The Best Things To Do in Philadelphia 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.

🗓️ Have an event to share? Join Philadelphia Family as a Member and Submit it to us for consideration! (Members are given priority event coverage.)

 

 

Make the most of family life in Philly with the best weekend events, parenting tips, and local stories— all delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday.

 

Philadelphia Family’s High Five Newsletter delivers:
📍 Can’t-miss family weekend events and activities
💡 Practical parenting advice for city life
🧳 Insider tips to navigate Philly like a native

Subscribe now and never miss out on what’s happening for families in Philadelphia!

 

 

Philly Family Community Calendar

Ice Dinosaurs Exhibit

The Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Explore paleontology’s final frontier in Ice Dinosaurs, the Academy’s exciting new special exhibit. Transport yourself to the Late Cretaceous period in the Arctic Circle, where dinosaurs actually lived year-round in extreme polar environments. This brand-new, immersive and educational experience brings this era to life with animatronic […]

Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA, United States

Visitors to Longwood Gardens this spring will discover a season of newness and beauty with Spring Blooms. The Gardens present their inaugural season featuring the Bonsai Courtyard, redesigned outdoor landscapes, and a newly imagined Idea Garden. This combination of elements establishes a unique experience of […]

The Hobbit at Arden Theatre Company

Arden Theatre Company 40 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Bilbo Baggins embarks on an unexpected adventure filled with magic and mystery in The Hobbit at Arden Theatre Company. This exciting new stage production brings Tolkien's beloved story to life, as Bilbo travels through fantastical lands, encounters fascinating creatures, and discovers the power of friendship. […]

Otter Spotlight at the Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Philadelphia Zoo will present its Spotlight Series during select months in 2025. The series will celebrate favorite animals through special talks, enrichment activities, take-home crafts, themed food and beverages, and educational experiences. The Spotlight Series is included with regular Zoo admission. In May, the […]

Philadelphia Children’s Festival

Penn Live Arts 3680 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Philadelphia Children's Festival is turning 40! Established in 1985 as the first festival of its kind in the country, Penn Live Arts is thrilled to celebrate four decades of welcoming generations of families to enjoy the best in performing arts for young audiences. This […]

Paws & Feet 5k Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day

Cooper River Park N Park Dr, Pennsauken, NJ, United States

Animal Welfare Association’s signature event, the Paws & Feet 5k Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day is an annual fundraising event celebrating the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.

Jazz Town presented by Rittenhop

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

For the third consecutive year, Rittenhop invites you to Jazz Town, a celebration of the Baltimore and Philadelphia swing dancing scenes. With events happening in both cities the first weekend in May, enjoy a free swing dance at Cherry Street Pier featuring live music by […]

Pour Your Own Candle with Queer Candle Co.

Ray's Reusables 935 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Create your own custom scent and learn how to make candles with Queer Candle Co.! All participants will make an 8 oz candle at this fun and delightful-smelling workshop. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, but you are welcome to BYOB. Tickets $50.

Maxim Krueger Piano Concert

The Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

You are invited to a concert by the young and brilliant pianist Maksim Krueger! Maksim Krueger is a laureate of prestigious international competitions: The Princeton Festival Piano Competition – First Prize Winner Jacob's Music Steinway Piano Competition – First Prize Winner Young Pianist Competition of […]

Event Series Yoga On The Pier

Yoga On The Pier

Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join Riverfront North and Roots2Rise for an all levels outdoor flow at Pennypack on the Delaware, Tuesdays from 6-7 pm! All ages and abilities are welcome. This class is made possible by the Riverfront North Partnership. Class is free but donations are welcome and will […]

In Harmony: Chamber Music with Philadelphia’s East Asian Communities

Crane Community Center 1001 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and Dolce Suono Ensemble present a free community concert as part of Dolce Suono Ensemble's new project, "In Harmony: Chamber Music with Philadelphia's East Asian Communities". Students from the Crane Center's after school program will be participating in a side-by-side performance […]

Friday Flicks at the Fountain: Parkside Community Movie Night

John Welsh Memorial Fountain Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Free movies nights in the park are the perfect way to welcome spring and gather with the community! Enjoy a family-friendly activity at 7:30 pm, followed by the movie at 8 pm. FRIDAY, MAY 2: Inside Out 2 (PG) Pre-movie activity provided by Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center FRIDAY, […]

Love Your Park Week 2025

This spring, show your favorite neighborhood park some love! Love Your Park Week is a nine-day celebration of Philadelphia's public parks from May 10-18, 2025. In partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy, Park Friends Groups across the city will be hosting […]

Hustle N’ Ride

Hunting Park Recreation Center 1101 West Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Support Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling (BCYC) athletes while enjoying food, music, exhibition races, bike demos, a community ride, and more. The family-friendly festival includes a low rider bike expo from Los Campeones, a Bike Life skills demonstration, music by DJ Lexx Johnson, and opportunities for […]

Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Sensory-friendly mornings can be a comfortable, calmer way for museum visitors, especially those with sensory sensitivities, to explore the museum. These mornings will include: Advanced ticketing to help avoid lines Smaller crowds More tranquil sounds in exhibitions whenever possible, with soundscapes and roaring dinosaurs softened […]

Accessible Hot Spots & Storied Plots

Laurel Hill East 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In life and death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This introductory tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill East’s long history, which includes many marble masterpieces, […]

