The Best Things To Do in Philly with Kids

Discover the best family-friendly things to do in Philadelphia with kids, including events, festivals, attractions, and free activities through our curated calendar. Find what’s happening in Philly today and plan your next family adventure!

💞 Check out our sister Community Calendars too: Main Line Parent and Bucks County Parent.

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Philly Family Community Calendar

  • Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition

    Main Street Manayunk Main St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Manayunk businesses are decking out their storefronts, windows, roofs, and more with over 80,000 lights during Manayunk Gets Lit! Stroll Main Street or hop on the Jolly Trolley to take in the magic of the lights, and cast your vote for your favorite light displays. […]

    Free
  • Philadelphia’s Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Enjoy the magic of the Christmas Village at City Hall and LOVE Park from November 22nd through December 24th. With free admission, visitors can experience an authentic German-style market filled with twinkling lights, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts. Some activities include riding the Ferris wheel, […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Open House: Mineral Mania! at Wagner Free Institute of Science

    Wagner Free Institute of Science 1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Visitors can discover the fascinating world of minerals at Wagner's Exhibit Hall's open house, featuring dazzling crystals, locally sourced specimens, and UV-glowing treasures. Families are invited to explore archival lantern slides, examine minerals under microscopes, and try hands-on experiments. Children can also enjoy a dedicated […]

    free
  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • Festival of Trees Opening Ceremony

    Love Park 1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On December 1st, Philadelphia's Festival of Trees will hold their Opening Ceremony, which benefits Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This year's expanded event features two dozen designer holiday trees created by local artists, plus a new tribute display of over 200 stars honoring CHOP patients. […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • Northern Liberties Christmas Tree Lighting Party

    1001 N. 2nd Street 1001 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA

    Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and Amazon Fresh present the lighting of the Northern Liberties Christmas Tree on Tuesday, December 2nd. This family-friendly event begins with ornament decorating at 5:00 pm, followed by festivities at 5:30 pm featuring Santa photo opportunities, a dance performance from […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Languages of Philadelphia: German

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Would you like to hear stories told in another language? Head over to Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special German storytime! Part of their Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers. […]

    Free
  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • Open Gym

    Open Gym at Design Gym

    Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]

  • Fishtown’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting at Mamajuana Cafe Philly

    mamajuana cafe philly 1000 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

    Mamajuana Cafe Philly gives a special gift to the Fishtown and Northern Liberties communities with a grand Christmas tree at the intersection of Frankford and Columbus Boulevard for everyone to enjoy. The tree will be up to 25 feet tall and have 10,000 twinkling sparkling […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • Open Gym

    Open Gym at Design Gym

    Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]

  • Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley

    Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley

    Main Street Manayunk Main St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Ride the festively decorated Jolly Trolley through Manayunk's twinkling holiday lights! Enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and live entertainment as the trolley—decked with lights, decorations, and holiday music—makes stops at your favorite Main Street businesses. Special Guests (on trolley and strolling Main Street): […]

    Free
  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Evil Genius Beer Company’s Tree Lighting

    Evil Genius Beer Company 1727 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Evil Genius Beer Company invites guests to kick off the holiday season at their Twas an Evil Christmas Tree Lighting Party on Thursday, December 5th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Lab in Fishtown. Visitors can enjoy the lighting of a nearly 20-foot […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • Open Gym

    Open Gym at Design Gym

    Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]

  • Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley

    Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley

    Main Street Manayunk Main St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Ride the festively decorated Jolly Trolley through Manayunk's twinkling holiday lights! Enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and live entertainment as the trolley—decked with lights, decorations, and holiday music—makes stops at your favorite Main Street businesses. Special Guests (on trolley and strolling Main Street): […]

    Free
  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Fellowship! The Musical

    Fellowship! The Musical at the Adrienne Theater

    The Adrienne Theater 2030 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Fellowship! The Musical is the hilarious, lovingly-crafted musical parody of The Fellowship of the Ring, following all of the events from this epic adventure with one big difference: This time it’s funny! ​This Broadway-style send-up features twelve original songs, from an over-the-top opening number complete […]

  • Winter Kick-Off at the Please Touch Museum

    Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Families can celebrate the wonder of winter at Please Touch Museum as December begins with seasonal art projects, hands-on activities, and a special performance by the Chocolate Ballerinas featuring selections from their holiday production, The Nutcracker Dipped In Chocolate.

  • The Nutcracker at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    The Philadelphia Dance Academy and The Philadelphia Youth Ballet presents a free mini Nutcracker performance at the Parkway Central Library on Saturday, December 6th. Everyone is welcome, and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open at 9:30 am. 

  • Book, Paper, Scissors at Parkway Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This Artists' Books & Paper Crafts is a wonderful opportunity for families to discover handmade art and meet local artists. The event features artists' books, blank books, prints, paper jewelry, zines, and paper-based art. With free admission, families and friends can browse unique creations and […]

  • Winter on the Waterfront at the Independence Seaport Museum

    Independence Seaport Museum 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Celebrate the season at the museum’s second annual Winter on the Waterfront! Enjoy festive, family-friendly activities like, Seaport Snowflakes, Knot-Tying Ornaments, Gingerbread Boat Building, and Holiday Tours aboard Olympia.  New This Year: Cannoli Flavor Contest! In partnership with Holy Cannoli, create a history-inspired cannoli filling […]

    $18 – $23
  • From Seed to Blossom, Supporting Queer and Trans Youth! at People’s Light

    People's Light 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA, United States

    This is a day of speakers, workshops, working groups, panels, and performances, all geared towards sharing resources and establishing connections in support of LGBTQ+ youth. Register for free! If you’re interested in serving as a vendor or having a table onsite, please visit our website.

    Free
  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]