30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: December 30–January 5
Need plans? We've got something great, every day!

Need plans? We’ve got something great, every day.
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See this: Philly Winter Break Survival Guide
Winter Break Camps
If the kids have off and you don’t, or you just need to send them somewhere enriching for the day, check out these great camps around town!
Disney on Ice
December 27—January 5
Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
You know the drill—and your little ones have probably been begging to go since last year— so get on your best princess dress and bring your light-up wand for skating, music, and adventure. This production, Road Trip Adventures, includes favorite characters like Moana, Buzz and Woody, Aladdin, Queen Elsa, and more. Of course, Mickey, Minnie, and the whole gang are there too.
The Snow Queen
November 27—January 26
Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.
Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen transports audiences on a journey through the four seasons, and celebrates the magical power of friendship.
The Wizard of Oz
November 27—January 5
Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave.
Quintessence Theatre Group continues its tenth anniversary season with this classic tale of Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz. This production will honor both the classic MGM film (with music from the movie!) as well as the original L. Frank Baum novel.
Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature
3400 W. Girard Avenue
November 20–January 5
New for this year, the Philadelphia Zoo presents a nighttime multimedia holiday spectacle the likes of which you have never seen. Throughout the zoo, giant animal-themed installations will glow, Evergreen trees will talk, and you’ll be surrounded by pure fantasy. Seasonal fare, strolling performers, hot chocolate (and adult beverages) add to the festiveness. Tickets available online.
Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden
Through February
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Skate outside City Hall, warm up with food and drink in the Cabin, and run through the beautifully manicured Wintergarden Maze.
Shrek: The Musical
November 5—January 5
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
This award-winning Broadway musical based on the beloved movie features all new songs and fun for the whole family.
Photo Pop: Winter Wonderland
November 15–January 5
The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall East
Photo Pop returns this winter with one-of-a-kind interactive holiday themes that will make for amazing holiday card (and Instagram) moments! Tickets available online.
‘The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience’
October 19–April 19
Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
Based on the internationally best-selling survival handbook, that was created in Philadelphia, “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience” makes its world premiere at the Franklin Institute, bringing hands-on, immersive challenges that show visitors how to survive unexpected but possible “worst-case scenarios” in fun and thought-provoking ways. See our preview here!
‘Very Eric Carle’ at Please Touch Museum
October 5—January 12, 2020
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Step into the world of Eric Carle in this new interactive exhibit. Follow the path of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, compose a night symphony with The Very Quiet Cricket, and more!
‘Constructing Play: Classic + Modern Building Toys’
November 21, 2019—January 16, 2020
Center / Architecture + Design, 1218 Arch St.
Explore the development of children’s toys over the past 200 years. Travel back in time to learn how different building toys were invented, designed, and refined to become the toys that still secretly educate children today! During the exhibit, visitors can show off their building skills and create the house or city of their dreams at Creation Stations filled with components of popular building toys.
Notorious RBG
Through January 12, 2020
National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first-ever museum retrospective of the Supreme Court Justice-turned-pop-culture-icon, makes its east coast debut. Based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name by Knizhnik and Irin Carmon, the visually rich and entertaining exhibition explores RBG’s legacy through archival photographs and documents, historical artifacts, contemporary art, media stations, and gallery interactives including fun memes and fan art made about the incomparable Justice.
Candytopia
Open through January 25
Ninth and Market streets
Candytopia brings its wildly popular experiential installation art to Philly. Favorites—like the marshmallow pit filled with over 250,000 foam marshmallows, and the rainbow-filled room with flying unicorn pigs and confetti explosions—are joined by Philly-specific elements. It’s Instagram heaven, and you even get to eat candy throughout the experience! Tickets are available online, where you can reserve your timeslot. Kids age 3 and under get in free! Read our full preview and tips here.
Dinosaurs Around the World
Through January 20, 2020
Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
With over a dozen life-size animatronic dinosaurs, “Dinosaurs Around the World” invites visitors to prehistoric Earth to see how they lived and adapted to their times. Check out our preview to learn more.
Winter Camp at Music Theatre Philly
December 23–January 3 (Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day), 9 am — 3 pm (with optional extended care)
262 S. 12th St.
Kids ages 4-8 will sing songs from “Stage, Screen, and Beyond,” including Frozen 2, Descendants, Annie, and more. The 9-16 age group will tackle selections from shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Mean Girls. Camps are $75 per day, or $525 for all eight days.
Smith Memorial Playground’s Outdoors Winter Exploration Day-Off Camp
December 30-31, and January 2-3; 8 am–4 pm
3500 Reservoir Drive
Smith is hosting an outdoor drop-off day camp for children to play outside and explore nature through songs, games, stories, walks, and more. Sign up for one day, or multiple days of camp for $60 per day ($50 for Smith members). Ages 3-10 (must be fully potty trained).
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