Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

It's finally here! Spring, that is. The sun has been shining and while it hasn't been warm (with the exception of a couple of gorgeous days), it's been nice enough to be out and about. So how do you celebrate Spring time in Philly? Here are some of my favorite places to go to feel the blast of spring.

1. Kelly Drive. In recent years there has been a major drive to plant flowering cherry trees in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, and no where are they more evident than along Kelly Drive. Park along the drive itself (there are two parking lots toward the middle of the four-mile drive) or at the start near the Art Museum or just walk on over, whatever works for you. Bring bikes, skateboards, rollerskates/blades, or scooters for the kids, and have a great time viewing the cherry tree blossoms. Just for the record, although it's still early, the trees ARE starting to bloom!

2. Rittenhouse Square. This park right in the heart of the city doesn't seem like it has a lot to offer to kids, but they LOVE it. They can climb in the (still dry) fountain, sit on the goat, or run around the guard house in the center. On nice days you are sure to see lots of other families, and for the grown-ups, it's some of the best people watching you can get. You can pop into DiBruno's at 18th and Chestnut and buy everyone a gourmet picnic lunch, or if you want to eat in, the Continental at 18th & Chestnut (across the street from DiBruno's) is actually pretty kid-friendly, and all kids will be WOWED by the massive stack of shoestring fries (just tell them to but the hot mustard on the side, unless your kids go for spicy).

3. Franklin Square. Sister park to Rittenhouse (there are four sister parks in Philly: Logan Square, Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square, and Franklin Square, with City Hall dead in the middle of all four), this spot offers the best family fun you can imagine. A complete transformation from its days as "wino park" (I know, so bad, but so true), this spot now features a mini-golf course, a caroseul, and lots of family events! Check it out.