BEST PARTY, FUN, & TASTY PICKS: 2024 Main Line Parent LOVE Awards & Family Favorites
Discover the best party, fun and tasty picks serving up the best celebrations for Philadelphia'a Main Line families.
Our Family Focus Media team is pleased to present the most exceptional local businesses and services that make family gatherings and children’s parties truly special. From delectable bakeries to exciting party venues, talented entertainers to creative party planners, these award-winning providers have been recommended by local parents in the Main Line Parent Community for their outstanding contributions to creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a bar/bat mitzvah, or simply looking for a fun family outing, this guide will help you discover the best our community has to offer.
Read the endorsements from local parents in our Main Line Parent Community about who they love and then pop over to our Main Line Parent Best for Families Guide to find more trusted resources! Best for Families Celebration & LOVE Luncheon photos by AMC Photography.
2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Bakery
Baked in Conshy – by Izenberg’s
Conshohocken
“We reached out to Baked in Conshy – by Izenberg’s Julia Durbin Izenberg for a cake to celebrate a 50th Birthday! We gave her the following key words to run with: Philly sports, family, Conshohocken, Reese’s Cups, Music by Pearl Jam, and maybe a picture frame. Julia absolutely nailed it! The cake was perfect and the centerpiece of the party!”
– Jackie C.
“Their leadership cares about not only serving delicious cakes but serves up love and joy to its community. Nothing Bundt Cakes sponsors many community and non profit organization benefits. They are also very thoughtful of their clients. I have been gluten free for four years. When I shared this with them, they set aside special gluten-free cakes for me at the event I attended. And they continue to do this at future events they know I attend. I was also surprised to find out that at my daughter’s school, Nothing Bundt Cakes has a reward program for reading for the kids! This support of youth and education is wonderful! I’m encouraged that a bakery doesn’t just sell cake, but really steps up to improve the communities they belong to. Their love and generosity is incredible.”
– Nicole S.
“I have known Ann Marie Casey for a few years and she is doing my son’s mitzvah. She is kind and helpful, and an amazing photographer. Every picture is a treasure.”
– Lori-An P.
2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Birthday Party
Treehouse World
West Chester
“Treehouse World is great for kids of all ages! I was there with a group of grown up kids, also known as adults, and we had a blast playing in the treehouses, exploring the different activities and of course, zip lining! The staff was friendly, fun, and helpful while we collectively released our inner child for a couple of hours. If you are looking for something fun to do, just go! You can play with your kids, play with your friends, have a team building experience or even a date! Highly recommend!”
– Lulu H.
“What an absolutely incredible place, with the most inspiring mission! All of my students love to go to GOS, where they have the most welcoming atmosphere for students of all ages and abilities. Upstairs karaoke is the best! Their group programs are fantastic; if your child needed social support — look no further than GOS! It’s a family-friendly place with incredible support, group, and social programming! Highly recommend.”
– Michael M.
“All of my children love The Candy Lab! They have been to Candy Lab for birthday parties, two-hour classes, and an elective at summer camp. They always have so much fun and the candy crafts are so creative, cute, and yummy. I loved the two-hour class; I was able to drop the kids off and run some errands while they were having a great time! I highly recommend and I’m sure my kids will be back soon!”
– Bridget T.
“I’ve held my kid’s birthday parties at Charming Star for years. All three of my young kids open their eyes in the morning and ask to go to Charming Star. The place is straight up magical. The owner, Daile, is a frequent Walt Disney World visitor and brings the Disney magic to PA every day. She hand-painted the walls and she’s got tiny Disney details sprinkled throughout the room. She does character events and activities centered around holidays. And most of the time it’s her in whatever suit she’s got. I’ve also never seen a playroom so committed to cleanliness before. She has a machine that cleans each individual ball in her ball pit. Socks are required and the place always smells like fresh laundry. There’s a safe spot for kids to take a break and eat, plenty of bathrooms, a separate dining and craft area, a coffee counter, and so much more.”
– Jennifer W.
“The Little Gym of Ardmore has been an absolute delight for our 19-month-old’s tumbling class. The environment is perfectly suited for young children, with age-appropriate equipment and activities that keep them engaged and excited. Mr. Parker, Miss Jules, and Miss Natalie are exceptional instructors who create a welcoming and fun atmosphere. They have a unique way of connecting with the kids, making each class enjoyable and educational. Our child has gained so much confidence and independence under their guidance. We couldn’t be happier with our experience at The Little Gym of Ardmore and highly recommend it to other parents looking for a fantastic toddler tumbling class.”
– Devin C.
2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Kid-Friendly Brunch
The Landing Kitchen
Bala Cynwyd
“The Landing Kitchen has outdoor games and tons of kids and families hanging out with a delicious menu to order from. I only wish they had an indoor equivalent so we could visit year round!”
– Andrea G.
2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Mobile Birthday Party
Lulu’s on Wheels
Serving the Main Line, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas
“We has the best party for my two-year-old! Lulu’s staff was so nice and sweet! All the kids had a blast. Thank you so much to Lulu’s team for making my baby boy’s dream come true.”
– Juliana S.
“Ethan at Empower was the DJ for my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. Holy moly! The party was a huge success because of his energy, his professionalism, and his preparation. He took the time to get to know her and her interests ahead of time, he provided ideas to make the party better, and he had everything laid out ahead of time. There was no dead time at the celebration, only dancing. Lots and lots of dancing!”
