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).
Monday
Day-Off Camp at Schuylkill Center
Kids ages 5-12 will spend winter break in the outdoors, exploring the forest, climbing trees and rocks, tracking winter animals, making primitive shelters, even experimenting with snow and ice. Pre-register online. Read MoreNLArts Winter Camp Day
Kids (ages 4-14) will spend the day engaging in collaborative art projects, winter craft making, and more. Sign up online. Read MoreButcher’s Sew Shop Winter Break Workshop
Kids ages 6-11 can explore the art of sewing in innovative ways using hand and machine projects. No sewing experience necessary. Camp is $95 per day, with extended care an additional cost. Read MoreWinter Wonderland Camp
Kids (ages 3-6) can experience the “Best of Nest” programming with art, science, tumbling, and dance. Children must be potty-trained. Camp is $50 per day (premium member discounts apply). Call 215-545-6378 to register. Read MoreNational Constitution Center Winter Break Programming
Visitors can experience special Civil War-themed programming in conjunction with the exhibit, “Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality.” There will be a Civil War encampment, meet-and-greets with historic figures like Henry “Box” Brown, as well as Union soldiers and battlefield nurses, ... Read MoreFrozen Skate Party at Rolling Thunder Skating
Go skating with characters from the hit movie! $3 admission, plus mandatory skate rental for kids without skates. Read MoreWinter Break Family Studio at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The museum is usually closed on Monday, but they're staying open for Winter Break! Work with guest artists from Space 1026 on a day of festive art-making. Be sure to hop on an all-ages gallery tour and pick up a holiday family guide. Read MoreThe Franklin Institute Creation Station
The museum will again feature their family-focused Creation Station for young scientists to design, build, and play with everything from Imagination Playground blocks to Rig Ama Jigs and more! Read More'The Ten Crucial Days' at Museum of the American Revolution
The museum will focus on “The Ten Crucial Days” during the Revolutionary War that turned things around for the Continental Army, and for our country’s future. Guests can explore these days with costumed interpretation and craft demonstrations that highlight the diverse stories of men and ... Read MoreMusic Monkey Jungle at Liberty Place
Come sing, dance, laugh and play with Music Monkey Jungle in this free concert! Read MoreButterfly Swim Clinic
Swimmers ages 8-12 will learn proper technique for a more efficient butterfly stroke and more powerful underwater dolphin kicking. See link for registration and prerequisites. Read MoreSensory-Friendly Performance of 'The Nutcracker'
From the Tchaikovsky score to the timeless story of holiday magic, this ballet is a classic for a reason. Come early for photos with the Sugarplum Fairy and the Mouse King in the lobby! This special sensory-friendly performance has accommodations both inside and outside the ... Read MoreRhythm Babies
Music appreciation begins early with Rhythm Babies! Weekly classes aimed at ages 4 months and up incorporate singing, rhythm, storytelling, and creative movement activities. Read MoreArden Theatre's Winter Break Workshop: 'Hadestown'
Teens in grades 9-12 will spend the day learning selections from the Tony Award-winning new musical. The workshop culminates in a revue-style performance for family and friends. Register online. Read MoreMummersFest
Go behind the scenes of the Mummers Parade with this interactive family festival leading up to the big day. Kids can try on costumes, watch the bands and brigades rehearse their routines, learn about the Mummers’ history, and maybe even practice their own Mummers strut! Read MoreGeorge Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’
From the Tchaikovsky score to the timeless story of holiday magic, this ballet is a classic for a reason. Come early for photos with the Sugarplum Fairy and the Mouse King in the lobby! Read MoreTuesday
New Year’s Eve Parties for Families in Philly
We’re winding down 2019, and you want to celebrate in style and still get the kids down for their nap! We’ve rounded up our top picks for New Year’s fun around town, so no matter how young your kids are, there’s something festive to do ... Read MoreNLArts Winter Camp Day
Kids (ages 4-14) will spend the day engaging in collaborative art projects, winter craft making, and more. Sign up online. Read MoreMusic Exploration with Mr. Ryan
Sing, move and meaningfully connect with your child during this music class designed to foster positive aural experiences for the whole family! Young musicians and their caregivers will participate in a variety of musical activities to promote vocal exploration, steady beat, gross motor movement, and ... Read MoreCountdown 2 Noon at the Please Touch Museum
This massive party has not one, but two, ball drops to bring in the New Year (one at noon, the other at 1 pm). There is also confetti decorating, a Mummers strut, a visit from PTM mascot, Squiggles, and much more! Tickets available online. Read MoreArden Theatre Play in a Day
If your kids (K-5) have off school, they can participate in a “Play in a Day” workshop, where they work together to create an original play. Pre-register online. Read MoreNational Constitution Center Winter Break Programming
Visitors can experience special Civil War-themed programming in conjunction with the exhibit, “Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality.” There will be a Civil War encampment, meet-and-greets with historic figures like Henry “Box” Brown, as well as Union soldiers and battlefield nurses, ... Read MoreMusic Monkey Jungle Free Session at Reading Terminal Market
Sing, dance, move, and have a rockin’ good time with Music Monkey Jungle. Admission is free and open to the public. Read MoreNOON Year’s Eve Bash at the Franklin Institute
Celebrate New Year’s early with fiery live science shows, “magic milk fireworks,” make-and-take noisemakers, and other surprises. At noon, welcome in the New Year with a massive ball pit explosion! Free with museum admission. Read MoreNEST's Countdown to Noon!