Mini Makers Robotics Class at Drexel University

Drexel University URBN Center 3501 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Build, Create & Innovate with Mini Makers Robotics at Drexel! 🌟 A STEAM-Powered Experience Encourage your child’s love for Robotics in a collegiate environment filled with exciting resources like 3D printing labs, design studios, and neurodiverse-friendly spaces! 👦 For Kids Ages 3–6 The one-hour Mini […]

$40.00

Robot Builders Class @ Drexel University

Drexel University URBN Center 3501 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Spring is here—time to get outside and get building! Activate your little innovator on Saturdays with Robot Builders, a hands-on robotics class at Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design—the creative hub of Drexel University! 🔹 Designed for kids ages 6-8 🔹 Hands-on STEAM […]

$40.00

Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Shop the wares of 80+ curated vendors at this craft bazaar! There will also be Make + Takes by Project Joy, Craft Nation, and Printadelphia. Enjoy a full cash bar and food by Philly Taco. Free to enter.

Mother’s Day Botanical Dye

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In this workshop hosted by Bonnie MacAllister, learn methods to dye cotton fabrics with wildflowers and natural plants, creating an organic textile that will be one of a kind! All plant-based materials included. Event is a drop-in, budget 30 minutes to 1 hour during 12 […]

Kayak Season Kickoff

Dragon Boat Dock 1233 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join Land health Institute at the Dragon Boat Dock to launch their Kayak Season! Kayakers of all skill levels are invited. Jump into a kayak and share the river excitement! Kids under 11 need an adult supervisor.

Mother’s Day at the Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

This Mother’s Day weekend, treat the mom in your life (or yourself!) to a one-of-a-kind experience at the historic Betsy Ross House. Take part in a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your very own needle book—a beautiful, practical accessory that dates back to the 1800s. […]

Mother’s Day Tea Party at Historic St. George’s Museum

Historic St. George's Museum and Archives 326 New Street, Philadelphia, United States

Celebrate the history of motherhood and the legacy of Anna Jarvis (the founder of Mother's Day) at this tea party! You'll get to do a craft, listen to storytime, try historic teas, and view a special exhibit of Anna Jarvis' belongings. Reservations required as space […]

Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Shop the wares of 80+ curated vendors at this craft bazaar! There will also be Make + Takes by Project Joy, Craft Nation, and Printadelphia. Enjoy a full cash bar and food by Philly Taco. Free to enter.

Schuylkill River Kayak Tour

Walnut Street Dock North of the Walnut Street Bridge on the east bank of the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hidden River Outfitters leads this professionally guided tour of the tidal Schuylkill which includes equipment rental, instructions on how to paddle and safely operate the kayak, and a little over an hour out on the river. $40/person ($5/person discount available for groups of 5 or more people […]

Mother’s Day Bubbles and Blooms at Sunset Social

Sunset Social 129 S 30th St, Philadelphia, PA

Spend the afternoon up on Cira Green Rooftop Park with Sunset Social for their Mother's Day Bubbles and Blooms. Take in the fantastic views, do some arts & crafts, and enjoy ice cream and mimosas. There will also be a keepsake card-making station so that […]

Mother’s Day Botanical Dye

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In this workshop hosted by Bonnie MacAllister, learn methods to dye cotton fabrics with wildflowers and natural plants, creating an organic textile that will be one of a kind! All plant-based materials included. Event is a drop-in, budget 30 minutes to 1 hour during 12 […]

PECO Family Jams at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: One Book One Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

This month, the crafting program is inspired by the Free Library’s “One Book One Philadelphia” selection: The Artivist, written and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. In this picture book, a young artist uses his talent to fight for a better world by creating murals, protest signs, […]

Live Jazz Mother’s Day Brunch

Tindley Tea Cafe 762 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Live jazz with brunch? Yes please! Enjoy an afternoon of tasty food and soulful music with John G. Coley Quartet & Vaneisa at Tindley Tea Cafe.

Mother’s Day Family Clay

The Clay Studio 1425 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Fire up your creativity this Mother's day! Spend some quality family time learning something new and creating unique pottery that you'll cherish for years to come. The tuition fee of $40 covers one individual; you must register for each adult and child attending. Pre-registration is […]

Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner at Panorama

Panorama 14 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Panorama, a sophisticated Italian restaurant in the Penn's View Hotel, is offering both Mother's Day brunch and dinner. Enjoy an a la carte meal and, for the mothers who brunch, a complimentary mimosa or glass of prosecco. Brunch is 11-2:30 pm, $55 set menu. $20 […]

Motown Mother’s Day Monday

City Winery 900 Filbert St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

It's an unforgettable special Mo-Town Monday Mother’s Day Show at City Winery, celebrating the iconic sounds of Motown with a heartfelt twist! This special evening honors all the incredible mothers in our lives, blending the smooth rhythms, soulful melodies, and timeless classics that made Motown […]

Mommy & Me Class with Amy Kelly

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Amy Kelly is a mixed-media artist specializing in commissioned pieces and teaching art to people of all ages. She has a BFA in drawing from Kutztown University. Amy started teaching in 2013. She makes personalized, mixed-media paintings of people’s pets, loved ones, or homes. Join her […]

Event Series Yoga On The Pier

Yoga On The Pier

Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join Riverfront North and Roots2Rise for an all levels outdoor flow at Pennypack on the Delaware, Tuesdays from 6-7 pm! All ages and abilities are welcome. This class is made possible by the Riverfront North Partnership. Class is free but donations are welcome and will […]