the special exhibit, the orchids are tucked
into the different rooms in the Conservatory. One particular orchid caught
our eye - a mint green one with a grey bulb by the banana trees.

When You Go

Longwood Gardens

Hours: 9:00
a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Daily

Admission

Adults: $18 (Non-Peak/$25 (Peak)
Seniors: (ages 62+) $15/$22
Students: (5 - 22) $8/$11
Children 4 & under: FREE/FREE

Directions

Ways to Save

• Groupon
  Deal
• Membership
  through Pennsylvania Horticultural Society providing reciprocal
  admission through the American Horticultural Society

Barb is a mom of 5 kids who spends her day keeping track of socks,
stuffed animals, library books, and a 3 year old when she isn't writing
about all the frugality, gardening, cooking, and reading she manages to
fit in between the chaotic moments. See how she holds down the fort and
saves a few dollars at A Life in
Balance.

Longwood Gardens Deal-$9!!!

Need to call my grandmom and find out when she will be coming for a visit-she loves Longwood Gardens!

Click Here for all the details, fine print & more!

This weekend in Delco

Saturday 

• Build & Grow Clinic at Lowes 10 am registration required.
• Media Second Saturday HERE All Day!
• Parkside Performing Arts Company Presents: The Nutcracker 2011 Info HERE 7 pm

All Weekend

• Christmas on the Farm at Linvilla 
• The Rock School of Dance presents the Nutcraker Kimmel Center
• Grange Estate Train Display .
• Wanamaker Shower 
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 
• Reading Terminal Market Railroad & frequent events, info HERE.
• Longwood Gardens
• Winterthur

Reminder!!! Free Admission to Longwood Gardens & Tyler Arboretum

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day on May 6th.  There are multiple PA locations, but the two I was most interested in were Longwood Gardens & Tyler Arboretum.  Click HERE for the info!

Longwood Gardens Discount Groupon

Philly Deal: $9 for One-Day Adult Admission to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square ($18 Value)

Details worth noting: Not valid on Valentines Day & Expires Mar 27, 2011. But there are plenty of beautiful indoor gardens you can visit before March 27th, so it might still be a good deal!

Go to Groupon, sign in (you can use your facebook account) and then select the city for deal you want...Super easy!!!

Roger Day Family Concert-Longwood Gardens

Friday, August 13, 2010, 7:00 pm
Price: Free with Garden Admission
About the Performer: "Encouraging kids to sing loud, jump high, and dream big, two-time Parents' Choice Award-winner Roger Day entertains children and adults!
His energetic live shows incorporate his trademark wit, whimsy, and wordplay, all grounded in the joy of a powerful love and respect for children." Check out Longwood Gardens for more details.

Did anyone get the Longwood Gardens Groupon? I would call to make sure you can use it tomorrow night.

Longwood Gardens, Kite Festival

Saturday, April 17, 2010 and Sunday, April 18, 20109:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Join in on some high-flying fun at Longwood Gardens!Kite flying will take place on the Cow Lot, the expansive grassy area near the Visitor Center. Bring your own kite, or purchase a build-your-own kit in the Gardens Shop.
Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens Kite Fesitval-update

*FYI, Not sure why the link is no longer working, but the below info was copied & pasted from the Longwood Gardens Website.*

So not quite Delaware County, but pretty close!

Saturday, April 17, 2010 and Sunday, April 18, 2010
9:00 AM — 6:00 PM

Join in on some high-flying fun at Longwood Gardens!
Kite flying will take place on the Cow Lot, the expansive grassy area near the Visitor Center. Bring your own kite, or purchase a build-your-own kit in the Gardens Shop.

Longwood Gardens