Your littlest party-goers (ages 6 months to 6 years) will get their wiggles out with live music and playtime, make New Year’s themed crafts, and enjoy snacks and other activities. At noon, they’ll go nuts with a celebratory balloon drop! This event is free for ... Read MoreWinter Break Family Studio at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Work with guest artists from Space 1026 on a day of festive art-making. Be sure to hop on an all-ages gallery tour and pick up a holiday family guide. Read More'The Ten Crucial Days' at Museum of the American Revolution
The museum will focus on “The Ten Crucial Days” during the Revolutionary War that turned things around for the Continental Army, and for our country’s future. Guests can explore these days with costumed interpretation and craft demonstrations that highlight the diverse stories of men and ... Read MoreNew Year’s Play Day at Smith Memorial Playground
Smith is open for play all day in the playhouse (playground is weather permitting), plus special crafts like fireworks painting and noisemakers throughout the day, and a countdown to noon at the Giant Wooden Slide. Read MoreNew Year’s Eve Splash at Adventure Aquarium
This special extended-hours event invites your family to visit with your favorite sea creatures, get down at a DJ “Shell-ebration” dance party, and then watch the early fireworks display over the Delaware River. Read MoreNew Year's Eve at Independence Seaport Museum
Enjoy the museum, noisemakers, party hats, and a ginger ale toast before the fireworks. You'll get prime fireworks viewing on the terrace! Read MoreToddler New Year's Eve Storytime
Stories, songs, and fingerplays, followed by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the dropping of the ball! For children ages 1-3 with an accompanying adult. Older siblings welcome. Read MoreCount Down to New Year's
Welcome the year 2020 with noisemakers, champagne (sparkling cider), a ball drop, smudging, and other cleansing rituals. This program is designed for school-age children and teens. Read MoreNYE Family Swim
Fitness Alive hosts a special pop-up event with two hours of open unstructured swim time for your whole family. At noon, there will be a countdown and balloon drop. Plus, special takeaway gifts for the kids! Advanced sign up is not required, but strongly encouraged ... Read MoreBetsy's Birthday Bash
Betsy's Birthday Bash celebrates the January 1, 1752 birth of America's most famous flag maker with entertainment and cake courtesy of City Tavern at 1 pm. Sample the hot chocolate drink that colonists enjoyed at Colonial Chocolate Making with Mars Chocolate Ambassadors all day long. Read MoreNoon Year's Eve at Falls of Schuylkill Library
Read a story, have some snacks, and dance into the New Year together. Be sure to wear your party clothes! For party animals ages 2 to 8, along with an adult caregiver. Read MoreNoon Year's Eve Celebration at the Library
Enjoy music, bubbles, and a noise-maker craft! Kids age 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Read MoreNoon Year’s Eve at Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
The library hosts a special parachute playtime and New Year ball drop at noon. Stay after for an apple juice toast and to make your own party hat. For children ages 8 and under and their families. Read MoreCountdown Concert at Kith + Kin
Rock out with Roots with Ruark as the playspace is transformed into a dancefloor! Kids will get a special New Year’s goodie bag, and grown-ups are welcome to complimentary champagne.There will also be a photo backdrop for sealing in the memories and a super fun ... Read MoreGeorge Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’
From the Tchaikovsky score to the timeless story of holiday magic, this ballet is a classic for a reason. And Tuesday is your last chance to see it this year! Read MoreKids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square
New Year’s Eve craft-making starts at 4 pm. Then, at 6 pm there’s a countdown to the “Square Drop” from atop SquareBurger and watching the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront (they’ll be viewable from the Square). Afterwards, the indoor Franklin Square Pavilion will ... Read MoreToddler and Preschooler Dance with Miss Erin
A 45-minute movement and music class designed for little movers and their caregiver. Students are introduced to basic ballet and dance, while exploring movement and music in a fun and creative way. Drop-in or reserve a spot online. Read MoreNew Year’s Eve Kids Countdown with Fireworks
New for this year, Cherry Street Pier is getting in on the New Year's Eve action with a special Kid’s Countdown with Fireworks including facepainting, prime fireworks viewing, hot cocoa, dance parties and crafty activities with organizations like PopUp Play, Nimble Crafters, and Clay Studio. ... Read MoreNot Your Parents’ New Year’s Eve Party at One Liberty Observation Deck
