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!
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Philly Family Community Calendar
Open House: Mineral Mania! at Wagner Free Institute of Science
Wagner Free Institute of Science 1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia
Week of Events
Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition
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. […]
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village
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, […]
Atopos Adaptation at InLiquid
Running from December 6th, 2025 to January 10th, 2026, “Atopos Adaptation” is a multimedia exhibition featuring seven InLiquid Artist Members exploring life and form, and investigating the beauty, diversity, and uniqueness of organisms with whom we coexist. Using ecology as a point of inspiration, the […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
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
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 […]
Open House: Mineral Mania! at Wagner Free Institute of Science
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 […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
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 […]
Festival of Trees Opening Ceremony
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. […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
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
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 […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
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 […]
Northern Liberties Christmas Tree Lighting Party
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 […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
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
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. […]
Festival of Trees at Christmas Village
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 […]
Open Gym at Design Gym
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 […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
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 […]
Fishtown’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting at Mamajuana Cafe Philly
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 […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
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
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 […]
Open Gym at Design Gym
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
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): […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
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 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 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
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 […]
Open Gym at Design Gym
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
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): […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
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 at the Adrienne Theater
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
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
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.
Holidays in Franklin Square
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 […]
Winter on the Waterfront at the Independence Seaport Museum
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 […]
From Seed to Blossom, Supporting Queer and Trans Youth! at People’s Light
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.
Book, Paper, Scissors at Parkway Library
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 […]
Christmas In Kensington
Visit the 5th annual Christmas in Kensington, an indoor holiday market filled with local vendors, live music, festive food, and seasonal drinks from Philadelphia Brewing Company. Create your own ornament, shop unique gifts, and enjoy a full day of community celebration—all safe from the winter […]
Origami Star Decorations at Utility Works
Learn to fold the mini lucky stars you’ve seen on TikTok and transform them into ornaments, garlands, or an 8" paper tree using a variety of colorful papers. You’ll take home all the materials and know-how to keep creating on your own. This class is […]
Riverbend’s Merry & Mindful Makers Market
Riverbend invites families to join them for a festive afternoon at their Merry and Mindful Makers Market on December 6th, featuring local artists, makers, and growers sharing handmade, eco-friendly gifts at an outdoor marketplace. Guests can enjoy s'mores roasting, wreath making, live painting and Mala-knotting […]
Family Fun Saturdays at Historic Fair Hill
Join Historic Fair Hill each Saturday afternoon for storytimes, games, arts & crafts, gardening, scavenger hunts, and more!
Festival of Trees at Christmas Village
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 […]
Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley
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): […]
Montgomery County Chorale and Orchestra Presents Festival of Carols
Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra's Festival of Carols offers a festive program of traditional carols and seasonal music, concluding with the world premiere of Wake Up by composer Melissa Dunphy. Commissioned through the Michael Kemp Fund for New Music, the piece features choir, orchestra, and […]
City of Camden’s Tree Lighting Celebration
Join the City of Camden for the annual tree lighting at the aquarium circle! Come watch the tree light up for the holidays and enjoy family activities, performances, fire pits, food and more on Saturday, December 6th 4PM to 8PM (Aquarium Loop Dr, Camden, NJ […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
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 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 […]
PECO Free First Sunday with Student Art Show at Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is hosting a new pilot program in partnership with Central High School during PECO Free First Sunday on December 7, celebrating the creativity of 17 Philadelphia students who explored culture, tradition, and identity through watercolor paintings inspired by Henri Matisse and the […]
Festival of Trees at Christmas Village
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 […]
Family Funday with PopUpPlay
Activities include boat building, puppet making, and even constructing a working catapult. Each week promises captivating experiences for kids of all ages with a new make-and-take activity. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Activities are available on […]
Montgomery County Chorale and Orchestra Presents Festival of Carols
Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra's Festival of Carols offers a festive program of traditional carols and seasonal music, concluding with the world premiere of Wake Up by composer Melissa Dunphy. Commissioned through the Michael Kemp Fund for New Music, the piece features choir, orchestra, and […]
Historic Holiday Tea Experience at Carpenters’ Hall
Celebrate the holiday season with afternoon tea and Dolley Madison at historic Carpenters’ Hall, where the First Continental Congress once met. Enjoy sweet and savory treats* while learning how tea shaped colonial life and the American Revolution. *Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available (email emilywinters@carpentershall.org […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
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 […]
