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

  • On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition

    Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard 1001 Intrepid Avenue, Philadelphia, United States

    An exhibition featuring artwork by Kathleen Greco and Andrea Bartine Caldarise exploring ocean life and natural landscapes will be on view starting from November 4, 2025 through April 14, 2026. Through their distinct styles, both artists explore patterns, textures, and forms found in nature. The […]

    Free
  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Lucia and Swedish Christmas Market

    American Swedish Historical Museum 1900 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Bundle up and experience a traditional Swedish Christmas Market at the American Swedish Historical Museum! Shop Scandinavian food, gifts, holiday decorations, and handmade crafts in a heated outdoor tent. Browse unique finds at Mormor's Attic secondhand sale, grab fresh baked goods from SWEA Philadelphia, and […]

    $5 – $10
  • 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 […]

  • Open Play Saturdays

    Open Play Saturdays

    Baby Gear Group Jenkintown 2278 Mt Carmel Ave, 2nd Floor, Glenside, United States

    Open Play hours at Baby Gear Group Jenkintown are the perfect outing for the family. With a train table, a play kitchen, costumes, books, and a variety of gross motor and creative and imagination toys for your walker, toddler and preschoolers will have no shortage […]

    $15
  • Riverbend’s Merry & Mindful Makers Market

    Riverbend Environmental Education Center 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA, United States

    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 […]

    Free
  • The Enchanted Nutcracker

    The Enchanted Nutcracker

    Miller Theater 250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]

  • Family Weekend at Christmas Village

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

    Families can discover endless fun at Christmas Village, making it an ideal spot for holiday celebrations! Take part in the dedicated Family Weekend on December 6th and 7th, featuring an array of delightful activities just for youngest guests. Capture joyful memories with Phil the Reindeer, […]

    Free
  • 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
  • Meet the Author: Thembi Palmer

    Charles L. Durham Library 3320 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This interactive, sensory-rich author visit with Thembi Palmer invites children to explore food, culture, and curiosity through storytelling, rhythm, and play. Free books will be available while supplies last, and the program is ideal for children ages 3-8 and their families. Sponsored by the Philadelphia […]

    Free
  • The Enchanted Nutcracker

    The Enchanted Nutcracker

    Miller Theater 250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]

  • 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 […]

  • Breakfast with Santa Dave & Busters Philly 2025

    Dave & Busters 325 N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Dave & Buster's invites families to kick off the season at their Annual Breakfast with Santa, a magical morning featuring VIP early access before doors open to the public. Families can enjoy a festive breakfast banquet, exclusive arcade play, keepsake photos with Santa, holiday crafts, […]

    $30.09 – $35.96
  • PECO Free First Sunday with Student Art Show at Barnes Foundation

    Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • The Enchanted Nutcracker

    The Enchanted Nutcracker

    Miller Theater 250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]

  • Family Funday with PopUpPlay

    Family Funday with PopUpPlay

    Spruce Street Harbor Park 401 S Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

  • Historic Holiday Tea Experience at Carpenters’ Hall

    Carpenters' Hall 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

    $85
  • The Enchanted Nutcracker

    The Enchanted Nutcracker

    Miller Theater 250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]

  • Friends of Fitler Square Park Tree Lighting

    Fitler Square Philadelphia

    Join neighbors, friends, and families at Fitler Square Park for their Annual Tree Lighting ceremony on December 7th. This event features hot chocolate, performances by the Philadelphia Dance Academy's Youth Ballet, Santa's arrival, and more!

  • 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 […]

  • Meet Santa at King of Prussia for the Holidays

    King of Prussia Mall 160 N Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA, United States

    This sensory-friendly event provides a calm, private setting for children with special needs and their families to meet Santa. Reservations are required. Register here.

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]