New for this year, One Liberty Observation Deck is hosting a special kids’ party 57 floors above the city (with views of the 6 pm Penn’s Landing fireworks), including a live DJ, balloon artist, face painter, mask decorating station, coloring table, and much more. Each ... Read MoreNew Year’s Eve Family Bash at North Bowl
Alex and the Kaleidoscope will be rocking out at NoLibs’ North Bowl for the evening! And that is in addition to bowling, games, face painting, balloon art, food, and more! And to close things out, there will be a mock ball drop for all of ... Read MoreWednesday
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Day in Philly
From Mummers to free concerts, here's where to start your 2020 off right. Read MoreMummers Parade
The music, the ornate costumes, the revelry — this Philly tradition is the most iconic and colorful of them all. You can catch them strutting south on Broad Street from City Hall all day long, so you’re sure to see something entertaining no matter when ... Read MoreNew Year’s Day Celebration at the Kimmel Center
The Kimmel Center opens its doors for a free all-day New Year’s party with fun for the whole family. There are live performances all day, including kids’ concerts. Kids will have plenty to do, including watching jugglers, hula hoopers, and an organ demonstration. And in between watching ... Read MoreFinal Day of Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Right outside City Hall, more than 40 local artisans, designers, crafters, and confectionaries offer unique selections for gifts and special holiday foods. Stop by after skating on the Rothman Rink and running through Wintergarden Maze! Stay after to watch the light show projected onto City Hall, and ... Read MoreMummers’ Masks at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Ring in 2020 with a Philadelphia New Year’s tradition. Make mosaicked Mummer’s mask with everything you need to make your own creation inspired by the glitz of PMG’s mosaic walls. You’ll be ready to join a fancy brigade and do the Mummer’s strut! Free with ... Read MoreThursday
Winter Wonderland Camp
Kids (ages 3-6) can experience the “Best of Nest” programming with art, science, tumbling, and dance. Children must be potty-trained. Camp is $50 per day (premium member discounts apply). Call 215-545-6378 to register. Read MoreThe Geography Lady at Cub Social
Learn about different countries through stories, sensory, movement, and much more! Program will be 45 minutes of enriching fun and best for children between the ages of 18 months to four years old. Drop-in for $13; members are free. Read MoreArt Explorers
Explore the wide world of art through a wide variety of materials with Ms. Kate. This program is intended for children 6 and under with their caregivers. Read More1st Thursday Teen Art Contest
In the Field Teen Center’s monthly art contest, teens can make a new piece of art for a chance to win a prize. Supplies provided, from paints to collage to charcoal. Fellow teens will vote to determine the winner. All levels of artistic skill are ... Read MoreGlobal Snacks: New Year's Mochi
Learn about traditional Japanese mochi and learn a non-traditional way to prepare it... in the microwave! Read MorePopsicle Stick Gingerbread Houses
To ring in the new year of LEAP, build houses out of popsicle sticks and theme them for winter by making them gingerbread house-like. For school-age kids. Read MoreFriday
Winter Wonderland Camp
Kids (ages 3-6) can experience the “Best of Nest” programming with art, science, tumbling, and dance. Children must be potty-trained. Camp is $50 per day (premium member discounts apply). Call 215-545-6378 to register. Read MoreNintendo Fridays for Tweens and Teens
Meet at Kensington Library every Friday after school for Nintendo Fridays and play games like Smash Bros, Mario Party, and Just Dance. Open to kids and teens ages 8 and up. Read MoreFriday Fun Day Open Play (Grades 3-12)
A great opportunity for students in Grades 3-12 to come to Phield House to participate in pick-up games and activities on the turf or court! Sign up online. Read MoreDate Night Drop-off at By My Side Parenting
Go out and have fun--while By My Side Parenting takes care of your little guys and feeds them dinner! Pre-registration is required by Thursday. Read MoreDisney's ‘Fantasia’ Live in Concert
Watch the Disney classic Fantasia as the Philadelphia Orchestra plays its musical selections live on stage. Tickets available online. Read MoreWeekend Events
Check out our High Five weekend planner!
Photograph by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia.
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