Alyce Wilson

Alyce Wilson is a write-at-home mom who somehow also finds time to write poetry, edit an online literary magazine, do genealogical research, and teach aqua fitness classes. She lives in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Latest posts by Alyce

Best Amusement Parks and Theme Parks for Kids in Pennsylvania

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:24am

Visit Hersheypark to experience family rides, thrilling coasters, and so much more! Photo courtesy of the park

As summer arrives and family schedules slow down a bit, nothing can burn up extra energy like an amusement park. Rides, adventure, entertainment, and tasty treats will help make the most of a lazy summer day. Check out these great amusement parks in Pennsylvania, plus a few in nearby New Jersey and Maryland.

Looking for the best local water parks? We've got you covered with a round up of all the Best Water Parks Near Philly. For more amusement park fun, check out our Theme & Water Park Guide.

Best Laser Tag Zones and Paintball for Philly Kids

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 02/23/2024 - 7:33am

Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center

Looking for a way for your active kids to burn off some energy and have some fun? Instead of playing video games at home, get out and get those kids moving with paintball or laser tag! Help them to use up their energy, as well as build strategy and teamwork skills at these laser tag, and paintball locations near Philadelphia. These laser tag zones and paintball arenas are also a great option for birthday parties!

If your kid is more into puzzles than running, exercise their brains with nearby escape rooms. For more great birthday party ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide.

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 9:40am

Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air

Extreme sports are a perfect way to keep up with extremely energetic kids. Wear them out by trying some high-octane fun and giving them a completely new experience! As an added bonus, extreme sports like go karts, archery, and even axe-throwing can be fun for the entire family!

Looking for more extreme fun? Check out our list of Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Philly for Kids. For additional high-energy fun, visit our Play Gyms and Sports Centers Guide.

Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 2:46pm

Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author

These budget weekend getaways are cheaper than your average getaway, while still delivering all the vacation fun. Because sometimes you really need to get out of town, pack in some family-only time, and explore something new—while leaving that vacation budget intact. You know, for that all-inclusive resort or Walt Disney World extravaganza!

With free and cheap activities, inexpensive places to stay, and gorgeous locations, these getaways are all big on family fun but come with small price tags.

For more family weekend fun, you can stay in town at our favorite Kid-Friendly Philadelphia Hotels for a Family Staycation or pack the car for a fantastic Family Road Trip from Philly. For these suggestions and more, check out our Guide to Philadelphia Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Summer Camps in Philadelphia

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Sun, 03/05/2023 - 7:32am

Spend your summer with Sesame Rockwood Camps & Rockwood Adventures Teen Travel. Photo courtesy of the camp

We've found the best summer day camps for kids in the Philadelphia area.

With the warmer weather comes dreams of summer. Get ready by enrolling your kids in one of Philly's many day camps. We've rounded up some of the area's best traditional summer day camps, from the city, to the burbs, to South Jersey, where your kids can get fresh air, stay active, enjoy nature, and keep busy while school's out.

For more summer camps in Philly, including s ports camps and f ree and affordable summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Philly for Kids

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Fri, 02/10/2023 - 7:06am

Try your hand at being a ninja warrior at Reach Indoor Climbing and Fitness.

We've found the best Indoor gyms and parkour places in Philly where your kids can channel their inner ninjas.

High-energy teens and tweens often seem to be running obstacle courses as they bounce, bop, and weave through the day. Channel that energy, and build valuable physical fitness skills at these ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour facilities in the Philadelphia area.

Lots of these spots are great for for birthday parties too--visit our Birthday Party Guide for Philly Kids for more ideas. For more ways to get those kids off the couch to let off some steam, check out our list of trampoline parks and bounce house play zones, which can be found in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

Best Sports Classes for Kids in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Mon, 09/19/2022 - 9:00am

Practice your serve at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education. Photo courtesy of the center

Keeping your kids active once the school year kicks into gear is easier than you might think. Enroll your school-age child in a Philly sports class and help them to build physical skills, plus learn team building and increase confidence. We've rounded up some of the best sports classes, including gymnastics, soccer, baseball, and tennis, in the area and are adding more to our list all the time.

For more of our favorite classes, from dance to swim, visit our Guide to Classes for Philly Kids.

Swimming Lessons for Kids in Philly: The Best Swimming Classes in Town

Submitted by Alyce Wilson on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 12:32pm

Goldfish Swim School has swim classes for kids up to age 12. Photo courtesy of the school

Swimming classes can be a great way to keep kids active, as well as teach them important skills. Of course, in warmer weather, swimming lessons also provide a much-needed opportunity to cool down! If you're looking to enroll your child in swimming classes to get them water safe as soon as possible, check out this list of the very best swimming lessons in the Philadelphia area.

If you're looking specifically for baby and toddler swimming lessons, we rounded up the best places that teach babies as young as a few weeks old! And you can find more great classes for kids, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our Philadelphia Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

Alyce Wilson

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