Winter break always feels like a reset for us. It’s the rare stretch of time where things slow down just enough for us to truly be together as a family, without running from one obligation to the next: shuttling kids to sports practices and games, or squeezing life into small windows between activities. This year, we stayed close to home and were reminded how many great experiences are right here in the Philadelphia area!
One of the highlights was a family pasta-making class at Old City Kitchen, and it truly exceeded expectations. From the moment we started, it was clear this wasn’t a class where kids just stand back and watch. They were fully involved in every step of the process. Rolling the dough, running it through the pasta machines, shaping different types of pasta, stirring sauces, using fun kitchen tools, and even learning basic knife skills with close supervision. They were trusted to actually do the work, which made them feel capable and proud.
The instructors struck such a great balance between being informative and keeping it fun. They explained what we were doing and why, but in a way that felt approachable and engaging for the kids. Nothing felt rushed, and there was a lot of laughter mixed in. We made fresh tagliatelle, pappardelle, and cavatelli, paired with classic sauces like cacio e pepe, fresh green pesto, and a quick tomato sauce. When it was time to eat, the kids were genuinely excited to taste everything. They enjoyed it so much more knowing how much effort went into making it themselves. Watching them light up over something they created from scratch was such a good reminder of how powerful experiences like that can be.
By the end of the night, they were already asking when we could do it again. They loved feeling part of the process and left talking about cooking nonstop. They’re already signed up for their next class at another spot in Philadelphia for a taco making class.
Later in the week, we did a midweek overnight at the Four Seasons Philadelphia, which felt like such a treat. We found a great deal on a room, and it honestly felt like we had traveled much farther than we actually did. The boys were obsessed with the infinity pool. Swimming high above the city with the skyline all around them felt like the coolest thing in the world. They kept talking about how it felt like swimming above the clouds, and I have to admit, it was pretty amazing.
We spent time walking around the area and loved the fact that the Comcast buildings are connected, so you don’t even have to go outside. We watched the Holiday Spectacular and enjoyed being in the city without a packed agenda, which felt like a luxury in itself.
Dinner at JG SkyHigh was the perfect way to end the stay. The views are incredible, but what really stood out was how kid-friendly it felt. There’s a great kids menu, and even pizza on the regular menu, which made everything easy. The boys loved looking out over the city and spent a surprising amount of time trying to spot us in the mirrors on the ceiling. It felt special without feeling stuffy, and everyone left happy.
By the end of the week, we felt refreshed and recharged. It’s funny how a pasta class, a hotel stay, and a few simple city adventures can make you feel worlds away, even when you’re right in Philadelphia. Winter break doesn’t always need to be big or elaborate. Sometimes it’s just about slowing down and making space for moments that become core memories.