– Andy G.
“I have used Brian at Mirror Image Media many times over the past several years for various printing needs, both personally and professionally. His communication, attention to detail, and turn-around time for every job has been great. I feel proud to be able to support a local printer and small business. I have referred many friends to Mirror Image for their printing needs and they have been equally as happy. He takes on all requests with a smile, even when he is up against a deadline. Mirror Image Media is well-deserving of the 2024 LOVE awards for Best Printer.”
– Jeremy H.
2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Party Enhancement
The Petite Fete
Philadelphia
“Working with the team at Petite Fete was a pleasure. Katrina and Samiyah were awesome to work with for our client’s wedding welcome dinner. Such a beautiful space that provides a great ambience for any event! We highly recommend for intimate celebrations and will be sure to be back with future clients!”
– Main Line Parent Community Member
2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Party Entertainer
Magic by Mom
West Chester
“We hired Magic by Mom for an event and let me tell you, she brought the talent! Her performers, including herself (she is a trained preforming artist), took the kids on a truly magical morning adventure — one I can guarantee they will never forget! From story time, crafts, and sing and dance alongs the performers were engaged and never broke character for a second!”
– Rachel B.
2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Party Entertainer
Dream Hutz Sleepovers
Collegeville
“I’m here to shout it out to the MLP universe that we LOVE working with Dream Hutz Sleepovers! Our sleepovers are always extra special when we use this service. My 12 year-old daughter is having a Galentine’s Day sleepover tonight and this theme fit perfectly! Allison let it slip that they have a Taylor Swift theme, so it looks like we will have to have another sleepover soon!”
– Erica O.
“I found Lynne online for my daughter’s 10th birthday and it was AMAZING. Kids and parents both could not get enough of the creatures, and Lynne. It was THE best birthday party we’ve had — and affordable, too. Hedgehogs, a small alligator, a porcupine, snake, capybara, turtles, a tortoise, and more. Recommend this GEM to everyone.”
– Lynne G.
2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Party Entertainer
Your Part-Time Princess, LLC
Downingtown
“We used Your Part-Time Princess for my daughter’s Frozen birthday and she was beyond amazing. She was fantastic with all the children. My daughter was very shy and she was wonderful with her. She read a story, and they sang and danced. My daughter still talks about when Elsa came to her birthday.”
– Felicia A.
2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Party Shop
Party With Peonies
Wayne
“Party With Peonies is the cutest party shop on the Main Line. Hildret also manages her party-planning business, too and did an amazing job with our daughter’s graduation party last summer.”
– Vivian G.
2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Pizza & Cheese Steaks
Bella Italia Pizza
Ardmore
“Kids love this place! Not to mention the pizza is delicious, the service is always prompt, and they love kids.”
– Tim P.
“These ladies go above and beyond to make a safe, clean, and diverse place for my kids to play. They pour their hearts into the business and it shows.”
– Jessica C.
“I love that Imagination Street opened in my community. They are always beyond friendly and the place is clean! It’s a great environment for children to use their imagination and have fun. The open concept makes it even better. My daughters would spend all day there if they could. They love to go and never wanna leave. The staff is awesome.”
– Felicia A.
“Had an amazing experience for our child’s birthday party. We reserved the playroom for our three-year-old and his eight friends, plus parents and some babies. The kids (ages 1–4) all had a blast in the play area, which has a playground, lots of toys, and endless entertainment for the entirety of the party. They could have played there all night! There was plenty of room for all of the kids to sit and eat at a table, and for the adults to relax and mingle. There was also plenty of room for us to set up food, beverages, and coolers in addition to what the bakery provided (pizza, juice, cupcakes). The staff was very friendly, helpful, and accommodating! We definitely recommend for a memorable experience.”
– Kelsey M.
“My son and daughter absolutely love this play area. We usually attend the Ardmore location and my kids, ages two and five, find endless activities in a safe, contained environment. We also attended one event with their mobile bus that was truly like bringing their place to us. You can feel the energy and welcoming casual feeling of a truly locally-owned, ground-up business, versus corporate or franchised cookie cutter places that seem to be popping up everywhere. We love Lulu’s Casita and the feeling and sense of community it provides.”
– Will A.
As we celebrate these outstanding Main Line Parent LOVE Award Winners and Family Favorite Honorees, it’s clear that the Main Line is brimming with incredible resources to make every occasion special. These local businesses and talented professionals go above and beyond to create magical experiences for families, from the perfect birthday cake to enchanting entertainment options. Whether you’re organizing an intimate family gathering or a grand celebration, these award-winning providers offer the creativity, quality, and attention to detail that will turn your vision into reality. We encourage you to explore these valuable resources and connect with the passionate individuals who are dedicated to bringing joy and excitement to our community’s celebrations. Here’s to creating lasting memories with the help of these exceptional local favorites!
Know a fantastic local resource that should be on this list? Share your experience with a Main Line Parent Member on their Profile Page (we count new endorsements as nominations year-round)! If you’d like to Recommend a Resource that our community should know about, our team will reach out to any referrals with an invitation to join and will mail you a copy of our Community Magazine as a thank you gift. If you would like YOUR organization to be more connected with local parents, caregivers, and family-focused business leaders in our community, we invite you to join our Main Line Parent Membership Program.
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