We were provided with press passes to make this story about Happy Place Philadelphia possible.
Imagine having a Happy Place in Philadelphia where you could take your kids for the BEST photos. Imagine in being so colorful and fun the kids are more than HAPPY to pose for pictures and those pictures are just so great you have to share them on Facebook, Instagram, all over social media.
That place has come to Philadelphia! Welcome the Happy Place, a massive pop-up experience with larger-than-life installations, multi-sensory immersive rooms, and dozens of moments curated to Capture Your Happy. These days we hear so much bad news and our kids are rushed to grow up too soon. Let’s stop time if even for just an hour and let them be kids.
We were recently invited to visit the Happy Place Philadelphia at the King of Prussia Mall. When I couldn’t get there with my kids, I knew the perfect mom to go. Kim! Kim has been a member of our writing team in the past and takes AMAZING photos with her kids. Kim’s the mom that always has her kids in the cutest outfits and they are always smiling. I don’t know how she does it but I’ve never seen her take a bad picture with the kids. I knew I just had to share this opportunity with her. Below are Kim’s pictures and thoughts on her Happy Place experience with her 4 kids.
From Kim…
My children and I recently had the opportunity to check out the pop up experience, Happy Place, located inside the King of Prussia Mall.
Happy Place, as the name implies, is a walk through experience, meant to encourage guests to forget the outside world and just take some time to have fun together! From a room full of rubber duckies, to a miniature version of a 50s diner, to a life-sized, fully functional, confetti-filled snow globe, there was literally something for everyone!
10 Best Spots for Family Photos at Happy Place Philadelphia
World’s Largest Indoor Confetti Dome
Part snow globe, part ticker tape parade.. step inside this dome with flying confetti to get the most adorable photos of your kids.
Jump into a Pot of Gold
Jump off of a larger than life rainbow into a pot of happiness made up of yellow balls. Think of it like a ball pit, but more fun. The pot at the end of the rainbow is big enough for your whole family so everyone can jump right on in.
The Flower Garden
Imagine walking into a garden where you are surrounded by flowers around you and above you. Or picture a wall with a colorful selection of flowers. That’s just what you can see and pose with in the Happy Place’s garden.
Hollywood Lights
For a movie star moment, step into what we are calling Hollywood Lights. It’s a small area with a hot pink rug and three walls of lights. It’s an ideal picture taking spot for your tween or teen.
Let Them Show Their Love
In Philadelphia’s Happy Place there are THREE spots where kids can show their love for you or a family member. There’s the Kiss on My List backdrop, Candy Hearts wall and XO’s setting. The XO’s setting is made up of 6-foot-tall X and O letters made out of thousands of tiny mirrors, surrounded by a wall of one thousand red lip kisses. Grab some great pictures here and use them for Valentine’s Day cards for the grandparents or other loved ones.
Winky’s Diner
In Winky’s Diner, themed after the fifties, happiness is served up one plate at a time. Let the kids serve you with real plates and cups or rock out to the music from the jukebox.
Ride a Unicorn
It’s not every day you can climb on a unicorn and pretend to go for a ride. Don’t miss your chance to ride the unicorn, Cornelius in their rainbow room.
Touch a Rainbow
Who doesn’t love a rainbow? Not only can you jump off a rainbow into a pot of gold at the Happy Place, but you can take a picture with a rainbow too.
Walk the Red Carpet
For another movie star moment, bring some dress up accessories from home and pretend that each of your kids is having a turn walking the red carpet.
Try to Resist the Candy Shop
This wall of candy machines was too fun to just pass by. Grab a cute picture here of your kid being as happy as a kid in a candy shop.
A few things to know before you visit the Happy Place Philadelphia
My kids especially loved the free samples of gummy bears and chocolate chip cookies that were given out near the corresponding backdrops. The snacks are included with your ticket price. I personally enjoyed the fact that employees were stationed throughout the exhibit available and willing to take group photos so that everyone could be in the picture!
Parents, Happy Place does clean the Pot Of Happiness and does replace the confetti on a regular basis.
The exhibits are wheelchair accessible.
Strollers are not allowed inside the exhibits. The staff prefers visitors leave them in their car, at home, or store them at their check in desk.
Only service animals are allowed in.
Cash is not accepted in the gift shop, just major debit/credit cards and Apple Pay.
Tips for your photo session
The whole experience takes about an hour, so if you’re bringing the kids, make sure to grab a bite to eat first and of course, hit the restrooms as well!
The lighting in some locations is not ideal. Allow yourself extra time to find the right angle to get a well lit photo.
Plan to arrive within the first 5 minutes of your purchased slot (i.e. Arrive at 3:25 PM for a 3:30 – 4:00 PM Ticket) and no later than 15 minutes after the beginning of your time slot (I.e. No later than 3:45 PM for a 3:30-4:00 PM Ticket). Your ticket is ONLY valid for the date and time purchased.
DSLR cameras and phone cameras are allowed in HAPPY PLACE. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Professional video equipment is prohibited without advance approval.
Most importantly, have FUN!
Where is Happy Place Philadelphia?
The Happy Place is located in the King of Prussia Mall on the upper level near the Dick’s Sporting Goods Store. We parked in the upper level parking lot and walked through Dick’s into the mall. For GPS purposes you can use this address, King of Prussia Mall, 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
What are the hours for Happy Place Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Happy Place is open from October 5, 2019 to January 5, 2020.
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- 10:00am – 5:00pm on Sunday.
- Closed on Tuesdays.
- Holiday hours will be announced on their site at a later time.
How much does it cost to visit the Happy Place in the King of Prussia Mall?
Guests can purchase up to 10 tickets at one time using all major debit, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. For the Happy Place in Philadelphia, tickets start at $30.00 plus fees for adults and $20.00 plus fees for kids ages 4-12. Children 3 and under can come in free of charge.
Reserve your family’s time at Happy Place Philadelphia
If you plan to visit Happy Place, don’t wait! The experience will only be available in the King of Prussia Mall from now until January 5, 2019. For the best selections of time and to minimize wait time, families are encouraged to reserve their tickets ahead of time on the Happy Place Philadelphia website or call 888-718-4253 opt. 1. You can purchase tickets at HAPPY PLACE. However, they cannot guarantee availability so it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance to ensure you’re able to come in at the time and date best for you.
